Cross-cultural differences: the experiences, challenges and strengths for partners in committed interacial relationships
- De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Authors: De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9995 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008193 , Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Description: The topic of interpersonal relationships and the factors that enhance the longevity and strength of these have been well documented. Whilst there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of interracial relationships, it has not been matched by an increase in studies on the phenomenon and indeed very little empirical attention has been given to these relationships. Leslie and Letiecq (2004) highlight that the existing research on the phenomenon focuses primarily on the reasons individuals select partners outside of their own racial group. As interracial marriages are reportedly more vulnerable to divorce than marriages among same-race individuals, it seems important to examine the dynamics and quality of interracial relationships (Leslie & Letiecq, 2004). The goal of the study was therefore to explore the cross-cultural differences that inform the experiences, challenges, and strengths for partners in committed interracial relationships. In this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study, the author has explored and described the specific cross-cultural differences that the couple has encountered in their relationship and the impact that these differences have had on the quality of their relationship. Furthermore the study aimed to explore and describe the strengths the couple has drawn from these cross-cultural differences to enhance the quality of their relationship. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques has been utilised to identify interracial couples who have been in a committed monogamous relationship of at least one year. The sample consisted of eleven individuals. Semi-structured individual interviews were utilised as the data collection tool, and Tesch‟s model of data analysis (in Creswell, 1998) has been employed. This model of data analysis consists of eight steps that have been used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the study: (1) cultural difference factors, (2) negative factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (3) positive factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (4) factors relating to cultural differences that strengthen the relationship and (5) recommendations to other interracial couples. The findings of the study make a meaningful contribution to couple counselling interventions for interracial couples, and also add to the body of knowledge on this sparsely researched topic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9995 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008193 , Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Description: The topic of interpersonal relationships and the factors that enhance the longevity and strength of these have been well documented. Whilst there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of interracial relationships, it has not been matched by an increase in studies on the phenomenon and indeed very little empirical attention has been given to these relationships. Leslie and Letiecq (2004) highlight that the existing research on the phenomenon focuses primarily on the reasons individuals select partners outside of their own racial group. As interracial marriages are reportedly more vulnerable to divorce than marriages among same-race individuals, it seems important to examine the dynamics and quality of interracial relationships (Leslie & Letiecq, 2004). The goal of the study was therefore to explore the cross-cultural differences that inform the experiences, challenges, and strengths for partners in committed interracial relationships. In this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study, the author has explored and described the specific cross-cultural differences that the couple has encountered in their relationship and the impact that these differences have had on the quality of their relationship. Furthermore the study aimed to explore and describe the strengths the couple has drawn from these cross-cultural differences to enhance the quality of their relationship. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques has been utilised to identify interracial couples who have been in a committed monogamous relationship of at least one year. The sample consisted of eleven individuals. Semi-structured individual interviews were utilised as the data collection tool, and Tesch‟s model of data analysis (in Creswell, 1998) has been employed. This model of data analysis consists of eight steps that have been used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the study: (1) cultural difference factors, (2) negative factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (3) positive factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (4) factors relating to cultural differences that strengthen the relationship and (5) recommendations to other interracial couples. The findings of the study make a meaningful contribution to couple counselling interventions for interracial couples, and also add to the body of knowledge on this sparsely researched topic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Fiction en tant qu histoire: une etude de l evolution des roles de la femme dans le vingtieme siecle dans le roman La Poussiere des Corons par Marie-Paul Armand
- Authors: De Wet, Michelle
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Language: French
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008392 , Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Description: Georges Duby and Michelle Perrot’s work, Histoire des femmes en Occident, Antoine Prost and Gérard Vincent’s work A History of Private Life as well as Chantal Antier’s work Les Femmes dans la Grande Guerre and Carol Mann’s work Femmes dans la Guerre, show that women have been largely ignored in the annals written about the twentieth century. This period was one marked by two World Wars, which had an enormous impact on women, especially in terms of their roles in society. These events resulted in women moving from the home to the world of work. These writers acknowledge that women in the twentieth century were mostly excluded from history. In contrast to others who have written about this time, these writers consider women and their roles in society and how these roles have changed as a consequence of the historical events of the time. Marie-Paul Armand was a popular writer of French fiction. At first glance her novels seem to be enjoyable historical, romantic fiction for readers who enjoy sentimental love stories. However on closer examination one can see that she rigorously researched the period in which her novels are set. These novels reconstitute the reality of women’s lives during the twentieth century. In her first award-winning novel La poussière des corons, Armand depicted the life of her main character, Madeleine, through the various stages of a woman’s life from her birth at the turn of the century, early childhood, adolescence during the First World War until old age in the 1960s. This novel mirrors the life of a woman in working class French mining society from the beginning of the twentieth century until the fifties and sixties when Western women underwent an unprecedented metamorphosis of their role. These novels would appeal to a wider readership than works by Historians with the same subject matter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: De Wet, Michelle
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Language: French
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008392 , Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Description: Georges Duby and Michelle Perrot’s work, Histoire des femmes en Occident, Antoine Prost and Gérard Vincent’s work A History of Private Life as well as Chantal Antier’s work Les Femmes dans la Grande Guerre and Carol Mann’s work Femmes dans la Guerre, show that women have been largely ignored in the annals written about the twentieth century. This period was one marked by two World Wars, which had an enormous impact on women, especially in terms of their roles in society. These events resulted in women moving from the home to the world of work. These writers acknowledge that women in the twentieth century were mostly excluded from history. In contrast to others who have written about this time, these writers consider women and their roles in society and how these roles have changed as a consequence of the historical events of the time. Marie-Paul Armand was a popular writer of French fiction. At first glance her novels seem to be enjoyable historical, romantic fiction for readers who enjoy sentimental love stories. However on closer examination one can see that she rigorously researched the period in which her novels are set. These novels reconstitute the reality of women’s lives during the twentieth century. In her first award-winning novel La poussière des corons, Armand depicted the life of her main character, Madeleine, through the various stages of a woman’s life from her birth at the turn of the century, early childhood, adolescence during the First World War until old age in the 1960s. This novel mirrors the life of a woman in working class French mining society from the beginning of the twentieth century until the fifties and sixties when Western women underwent an unprecedented metamorphosis of their role. These novels would appeal to a wider readership than works by Historians with the same subject matter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Professional nurses' knowledge regarding weaning the critically ill patient from the mechanical ventilation
- Authors: Demingo, Xavier Preston
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Artificial respiration , Respiratory therapy , Critical care medicine , Respirators (Medical equipment) , Artificial respiration -- Nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10026 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1323 , Artificial respiration , Respiratory therapy , Critical care medicine , Respirators (Medical equipment) , Artificial respiration -- Nursing
- Description: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most frequently used treatment modalities in the intensive care unit (ICU) (Burns, 2005:14). Up to 90% of critically ill patients in ICUs globally are connected to a mechanical ventilator. Although mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving intervention, it is expensive and is associated with diverse complications (Mclean, Jensen, Schroeder, Gibney & Skjodt, 2006: 299). Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) accounts for 25% of all infections in ICU, with global crude mortality figures estimated at 20-70% (Craven, 2006:251). Minimising the time that a patient is connected to a mechanical ventilator to the absolute minimum can have considerable benefits in terms of decreased mortality and morbidity, as well as a decreased length of ICU stay and lower hospital costs. Critically ill patients therefore need to be weaned from the mechanical ventilator as soon as their condition that warranted the need for mechanical ventilation is stabilized. The process of weaning the critically ill patient from mechanical ventilation constitutes a significant proportion of total ventilator time. As professional nurses attend to the mechanically ventilated patient 24 hours a day, they have a vital role to play in the collaborative management of the patient requiring weaning from mechanical ventilation. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the professional nurses’ knowledge regarding weaning the critically ill patient from mechanical ventilation. Based on the results, recommendations in the form of a protocol were made in order to improve the professional nurses’ knowledge and enhance the care of the mechanically ventilated patient. A quantitative design, which was exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature, was utilised for the study. The data collection instrument of choice was a self-administered questionnaire. Convenience, non-probability sampling was the sampling method chosen for the purpose of this study. Collected data were analysed with the assistance of a statistician using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results were displayed in the form of graphs and tables. The results obtained in the study, combined with data from the literature review, were used to develop recommendations to enhance vi professional nurses’ knowledge regarding weaning the critically ill patient from mechanical ventilation. The recommendations were presented in the form of a protocol based on the available evidence. Ethical principles as they relate to conducting research were adhered to throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Demingo, Xavier Preston
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Artificial respiration , Respiratory therapy , Critical care medicine , Respirators (Medical equipment) , Artificial respiration -- Nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10026 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1323 , Artificial respiration , Respiratory therapy , Critical care medicine , Respirators (Medical equipment) , Artificial respiration -- Nursing
- Description: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most frequently used treatment modalities in the intensive care unit (ICU) (Burns, 2005:14). Up to 90% of critically ill patients in ICUs globally are connected to a mechanical ventilator. Although mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving intervention, it is expensive and is associated with diverse complications (Mclean, Jensen, Schroeder, Gibney & Skjodt, 2006: 299). Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) accounts for 25% of all infections in ICU, with global crude mortality figures estimated at 20-70% (Craven, 2006:251). Minimising the time that a patient is connected to a mechanical ventilator to the absolute minimum can have considerable benefits in terms of decreased mortality and morbidity, as well as a decreased length of ICU stay and lower hospital costs. Critically ill patients therefore need to be weaned from the mechanical ventilator as soon as their condition that warranted the need for mechanical ventilation is stabilized. The process of weaning the critically ill patient from mechanical ventilation constitutes a significant proportion of total ventilator time. As professional nurses attend to the mechanically ventilated patient 24 hours a day, they have a vital role to play in the collaborative management of the patient requiring weaning from mechanical ventilation. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the professional nurses’ knowledge regarding weaning the critically ill patient from mechanical ventilation. Based on the results, recommendations in the form of a protocol were made in order to improve the professional nurses’ knowledge and enhance the care of the mechanically ventilated patient. A quantitative design, which was exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature, was utilised for the study. The data collection instrument of choice was a self-administered questionnaire. Convenience, non-probability sampling was the sampling method chosen for the purpose of this study. Collected data were analysed with the assistance of a statistician using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results were displayed in the form of graphs and tables. The results obtained in the study, combined with data from the literature review, were used to develop recommendations to enhance vi professional nurses’ knowledge regarding weaning the critically ill patient from mechanical ventilation. The recommendations were presented in the form of a protocol based on the available evidence. Ethical principles as they relate to conducting research were adhered to throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Towards monitoring that makes sense : action research design of a planning, learning and accountability system for a sustainable agriculture programme in Eastern Indonesia
- Authors: Deprez, Stefan Gert Marie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- Indonesia Agricultural administration -- Monitoring -- Indonesia Action research -- Case studies Action research in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003686
- Description: This study is an account of an action research process to develop a planning, learning and accountability (PLA) system for the sustainable agriculture chain development programme of VECO (Vredeseilanden Country Office) Indonesia. Many monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes in development programmes are largely carried out to provide information for funding agencies, to meet external accountability requirements and for symbolic protection. This study generates insights into an integrated, learning-oriented monitoring practice which fosters reflective practice, provides feedback to programme stakeholders about performance, progress and results achieved, facilitates improved accountability, and generates information and knowledge useful for the programme stakeholders to take decisions for improved action. It is argued that M&E systems have the potential, if developed well, to serve as a framework or ‘carrier’ for organisational and institutional learning – an essential requirement to respond to the complex nature of development processes. Outcome mapping is presented as a possible approach to be used as the basis for such a M&E system. This study was underpinned by a socially critical orientation to development (programmes) and by an action research method to guide the PLA system design process. The design process was organized around seven steps - which in themselves were a result of the action research process – including specific steps to ensure a learning-oriented M&E system. Based on the agreed purposes and intended uses of the monitoring and learning process, the resulting PLA system is focused around the organizational spaces and rhythms of VECO Indonesia which are central to sharing, debate, learning and decision-making. In this way, the PLA system becomes integral to the thinking and doing of the organization. It is built on the premise that monitoring does not end with gathering data; it also needs to include a process of understanding and deciding how data can best be used and analysed to strengthen concerted action and facilitate decision-making. It highlights the importance of sense-making – interpreting information to make it usable for action. Furthermore, it incorporates an approach to assess and consciously plan for the creation of the necessary organisational conditions to implement and maintain a learning-oriented M&E system. The study is completed by critical reflection on the relevance of VECO’s new PLA system for planning, learning and accountability, combined with the use of a future scenario technique to generate recommendations and identify critical future directions. Further exploration of ‘intelligent’ information-seeking methods and processes is called for; and a practice which moves beyond intra-organisational monitoring – focusing on VECO’s own monitoring needs – towards a monitoring process that facilitates change based on the viewpoints of, and in collaboration with local actors, i.e., institutional monitoring and learning, is recommended. VECO is encouraged to continue developing a mindset and practice whereby the programme team and partners have the ability to leave the safe zone of pre-determined outcomes and actions, and to make sense of the world as they engage in action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Deprez, Stefan Gert Marie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- Indonesia Agricultural administration -- Monitoring -- Indonesia Action research -- Case studies Action research in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003686
- Description: This study is an account of an action research process to develop a planning, learning and accountability (PLA) system for the sustainable agriculture chain development programme of VECO (Vredeseilanden Country Office) Indonesia. Many monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes in development programmes are largely carried out to provide information for funding agencies, to meet external accountability requirements and for symbolic protection. This study generates insights into an integrated, learning-oriented monitoring practice which fosters reflective practice, provides feedback to programme stakeholders about performance, progress and results achieved, facilitates improved accountability, and generates information and knowledge useful for the programme stakeholders to take decisions for improved action. It is argued that M&E systems have the potential, if developed well, to serve as a framework or ‘carrier’ for organisational and institutional learning – an essential requirement to respond to the complex nature of development processes. Outcome mapping is presented as a possible approach to be used as the basis for such a M&E system. This study was underpinned by a socially critical orientation to development (programmes) and by an action research method to guide the PLA system design process. The design process was organized around seven steps - which in themselves were a result of the action research process – including specific steps to ensure a learning-oriented M&E system. Based on the agreed purposes and intended uses of the monitoring and learning process, the resulting PLA system is focused around the organizational spaces and rhythms of VECO Indonesia which are central to sharing, debate, learning and decision-making. In this way, the PLA system becomes integral to the thinking and doing of the organization. It is built on the premise that monitoring does not end with gathering data; it also needs to include a process of understanding and deciding how data can best be used and analysed to strengthen concerted action and facilitate decision-making. It highlights the importance of sense-making – interpreting information to make it usable for action. Furthermore, it incorporates an approach to assess and consciously plan for the creation of the necessary organisational conditions to implement and maintain a learning-oriented M&E system. The study is completed by critical reflection on the relevance of VECO’s new PLA system for planning, learning and accountability, combined with the use of a future scenario technique to generate recommendations and identify critical future directions. Further exploration of ‘intelligent’ information-seeking methods and processes is called for; and a practice which moves beyond intra-organisational monitoring – focusing on VECO’s own monitoring needs – towards a monitoring process that facilitates change based on the viewpoints of, and in collaboration with local actors, i.e., institutional monitoring and learning, is recommended. VECO is encouraged to continue developing a mindset and practice whereby the programme team and partners have the ability to leave the safe zone of pre-determined outcomes and actions, and to make sense of the world as they engage in action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Core self-evaluations, racial evaluation and learning amongst Zulu students at the university of Zululand
- Authors: Dodd Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008398 , Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Description: Core Self-Evaluations [CSE] are a person’s estimation of his/her own worth and ability (Judge & Scott 2009). This in turn, is related to Racial Evaluation which is a person’s internal evaluation of his/her racial identity (Diller, 2010). The Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998) makes provision for the employment of equity candidates who can acquire skills in a reasonable amount of time. This requires individuals to be able to learn and then achieve in outcomes-based assessment. Core Self-Evaluations and Racial Evaluation can have an impact on how individuals perceive themselves, and how they perform in education, training and development (Hanley & Noblit, 2009). This study explored the relationship between Core Self-Evaluation, Racial Evaluation, Learning and Outcomes-Based Assessment using an experimental design. The Core Self-Evaluation scores in this study (n=230) were consistent with levels found internationally (Broucek, 2005). There was positive Racial Evaluation, with a relationship existing between Racial Evaluation and Core Self-Evaluations. This means that part of a person’s identity as an individual is related to Racial Evaluation, with that Racial Evaluation being positive amongst young Zulu students at the University of Zululand. There was a statistically significant, but small correlation between Learning and Core Self- Evaluation and a relationship was also found between CSE and Outcomes-Based Assessment results. When Core Self-Evaluation is higher, Learning tends to be more likely. The same pattern does not hold for Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Among Zulu students, lower CSE is linked to improved Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Racial Evaluation has a small relationship with CSE. However, efforts to remedy apartheid may be directed towards socio-economic development and need not focus on boosting Racial Evaluation when it comes to young Zulu adults.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dodd Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008398 , Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Description: Core Self-Evaluations [CSE] are a person’s estimation of his/her own worth and ability (Judge & Scott 2009). This in turn, is related to Racial Evaluation which is a person’s internal evaluation of his/her racial identity (Diller, 2010). The Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998) makes provision for the employment of equity candidates who can acquire skills in a reasonable amount of time. This requires individuals to be able to learn and then achieve in outcomes-based assessment. Core Self-Evaluations and Racial Evaluation can have an impact on how individuals perceive themselves, and how they perform in education, training and development (Hanley & Noblit, 2009). This study explored the relationship between Core Self-Evaluation, Racial Evaluation, Learning and Outcomes-Based Assessment using an experimental design. The Core Self-Evaluation scores in this study (n=230) were consistent with levels found internationally (Broucek, 2005). There was positive Racial Evaluation, with a relationship existing between Racial Evaluation and Core Self-Evaluations. This means that part of a person’s identity as an individual is related to Racial Evaluation, with that Racial Evaluation being positive amongst young Zulu students at the University of Zululand. There was a statistically significant, but small correlation between Learning and Core Self- Evaluation and a relationship was also found between CSE and Outcomes-Based Assessment results. When Core Self-Evaluation is higher, Learning tends to be more likely. The same pattern does not hold for Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Among Zulu students, lower CSE is linked to improved Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Racial Evaluation has a small relationship with CSE. However, efforts to remedy apartheid may be directed towards socio-economic development and need not focus on boosting Racial Evaluation when it comes to young Zulu adults.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Lumberjacks and hoodrats: negotiating subject positions of lesbian representation in two South African television programmes
- Authors: Donaldson, Natalie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lesbianism on television -- Research -- South Africa , Lesbians -- Research -- South Africa , Gay rights -- Research -- South Africa , Television actors and actresses -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002473 , Lesbianism on television -- Research -- South Africa , Lesbians -- Research -- South Africa , Gay rights -- Research -- South Africa , Television actors and actresses -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: With the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Equality clause of the post-Apartheid constitution which demands equal rights and protection for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, South Africa has been praised as one of the most liberal countries in the world. Because of this legal equality, gay and lesbian experiences have become a lot more visible in every day South African lives. This includes visibility in South African television programmes and film. Today, a number of South African produced television programmes have included at least one lesbian character in their storyline and many LGBTIQ activist organisations have deemed this increased visibility as a positive step for LGBTIQ rights. However, discriminatory discourses such as same-sex sexualities as 'un-African ' and unnatural, which often result in brutal hate crimes against LGBTIQ individuals (such as corrective rape), contribute to the social and cultural intolerance of same-sex sexualities. South African research into the lives of lesbian women has often related lesbian experience to that of gay men or has focused on lesbian women as victims of corrective rape and oppressive practices at the hands of the dominant heteronormative culture. This research was a discursive reception study, using three focus group discussions with self-identified lesbian audiences (black and white). The study explored how this audience received (interpreted/talked about) the available fictional representations of 'black' lesbian women and 'white' lesbian women in three clips from two South African television programmes, Society and The Mating Game. Using Wetherell's (1998) critical discursive psychology approach, this research focused on examining the 1) Subject positions made available in/by these representations; 2) Interpretive repertoires used by the audience in appropriating and/or negotiating and/or reSisting these subject positions; and 3) Ideological dilemmas experienced by participants in this negotiation process. The predominant subject positions made available in these representations were differentiated according to binary racial categories of white lesbian women and black lesbian women. For example, participants positioned white lesbian women as "lumberjacks" and "tomboys" while black lesbian women were positioned as "township lesbians" and "hood rats". In working with these subject positions, participants drew on interpretative repertoires of othering and otherness as well as interpretative repertoires of survival. In negotiating with these subject positions and others found in the discussions, ideological dilemmas often arose when participants found themselves having to draw on interpretative repertoires which extend from a heteronormative discourse. These kinds of interpretative repertoires included religion, nature, and compromise which contradicted and created a troubled position when used in relation to the participants' lesbian sexualities. Therefore, when the ideological dilemma and troubled position became apparent, participants had to work to repair the troubled position by justifying their use of these heteronormative interpretative repertoires.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Donaldson, Natalie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lesbianism on television -- Research -- South Africa , Lesbians -- Research -- South Africa , Gay rights -- Research -- South Africa , Television actors and actresses -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002473 , Lesbianism on television -- Research -- South Africa , Lesbians -- Research -- South Africa , Gay rights -- Research -- South Africa , Television actors and actresses -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: With the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Equality clause of the post-Apartheid constitution which demands equal rights and protection for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, South Africa has been praised as one of the most liberal countries in the world. Because of this legal equality, gay and lesbian experiences have become a lot more visible in every day South African lives. This includes visibility in South African television programmes and film. Today, a number of South African produced television programmes have included at least one lesbian character in their storyline and many LGBTIQ activist organisations have deemed this increased visibility as a positive step for LGBTIQ rights. However, discriminatory discourses such as same-sex sexualities as 'un-African ' and unnatural, which often result in brutal hate crimes against LGBTIQ individuals (such as corrective rape), contribute to the social and cultural intolerance of same-sex sexualities. South African research into the lives of lesbian women has often related lesbian experience to that of gay men or has focused on lesbian women as victims of corrective rape and oppressive practices at the hands of the dominant heteronormative culture. This research was a discursive reception study, using three focus group discussions with self-identified lesbian audiences (black and white). The study explored how this audience received (interpreted/talked about) the available fictional representations of 'black' lesbian women and 'white' lesbian women in three clips from two South African television programmes, Society and The Mating Game. Using Wetherell's (1998) critical discursive psychology approach, this research focused on examining the 1) Subject positions made available in/by these representations; 2) Interpretive repertoires used by the audience in appropriating and/or negotiating and/or reSisting these subject positions; and 3) Ideological dilemmas experienced by participants in this negotiation process. The predominant subject positions made available in these representations were differentiated according to binary racial categories of white lesbian women and black lesbian women. For example, participants positioned white lesbian women as "lumberjacks" and "tomboys" while black lesbian women were positioned as "township lesbians" and "hood rats". In working with these subject positions, participants drew on interpretative repertoires of othering and otherness as well as interpretative repertoires of survival. In negotiating with these subject positions and others found in the discussions, ideological dilemmas often arose when participants found themselves having to draw on interpretative repertoires which extend from a heteronormative discourse. These kinds of interpretative repertoires included religion, nature, and compromise which contradicted and created a troubled position when used in relation to the participants' lesbian sexualities. Therefore, when the ideological dilemma and troubled position became apparent, participants had to work to repair the troubled position by justifying their use of these heteronormative interpretative repertoires.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploratory study on attitudes of nurse managers towards quality improvement programmes in the East London hospital complex
- Authors: Dondashe-Mtise, Tobeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/316 , Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: This study was aimed at investigating the attitudes of nurse managers towards quality improvement programmes in the East London Hospital Complex. The research design comprised a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach. A purposive sample of 10 nurse managers participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded using audiotape. Data were analysed manually and by using the computer software Atlas ti. Positive and negative themes were identified and ethical consideration was ensured by means of privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. The findings revealed that nurse managers in the East London Hospital Complex had overall positive attitudes towards quality improvement programmes. A few negative attitudes and their contributory factors were also identified. The limitations of the study and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dondashe-Mtise, Tobeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/316 , Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: This study was aimed at investigating the attitudes of nurse managers towards quality improvement programmes in the East London Hospital Complex. The research design comprised a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach. A purposive sample of 10 nurse managers participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded using audiotape. Data were analysed manually and by using the computer software Atlas ti. Positive and negative themes were identified and ethical consideration was ensured by means of privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. The findings revealed that nurse managers in the East London Hospital Complex had overall positive attitudes towards quality improvement programmes. A few negative attitudes and their contributory factors were also identified. The limitations of the study and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Probing diplomacy on resource conflicts between Kenya and South Sudan
- Authors: Dor, Michael Majok Ayom
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Kenya , Conflict management -- Sudan , Natural resources -- Kenya , Turkana (African people) , Toposa (African people) , Natural resources -- Sudan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001258 , Conflict management -- Kenya , Conflict management -- Sudan , Natural resources -- Kenya , Turkana (African people) , Toposa (African people) , Natural resources -- Sudan
- Description: The diversity of African Conflicts has become a field of inquiry and drawn the attention of many scholars who wish to theorize the origin of these conflicts. Such conflicts were perceived, in many ways, as originating from a colonial legacy. However, conflicts over natural resources have always played a role in human society, and have retarded socio-development in many countries. Guy Martin acknowledges that, over the last 40 years, Africa has been and continues to be one of the most conflict-ridden regions of the world; this has resulted in untold human suffering (Guy, 2002:185-188). This study focuses on resource conflicts and their outcomes on Public Administration as a discipline. The discussion offers a theoretical review of academic literature in combination with an analysis of the feature of resource conflicts and the relevant policies which govern conflict resolution and management. According to Terry et al (2007:32), “these two regions suffered from developmental and educational ignorance”. Most of the people living in this area are pastoralists; as such, the violence emanating from cattle rustling within Sudan and across its borders with Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia continues to erode their moral fabric. The remoteness of the area has caused it to be a landscape of conflicts and insecurity and might have been cause for the paralysis of public administration and, in turn, reflected in poor service delivery. During the course of the study, an orderly and systematic use of mixed methods was chosen, since quantitative and qualitative research methods were found to be complementary rather than oppositional approaches. Using both prominent and modest collection procedures, the methods employed in this study proved to be practical and useful. The study examines resource conflict between the Turkana of Kenya and the Toposa of South Sudan. It suggests practical strategies and mechanisms by which the problem will be ameliorated, here and elsewhere, in as far as providing effective and efficient service delivery to the community without fail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dor, Michael Majok Ayom
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Kenya , Conflict management -- Sudan , Natural resources -- Kenya , Turkana (African people) , Toposa (African people) , Natural resources -- Sudan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001258 , Conflict management -- Kenya , Conflict management -- Sudan , Natural resources -- Kenya , Turkana (African people) , Toposa (African people) , Natural resources -- Sudan
- Description: The diversity of African Conflicts has become a field of inquiry and drawn the attention of many scholars who wish to theorize the origin of these conflicts. Such conflicts were perceived, in many ways, as originating from a colonial legacy. However, conflicts over natural resources have always played a role in human society, and have retarded socio-development in many countries. Guy Martin acknowledges that, over the last 40 years, Africa has been and continues to be one of the most conflict-ridden regions of the world; this has resulted in untold human suffering (Guy, 2002:185-188). This study focuses on resource conflicts and their outcomes on Public Administration as a discipline. The discussion offers a theoretical review of academic literature in combination with an analysis of the feature of resource conflicts and the relevant policies which govern conflict resolution and management. According to Terry et al (2007:32), “these two regions suffered from developmental and educational ignorance”. Most of the people living in this area are pastoralists; as such, the violence emanating from cattle rustling within Sudan and across its borders with Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia continues to erode their moral fabric. The remoteness of the area has caused it to be a landscape of conflicts and insecurity and might have been cause for the paralysis of public administration and, in turn, reflected in poor service delivery. During the course of the study, an orderly and systematic use of mixed methods was chosen, since quantitative and qualitative research methods were found to be complementary rather than oppositional approaches. Using both prominent and modest collection procedures, the methods employed in this study proved to be practical and useful. The study examines resource conflict between the Turkana of Kenya and the Toposa of South Sudan. It suggests practical strategies and mechanisms by which the problem will be ameliorated, here and elsewhere, in as far as providing effective and efficient service delivery to the community without fail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors contributing to the success of professional and business women in South Africa
- Authors: Doubell, Marianne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1622 , Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Description: Women remain notably underrepresented in management and leadership positions despite the enactment of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. A critical literature review yielded evidence of a multitude of barriers inhibiting women’s career advancement beyond an apparent glass ceiling, but not which of the factors constitute the major barriers. A knowledge gap was further identified in research pertaining to characteristics of successful professional women and the environments that enable them to succeed in their professions. The purpose of the current study is to expand the empirical body of research and knowledge on factors contributing to the success of professional women, and of factors inhibiting the career progression of women in business. The study extends that of Punnett, Duffy, Fox, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján and Santos (2006) and of Duffy, Fox, Punnett, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján, Santos and Miller (2006), conducted in the Americas, to the South African context. The study suggests a conceptual framework for investigating factors that influence professional success of women. The developed conceptual framework of factors perceived to influence professional success was employed to empirically test the relationships between the variables presented. The empirical data collected was subjected to a series of statistical tests and the results considered in testing the hypotheses. Statistica 10 was employed to analyse the empirical data collected. Univariate and multivariate tests (MANOVA) were employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about hypotheses one to five of the study, relating to differences between two success groups of women based on their demographics and the selected variables. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Pearson r) was employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about vi hypotheses six to ten, relating to significant relationships between the selected independent variables for the study and the professional success of women. Professional success was measured as job seniority level. For the pipeline success group, professional success was measured as seniority in relation to years in the employment sector and age. The contribution of the study to management science and possible limitations are discussed and recommendations made for future research. Recommendations for the development of women and for the social transformation of organisations are made. The study identifies a number of internal organisational support factors and government interventions which are recommended for inclusion in development initiatives for the achievement of gender equity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Doubell, Marianne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1622 , Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Description: Women remain notably underrepresented in management and leadership positions despite the enactment of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. A critical literature review yielded evidence of a multitude of barriers inhibiting women’s career advancement beyond an apparent glass ceiling, but not which of the factors constitute the major barriers. A knowledge gap was further identified in research pertaining to characteristics of successful professional women and the environments that enable them to succeed in their professions. The purpose of the current study is to expand the empirical body of research and knowledge on factors contributing to the success of professional women, and of factors inhibiting the career progression of women in business. The study extends that of Punnett, Duffy, Fox, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján and Santos (2006) and of Duffy, Fox, Punnett, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján, Santos and Miller (2006), conducted in the Americas, to the South African context. The study suggests a conceptual framework for investigating factors that influence professional success of women. The developed conceptual framework of factors perceived to influence professional success was employed to empirically test the relationships between the variables presented. The empirical data collected was subjected to a series of statistical tests and the results considered in testing the hypotheses. Statistica 10 was employed to analyse the empirical data collected. Univariate and multivariate tests (MANOVA) were employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about hypotheses one to five of the study, relating to differences between two success groups of women based on their demographics and the selected variables. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Pearson r) was employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about vi hypotheses six to ten, relating to significant relationships between the selected independent variables for the study and the professional success of women. Professional success was measured as job seniority level. For the pipeline success group, professional success was measured as seniority in relation to years in the employment sector and age. The contribution of the study to management science and possible limitations are discussed and recommendations made for future research. Recommendations for the development of women and for the social transformation of organisations are made. The study identifies a number of internal organisational support factors and government interventions which are recommended for inclusion in development initiatives for the achievement of gender equity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The potential for voluntary instruments to achieve conservation planning goals : the case of conservancies in South Africa
- Downsborough, Linda, Shackleton, Charlie M, Knight, Andrew T
- Authors: Downsborough, Linda , Shackleton, Charlie M , Knight, Andrew T
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006821
- Description: Spatial prioritizations and gap analyses are increasingly undertaken to allocate conservation resources. Most spatial prioritizations are conducted without specifying the conservation instruments to be implemented and gap analyses typically assess formally protected areas but increasingly include private land conservation instruments. We examine conservancies to see if these voluntary instruments contribute towards achieving goals of South African conservation planning initiatives. We conducted a nationwide survey and interviews with conservancy members in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Conservancies have potential for assisting South Africa to achieve conservation planning goals at national and local scales but their inclusion in spatial prioritizations and gap analyses predicates improved protection for nature, operational refinement and increased support. We sound a warning to conservation planning initiatives that incorporate voluntary instruments on private land, and present recommendations for strengthening such instruments to make them more effective. Our findings may assist conservation planners elsewhere to design more effective conservation planning initiatives focused on private land.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Downsborough, Linda , Shackleton, Charlie M , Knight, Andrew T
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006821
- Description: Spatial prioritizations and gap analyses are increasingly undertaken to allocate conservation resources. Most spatial prioritizations are conducted without specifying the conservation instruments to be implemented and gap analyses typically assess formally protected areas but increasingly include private land conservation instruments. We examine conservancies to see if these voluntary instruments contribute towards achieving goals of South African conservation planning initiatives. We conducted a nationwide survey and interviews with conservancy members in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Conservancies have potential for assisting South Africa to achieve conservation planning goals at national and local scales but their inclusion in spatial prioritizations and gap analyses predicates improved protection for nature, operational refinement and increased support. We sound a warning to conservation planning initiatives that incorporate voluntary instruments on private land, and present recommendations for strengthening such instruments to make them more effective. Our findings may assist conservation planners elsewhere to design more effective conservation planning initiatives focused on private land.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An illustrated leaflet containing antiretroviral information targeted for low-literate readers: development and evaluation
- Dowse, Roslind, Ramela, Thato, Browne, Sara H
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ramela, Thato , Browne, Sara H
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156731 , vital:40043 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2011.01.013
- Description: To apply a dual visual/textual modal approach in developing and evaluating a medicine information leaflet with pictograms suitable for low-literate HIV/AIDS patients. To identify and recommend best practices in this type of information design.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ramela, Thato , Browne, Sara H
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156731 , vital:40043 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2011.01.013
- Description: To apply a dual visual/textual modal approach in developing and evaluating a medicine information leaflet with pictograms suitable for low-literate HIV/AIDS patients. To identify and recommend best practices in this type of information design.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Developing visual images for communicating information aboutantiretroviral side effects to a low-literate population:
- Dowse, Roslind, Ramela, Thato, Barford, Kirsty-Lee, Browne, Sara H
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ramela, Thato , Barford, Kirsty-Lee , Browne, Sara H
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156769 , vital:40048 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2010.530172
- Description: The side effects of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy are linked to altered quality of life and adherence. Poor adherence has also been associated with low health-literacy skills, with an uninformed patient more likely to make ARV-related decisions that compromise the efficacy of the treatment. Low literacy skills disempower patients in interactions with healthcare providers and preclude the use of existing written patient information materials, which are generally written at a high reading level. Visual images or pictograms used as a counselling tool or included in patient information leaflets have been shown to improve patients’ knowledge, particularly in low-literate groups. The objective of this study was to design visuals or pictograms illustrating various ARV side effects and to evaluate them in a low-literate South African Xhosa population. Core images were generated either from a design workshop or from posed photos or images from textbooks. The research team worked closely with a graphic artist. Initial versions of the images were discussed and assessed in group discussions, and then modified and eventually evaluated quantitatively in individual interviews with 40 participants who each had a maximum of 10 years of schooling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dowse, Roslind , Ramela, Thato , Barford, Kirsty-Lee , Browne, Sara H
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156769 , vital:40048 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2010.530172
- Description: The side effects of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy are linked to altered quality of life and adherence. Poor adherence has also been associated with low health-literacy skills, with an uninformed patient more likely to make ARV-related decisions that compromise the efficacy of the treatment. Low literacy skills disempower patients in interactions with healthcare providers and preclude the use of existing written patient information materials, which are generally written at a high reading level. Visual images or pictograms used as a counselling tool or included in patient information leaflets have been shown to improve patients’ knowledge, particularly in low-literate groups. The objective of this study was to design visuals or pictograms illustrating various ARV side effects and to evaluate them in a low-literate South African Xhosa population. Core images were generated either from a design workshop or from posed photos or images from textbooks. The research team worked closely with a graphic artist. Initial versions of the images were discussed and assessed in group discussions, and then modified and eventually evaluated quantitatively in individual interviews with 40 participants who each had a maximum of 10 years of schooling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The role of the principal as school leader in maintaining academic standards in the schooling of at-risk learners: a case study at a school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Draai, Karen Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School principals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Children with social disabilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008278
- Description: Many disadvantaged schools in South Africa are characterised by poor performance, which is often linked to the legacy of the apartheid regime. Yet, some disadvantaged schools are surviving and even producing excellent results. Many successful businessmen, politicians and academics can attest to the success of these schools, being a product of such schools. Leadership, which has received a lot of attention in recent years, are often the cause of schools failing to produce the expected results. Previous studies have shown that leadership is the key to academic excellence and that to lead disadvantaged schools to success requires strong leaders with moral purpose, who possess qualities of transformational leaders, but also leaders who can focus on instructional leadership practices. This study focuses on the role of leadership in maintaining academic standards at a school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth. The school has a proud tradition of good academic performances and has even been labelled as a 'model C school in the northern areas'. It has been found that teachers are committed and hardworking and the principal is perceived as having expecting high expectations for the children of the area. He believes as an educator one should never give up on the children. The study found that the principal is a strong leader who shows characteristics of a transformational leader and has the drive of an instructional leader to lead the school and to maintain academic standards. He is a well-respected leader who leads with moral purpose and who has the desire to uplift the community. The study has the potential to provide guidance and encouragement to school principals, and to inform the Department of Education's leadership training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Draai, Karen Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School principals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Children with social disabilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008278
- Description: Many disadvantaged schools in South Africa are characterised by poor performance, which is often linked to the legacy of the apartheid regime. Yet, some disadvantaged schools are surviving and even producing excellent results. Many successful businessmen, politicians and academics can attest to the success of these schools, being a product of such schools. Leadership, which has received a lot of attention in recent years, are often the cause of schools failing to produce the expected results. Previous studies have shown that leadership is the key to academic excellence and that to lead disadvantaged schools to success requires strong leaders with moral purpose, who possess qualities of transformational leaders, but also leaders who can focus on instructional leadership practices. This study focuses on the role of leadership in maintaining academic standards at a school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth. The school has a proud tradition of good academic performances and has even been labelled as a 'model C school in the northern areas'. It has been found that teachers are committed and hardworking and the principal is perceived as having expecting high expectations for the children of the area. He believes as an educator one should never give up on the children. The study found that the principal is a strong leader who shows characteristics of a transformational leader and has the drive of an instructional leader to lead the school and to maintain academic standards. He is a well-respected leader who leads with moral purpose and who has the desire to uplift the community. The study has the potential to provide guidance and encouragement to school principals, and to inform the Department of Education's leadership training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The constitutional rights of 'benefactor children' and 'saviour siblings' to bodily intergrity and autonomy
- Authors: Du Plessis, Emma Kate
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Children's rights , Civil rights , Genetic engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010420 , Children's rights , Civil rights , Genetic engineering
- Description: In modern society, children are acknowledged as bearers of both children‟s rights and all other rights in the Bill of Rights which generally apply to children. One important right, outside of section 28, is that of bodily integrity or the right to control and decide what happens to their body. Therefore, children theoretically have the right to consent to medical treatment and surgery. However, children are generally deemed to lack the necessary maturity to make decisions of this nature and require parental consent before any medical procedure may be performed. Following the enactment of the Children‟s Act 38 of 2005, the age of consent for medical intervention was lowered to the uniform age of twelve. Children above the age of twelve are recognised as having the capacity to make their own decisions in respect of bodily integrity, whereas those under twelve still require parental consent. While this may be a positive evelopment, it is potentially problematic for two groups of children, known as „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟. In the last 50 years, there has been a noticeable advancement in the field of genetic research. One such development is the possibility of creating one child to save the life of another through tissue or organ donation. This has provided options to parents of children with life threatening conditions where before, there was little hope of a cure. Now, at the request of these parents, children can be specifically “genetically engineered” as an embryo, to become a tissue or organ match to a sick sibling. These children are known as „saviour siblings‟. Another group of children has emerged. While not the result of “genetic engineering”, they serve a similar purpose in being potential life-saving donors to an ill sibling and are known as „benefactor children‟. Both categories of children enjoy the protection of fundamental rights. For those who are under twelve years of age however, the right to bodily integrity can be infringed upon by the proposed surgical removal of organs or tissue for the benefit of a sick sibling, based purely on a parent‟s consent. At stake too, is the right to reproductive autonomy. Parents bear children for a number of different reasons, which can include raising a child to save the life of another. As they have the right to reproductive autonomy, adults are able to decide when they want children and for what reason they want children, which can include the various techniques used to bring about „saviour siblings‟. However, as rights are mutually interrelated and nterdependent, they cannot be viewed in isolation. Therefore, it must be asked: does a person‟s right to reproductive autonomy, as guaranteed by the Constitution, justify interference with an embryo? As an embryo is not recognised in South African law as a legal subject, it will be difficult to justify interference with this right on this basis. The right to consent to medical intervention only from age twelve was described as potentially problematic for „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟, as parents with seriously ill children may become so emotionally burdened, that they place the welfare of the sick child over that of the healthy child. Thus, it is possible that parents will consent to any and all procedures on the „benefactor child‟ or „saviour sibling‟, regardless of the implications to the health and suffering of the healthy child. Section 28(2) of the Constitution states that the child‟s best interests are of paramount importance but, it must be asked, whose best interests are more important when more than one child is involved? As this is a decision parents are incapable of making at that time, the decision should be made by a neutral, impartial and unemotional third party such as the Court, which can be assisted by the Family Advocate and an ombudsman, who are experts in assisting children and promoting their best interests. Presently, South African law does not expressly address „saviour siblings‟. However, with few changes to the National Health Act and other Regulations, this is an area which could be regulated in time. These changes could include finalising the draft regulations as well as providing a list of the medical and dental purposes for which blood and tissue can be removed and should make specific reference to the removal of tissue, blood or blood products to treat a sick sibling. It is also imperative that South Africa regulates these matters now, as „saviour siblings‟ are no longer simply a matter for the future. Furthermore, legislation needs to be amended and enacted to prevent the law from becoming out-dated and redundant, leaving „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟ vulnerable while law is being drafted. In that international law is silent on the matter, South Africa would be well advised to consider foreign law such as the United Kingdom, in developing its law. As the United Kingdom has developed a National Board, so too should South Africa, as this would assist in regulating „saviour siblings‟ by allowing members to review each proposed case of „saviour siblings‟. This is merely one recommendation of several which could facilitate a smooth, controlled regulation of a highly emotional topic. Children remain one of the most vulnerable groups in society and their rights are often susceptible to infringement or abuse. It is incumbent on the law to ensure that, wherever possible, these rights are protected, especially as science continues to advance and it becomes more difficult to determine what is morally correct.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Du Plessis, Emma Kate
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Children's rights , Civil rights , Genetic engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010420 , Children's rights , Civil rights , Genetic engineering
- Description: In modern society, children are acknowledged as bearers of both children‟s rights and all other rights in the Bill of Rights which generally apply to children. One important right, outside of section 28, is that of bodily integrity or the right to control and decide what happens to their body. Therefore, children theoretically have the right to consent to medical treatment and surgery. However, children are generally deemed to lack the necessary maturity to make decisions of this nature and require parental consent before any medical procedure may be performed. Following the enactment of the Children‟s Act 38 of 2005, the age of consent for medical intervention was lowered to the uniform age of twelve. Children above the age of twelve are recognised as having the capacity to make their own decisions in respect of bodily integrity, whereas those under twelve still require parental consent. While this may be a positive evelopment, it is potentially problematic for two groups of children, known as „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟. In the last 50 years, there has been a noticeable advancement in the field of genetic research. One such development is the possibility of creating one child to save the life of another through tissue or organ donation. This has provided options to parents of children with life threatening conditions where before, there was little hope of a cure. Now, at the request of these parents, children can be specifically “genetically engineered” as an embryo, to become a tissue or organ match to a sick sibling. These children are known as „saviour siblings‟. Another group of children has emerged. While not the result of “genetic engineering”, they serve a similar purpose in being potential life-saving donors to an ill sibling and are known as „benefactor children‟. Both categories of children enjoy the protection of fundamental rights. For those who are under twelve years of age however, the right to bodily integrity can be infringed upon by the proposed surgical removal of organs or tissue for the benefit of a sick sibling, based purely on a parent‟s consent. At stake too, is the right to reproductive autonomy. Parents bear children for a number of different reasons, which can include raising a child to save the life of another. As they have the right to reproductive autonomy, adults are able to decide when they want children and for what reason they want children, which can include the various techniques used to bring about „saviour siblings‟. However, as rights are mutually interrelated and nterdependent, they cannot be viewed in isolation. Therefore, it must be asked: does a person‟s right to reproductive autonomy, as guaranteed by the Constitution, justify interference with an embryo? As an embryo is not recognised in South African law as a legal subject, it will be difficult to justify interference with this right on this basis. The right to consent to medical intervention only from age twelve was described as potentially problematic for „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟, as parents with seriously ill children may become so emotionally burdened, that they place the welfare of the sick child over that of the healthy child. Thus, it is possible that parents will consent to any and all procedures on the „benefactor child‟ or „saviour sibling‟, regardless of the implications to the health and suffering of the healthy child. Section 28(2) of the Constitution states that the child‟s best interests are of paramount importance but, it must be asked, whose best interests are more important when more than one child is involved? As this is a decision parents are incapable of making at that time, the decision should be made by a neutral, impartial and unemotional third party such as the Court, which can be assisted by the Family Advocate and an ombudsman, who are experts in assisting children and promoting their best interests. Presently, South African law does not expressly address „saviour siblings‟. However, with few changes to the National Health Act and other Regulations, this is an area which could be regulated in time. These changes could include finalising the draft regulations as well as providing a list of the medical and dental purposes for which blood and tissue can be removed and should make specific reference to the removal of tissue, blood or blood products to treat a sick sibling. It is also imperative that South Africa regulates these matters now, as „saviour siblings‟ are no longer simply a matter for the future. Furthermore, legislation needs to be amended and enacted to prevent the law from becoming out-dated and redundant, leaving „benefactor children‟ and „saviour siblings‟ vulnerable while law is being drafted. In that international law is silent on the matter, South Africa would be well advised to consider foreign law such as the United Kingdom, in developing its law. As the United Kingdom has developed a National Board, so too should South Africa, as this would assist in regulating „saviour siblings‟ by allowing members to review each proposed case of „saviour siblings‟. This is merely one recommendation of several which could facilitate a smooth, controlled regulation of a highly emotional topic. Children remain one of the most vulnerable groups in society and their rights are often susceptible to infringement or abuse. It is incumbent on the law to ensure that, wherever possible, these rights are protected, especially as science continues to advance and it becomes more difficult to determine what is morally correct.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of selected modes of digital distribution on music consumerism, with reference to the album format
- Authors: Du Preez, Liska
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1427 , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Description: In this digital age many listeners of music now purchase albums from online digital music stores instead of buying a physical album from the record store. This has created a concern with many regarding the future of the album as a physical medium. This study investigates the impact of the possible death of the album on certain listening habits, the activity of record collecting, the creation of large-scale musical works, music consumerism, and its implications for the creative process on music as art and sound-recording quality. Three realisations have led to the problem statement. Firstly, the album might not have a future in the digital age. Secondly, downloadable songs might not be able to recreate an album experience. The third realisation is that the possible death of the album could create new, exciting challenges to artists as they strive to create art. This study is exploratory in nature - and no hypothesis was generated. The research necessitates qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual approaches. Furthermore, the investigation has led to the collection of mostly new data, constituting a “primary data design” through the implementation of qualitative listening experiments and a focus group, using full-time NMMU students between 18 and 25 years of age. It is herein argued that digital distribution might possibly have an effect on the perception of the album format and might possibly still be a relevant listening experience, valued by young people. Singles and albums are collectable; and good albums are considered artistic and comparable to the large-scale musical works of the past. If the concept of an album does not die out, then high fidelity formats should be able to re-invent the album experience. Listening experiences other than the album experience do exist, and they could generate new ways for artists to create musical art.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Du Preez, Liska
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1427 , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Description: In this digital age many listeners of music now purchase albums from online digital music stores instead of buying a physical album from the record store. This has created a concern with many regarding the future of the album as a physical medium. This study investigates the impact of the possible death of the album on certain listening habits, the activity of record collecting, the creation of large-scale musical works, music consumerism, and its implications for the creative process on music as art and sound-recording quality. Three realisations have led to the problem statement. Firstly, the album might not have a future in the digital age. Secondly, downloadable songs might not be able to recreate an album experience. The third realisation is that the possible death of the album could create new, exciting challenges to artists as they strive to create art. This study is exploratory in nature - and no hypothesis was generated. The research necessitates qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual approaches. Furthermore, the investigation has led to the collection of mostly new data, constituting a “primary data design” through the implementation of qualitative listening experiments and a focus group, using full-time NMMU students between 18 and 25 years of age. It is herein argued that digital distribution might possibly have an effect on the perception of the album format and might possibly still be a relevant listening experience, valued by young people. Singles and albums are collectable; and good albums are considered artistic and comparable to the large-scale musical works of the past. If the concept of an album does not die out, then high fidelity formats should be able to re-invent the album experience. Listening experiences other than the album experience do exist, and they could generate new ways for artists to create musical art.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of the elements of genocide with reference to the South African farmer's case
- Authors: Du Toit, Johanna Helena
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1568 , Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Description: The definition of genocide encompasses not only the killing of a protected group as is so often erroneously believed, but also inter alia the causing of serious bodily and mental harm to a group and deliberately inflicting conditions of life on a group calculated to bring about its destruction in whole or in part. Eight stages have been identified through which conventional genocide goes. There is a closed list of four groups named in the Genocide Convention in respect of which genocide can be perpetrated. Problems have been experienced with the classification and the determination whether a group should qualify or not. In answer to this problem, the definition of the groups should be seen cohesively and attempts should preferably not be made to compartmentalise any group suspected of being targeted for genocide. The special intent required for genocide sets it apart from other crimes against humanity. The intention that needs to be proven is the desire to exterminate a group as such in whole or in part. The mention of “in part” opens the door for genocide to be perpetrated against a small sub-group which conforms to the definition of a group. The white Afrikaner farmer forms part of the larger white Afrikaner group residing in South Africa. Incitement to genocide is an inchoate crime and is regarded as a lesser crime reflected in lower sentences being passed for incitement than for genocide itself. The requirements are that the incitement must be direct and public. The required intention to incite must also be proven for a conviction to follow. The farmer who laid the complaint with the International Criminal Court, did so in the hope that the Prosecutor would utilise his or her proprio motu powers to instigate an investigation in South Africa regarding white Afrikaner farmers. The complaint and petition as well as the statistics used by the farmer paint the picture of incitement to genocide and possible genocide. The allegations are not specific and will have to be proven in a court of law for any such finding to follow. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Du Toit, Johanna Helena
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1568 , Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Description: The definition of genocide encompasses not only the killing of a protected group as is so often erroneously believed, but also inter alia the causing of serious bodily and mental harm to a group and deliberately inflicting conditions of life on a group calculated to bring about its destruction in whole or in part. Eight stages have been identified through which conventional genocide goes. There is a closed list of four groups named in the Genocide Convention in respect of which genocide can be perpetrated. Problems have been experienced with the classification and the determination whether a group should qualify or not. In answer to this problem, the definition of the groups should be seen cohesively and attempts should preferably not be made to compartmentalise any group suspected of being targeted for genocide. The special intent required for genocide sets it apart from other crimes against humanity. The intention that needs to be proven is the desire to exterminate a group as such in whole or in part. The mention of “in part” opens the door for genocide to be perpetrated against a small sub-group which conforms to the definition of a group. The white Afrikaner farmer forms part of the larger white Afrikaner group residing in South Africa. Incitement to genocide is an inchoate crime and is regarded as a lesser crime reflected in lower sentences being passed for incitement than for genocide itself. The requirements are that the incitement must be direct and public. The required intention to incite must also be proven for a conviction to follow. The farmer who laid the complaint with the International Criminal Court, did so in the hope that the Prosecutor would utilise his or her proprio motu powers to instigate an investigation in South Africa regarding white Afrikaner farmers. The complaint and petition as well as the statistics used by the farmer paint the picture of incitement to genocide and possible genocide. The allegations are not specific and will have to be proven in a court of law for any such finding to follow. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The principal factor : examining the role of principals in the success of their schools
- Authors: Dubula, Nomvuyo Mildred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8240 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010881 , School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In this Treatise, a study is undertaken to analyse and examine the role of school principals in the success of their schools; with specific reference to township high schools in the Port Elizabeth district (P.E. district). The study assumes that P.E. district principals, as leaders and managers should deliver essential services effectively, efficiently, and with optimal use of resources to attain maximum results in school performance. The same is expected of their counterparts in any part of the country, it is not exclusively demanded from PE district principals. In terms of the current education legislation and policy framework, the principals have to account for the performance of their schools. To this end the National Department of Education introduced legislation in 2007 to ensure that principals account to the Head of The Department of Education of the relevant province. Section 16 A of the South African Schools Act (SASA) was introduced by the Education Law Amendment Act 31/2007. The provisions of this section deal with “the functions and responsibilities of principals of public schools.” Specifically section 16A (1) (b) states that “The principal must prepare and submit to the Head of the Department an annual report in respect of: (i.) The academic performance of that school (ii.) The effective use of available resources.” Since the enactment of section 16 A as referred to above, the Provincial Departments have begun to make principals account for the success or failure of learners, for human resource development, financial management, parent involvement in school matters and the active participation of school governing bodies. What should be clear is that the above encompasses all the critical and fundamental aspects that have an impact on the progress of any educational institution. The combination of the two requirements stated above reflects the extent to which the Department of Education is committed to making certain that principals in their respective schools create an environment where learners can achieve their full potential. It is such creation of conducive environments that will enable all learners in the country to achieve equal opportunities in society irrespective of their original backgrounds. This ideal is consistent with section 9 of the Constitution, 1996 which provides for the right to equality of all people. The research, also assumes that leadership is about direction and purpose, while management lays emphasis on effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership and management are fundamental aspects of those duties and responsibilities associated with the position of a school principal. It is further postulated that, a good principal understands that circumstances determine the proportion of each of these elements that is required by any given situation i.e. whether more of leadership or bigger dose management is appropriate in dealing with a certain set of circumstances or not. The study identifies variables that make a school principal a strong leader and good manager and lists the following as the critical focus areas: Balancing instructional and managerial leadership Strengthening the connection between school and home Developing effective leadership Effective teaching practices Staff development The study also assumes that township schools are no exception to those in different parts of the country. Despite some serious daily challenges peculiar to the township situations, these schools still have to perform satisfactorily like all other institutions of learning. The legislative and policy framework applies equally to all schools. The study argues primarily that all schools can perform well and develop the potential of their learners to the fullest. The difference lies in the leadership and management of the respective institutions by their principals. All stakeholders are presumed to posses the potential, the ability and the urge to do their utmost best to render quality services that would lead to the attainment of excellent results. It is worthwhile for the system that those who show themselves to lack these attributes should be identified, not to weed them out but to assist so that they acquire the necessary skills and expertise. After all it is by strengthening the weakest link that a chain becomes strong.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dubula, Nomvuyo Mildred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8240 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010881 , School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In this Treatise, a study is undertaken to analyse and examine the role of school principals in the success of their schools; with specific reference to township high schools in the Port Elizabeth district (P.E. district). The study assumes that P.E. district principals, as leaders and managers should deliver essential services effectively, efficiently, and with optimal use of resources to attain maximum results in school performance. The same is expected of their counterparts in any part of the country, it is not exclusively demanded from PE district principals. In terms of the current education legislation and policy framework, the principals have to account for the performance of their schools. To this end the National Department of Education introduced legislation in 2007 to ensure that principals account to the Head of The Department of Education of the relevant province. Section 16 A of the South African Schools Act (SASA) was introduced by the Education Law Amendment Act 31/2007. The provisions of this section deal with “the functions and responsibilities of principals of public schools.” Specifically section 16A (1) (b) states that “The principal must prepare and submit to the Head of the Department an annual report in respect of: (i.) The academic performance of that school (ii.) The effective use of available resources.” Since the enactment of section 16 A as referred to above, the Provincial Departments have begun to make principals account for the success or failure of learners, for human resource development, financial management, parent involvement in school matters and the active participation of school governing bodies. What should be clear is that the above encompasses all the critical and fundamental aspects that have an impact on the progress of any educational institution. The combination of the two requirements stated above reflects the extent to which the Department of Education is committed to making certain that principals in their respective schools create an environment where learners can achieve their full potential. It is such creation of conducive environments that will enable all learners in the country to achieve equal opportunities in society irrespective of their original backgrounds. This ideal is consistent with section 9 of the Constitution, 1996 which provides for the right to equality of all people. The research, also assumes that leadership is about direction and purpose, while management lays emphasis on effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership and management are fundamental aspects of those duties and responsibilities associated with the position of a school principal. It is further postulated that, a good principal understands that circumstances determine the proportion of each of these elements that is required by any given situation i.e. whether more of leadership or bigger dose management is appropriate in dealing with a certain set of circumstances or not. The study identifies variables that make a school principal a strong leader and good manager and lists the following as the critical focus areas: Balancing instructional and managerial leadership Strengthening the connection between school and home Developing effective leadership Effective teaching practices Staff development The study also assumes that township schools are no exception to those in different parts of the country. Despite some serious daily challenges peculiar to the township situations, these schools still have to perform satisfactorily like all other institutions of learning. The legislative and policy framework applies equally to all schools. The study argues primarily that all schools can perform well and develop the potential of their learners to the fullest. The difference lies in the leadership and management of the respective institutions by their principals. All stakeholders are presumed to posses the potential, the ability and the urge to do their utmost best to render quality services that would lead to the attainment of excellent results. It is worthwhile for the system that those who show themselves to lack these attributes should be identified, not to weed them out but to assist so that they acquire the necessary skills and expertise. After all it is by strengthening the weakest link that a chain becomes strong.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Money attitudes and materialism among generation Y South Africans: a life-course study
- Authors: Duh, Helen Inseng
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Consumers -- Research , Materialism , Consumer -- Behaviour , Consumer credit
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008612 , Consumers -- Research , Materialism , Consumer -- Behaviour , Consumer credit
- Description: Materialism has long been a subject of interest to researchers. More negative than positive consequences have been reported from studies on the lifestyles of materialists. For example, increased consumer and credit card debt, shrinking saving rates, increased number of consumers filing for bankruptcy, lower levels of life satisfaction and the depletion of natural resources are reported to be emanating from the increasing levels of materialism in societies. It is thus important to investigate the factors that can be implicated for the growth of materialism. Most of the studies attempt to explain materialism at a given point in time in isolation of the events people have experienced in their early life or childhood. Realizing that this practice is a shortcoming in consumer research, there is a call that consumer behaviour, such as materialism, be studied as a function of past life experiences using the life-course approach. While few studies have applied this approach to understanding materialism, little is known about the psychological processes that link childhood family structure to materialism. It is against this background that this study used the life-course approach to study how childhood family structure affects materialism through psychological processes of perceived family resources (tangible and intangible), perceived stress from the disruptive family events, and money attitudes of Generation Y South Africans. The study also assessed the moderating role of money attitudes on the relationship between childhood family experiences and materialism. Money attitude dimensions of status, achievement, worry, security and budget were introduced to broaden the life-course study of materialism because they are reported to begin in childhood, to remain in adulthood and they function in the background of every behavioural intention and action. Generation Y (commonly reported to be born between 1977 and 1994) were the subject of this study, because the literature reviewed revealed that these emerging consumers are not only numerous (about 30 percent of South Africans are Generation Y), have considerable influence and spending power, but most have been raised in disrupted single-parent/income families. With reports from family sociologists on the outcomes of divorce and single-parenthood (for example, stress, inadequate family resources, and low self-esteem) questions were raised as to how these outcomes would affect Generation Y money attitudes and materialistic values. Ten hypotheses were formulated to empirically answer the research questions. Using quantitative methodologies based on the nature of the research questions and problems, data were collected through online questionnaire from 826 business undergraduate students from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan and Western Cape Universities. University-aged respondents were appropriate for this study since they are ideally suited to remember their past family circumstances and must have already formed consumption habits, attitudes and values at their age. The first research problem was to evaluate how two of the life-course theoretical perspectives (i.e., family resources and stress) selected for this study would explain the materialistic values of Generation Y South Africans raised in non-intact (did not live with both biological parents before 18th birthday) and intact (lived with both biological parents before 18th birthday) family structures through the money attitudes adopted. The results showed that even though a significant difference in perceived family resources (both tangible and intangible) and stress was found between subjects raised in non-intact (or disrupted) and intact families, the difference in materialism as a whole was not significant. In terms of the three materialistic values of success, happiness and centrality, subjects raised in disrupted families significantly scored higher in the happiness dimension. For the money attitude dimensions of status, achievement, worry, budget and security they significantly scored higher in the worry money attitude. Results of the correlation analyses showed that perceived decrease in tangible (food, clothing and pocket money) family resources was a childhood factor that affected later worry money attitude to significantly and positively influence all of the three materialistic values. Perceived decreases in intangible family resources (for example, love and emotional support) negatively affected the symbolic money attitudes of status and worry, which in turn, positively affected only the happiness dimension of materialism. Perceived increase in stress positively affected all of the symbolic money attitudes of status, worry and achievement. These, in turn, positively influenced only the success and happiness materialistic values. The second research problem was based on an assessment of the moderating role of money attitudes on the childhood family experiences to materialism relationship. Using hierarchical regression analyses, it was found that only the achievement and worry money attitude dimensions moderated the family resources to materialism relationship. This means that when subjects hold higher worry and achievement money attitudes, an increase in family resources (tangible and intangible) will have less effect in reducing materialistic tendencies. For the stress to materialism relationship, only the worry money attitude dimension had a moderating effect, meaning that when higher worry money attitude is held, an increase in stress from family disruptions would have a greater effect in increasing materialistic tendencies. None of the five money attitude dimensions did, however, moderate the childhood family structure to materialism relationship. The results of this study do not only have theoretical implications, but also provide valuable information to consumer-interest groups, banks and retailers, especially in terms of the money attitudes of Generation Y consumers in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Duh, Helen Inseng
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Consumers -- Research , Materialism , Consumer -- Behaviour , Consumer credit
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008612 , Consumers -- Research , Materialism , Consumer -- Behaviour , Consumer credit
- Description: Materialism has long been a subject of interest to researchers. More negative than positive consequences have been reported from studies on the lifestyles of materialists. For example, increased consumer and credit card debt, shrinking saving rates, increased number of consumers filing for bankruptcy, lower levels of life satisfaction and the depletion of natural resources are reported to be emanating from the increasing levels of materialism in societies. It is thus important to investigate the factors that can be implicated for the growth of materialism. Most of the studies attempt to explain materialism at a given point in time in isolation of the events people have experienced in their early life or childhood. Realizing that this practice is a shortcoming in consumer research, there is a call that consumer behaviour, such as materialism, be studied as a function of past life experiences using the life-course approach. While few studies have applied this approach to understanding materialism, little is known about the psychological processes that link childhood family structure to materialism. It is against this background that this study used the life-course approach to study how childhood family structure affects materialism through psychological processes of perceived family resources (tangible and intangible), perceived stress from the disruptive family events, and money attitudes of Generation Y South Africans. The study also assessed the moderating role of money attitudes on the relationship between childhood family experiences and materialism. Money attitude dimensions of status, achievement, worry, security and budget were introduced to broaden the life-course study of materialism because they are reported to begin in childhood, to remain in adulthood and they function in the background of every behavioural intention and action. Generation Y (commonly reported to be born between 1977 and 1994) were the subject of this study, because the literature reviewed revealed that these emerging consumers are not only numerous (about 30 percent of South Africans are Generation Y), have considerable influence and spending power, but most have been raised in disrupted single-parent/income families. With reports from family sociologists on the outcomes of divorce and single-parenthood (for example, stress, inadequate family resources, and low self-esteem) questions were raised as to how these outcomes would affect Generation Y money attitudes and materialistic values. Ten hypotheses were formulated to empirically answer the research questions. Using quantitative methodologies based on the nature of the research questions and problems, data were collected through online questionnaire from 826 business undergraduate students from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan and Western Cape Universities. University-aged respondents were appropriate for this study since they are ideally suited to remember their past family circumstances and must have already formed consumption habits, attitudes and values at their age. The first research problem was to evaluate how two of the life-course theoretical perspectives (i.e., family resources and stress) selected for this study would explain the materialistic values of Generation Y South Africans raised in non-intact (did not live with both biological parents before 18th birthday) and intact (lived with both biological parents before 18th birthday) family structures through the money attitudes adopted. The results showed that even though a significant difference in perceived family resources (both tangible and intangible) and stress was found between subjects raised in non-intact (or disrupted) and intact families, the difference in materialism as a whole was not significant. In terms of the three materialistic values of success, happiness and centrality, subjects raised in disrupted families significantly scored higher in the happiness dimension. For the money attitude dimensions of status, achievement, worry, budget and security they significantly scored higher in the worry money attitude. Results of the correlation analyses showed that perceived decrease in tangible (food, clothing and pocket money) family resources was a childhood factor that affected later worry money attitude to significantly and positively influence all of the three materialistic values. Perceived decreases in intangible family resources (for example, love and emotional support) negatively affected the symbolic money attitudes of status and worry, which in turn, positively affected only the happiness dimension of materialism. Perceived increase in stress positively affected all of the symbolic money attitudes of status, worry and achievement. These, in turn, positively influenced only the success and happiness materialistic values. The second research problem was based on an assessment of the moderating role of money attitudes on the childhood family experiences to materialism relationship. Using hierarchical regression analyses, it was found that only the achievement and worry money attitude dimensions moderated the family resources to materialism relationship. This means that when subjects hold higher worry and achievement money attitudes, an increase in family resources (tangible and intangible) will have less effect in reducing materialistic tendencies. For the stress to materialism relationship, only the worry money attitude dimension had a moderating effect, meaning that when higher worry money attitude is held, an increase in stress from family disruptions would have a greater effect in increasing materialistic tendencies. None of the five money attitude dimensions did, however, moderate the childhood family structure to materialism relationship. The results of this study do not only have theoretical implications, but also provide valuable information to consumer-interest groups, banks and retailers, especially in terms of the money attitudes of Generation Y consumers in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Professional nurses experiences of a team nursing care framework in critical care units in a private healthcare group
- Authors: Dunsdon, Jeananne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units -- South Africa , Team nursing -- South Africa , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10022 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1444 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units -- South Africa , Team nursing -- South Africa , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: A critical care unit is a dynamic and highly technological environment. Professional nurses who have been working in the critical care unit for a period of time are passionate about the environment in which they work. They find their on duty time challenging and stimulating. The critical care environment is slowly changing. Due to the fact that there are fewer professional nurses with an additional qualification in critical care available to work in the critical care units. The utilisation of an increasing number of agency nurses leads to an increase in sub-standard nursing care as well as dissatisfied doctors and patients. The shortage of critical care staff has resulted in the need to find an alternative human resources framework and still provide cost effective, safe quality patient care. This leads to the design and implementation of a team nursing care framework for critical care. The research objectives for this study were: - To explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses with regard to a team nursing care framework in private critical care units. - Develop guidelines to optimize the team nursing care framework in critical care units in a private hospital group. The research is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The study is based on a phenomenological approach to inquiry. Eleven in-depth semi structured face-to-face phenomenological interviews were utilized as the main means of collecting data. A purposive, criterion based, sampling method was used. Specific inclusion criteria were met and consent was obtained from the participants and from the management of the private clinic where the research was conducted. Two central themes were identified:- Theme One: The professional nurses experienced the team nursing care framework in the critical care unit as a burden. Six sub-themes were identified. - Theme Two: Professional nurses made recommendations for improvement of the team nursing care framework in the critical care unit. By describing the lived experiences of the professional nurses in the critical care units, based on research interviews, the researcher painted a clear picture of the team nursing care framework in the critical care unit. Guidelines were developed based on the identified themes. The broad guidelines are aimed at ensuring that the nurses are competent to care for critical care patients prior to them commencing work in the critical care unit. The researcher concludes this study by making recommendations for Nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dunsdon, Jeananne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units -- South Africa , Team nursing -- South Africa , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10022 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1444 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units -- South Africa , Team nursing -- South Africa , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: A critical care unit is a dynamic and highly technological environment. Professional nurses who have been working in the critical care unit for a period of time are passionate about the environment in which they work. They find their on duty time challenging and stimulating. The critical care environment is slowly changing. Due to the fact that there are fewer professional nurses with an additional qualification in critical care available to work in the critical care units. The utilisation of an increasing number of agency nurses leads to an increase in sub-standard nursing care as well as dissatisfied doctors and patients. The shortage of critical care staff has resulted in the need to find an alternative human resources framework and still provide cost effective, safe quality patient care. This leads to the design and implementation of a team nursing care framework for critical care. The research objectives for this study were: - To explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses with regard to a team nursing care framework in private critical care units. - Develop guidelines to optimize the team nursing care framework in critical care units in a private hospital group. The research is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The study is based on a phenomenological approach to inquiry. Eleven in-depth semi structured face-to-face phenomenological interviews were utilized as the main means of collecting data. A purposive, criterion based, sampling method was used. Specific inclusion criteria were met and consent was obtained from the participants and from the management of the private clinic where the research was conducted. Two central themes were identified:- Theme One: The professional nurses experienced the team nursing care framework in the critical care unit as a burden. Six sub-themes were identified. - Theme Two: Professional nurses made recommendations for improvement of the team nursing care framework in the critical care unit. By describing the lived experiences of the professional nurses in the critical care units, based on research interviews, the researcher painted a clear picture of the team nursing care framework in the critical care unit. Guidelines were developed based on the identified themes. The broad guidelines are aimed at ensuring that the nurses are competent to care for critical care patients prior to them commencing work in the critical care unit. The researcher concludes this study by making recommendations for Nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Water-soluble quaternized mercaptopyridine-substituted zinc-phthalocyanines
- Durmuş, Mahmut, Yaman, Hanif, Göl, Cem, Ahsen, Vefa, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Durmuş, Mahmut , Yaman, Hanif , Göl, Cem , Ahsen, Vefa , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247133 , vital:51549 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2011.02.007"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of the new zinc phthalocyanine derivatives, tetra- (non-peripheral, 5) and octa-(peripheral, 6) substituted with 2-mercaptopyridine and their respective quaternized derivatives (8 and 9) are reported. Photochemical and photophysical properties of the new complexes are compared with those of the previously reported peripherally tetra-substituted complexes 7 and 10. The quaternized compounds exhibit excellent solubility in water, making them potential photosensitizers for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Spectroscopic, aggregation, photophysical and photochemical properties of these complexes are also investigated and compared. Photophysical (fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes) and photochemical (singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yield) properties of these phthalocyanine photosensitizers are very important for the assessment of these complexes as PDT agents. In this study, the effects of the position of the substituents and quaternization of the substituents on the photophysical and photochemical parameters of the zinc phthalocyanines are also reported. This study also showed that the water-soluble quaternized zinc phthalocyanines strongly bind to blood plasma proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Durmuş, Mahmut , Yaman, Hanif , Göl, Cem , Ahsen, Vefa , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247133 , vital:51549 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2011.02.007"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of the new zinc phthalocyanine derivatives, tetra- (non-peripheral, 5) and octa-(peripheral, 6) substituted with 2-mercaptopyridine and their respective quaternized derivatives (8 and 9) are reported. Photochemical and photophysical properties of the new complexes are compared with those of the previously reported peripherally tetra-substituted complexes 7 and 10. The quaternized compounds exhibit excellent solubility in water, making them potential photosensitizers for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Spectroscopic, aggregation, photophysical and photochemical properties of these complexes are also investigated and compared. Photophysical (fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes) and photochemical (singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yield) properties of these phthalocyanine photosensitizers are very important for the assessment of these complexes as PDT agents. In this study, the effects of the position of the substituents and quaternization of the substituents on the photophysical and photochemical parameters of the zinc phthalocyanines are also reported. This study also showed that the water-soluble quaternized zinc phthalocyanines strongly bind to blood plasma proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011