An analysis of development strategies aimed at meeting employment equity objectives within Medscheme
- Authors: Groenewald, Annaline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/515 , Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has undergone major social and political changes over the past two decades. In addition, new legislation in the form of the Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998), which regulates employment practices in an attempt to make the workplace a true reflection of the South African population, was introduced to employers. The implementation of this Act has a major impact on organisations in South Africa and definitely influences the way in which they do business. Organisations, large and small, in every sector are being squeezed in all dimensions. They compete for customers whose expectations of quality, price and service are constantly increasing. Throughout the world, education, training and equitable working practices are recognised as essential ingredients to compete successfully and to ensure high performance practices. This research paper investigates whether the employee development strategies at Medscheme (the organisation selected for this study) are aimed at meeting employment equity objectives. An important reason for the investigation is that globalisation and the need for organisations to gain sustainable competitive advantage require new and different approaches for the recruitment, training, development and retention of employees with key skills. The key to success will, however, be for organisations in South Africa to find a middle way between ensuring equity, while remaining competitive. In order to achieve the objective of the research, the following approach was followed: Firstly, a comprehensive literature study was conducted to determine the legislative basis for equity and employee development; Secondly, a survey of literature dealing specifically with employee development initiatives available to organisations was conducted; Thirdly, the views of the employees within Medscheme were obtained to determine to what extent the organisation implemented the Employment Equity Act and what development strategies are used to facilitate the Abstract iv development of individuals from the previously disadvantaged designated groups to equip them for future positions in senior and top management; and, Lastly, the responses to the questionnaire were analysed to determine the extent to which Medscheme’s employee development strategies support the objectives of the Employment Equity Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of development strategies aimed at meeting employment equity objectives within Medscheme
- Authors: Groenewald, Annaline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/515 , Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has undergone major social and political changes over the past two decades. In addition, new legislation in the form of the Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998), which regulates employment practices in an attempt to make the workplace a true reflection of the South African population, was introduced to employers. The implementation of this Act has a major impact on organisations in South Africa and definitely influences the way in which they do business. Organisations, large and small, in every sector are being squeezed in all dimensions. They compete for customers whose expectations of quality, price and service are constantly increasing. Throughout the world, education, training and equitable working practices are recognised as essential ingredients to compete successfully and to ensure high performance practices. This research paper investigates whether the employee development strategies at Medscheme (the organisation selected for this study) are aimed at meeting employment equity objectives. An important reason for the investigation is that globalisation and the need for organisations to gain sustainable competitive advantage require new and different approaches for the recruitment, training, development and retention of employees with key skills. The key to success will, however, be for organisations in South Africa to find a middle way between ensuring equity, while remaining competitive. In order to achieve the objective of the research, the following approach was followed: Firstly, a comprehensive literature study was conducted to determine the legislative basis for equity and employee development; Secondly, a survey of literature dealing specifically with employee development initiatives available to organisations was conducted; Thirdly, the views of the employees within Medscheme were obtained to determine to what extent the organisation implemented the Employment Equity Act and what development strategies are used to facilitate the Abstract iv development of individuals from the previously disadvantaged designated groups to equip them for future positions in senior and top management; and, Lastly, the responses to the questionnaire were analysed to determine the extent to which Medscheme’s employee development strategies support the objectives of the Employment Equity Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of how the Senior Certificate examination constructs the language needs of English second language learners
- Authors: Blunt, Sandra Viki
- Date: 2006 , 2013-06-11
- Subjects: Habermas, Jürgen Education, Secondary -- South Africa Examinations -- South Africa -- Evaluation English language -- Examinations -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers Language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006243
- Description: The Senior Certificate (SC) examination, a focus of the research described in this thesis, has an important function in terms of the quality of the education system overall and also in terms of the contribution of education to the achievement of national goals. The SC examination functions i) as a measure of achievement at school ii) as an indicator of work readiness and iii) as an indicator of the potential to succeed in higher education. This thesis offers a critique of the SC examination in respect of its functions. The way in which learners' language related needs are constructed is crucial in discussing the SC examination's legitimacy since perceptions about the needs of learners are reflected in what is taught and assessed. Since the majority of candidates writing the SC exarnination do so using a language which is not their mother tongue, the research described in the thesis attempted to identify the way in which the English second language (ESL) SC examination papers construct learners' needs. Examination papers represent a particular domain of social practice and are constructed through discourse. In the context of the research described in this thesis, discourses are understood as sets of ideas which are shared by communities of people and which give rise to practices which then define and sustain those communities and, thus, the discourses themselves. Discourse is language insofar as it converges with power and positions people in the interests of power. The ideological nature of discourse necessitates a critical orientation to research which interrogates, challenges and critiques the status quo. To identify the discourses constructing ESL learners' needs I conducted a critical discourse analysis on a representative sarnple of ESL SC exarnination papers and also interviewed six ESL examiners to corroborate the findings of the analysis. This then allowed me to identify several dominant discourses constructing ESL learners' needs: meaning-related, literature-related and process-related. The first meaning-related discourse, 'Received Tradition' discourse, focuses on the rules of grammar and spelling. Rather than approaching language as a resource to enable learners to understand the ideas to which they are exposed, learners are being taught discrete 'skills' to equip them for higher education study and the workplace. It is argued that school-based language literacy practices are not generalizable to the workplace and to higher education. Another aspect of 'Received Tradition' discourse holds that the study of English literature is a medium for understanding life and that there is moral value in teaching English literature. Learners are therefore constructed as lacking these values and their needs as having to acquire them. 'Received Tradition' discourse also overlaps with a second meaning-related discourse, 'Autonomous Text' discourse, which holds that the text's meaning is explicit and that if the learners can manipulate the rules of English grammar, 'have' vocabulary and can spell, they can retrieve meanings from texts they encounter in a wide range of contexts and construct texts for themselves. It is argued that a lack of awareness that meaning is constructed through recourse to other contexts, texts and the learner's experience is disadvantaging ESL candidates. 'Language as an Instrument of Communication' discourse, the last meaning-related discourse identified, sees language as the vehicle used to convey ideas, thoughts, information and beliefs, which are viewed as having been constructed independently of language. It is assumed that the answers, which, according to 'Autonomous Text' discourse, are in the text, can be conveyed if the tools of language are used correctly. The first literature-related discourse identified is 'Literature Study Develops Language Proficiency'. It is argued this is a misperception since language is learned as part of situated practice and instruction must thus be embedded in meaningful communicative contexts involving situated practice. The second literature-related discourse identified, 'Literature Study is a Medium for Understanding Life', is connected to the 'Received Tradition' discourse referred to above which holds that there is moral value in teaching English literature. This research identifies the ideological implications of these discourses, arguing that values are culture-specific and learners from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds experience life differently from the way it is depicted in English literature. Process-related discourses, which are part of the processes of teaching and assessment, concern the inadequacy of the ESL learner and of the markers and therefore dictate what can and cannot be expected of ESL learners in the SC examination. The research showed how all of the above discourses work through the SC curriculum to impose the values and beliefs of particular dominant groups on the ESL learner. Because of the robust and invidious nature of discourses this is a cause for concern. Although it is difficult to set a school leaving examination which serves both workplace and academic functions, there is a need to move beyond traditional, hegemonic approaches to understanding language learning. This thesis offers an analysis which can be used to inform practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Blunt, Sandra Viki
- Date: 2006 , 2013-06-11
- Subjects: Habermas, Jürgen Education, Secondary -- South Africa Examinations -- South Africa -- Evaluation English language -- Examinations -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Foreign speakers Language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006243
- Description: The Senior Certificate (SC) examination, a focus of the research described in this thesis, has an important function in terms of the quality of the education system overall and also in terms of the contribution of education to the achievement of national goals. The SC examination functions i) as a measure of achievement at school ii) as an indicator of work readiness and iii) as an indicator of the potential to succeed in higher education. This thesis offers a critique of the SC examination in respect of its functions. The way in which learners' language related needs are constructed is crucial in discussing the SC examination's legitimacy since perceptions about the needs of learners are reflected in what is taught and assessed. Since the majority of candidates writing the SC exarnination do so using a language which is not their mother tongue, the research described in the thesis attempted to identify the way in which the English second language (ESL) SC examination papers construct learners' needs. Examination papers represent a particular domain of social practice and are constructed through discourse. In the context of the research described in this thesis, discourses are understood as sets of ideas which are shared by communities of people and which give rise to practices which then define and sustain those communities and, thus, the discourses themselves. Discourse is language insofar as it converges with power and positions people in the interests of power. The ideological nature of discourse necessitates a critical orientation to research which interrogates, challenges and critiques the status quo. To identify the discourses constructing ESL learners' needs I conducted a critical discourse analysis on a representative sarnple of ESL SC exarnination papers and also interviewed six ESL examiners to corroborate the findings of the analysis. This then allowed me to identify several dominant discourses constructing ESL learners' needs: meaning-related, literature-related and process-related. The first meaning-related discourse, 'Received Tradition' discourse, focuses on the rules of grammar and spelling. Rather than approaching language as a resource to enable learners to understand the ideas to which they are exposed, learners are being taught discrete 'skills' to equip them for higher education study and the workplace. It is argued that school-based language literacy practices are not generalizable to the workplace and to higher education. Another aspect of 'Received Tradition' discourse holds that the study of English literature is a medium for understanding life and that there is moral value in teaching English literature. Learners are therefore constructed as lacking these values and their needs as having to acquire them. 'Received Tradition' discourse also overlaps with a second meaning-related discourse, 'Autonomous Text' discourse, which holds that the text's meaning is explicit and that if the learners can manipulate the rules of English grammar, 'have' vocabulary and can spell, they can retrieve meanings from texts they encounter in a wide range of contexts and construct texts for themselves. It is argued that a lack of awareness that meaning is constructed through recourse to other contexts, texts and the learner's experience is disadvantaging ESL candidates. 'Language as an Instrument of Communication' discourse, the last meaning-related discourse identified, sees language as the vehicle used to convey ideas, thoughts, information and beliefs, which are viewed as having been constructed independently of language. It is assumed that the answers, which, according to 'Autonomous Text' discourse, are in the text, can be conveyed if the tools of language are used correctly. The first literature-related discourse identified is 'Literature Study Develops Language Proficiency'. It is argued this is a misperception since language is learned as part of situated practice and instruction must thus be embedded in meaningful communicative contexts involving situated practice. The second literature-related discourse identified, 'Literature Study is a Medium for Understanding Life', is connected to the 'Received Tradition' discourse referred to above which holds that there is moral value in teaching English literature. This research identifies the ideological implications of these discourses, arguing that values are culture-specific and learners from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds experience life differently from the way it is depicted in English literature. Process-related discourses, which are part of the processes of teaching and assessment, concern the inadequacy of the ESL learner and of the markers and therefore dictate what can and cannot be expected of ESL learners in the SC examination. The research showed how all of the above discourses work through the SC curriculum to impose the values and beliefs of particular dominant groups on the ESL learner. Because of the robust and invidious nature of discourses this is a cause for concern. Although it is difficult to set a school leaving examination which serves both workplace and academic functions, there is a need to move beyond traditional, hegemonic approaches to understanding language learning. This thesis offers an analysis which can be used to inform practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of how Zimbabwean women negotiate the meaning of HIV/AIDS prevention television advertisements
- Authors: Hungwe, Caroline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Mass media and women -- Zimbabwe AIDS (Disease) in mass media -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Audiences Women -- Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002889
- Description: Within the context of debates concerning the impact of media on audiences, this study takes the form of a qualitative audience reception analysis; to investigate how a particular group of female audiences situated in Zimbabwe interprets televised HIV/AIDS prevention advertisements. It examines the extent to which the social context influences the audiences’ acceptance or rejection of preferred readings encoded in the texts. The study is situated within the broad theoretical and methodological framework of both the communication for development and the cultural studies approaches to the study of the media. Data for the investigation was collected through the focus group and in-depth interview methods as well as through the websites and organisational documents produced by the encoders of the advertisements. The findings indicate that the female audiences’ interpretative strategies were informed by their lived experience as well as pre-existing knowledge. Based on the findings it can be deduced that, contrary to earlier beliefs and media theories such as that of the “hypodermic needle” theory the audience of public communication is not a passive homogenous mass that easily succumbs to media influences, rather the audience is active in the production of meaning, but under determinate conditions in particular contexts. The texts, the producing institutions and the social history of the audiences supply these conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hungwe, Caroline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Mass media and women -- Zimbabwe AIDS (Disease) in mass media -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Audiences Women -- Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002889
- Description: Within the context of debates concerning the impact of media on audiences, this study takes the form of a qualitative audience reception analysis; to investigate how a particular group of female audiences situated in Zimbabwe interprets televised HIV/AIDS prevention advertisements. It examines the extent to which the social context influences the audiences’ acceptance or rejection of preferred readings encoded in the texts. The study is situated within the broad theoretical and methodological framework of both the communication for development and the cultural studies approaches to the study of the media. Data for the investigation was collected through the focus group and in-depth interview methods as well as through the websites and organisational documents produced by the encoders of the advertisements. The findings indicate that the female audiences’ interpretative strategies were informed by their lived experience as well as pre-existing knowledge. Based on the findings it can be deduced that, contrary to earlier beliefs and media theories such as that of the “hypodermic needle” theory the audience of public communication is not a passive homogenous mass that easily succumbs to media influences, rather the audience is active in the production of meaning, but under determinate conditions in particular contexts. The texts, the producing institutions and the social history of the audiences supply these conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the change management process with specific references to mergers
- Authors: Vanqa, Thembelani McDonald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1065 , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study was intended to provide an analysis of the merger process of the Port Elizabeth Technikon on the basis change management models available according to theory. Before this discussion could ensue, it became necessary that the concept of change management be defined in detail so as to create a common basis of understanding in dealing with the change management models. There are various models that considered for discussion, namely the Lewin’s change model, the Hayes and Hyde’s change model, the Cummings and Worley’s change model and the Anderson and Anderson’s change process model. It was established that all available change models were based on the works of the Lewin’s change model. It was the Anderson and Anderson model that was found to more comprehensive in term of the various consideration it brought forward to the change manager or changing organization for consideration. Following the discussion on change models, a discussion of the research methodologies available followed. A survey methodology was decided to be appropriate for this study. An e-mail postal survey was decided as the appropriate process. The beauty of the e-mail postal survey was that it combined the benefits of personal and postal surveys. The Anderson and Anderson change model was used as a basis for devising questions in the questionnaire. The empirical study revealed that communication, consultation and resistance to change were not dealt with appropriately and as such staff morale had been greatly sacrificed. Be that as it may, it suffices to say that there is still chance to make things right. Top management needs to strengthen communication, consultation and feedback mechanisms. Secondly top management needs to establish a training and coaching program and a system for identifying and rewarding best performance. Opportunities for celebrating short-term victories should not be passed on since these enhance a sense of success and victory. The organization also needs to develop a system for harnessing new learning that will inform new ways of doing things which will become the cornerstone of the new culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Vanqa, Thembelani McDonald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1065 , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study was intended to provide an analysis of the merger process of the Port Elizabeth Technikon on the basis change management models available according to theory. Before this discussion could ensue, it became necessary that the concept of change management be defined in detail so as to create a common basis of understanding in dealing with the change management models. There are various models that considered for discussion, namely the Lewin’s change model, the Hayes and Hyde’s change model, the Cummings and Worley’s change model and the Anderson and Anderson’s change process model. It was established that all available change models were based on the works of the Lewin’s change model. It was the Anderson and Anderson model that was found to more comprehensive in term of the various consideration it brought forward to the change manager or changing organization for consideration. Following the discussion on change models, a discussion of the research methodologies available followed. A survey methodology was decided to be appropriate for this study. An e-mail postal survey was decided as the appropriate process. The beauty of the e-mail postal survey was that it combined the benefits of personal and postal surveys. The Anderson and Anderson change model was used as a basis for devising questions in the questionnaire. The empirical study revealed that communication, consultation and resistance to change were not dealt with appropriately and as such staff morale had been greatly sacrificed. Be that as it may, it suffices to say that there is still chance to make things right. Top management needs to strengthen communication, consultation and feedback mechanisms. Secondly top management needs to establish a training and coaching program and a system for identifying and rewarding best performance. Opportunities for celebrating short-term victories should not be passed on since these enhance a sense of success and victory. The organization also needs to develop a system for harnessing new learning that will inform new ways of doing things which will become the cornerstone of the new culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the information and communication technology initiatives needed to enhance business value at Transwerk
- Authors: Chiambiro, Robson
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/486 , Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Description: The study was triggered by a discussion with one of Transwerk’s executive management during an MBA tea break. The discussion was centred on the lack of IT Governance Structure in some organisations that are centrally managed due to geographical location and spreading of branches countrywide. The purpose of this study was to analyse the information and communication technology initiatives that can be implemented at Transwerk by the ICT department to ensure significant value from their information and communication technology investments. This was undertaken by means of a literature and an empirical study. The elements of the information and communication technology initiatives were discussed and the study then analysed the responses in an attempt to determine the initiatives that are currently implemented at Transwerk’s ICT department. The literature study indicated that is it critical for any organisation that needs to be successful should have an integrated ICT Governance Structure. The empirical study found out that the current situation at Transwerk’s ICT department requires attention because their IT Governance Structure does not involve major stakeholders from other business units. Recommendations were made as a result of analysing the literature study and empirical study to ensure the implementation of key initiatives that can add value to the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Chiambiro, Robson
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/486 , Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Description: The study was triggered by a discussion with one of Transwerk’s executive management during an MBA tea break. The discussion was centred on the lack of IT Governance Structure in some organisations that are centrally managed due to geographical location and spreading of branches countrywide. The purpose of this study was to analyse the information and communication technology initiatives that can be implemented at Transwerk by the ICT department to ensure significant value from their information and communication technology investments. This was undertaken by means of a literature and an empirical study. The elements of the information and communication technology initiatives were discussed and the study then analysed the responses in an attempt to determine the initiatives that are currently implemented at Transwerk’s ICT department. The literature study indicated that is it critical for any organisation that needs to be successful should have an integrated ICT Governance Structure. The empirical study found out that the current situation at Transwerk’s ICT department requires attention because their IT Governance Structure does not involve major stakeholders from other business units. Recommendations were made as a result of analysing the literature study and empirical study to ensure the implementation of key initiatives that can add value to the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the relationship between the housing reform programme and housing industry development in China
- Authors: Zhang, Yu Mei
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/647 , Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a common understanding of the implementation of urban housing reform in China and to examine the trends in housing development in China and its relationship with the national economy. The crucial role of the Chinese government in the development of housing, the necessity of government intervention in China and whether it should be involved in housing development at all, were also explored in this study. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, it was necessary to analyse the success and failure of the urban housing reform implemented in a particular period in China, and to investigate the challenges and problems existing in housing development. As regards the significant contribution of the housing development to the national economy, Rostow’s stages of economic growth were used to investigate the relationship between the housing industry and the national economy in China. This model shows that the housing industry could become a leading sector in the Chinese national economy. The housing industry in China has not yet reached maturity, and direct regulation by government is still necessary. In an attempt to address the research problem and to fulfil the research objectives, an in-depth and comprehensive literature study was undertaken to provide a basic framework and conceptualization of the housing industry in China. The international scope of the findings, as well as the insights that were gained through the study, contributed largely to solving the identified research problems. The normative and positive nature of the study made it possible to recommend solutions for the problems in the development of housing in China. iv Recommendations were made with regard to sustainable and healthy strategies, regulatory instruments, housing finance, and the utilization of lightweight materials in housing development in China. Although Rostow’s model is one of the more structuralist models of economic growth, it de-emphasizes any differences in how leading sectors develop in free and controlled markets. However, Rostow’s consideration of non-western cases such as China show that, to some extent, modernization can be achieved in different ways, through a free market or controlled economic means, and still fit into his model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Zhang, Yu Mei
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/647 , Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a common understanding of the implementation of urban housing reform in China and to examine the trends in housing development in China and its relationship with the national economy. The crucial role of the Chinese government in the development of housing, the necessity of government intervention in China and whether it should be involved in housing development at all, were also explored in this study. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, it was necessary to analyse the success and failure of the urban housing reform implemented in a particular period in China, and to investigate the challenges and problems existing in housing development. As regards the significant contribution of the housing development to the national economy, Rostow’s stages of economic growth were used to investigate the relationship between the housing industry and the national economy in China. This model shows that the housing industry could become a leading sector in the Chinese national economy. The housing industry in China has not yet reached maturity, and direct regulation by government is still necessary. In an attempt to address the research problem and to fulfil the research objectives, an in-depth and comprehensive literature study was undertaken to provide a basic framework and conceptualization of the housing industry in China. The international scope of the findings, as well as the insights that were gained through the study, contributed largely to solving the identified research problems. The normative and positive nature of the study made it possible to recommend solutions for the problems in the development of housing in China. iv Recommendations were made with regard to sustainable and healthy strategies, regulatory instruments, housing finance, and the utilization of lightweight materials in housing development in China. Although Rostow’s model is one of the more structuralist models of economic growth, it de-emphasizes any differences in how leading sectors develop in free and controlled markets. However, Rostow’s consideration of non-western cases such as China show that, to some extent, modernization can be achieved in different ways, through a free market or controlled economic means, and still fit into his model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the roles of public relations practitioners in Kampala, Uganda
- Authors: Nabukeera, Yudaya
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/838 , Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Description: There is lack of a strategic body of literature and books of the practice of public relations (PR) in Uganda. This prohibits the public relations practitioners to participate in African and disadvantages the PR practitioners in terms of participating in African and global debates about their discipline. The lack of knowledge in PR has an impact on the way practitioners carry out their duties in an organisation and it also has an impact on the way top management views practitioners. This treatise focuses on PR practitioners in Kampala, Uganda. The research focused on global literature on what roles practitioners carried out in the rest of the world, and this was then compared with the roles of Ugandan practitioners The research discusses current literature in the field of roles research and empirically analyses the role of technician, manager and strategist in Uganda. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire mainly through email and door-to-door distribution of questionnaires and lastly through telephone interviews. The research was conducted in the Kampala District. The majority of the practitioners in Uganda currently do not fulfill the roles of technician, manager and strategic role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Nabukeera, Yudaya
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/838 , Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Description: There is lack of a strategic body of literature and books of the practice of public relations (PR) in Uganda. This prohibits the public relations practitioners to participate in African and disadvantages the PR practitioners in terms of participating in African and global debates about their discipline. The lack of knowledge in PR has an impact on the way practitioners carry out their duties in an organisation and it also has an impact on the way top management views practitioners. This treatise focuses on PR practitioners in Kampala, Uganda. The research focused on global literature on what roles practitioners carried out in the rest of the world, and this was then compared with the roles of Ugandan practitioners The research discusses current literature in the field of roles research and empirically analyses the role of technician, manager and strategist in Uganda. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire mainly through email and door-to-door distribution of questionnaires and lastly through telephone interviews. The research was conducted in the Kampala District. The majority of the practitioners in Uganda currently do not fulfill the roles of technician, manager and strategic role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An appraisal of the applicability of development journalism in the context of public service broadcasting
- Authors: Banda, Fackson
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008548
- Description: The concept of ‘development journalism’ has, over time, become possessed by demons of all sorts of confusion. If we want to wrest any useful principles from the concept, it is important that we exorcise the demons it has come to be associated with, not least the demon of the postcolonial state’s blatant interference in the practice of journalism. This ‘demonisation’ of the concept is partly suggested by Shah’s observation that ‘development journalism’, central to many discussions of mass communication and development in the Third World, needs to be reconceptualised because deliberations about its validity and usefulness have been bogged down in arguments structured by Western notions of press freedom. The debate has diverted attention from important questions about how journalism can contribute to participatory democracy, security, peace, and other humanistic values (Shah 1996: 143). In this paper, therefore, I will, firstly, discuss the conceptual basis of development journalism. I will rely heavily on development communication theorising, which informs most of the discussions about development journalism. I want to demonstrate the historical ‘moments’ through which the concept has passed and, by so doing, point out the more redeemable features of the concept. Secondly, I will discuss the relevance of the development journalism paradigm to public service broadcasting. In conclusion, I will draw out some principles of development journalism and demonstrate how these can be implemented within the context of public service broadcasting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Banda, Fackson
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008548
- Description: The concept of ‘development journalism’ has, over time, become possessed by demons of all sorts of confusion. If we want to wrest any useful principles from the concept, it is important that we exorcise the demons it has come to be associated with, not least the demon of the postcolonial state’s blatant interference in the practice of journalism. This ‘demonisation’ of the concept is partly suggested by Shah’s observation that ‘development journalism’, central to many discussions of mass communication and development in the Third World, needs to be reconceptualised because deliberations about its validity and usefulness have been bogged down in arguments structured by Western notions of press freedom. The debate has diverted attention from important questions about how journalism can contribute to participatory democracy, security, peace, and other humanistic values (Shah 1996: 143). In this paper, therefore, I will, firstly, discuss the conceptual basis of development journalism. I will rely heavily on development communication theorising, which informs most of the discussions about development journalism. I want to demonstrate the historical ‘moments’ through which the concept has passed and, by so doing, point out the more redeemable features of the concept. Secondly, I will discuss the relevance of the development journalism paradigm to public service broadcasting. In conclusion, I will draw out some principles of development journalism and demonstrate how these can be implemented within the context of public service broadcasting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An appraisal of the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme on land use practices, livelihoods and the natural environment at three study areas in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chigumira, Easther C
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005489 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research appraises the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at three resettled communities in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe. In particular it assesses the livelihood practices of land recipients and their effects on the natural environment. Two of the communities, Lanteglos and CC Molina were resettled under the A1 villagised and self-contained settlement scheme and are found in the Natural Farming Region III. Pamene, the third community, was resettled under the A2 small-scale commercial settlement scheme and is found in the Natural Farming Region IIb. Multiple research methods including household surveys, interviews, observations, reviews of literature and map construction through the use of Geographic Information Systems, allowed for the collection of empirical, descriptive, and spatial data to provide for the appraisal. The land use practices included dry land crop production, livestock rearing, vegetable gardening and exploitation of the natural environment for a variety of purposes. Farming was mostly subsistence with the use of traditional equipment by all three communities. Tenure was perceived to be insecure by beneficiaries and although a variety of papers to show ownership were held, none provided for leasing or freehold tenure. Despite acquiring natural capital from the resettlement process, the findings of this research show low levels of financial, physical and social capital amongst beneficiaries. Moreover climatic variability, the declining macro-economic and unstable political environment and little support from government have adversely affected the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The implication of all this has been a reduction in livelihoods that are based solely on agricultural production, leading to off-farm practices primarily exploiting the natural environment. The long term effect would be increased degradation of the environment, leading to reduced arable and grazing land, and thereby hindering sustainable livelihoods from farming. Recommendations are proposed based on this research’s findings being typical in Zimbabwe. Central to this is the need for government to revise its present land policy and, provide for a comprehensive and holistic land policy that should be based on the vision of how agriculture should evolve in Zimbabwe
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Chigumira, Easther C
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005489 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research appraises the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at three resettled communities in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe. In particular it assesses the livelihood practices of land recipients and their effects on the natural environment. Two of the communities, Lanteglos and CC Molina were resettled under the A1 villagised and self-contained settlement scheme and are found in the Natural Farming Region III. Pamene, the third community, was resettled under the A2 small-scale commercial settlement scheme and is found in the Natural Farming Region IIb. Multiple research methods including household surveys, interviews, observations, reviews of literature and map construction through the use of Geographic Information Systems, allowed for the collection of empirical, descriptive, and spatial data to provide for the appraisal. The land use practices included dry land crop production, livestock rearing, vegetable gardening and exploitation of the natural environment for a variety of purposes. Farming was mostly subsistence with the use of traditional equipment by all three communities. Tenure was perceived to be insecure by beneficiaries and although a variety of papers to show ownership were held, none provided for leasing or freehold tenure. Despite acquiring natural capital from the resettlement process, the findings of this research show low levels of financial, physical and social capital amongst beneficiaries. Moreover climatic variability, the declining macro-economic and unstable political environment and little support from government have adversely affected the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The implication of all this has been a reduction in livelihoods that are based solely on agricultural production, leading to off-farm practices primarily exploiting the natural environment. The long term effect would be increased degradation of the environment, leading to reduced arable and grazing land, and thereby hindering sustainable livelihoods from farming. Recommendations are proposed based on this research’s findings being typical in Zimbabwe. Central to this is the need for government to revise its present land policy and, provide for a comprehensive and holistic land policy that should be based on the vision of how agriculture should evolve in Zimbabwe
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An assessment of the challenges and successes experienced when implementing the six sigma methodology in Continental Tyre South Africa
- Authors: Kanakana, Mukundeleli Grace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8553 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/531 , Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Description: Globalisation has opened up international markets for South African companies, but has also introduced competition in the domestic market. As a result, South African organisations are forced to attain global efficiency levels if they are to compete on the world market as well as maintain their domestic market share. Organisations have to come with creative methods that can enhance their competitiveness, one of them being the Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction as a means towards performance improvement. The methodology has a reputation of success, however a number of organisations believe that the methodology is not relevant to their specific competitive needs. Six Sigma is seen as another continuous improvement tool applicable to first world country organisations which will fade away with time. The study was undertaken to find out challenges and successes of implementing a Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of implementing Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA is similar to those experienced by first world organisations. It is concluded that Six Sigma methodology can improve organisation processes and yield financial benefits irrespective of organisation location or background. However, organisations must follow a systematic guideline when implementing the methodology. The study provides recommendations on how Continental Tyre SA can align their strategy in order to achieve organisational objectives. The following recommendations were made: Roll out Six Sigma to support departments; Align the strategy to address critical success factors; Improve project turnover time and measure the success on financial savings and number of projects completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Kanakana, Mukundeleli Grace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8553 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/531 , Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Description: Globalisation has opened up international markets for South African companies, but has also introduced competition in the domestic market. As a result, South African organisations are forced to attain global efficiency levels if they are to compete on the world market as well as maintain their domestic market share. Organisations have to come with creative methods that can enhance their competitiveness, one of them being the Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction as a means towards performance improvement. The methodology has a reputation of success, however a number of organisations believe that the methodology is not relevant to their specific competitive needs. Six Sigma is seen as another continuous improvement tool applicable to first world country organisations which will fade away with time. The study was undertaken to find out challenges and successes of implementing a Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of implementing Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA is similar to those experienced by first world organisations. It is concluded that Six Sigma methodology can improve organisation processes and yield financial benefits irrespective of organisation location or background. However, organisations must follow a systematic guideline when implementing the methodology. The study provides recommendations on how Continental Tyre SA can align their strategy in order to achieve organisational objectives. The following recommendations were made: Roll out Six Sigma to support departments; Align the strategy to address critical success factors; Improve project turnover time and measure the success on financial savings and number of projects completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An assessment of the supplier development practices at Volkswagen of South Africa
- Authors: Erasmus, Bradley Quentin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/500 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Description: The underlying objective of the research is to assess the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important theory of supply chain management as well as supplier development geared towards lean manufacturing. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed to solve the main problem namely, an assessment of the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). The research was divided into two questionnaires: The first questionnaire is targeted at the suppliers. This questionnaire has two sections namely section A, the biographical data and section B attempts to determine the quality systems and manufacturing requirements. It further attempts to gauge training support and needs as compared to other OEM’s. The second questionnaire is targeted at the Supplier Development Manager. The aim of this questionnaire is to establish what the current training offerings are, the source of what VWSA teachers and the awareness of the Toyota Training College.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Erasmus, Bradley Quentin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/500 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Description: The underlying objective of the research is to assess the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important theory of supply chain management as well as supplier development geared towards lean manufacturing. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed to solve the main problem namely, an assessment of the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). The research was divided into two questionnaires: The first questionnaire is targeted at the suppliers. This questionnaire has two sections namely section A, the biographical data and section B attempts to determine the quality systems and manufacturing requirements. It further attempts to gauge training support and needs as compared to other OEM’s. The second questionnaire is targeted at the Supplier Development Manager. The aim of this questionnaire is to establish what the current training offerings are, the source of what VWSA teachers and the awareness of the Toyota Training College.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An edition of a selection of poems by John Randal Bradburne
- Authors: Hacksley, Helen Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bradburne, John, -1979 Bradburne, John, -1979 -- Criticism and interpretation Poets, South African -- 20th century -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008069
- Description: This thesis examines the life and work of John Randal Bradburne (1921-1979), poet, mystic, musician, cenobite, sometime soldier, pilgrim and wanderer. His religious experiences, particularly, gave rise to a vast corpus of verse, virtually all of it as yet unpublished. This study provides a brief overview of his life, and a critical and textual introduction to a sample selection of poems entitled Bradburne 's Assays. The biography has been compiled from published and unpublished sources, as well as from personal interviews and correspondence with Bradburne's friends, relatives and associates in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. Chief among these are two unpublished biographies by Judith, Countess of List owe I. Bradburne's extant corpus consists of over five thousand titled pieces of verse, ranging from brieflyrics to verses hundreds of pages long. The forty-seven poems comprising Bradburne 's Assays, published here for the first time, were selected and arranged by Bradburne himself in a single sequence. A unique collection in his corpus, they are unified by their common sonnet form and their contemplative approach to secular and religious experiences. An accurate reading text of this set of poems, transcribed from Bradburne's typescripts, currently held at Holyhead in Wales, is provided. These typescripts have been electronically scanned and are presented in the Appendix. Editorial intrusion, which has been kept to a minimum, is recorded in the critical apparatus beneath the text of the poems. Since all the poems in this ed ition are presented here for the first time, each is accompanied by detailed commentary on their form and content. Where necessary, interpretations of obscure passages have been suggested. A general index to the Introduction and Commentary is supplied, along with indexes of first lines and titles of the poems. It is hoped that this thesis will stimulate further study of the life and work of a unique and intriguing figure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hacksley, Helen Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bradburne, John, -1979 Bradburne, John, -1979 -- Criticism and interpretation Poets, South African -- 20th century -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008069
- Description: This thesis examines the life and work of John Randal Bradburne (1921-1979), poet, mystic, musician, cenobite, sometime soldier, pilgrim and wanderer. His religious experiences, particularly, gave rise to a vast corpus of verse, virtually all of it as yet unpublished. This study provides a brief overview of his life, and a critical and textual introduction to a sample selection of poems entitled Bradburne 's Assays. The biography has been compiled from published and unpublished sources, as well as from personal interviews and correspondence with Bradburne's friends, relatives and associates in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. Chief among these are two unpublished biographies by Judith, Countess of List owe I. Bradburne's extant corpus consists of over five thousand titled pieces of verse, ranging from brieflyrics to verses hundreds of pages long. The forty-seven poems comprising Bradburne 's Assays, published here for the first time, were selected and arranged by Bradburne himself in a single sequence. A unique collection in his corpus, they are unified by their common sonnet form and their contemplative approach to secular and religious experiences. An accurate reading text of this set of poems, transcribed from Bradburne's typescripts, currently held at Holyhead in Wales, is provided. These typescripts have been electronically scanned and are presented in the Appendix. Editorial intrusion, which has been kept to a minimum, is recorded in the critical apparatus beneath the text of the poems. Since all the poems in this ed ition are presented here for the first time, each is accompanied by detailed commentary on their form and content. Where necessary, interpretations of obscure passages have been suggested. A general index to the Introduction and Commentary is supplied, along with indexes of first lines and titles of the poems. It is hoped that this thesis will stimulate further study of the life and work of a unique and intriguing figure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An empirical study of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used in firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Bester, Lizel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/475 , Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The first research objective of this dissertation is an empirical study of the capital budgeting process to determine what capital budgeting evaluation techniques are used by firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The second research objective of this dissertation is how the size of the firm impacts on the type of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used. The size of the firm is measured by magnitude of turnover, assets and the number of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Bester, Lizel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/475 , Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The first research objective of this dissertation is an empirical study of the capital budgeting process to determine what capital budgeting evaluation techniques are used by firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The second research objective of this dissertation is how the size of the firm impacts on the type of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used. The size of the firm is measured by magnitude of turnover, assets and the number of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An evaluation of a performance management and development system with reference to the Department of the Premier, Provincial Government Western Cape
- Authors: Dingwayo, Mzimkulu Sydney
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/495 , Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Description: We are living in a changing world. Performance management is becoming a major challenge for organisations. The aim of this study is to review the current status of the Performance Management and Development System at the Department of the Premier and to look into the reasons why it has become a pain rather than a gain to both the organisation and its employees. This document will also look at the possible causes of the failure of the performance management system and will then propose useful guidelines to overcome obstacles to the benefit of all the affected parties. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to the Department of the Premier to determine the views on performance, and on performance management programmes. The study also included an investigation into the extent to which a performance management programme should be aligned with Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) and individual goals. Questionnaires developed from the literature study, were distributed amongst randomly selected respondents, in order to determine the extent to which a specific directorate manages performance, in line with the guidelines provided by the literature study. The information obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings in the influence that the performance management programme has on the achievement of Department and individual goals at the selected Directorates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the current performance management system, in the Department at Provincial Government Western Cape, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organization. The research results indicate that the majority of staff supports and understands the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Dingwayo, Mzimkulu Sydney
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/495 , Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Description: We are living in a changing world. Performance management is becoming a major challenge for organisations. The aim of this study is to review the current status of the Performance Management and Development System at the Department of the Premier and to look into the reasons why it has become a pain rather than a gain to both the organisation and its employees. This document will also look at the possible causes of the failure of the performance management system and will then propose useful guidelines to overcome obstacles to the benefit of all the affected parties. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to the Department of the Premier to determine the views on performance, and on performance management programmes. The study also included an investigation into the extent to which a performance management programme should be aligned with Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) and individual goals. Questionnaires developed from the literature study, were distributed amongst randomly selected respondents, in order to determine the extent to which a specific directorate manages performance, in line with the guidelines provided by the literature study. The information obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings in the influence that the performance management programme has on the achievement of Department and individual goals at the selected Directorates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the current performance management system, in the Department at Provincial Government Western Cape, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organization. The research results indicate that the majority of staff supports and understands the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An evaluation of formal mentoring programmes within two South African organisations
- Authors: Shelton, Delyse Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Mentoring -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1186 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002803 , Mentoring -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Description: The benefits of informal mentoring are numerous and organisations have recognised these benefits in terms of organisational development. There has been an attempt to harvest these benefits through the introduction of formal mentoring programmes as a tool to fast track and then ultimately retain internal capability. This research on formal mentoring programmes occurred within a qualitative paradigm and data was obtained through document analysis and interviews from five mentoring pairs in one organisation and four mentoring pairs in another. The data was then presented and analysed in terms of the models proposed in the literature. The aim of this research was to evaluate formal mentoring programmes within South African organisations based on a framework provided by the literature. It was found that the literature proposed no formal evaluation model and thus, one was developed based on models of programme evaluation and formal mentoring implementation models. On the evaluation of the two formal mentoring programmes, it was found that there are some issues raised in the literature that are pertinent to both organisations but that there were also issues that were only relevant to one of the programmes. According to the research the differences in perceived success of the mentoring programme lay in the goals of the programme relating to the broader goals and culture of the organisation. It is recommended that future research investigate the impact of organisational culture on the effectiveness of formal mentoring programmes. The research also identified a need for supportive resources although this study did not assess the appropriateness and sufficiency of the resources. Organisations also need to implement effective evaluative practices in order to implement effective changes to the programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Shelton, Delyse Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Mentoring -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1186 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002803 , Mentoring -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa
- Description: The benefits of informal mentoring are numerous and organisations have recognised these benefits in terms of organisational development. There has been an attempt to harvest these benefits through the introduction of formal mentoring programmes as a tool to fast track and then ultimately retain internal capability. This research on formal mentoring programmes occurred within a qualitative paradigm and data was obtained through document analysis and interviews from five mentoring pairs in one organisation and four mentoring pairs in another. The data was then presented and analysed in terms of the models proposed in the literature. The aim of this research was to evaluate formal mentoring programmes within South African organisations based on a framework provided by the literature. It was found that the literature proposed no formal evaluation model and thus, one was developed based on models of programme evaluation and formal mentoring implementation models. On the evaluation of the two formal mentoring programmes, it was found that there are some issues raised in the literature that are pertinent to both organisations but that there were also issues that were only relevant to one of the programmes. According to the research the differences in perceived success of the mentoring programme lay in the goals of the programme relating to the broader goals and culture of the organisation. It is recommended that future research investigate the impact of organisational culture on the effectiveness of formal mentoring programmes. The research also identified a need for supportive resources although this study did not assess the appropriateness and sufficiency of the resources. Organisations also need to implement effective evaluative practices in order to implement effective changes to the programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An evaluation of the effectiveness of 'Good News' media in promoting positive attitudes towards the Eastern Cape province as an aid to development : the case of Madiba Action Magazine
- Authors: Thompson, Sharon
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Madiba Action (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/619 , Place marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Madiba Action (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
- Description: This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of a ‘good news’ magazine like Eastern Cape Madiba Action in promoting positive attitudes towards the Eastern Cape province as an aid to development. It investigated whether Madiba Action had any effects on its readership in terms of creating positive perceptions of the Eastern Cape as a first step towards attracting tourism and investment. This quantitative research gathered attitudinal data from readers and stakeholders via two survey questionnaires. Both stakeholders and readers expressed very positive perceptions of Madiba Action magazine as a credible source of positive information about the Eastern Cape. Readers stated that the media was the greatest influence on their perceptions of the Eastern Cape and reported that Madiba Action had positively influenced their perceptions of the province as a place to visit, live, work and invest in. Whether Madiba Action as a ‘good news’ magazine went beyond positively influencing perceptions of the Eastern Cape and actually affected behaviour in terms of increased tourism and investment was beyond the scope of this study but it does provide further opportunities for measuring the role of ‘good news’ media in assisting economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Thompson, Sharon
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Madiba Action (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/619 , Place marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Madiba Action (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
- Description: This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of a ‘good news’ magazine like Eastern Cape Madiba Action in promoting positive attitudes towards the Eastern Cape province as an aid to development. It investigated whether Madiba Action had any effects on its readership in terms of creating positive perceptions of the Eastern Cape as a first step towards attracting tourism and investment. This quantitative research gathered attitudinal data from readers and stakeholders via two survey questionnaires. Both stakeholders and readers expressed very positive perceptions of Madiba Action magazine as a credible source of positive information about the Eastern Cape. Readers stated that the media was the greatest influence on their perceptions of the Eastern Cape and reported that Madiba Action had positively influenced their perceptions of the province as a place to visit, live, work and invest in. Whether Madiba Action as a ‘good news’ magazine went beyond positively influencing perceptions of the Eastern Cape and actually affected behaviour in terms of increased tourism and investment was beyond the scope of this study but it does provide further opportunities for measuring the role of ‘good news’ media in assisting economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An evaluation of the managerial practices of the Department of Education, Uitenhage district
- Authors: Jakavula, Nomvuyo Grace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Management , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Uitenhage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/525 , South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Management , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Uitenhage
- Description: In the changing South African climate the importance of the officials of the Department of Education cannot be ignored. The Department of Education has a mandate to change the lives of citizens by enriching the welfare of communities through education. The objective of this study was to evaluate the managerial practices of the Department of Education, the Uitenhage District in particular. In order to evaulate these managerial practices, an empirical research methodology was followed. A questionaire was utilized to obtain empirical data. The questionaire consisted of eighty statements using a Likert-type scale and responses to these statemenst are the basis of the results and recommendations made to conclude the study.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Jakavula, Nomvuyo Grace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Management , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Uitenhage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/525 , South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Management , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Uitenhage
- Description: In the changing South African climate the importance of the officials of the Department of Education cannot be ignored. The Department of Education has a mandate to change the lives of citizens by enriching the welfare of communities through education. The objective of this study was to evaluate the managerial practices of the Department of Education, the Uitenhage District in particular. In order to evaulate these managerial practices, an empirical research methodology was followed. A questionaire was utilized to obtain empirical data. The questionaire consisted of eighty statements using a Likert-type scale and responses to these statemenst are the basis of the results and recommendations made to conclude the study.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2006
An evaluation of the Nelson Mandela Metropole as a location to attract investment
- Authors: Nonxuba, Philile Zipho
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:973 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002707 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Nelson Mandela Metropole is the largest contributor to the Eastern Cape Province’s economy and its share of the production of the Eastern Cape is about 41, 3 % per annum. This requires that the competitiveness of the Metropole be improved in order to enable it to meet the challenges of the Province. The objective of the GEAR policy strategy places a focus on the leading coastal industrial locations of South Africa. Furthermore, the national government has shifted the responsibility of service delivery to local governments in an effort to reinforce the integrated development planning process in municipalities. To meet those challenges, the Metropole has focused its attention on improving local resources. To enhance the performance of the manufacturing industry of the Metropole, it is necessary to ensure that the Metropole has locational attributes to attract new investment. Such attributes include creation of closely located industries. This will help the firms to engage in competition as well as engage in co-operative activities among themselves. The study employs a variety of theories to highlight the need to enhance productivity of industries in order to attract new investment. These theories include the new (endogenous) growth theory that argues that productivity growth is determined by introduction of new technologies. Such technologies accrue because ideas that contribute to their development are nonrival, and thus their creation has a fixed cost and zero marginal cost. The property of fixed cost in the creation of ideas results in the emergence of increasing returns to scale. The Porter’s Diamond framework is used in the study to take the issue of productivity growth further. Its thrust is that in particular nations some industries experience high productivity growth rates. It further argues that the locational attributes are responsible for these industries in registering high productivity growth levels. These attributes include the creation of advanced resources such as a skilled labour force. The data obtained from the survey of the research on the manufacturing industries forms part of this study. The findings of the survey reveal that although the manufacturing sector of the South African region has registered some significant success, there is still some room for improving its competitiveness. It revealed that development of the local markets through competition and cooperation among the industries would help to render these industries internationally competitive. This study concludes with some recommendations. These recommendations place emphasis on improvement of infrastructure, quality of labour force, and development of the region’s market. In order to carry out the recommendations effectively, government policy has to be repositioned so as to enhance its visibility among the stakeholders in the economy. Of importance is to ensure the promotion of policy that supports geographically concentrated businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Nonxuba, Philile Zipho
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:973 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002707 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Nelson Mandela Metropole is the largest contributor to the Eastern Cape Province’s economy and its share of the production of the Eastern Cape is about 41, 3 % per annum. This requires that the competitiveness of the Metropole be improved in order to enable it to meet the challenges of the Province. The objective of the GEAR policy strategy places a focus on the leading coastal industrial locations of South Africa. Furthermore, the national government has shifted the responsibility of service delivery to local governments in an effort to reinforce the integrated development planning process in municipalities. To meet those challenges, the Metropole has focused its attention on improving local resources. To enhance the performance of the manufacturing industry of the Metropole, it is necessary to ensure that the Metropole has locational attributes to attract new investment. Such attributes include creation of closely located industries. This will help the firms to engage in competition as well as engage in co-operative activities among themselves. The study employs a variety of theories to highlight the need to enhance productivity of industries in order to attract new investment. These theories include the new (endogenous) growth theory that argues that productivity growth is determined by introduction of new technologies. Such technologies accrue because ideas that contribute to their development are nonrival, and thus their creation has a fixed cost and zero marginal cost. The property of fixed cost in the creation of ideas results in the emergence of increasing returns to scale. The Porter’s Diamond framework is used in the study to take the issue of productivity growth further. Its thrust is that in particular nations some industries experience high productivity growth rates. It further argues that the locational attributes are responsible for these industries in registering high productivity growth levels. These attributes include the creation of advanced resources such as a skilled labour force. The data obtained from the survey of the research on the manufacturing industries forms part of this study. The findings of the survey reveal that although the manufacturing sector of the South African region has registered some significant success, there is still some room for improving its competitiveness. It revealed that development of the local markets through competition and cooperation among the industries would help to render these industries internationally competitive. This study concludes with some recommendations. These recommendations place emphasis on improvement of infrastructure, quality of labour force, and development of the region’s market. In order to carry out the recommendations effectively, government policy has to be repositioned so as to enhance its visibility among the stakeholders in the economy. Of importance is to ensure the promotion of policy that supports geographically concentrated businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An examination of some changes to conventions and culture in selected Xhosa drama
- Authors: Piko, Phindiwe
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Xhosa drama , Xhosa drama -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/592 , Xhosa drama , Xhosa drama -- Criticism and interpretation
- Description: This study is about examining some changes to conventions and culture in selected Xhosa drama plays. Conventions are general agreements on social behaviour. They are the customary methods of presenting the elements of the text. There are no strict rules followed in the writing of plays, but there are conventions which vary from one playwright to another and from time to time. Conventions are the devices and the features of a literary work by which its kind can be recognized. Change creates anxiety, uncertainty and stress. Adaptation of culture to some changes plays a role as time passes by. To adapt to change is to be able to manage change. Managing change demands three levels of human response namely: the individual, the group and the cultural or social context. No matter how many changes are brought, different cultures should survive the changes for the nation to remain with its nationality. Industrialisation, urbanisation, religion, politics and economy are the agents of change. Also the social environment, human intelligence and culture play to a greater extent a role in the evolution process. Among other things, this study portrays that the changing times are reflected in Xhosa plays. This is the reflection of how people live, behave or do things, and think as time comes and passes. Pattern of development is traced through time, with the history being involved in the development. Change and development are unavoidable products of human thought. Development is traced from the primitive to the modern way of doing things. A modern or developed society is viewed as being capable of handling a wide variety of internal as well as external pressures. Every time a society manages a new pressure, its modernity improves. Thus, the word ‘modern’ has no time frame, as long as there is a new development, this term ‘modern’ features in. Though the study employs Evolutionary, Structuralist, Stylistic, Formalism and Marxist approaches, the branch of the Semiotic approach, Pragmatism, plays the major role in that the meaning of the texts is one of the semiotic categories. Again Semiotics deals with the writing and the interpretation of the text. Thus communication, adaptation and relating are fundamental to human existence and survival. It is easy to notice that there are old conventions that are continuing in the writings of the new generations of playwrights. This study compares and contrasts the similar conventions of dramatic texts, especially those that have the same theme and meaning. This study shows how the existing dramatic conventions are affected by time, history, economy, education, technology and some other changes. Though the dramatic conventions are said to be continuing, they also adapt to the changing time. There are conventional and cultural aspects that seem to be continuing, but it is a ‘changing continuity’. The developments or changes discussed in this study are in Xhosa drama conventions, those of culture of amaXhosa, dramatic construction of the Xhosa plays and in the interpretation of the plays.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Piko, Phindiwe
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Xhosa drama , Xhosa drama -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/592 , Xhosa drama , Xhosa drama -- Criticism and interpretation
- Description: This study is about examining some changes to conventions and culture in selected Xhosa drama plays. Conventions are general agreements on social behaviour. They are the customary methods of presenting the elements of the text. There are no strict rules followed in the writing of plays, but there are conventions which vary from one playwright to another and from time to time. Conventions are the devices and the features of a literary work by which its kind can be recognized. Change creates anxiety, uncertainty and stress. Adaptation of culture to some changes plays a role as time passes by. To adapt to change is to be able to manage change. Managing change demands three levels of human response namely: the individual, the group and the cultural or social context. No matter how many changes are brought, different cultures should survive the changes for the nation to remain with its nationality. Industrialisation, urbanisation, religion, politics and economy are the agents of change. Also the social environment, human intelligence and culture play to a greater extent a role in the evolution process. Among other things, this study portrays that the changing times are reflected in Xhosa plays. This is the reflection of how people live, behave or do things, and think as time comes and passes. Pattern of development is traced through time, with the history being involved in the development. Change and development are unavoidable products of human thought. Development is traced from the primitive to the modern way of doing things. A modern or developed society is viewed as being capable of handling a wide variety of internal as well as external pressures. Every time a society manages a new pressure, its modernity improves. Thus, the word ‘modern’ has no time frame, as long as there is a new development, this term ‘modern’ features in. Though the study employs Evolutionary, Structuralist, Stylistic, Formalism and Marxist approaches, the branch of the Semiotic approach, Pragmatism, plays the major role in that the meaning of the texts is one of the semiotic categories. Again Semiotics deals with the writing and the interpretation of the text. Thus communication, adaptation and relating are fundamental to human existence and survival. It is easy to notice that there are old conventions that are continuing in the writings of the new generations of playwrights. This study compares and contrasts the similar conventions of dramatic texts, especially those that have the same theme and meaning. This study shows how the existing dramatic conventions are affected by time, history, economy, education, technology and some other changes. Though the dramatic conventions are said to be continuing, they also adapt to the changing time. There are conventional and cultural aspects that seem to be continuing, but it is a ‘changing continuity’. The developments or changes discussed in this study are in Xhosa drama conventions, those of culture of amaXhosa, dramatic construction of the Xhosa plays and in the interpretation of the plays.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An exploration of collaborative group work with science students
- Authors: Adams, Aadiel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/392 , Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Description: Part of the transformation of education in South Africa emphasises the need to address historical barriers that have been impeding access into institutions of learning, and the need for empowering stakeholders democratically. Improving institutional responsiveness and focusing on Science, Technology, and Engineering and increasing the number of university graduates are amongst the more prominent strategies for changing the educational, socioeconomic, and political landscape within a global context. This research, as the first cycle of an action research project, explores collaborative group work with a group of science students at a Vista University campus (that is now part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) as a contribution to institutional, professional, and personal responsiveness. The treatise traces my development as a novice researcher within an evolving action research context that became a terrain for facilitating a collaborative approach to learning. I describe my personal experience and the experiences of my co-researchers as collaborative partners, the systemic influences considered during the study, and the process of action research that encouraged movement from feelings of apprehension and inadequacy to feelings of anticipation and excitement regarding collaborative interactive learning and development opportunities. For the co-researchers and me an action research process in an interpretivist paradigm was not just suited to an exploration of collaboration, but also evolved into a vehicle for interactive teaching and learning, in a collaborative and student-centred way. Giving voice and being listened to, having perspectives validated, engaging in learning that could accompany academic and personal growth, and an acute sense of being empowered are ingredients that participants, and institutions of learning, can continue building on and building with along evolving spirals of life-long learning and meaning making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Adams, Aadiel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/392 , Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Description: Part of the transformation of education in South Africa emphasises the need to address historical barriers that have been impeding access into institutions of learning, and the need for empowering stakeholders democratically. Improving institutional responsiveness and focusing on Science, Technology, and Engineering and increasing the number of university graduates are amongst the more prominent strategies for changing the educational, socioeconomic, and political landscape within a global context. This research, as the first cycle of an action research project, explores collaborative group work with a group of science students at a Vista University campus (that is now part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) as a contribution to institutional, professional, and personal responsiveness. The treatise traces my development as a novice researcher within an evolving action research context that became a terrain for facilitating a collaborative approach to learning. I describe my personal experience and the experiences of my co-researchers as collaborative partners, the systemic influences considered during the study, and the process of action research that encouraged movement from feelings of apprehension and inadequacy to feelings of anticipation and excitement regarding collaborative interactive learning and development opportunities. For the co-researchers and me an action research process in an interpretivist paradigm was not just suited to an exploration of collaboration, but also evolved into a vehicle for interactive teaching and learning, in a collaborative and student-centred way. Giving voice and being listened to, having perspectives validated, engaging in learning that could accompany academic and personal growth, and an acute sense of being empowered are ingredients that participants, and institutions of learning, can continue building on and building with along evolving spirals of life-long learning and meaning making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006