A standardised protocol for roadkill detection and the determinants of roadkill in the greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Authors: Collinson, Wendy Jane
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002056 , Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Description: Despite evidence suggesting that road traffic is a major threat to biodiversity loss, very little is known about its actual impact on wildlife populations in South Africa. Globally, road density and traffic volumes are increasing, and although huge budgets are devoted to the construction and upgrading of roads, there is little or no allocation to mitigation measures for protecting fauna in most countries, particularly Africa. Further, no global standardised protocol exists for the rapid assessment of roadkill or the most economical and efficient approach for assessing roadkill rates. Using vehicle field trials, the reliability of detecting artificially deployed roadkill was assessed. Roadkill detection rates decreased significantly at speeds >50 km/h and were also significantly influenced by light conditions (i.e. detection success was greater when the sun was high) and the position of the roadkill on the road (i.e. smaller roadkill on verges were often missed). These results suggest that roadkill sampling was most effective between 1.5 hours after dawn and 1.5 hours before dusk and that driving at slower speeds (<50 km.h⁻ₑ) was required to detect roadkill. This protocol was implemented across three ecological seasons on a 100 km paved road and a 20 km unpaved road in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Driven daily over a 120-day period (three periods consisting each of 40 days), a total of 1,027 roadkill were recorded. These comprised 162 species from all terrestrial vertebrate groups with birds being the most commonly encountered roadkill (50% of all incidents). The high numbers of vertebrates identified as roadkill suggests that road traffic could have potentially unsustainable impacts on wildlife populations and hence the biodiversity of the area. Seventeen variables were identified as possible determinants of roadkill occurrence with season, rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, habitat type, grass height, grass density, fence type and vehicle type significantly influencing roadkill numbers. Significantly more roadkill were detected on the paved road (9.91/100km) than on the unpaved road (1.8/100km) probably because of greater traffic volumes and the increased speed that vehicles travelled on the paved road. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall in the preceding 24 hours also increased road mortality numbers as animals tended to become more active during these times. Interestingly, more roadkill was detected in open roadside habitats compared to dense roadside habitats on both the paved and unpaved roads and when grass on the roadside verge was of intermediate height. Open habitat possibly may provide a natural corridor for wildlife which ultimately end up on the road. Roadkill numbers increased when certain other physical barriers, such as cattle fences, were present, probably because these barriers were more penetrable than electric fencing. A series of mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the impacts of roads on wildlife in South Africa. These mitigation measures highlight the need to address the balance between the development of a country’s transport infrastructure and the conservation of its fauna. It is important that research on the impacts of roads becomes standardised to enable robust statistical comparisons which will provide a greater understanding of the potential threats to vertebrate biodiversity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Collinson, Wendy Jane
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002056 , Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Description: Despite evidence suggesting that road traffic is a major threat to biodiversity loss, very little is known about its actual impact on wildlife populations in South Africa. Globally, road density and traffic volumes are increasing, and although huge budgets are devoted to the construction and upgrading of roads, there is little or no allocation to mitigation measures for protecting fauna in most countries, particularly Africa. Further, no global standardised protocol exists for the rapid assessment of roadkill or the most economical and efficient approach for assessing roadkill rates. Using vehicle field trials, the reliability of detecting artificially deployed roadkill was assessed. Roadkill detection rates decreased significantly at speeds >50 km/h and were also significantly influenced by light conditions (i.e. detection success was greater when the sun was high) and the position of the roadkill on the road (i.e. smaller roadkill on verges were often missed). These results suggest that roadkill sampling was most effective between 1.5 hours after dawn and 1.5 hours before dusk and that driving at slower speeds (<50 km.h⁻ₑ) was required to detect roadkill. This protocol was implemented across three ecological seasons on a 100 km paved road and a 20 km unpaved road in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Driven daily over a 120-day period (three periods consisting each of 40 days), a total of 1,027 roadkill were recorded. These comprised 162 species from all terrestrial vertebrate groups with birds being the most commonly encountered roadkill (50% of all incidents). The high numbers of vertebrates identified as roadkill suggests that road traffic could have potentially unsustainable impacts on wildlife populations and hence the biodiversity of the area. Seventeen variables were identified as possible determinants of roadkill occurrence with season, rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, habitat type, grass height, grass density, fence type and vehicle type significantly influencing roadkill numbers. Significantly more roadkill were detected on the paved road (9.91/100km) than on the unpaved road (1.8/100km) probably because of greater traffic volumes and the increased speed that vehicles travelled on the paved road. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall in the preceding 24 hours also increased road mortality numbers as animals tended to become more active during these times. Interestingly, more roadkill was detected in open roadside habitats compared to dense roadside habitats on both the paved and unpaved roads and when grass on the roadside verge was of intermediate height. Open habitat possibly may provide a natural corridor for wildlife which ultimately end up on the road. Roadkill numbers increased when certain other physical barriers, such as cattle fences, were present, probably because these barriers were more penetrable than electric fencing. A series of mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the impacts of roads on wildlife in South Africa. These mitigation measures highlight the need to address the balance between the development of a country’s transport infrastructure and the conservation of its fauna. It is important that research on the impacts of roads becomes standardised to enable robust statistical comparisons which will provide a greater understanding of the potential threats to vertebrate biodiversity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategic analysis of Capitec Bank Limited within the South African banking industry
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategy to make ICT accessible in rural Zambia: a case study of Macha
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study assessing the functioning of local economic development units in local municipalities within the Chris Hani District
- Authors: Madyibi, Mongezi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020102
- Description: The state has a task to find solutions to alleviate poverty and LED has been identified as part of the solution. The municipalities are mandated with Local Economic Development and that function has been located within an LED Unit. Based on the above-mentioned issues it was regarded as fitting to conduct a study that would identify challenges contributing to the effective functioning of LED units with specific reference to Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities in the Chris Hani District. Furthermore, the study will attempt to suggest recommendations to address the shortcomings. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 15 LED officials from the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities. Relevant literature that focuses on Local Economic Development has been reviewed. Various recommendations have been made on the findings of the study. It has emerged during the study that the municipalities within the CHDM perceive their role as that of being Implementer of LED policy instead of playing an enabling role as outlined in the LED Legislative Framework. There is a political will to support LED implementation at local municipalities within the CHDM. In the implementation of LED the LED units within the CHDM are faced with the following challenges: - Insufficient cooperation among stakeholders - Inadequate resources - Political dimensions - Poor LED planning, and - Inadequate LED training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Madyibi, Mongezi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020102
- Description: The state has a task to find solutions to alleviate poverty and LED has been identified as part of the solution. The municipalities are mandated with Local Economic Development and that function has been located within an LED Unit. Based on the above-mentioned issues it was regarded as fitting to conduct a study that would identify challenges contributing to the effective functioning of LED units with specific reference to Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities in the Chris Hani District. Furthermore, the study will attempt to suggest recommendations to address the shortcomings. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 15 LED officials from the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities. Relevant literature that focuses on Local Economic Development has been reviewed. Various recommendations have been made on the findings of the study. It has emerged during the study that the municipalities within the CHDM perceive their role as that of being Implementer of LED policy instead of playing an enabling role as outlined in the LED Legislative Framework. There is a political will to support LED implementation at local municipalities within the CHDM. In the implementation of LED the LED units within the CHDM are faced with the following challenges: - Insufficient cooperation among stakeholders - Inadequate resources - Political dimensions - Poor LED planning, and - Inadequate LED training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of electrospun nanofibers and diatomaceous earth materials for the extraction of alkaloids, flavonoids and aromatic amines in various matrices
- Mothibedi, Kediemetse (Kedimetse)
- Authors: Mothibedi, Kediemetse (Kedimetse)
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-07
- Subjects: Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003052 , Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Description: The thesis explored the use of different sorbent materials in solid phase extraction method development. The methods included the use of the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa solid phase extraction and electrospun polymer-silica composite sorbents for clean-up and preconcentration. Sample clean-up for alkaloids (hydrastine and berberine) in goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) in Ginkgo biloba was achieved using Bond Elut Plexa SPE sorbent. Clean-up of flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba was also achieved using electrospun polymer-silica composite (polystyrene-silica, polyacrylonitrile-silica and nylon 6-silica) sorbents. All analysis of flavonoids and alkaloids was carried out using an Agilent 1200 Series HPLC coupled with a diode array detector. Good peak separation was achieved in less than 6 min employing an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column (4.6 x 75 mm, 3.5 μm) at 35⁰C. The mobile phases employed were 0.1% phosphoric acid/methanol gradient and 0.5% phosphoric acid/methanol (40:60) for alkaloids and flavonoids respectively. The calibration curves exhibited linearity up to 120 μg mL⁻¹ with correlation coefficients of more than 0.9980. The recoveries ranged from 73-109% with relative standard deviation of less than 5% for all analytes. Agilent Chem Elut supported liquid extraction was employed for the development of a sample preparation method for the determination of 24 banned aromatic amines from azo dyes in textile following the EU standard method EN 14362-1:2003 (E) and the Chinese standard method GB/T 17592-2006. The supported liquid extraction was effective in the extraction of the aromatic amines from textile (cotton, wool and polyester/cotton [80%:20%]). Most of the recoveries obtained were conforming to the minimum requirements set in the EN 14362-1:2003 (E) standard method and the relative standard deviations were less than 15%. Good peak separation was obtained within 70 min run time using the Agilent Zorbax SB-Phenyl column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5-micron) or the Agilent DB-35 MS (J & W) (30 m x 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm film thickness. It was demonstrated that the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa, electrospun nanofibers and diatomaceous earth were effective in extraction of alkaloids, flavonoids and aromatic amines in different matrices. The developed methods were simple, rapid and reproducible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mothibedi, Kediemetse (Kedimetse)
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-07
- Subjects: Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003052 , Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Description: The thesis explored the use of different sorbent materials in solid phase extraction method development. The methods included the use of the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa solid phase extraction and electrospun polymer-silica composite sorbents for clean-up and preconcentration. Sample clean-up for alkaloids (hydrastine and berberine) in goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) in Ginkgo biloba was achieved using Bond Elut Plexa SPE sorbent. Clean-up of flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba was also achieved using electrospun polymer-silica composite (polystyrene-silica, polyacrylonitrile-silica and nylon 6-silica) sorbents. All analysis of flavonoids and alkaloids was carried out using an Agilent 1200 Series HPLC coupled with a diode array detector. Good peak separation was achieved in less than 6 min employing an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column (4.6 x 75 mm, 3.5 μm) at 35⁰C. The mobile phases employed were 0.1% phosphoric acid/methanol gradient and 0.5% phosphoric acid/methanol (40:60) for alkaloids and flavonoids respectively. The calibration curves exhibited linearity up to 120 μg mL⁻¹ with correlation coefficients of more than 0.9980. The recoveries ranged from 73-109% with relative standard deviation of less than 5% for all analytes. Agilent Chem Elut supported liquid extraction was employed for the development of a sample preparation method for the determination of 24 banned aromatic amines from azo dyes in textile following the EU standard method EN 14362-1:2003 (E) and the Chinese standard method GB/T 17592-2006. The supported liquid extraction was effective in the extraction of the aromatic amines from textile (cotton, wool and polyester/cotton [80%:20%]). Most of the recoveries obtained were conforming to the minimum requirements set in the EN 14362-1:2003 (E) standard method and the relative standard deviations were less than 15%. Good peak separation was obtained within 70 min run time using the Agilent Zorbax SB-Phenyl column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5-micron) or the Agilent DB-35 MS (J & W) (30 m x 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm film thickness. It was demonstrated that the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa, electrospun nanofibers and diatomaceous earth were effective in extraction of alkaloids, flavonoids and aromatic amines in different matrices. The developed methods were simple, rapid and reproducible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of psychological intervention strategies used by national soccer coaches for male teams in South Africa
- Authors: Xoxo, Thabo Daniel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
- Identifier: vital:11543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006883 , Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Description: The purpose of the current study was to examine the Psychological Intervention Strategies (PIS) that are used by coaches for male soccer teams in South Africa to enhance the performance of the national soccer teams. National soccer coaches for male teams (n = 4) completed a questionnaire and attended in-depth interview. Results from both the questionnaire and in-depth interview revealed a lack of knowledge of PIS which was further supported by the data from the analysis. While some of the coaches did not utilise goal setting and relaxation in their coaching responsibilities, the current results further show that these soccer coaches do not utilise mental imagery as well. These results suggest that the SAFA soccer coaches could not integrate PIS in the coaching. Although the results cannot be generalised there is evidence that the SAFA trained soccer coaches demonstrate inadequacy in using PIS in their soccer coaching. The study finds that soccer coaches are psychologically under-prepared for their arduous task of soccer coaching. By implication the players are also mentally under-prepared that they cannot face their peers competitively. Current studies point to this psychological preparedness as the psychological momentum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Xoxo, Thabo Daniel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
- Identifier: vital:11543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006883 , Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Description: The purpose of the current study was to examine the Psychological Intervention Strategies (PIS) that are used by coaches for male soccer teams in South Africa to enhance the performance of the national soccer teams. National soccer coaches for male teams (n = 4) completed a questionnaire and attended in-depth interview. Results from both the questionnaire and in-depth interview revealed a lack of knowledge of PIS which was further supported by the data from the analysis. While some of the coaches did not utilise goal setting and relaxation in their coaching responsibilities, the current results further show that these soccer coaches do not utilise mental imagery as well. These results suggest that the SAFA soccer coaches could not integrate PIS in the coaching. Although the results cannot be generalised there is evidence that the SAFA trained soccer coaches demonstrate inadequacy in using PIS in their soccer coaching. The study finds that soccer coaches are psychologically under-prepared for their arduous task of soccer coaching. By implication the players are also mentally under-prepared that they cannot face their peers competitively. Current studies point to this psychological preparedness as the psychological momentum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of South African journalists' perceptions of their roles in reporting on social conflict and how these relate to concepts of peace journalism
- Authors: Du Toit, Peter Andrew
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011639 , Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Description: Set against a backdrop of ongoing social conflict in the country, this study sets out to explore how South African journalists understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to reporting on conflict. The study seeks to determine whether journalists believe they have a constructive contribution to make in the peaceful management and resolution of social conflict. It also seeks to establish whether journalists see themselves as being able to contribute to creating conditions that can facilitate dialogue and constructive engagement. Furthermore the study aims to explore the extent to which the views and perceptions of South African journalists could be said to be consistent with the ideas put forward in the emerging field of peace journalism. In seeking to address these questions the study begins by identifying a core set of guidelines that could be said to characteristic of peace journalism. It then draws on in-depth interviews conducted with 12 experienced reporters to gain a sense of how journalists understand their roles. The 12 reporters were drawn from mainstream newspapers from South Africa’s main metropolitan areas. Following an analysis of these interviews the study found that many journalists see themselves as having a positive contribution to make towards peacemaking and peace building. However, these contributions, they argue, must be seen as the product of good reporting rather than as emanating from deliberate attempts to intervene in conflict. The study then contrasted the journalists’ perceptions with the principles and normative guidelines proposed by peace journalism and found that many of the journalists’ beliefs are consistent with peace journalism. It appears that, while they may not directly call themselves peace journalists, many of the reporters interviewed saw themselves as playing roles similar to those advocated by peace journalism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Du Toit, Peter Andrew
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011639 , Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Description: Set against a backdrop of ongoing social conflict in the country, this study sets out to explore how South African journalists understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to reporting on conflict. The study seeks to determine whether journalists believe they have a constructive contribution to make in the peaceful management and resolution of social conflict. It also seeks to establish whether journalists see themselves as being able to contribute to creating conditions that can facilitate dialogue and constructive engagement. Furthermore the study aims to explore the extent to which the views and perceptions of South African journalists could be said to be consistent with the ideas put forward in the emerging field of peace journalism. In seeking to address these questions the study begins by identifying a core set of guidelines that could be said to characteristic of peace journalism. It then draws on in-depth interviews conducted with 12 experienced reporters to gain a sense of how journalists understand their roles. The 12 reporters were drawn from mainstream newspapers from South Africa’s main metropolitan areas. Following an analysis of these interviews the study found that many journalists see themselves as having a positive contribution to make towards peacemaking and peace building. However, these contributions, they argue, must be seen as the product of good reporting rather than as emanating from deliberate attempts to intervene in conflict. The study then contrasted the journalists’ perceptions with the principles and normative guidelines proposed by peace journalism and found that many of the journalists’ beliefs are consistent with peace journalism. It appears that, while they may not directly call themselves peace journalists, many of the reporters interviewed saw themselves as playing roles similar to those advocated by peace journalism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of the factors impacting on the performance of school opernational teams in secondary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of two irrigation projects in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape: with specific reference to land reforms and agriculture
- Authors: Wana, Lundi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation projects -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021084
- Description: Post-apartheid South Africa has derived a legacy of massive inequalities in both income and access to services, with the worst poverty being located in the rural areas. The rationale of this study aims to examine two irrigation projects in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, with specific reference to land reforms and agriculture. The study also aims to explore and document the challenges facing agricultural production in the Kat River Valley, with a specific focus on Gallawater farm. The study seeks to examine the impact and relevance of social and economic production networks on the daily management of the Gallawater farm. The outcomes of the study finds that management of agricultural projects is needed to provide infrastructural support through state investment, particularly within agricultural extension services, the provision of basic amenities and human resource development of skills. This can potentially resuscitate income levels and encourage investment into agriculture in the Eastern Cape. Methodologically, the study draws on information collected using in-depth interviews on the Gallawater farm where a total of twenty five individuals were interviewed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Wana, Lundi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation projects -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021084
- Description: Post-apartheid South Africa has derived a legacy of massive inequalities in both income and access to services, with the worst poverty being located in the rural areas. The rationale of this study aims to examine two irrigation projects in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, with specific reference to land reforms and agriculture. The study also aims to explore and document the challenges facing agricultural production in the Kat River Valley, with a specific focus on Gallawater farm. The study seeks to examine the impact and relevance of social and economic production networks on the daily management of the Gallawater farm. The outcomes of the study finds that management of agricultural projects is needed to provide infrastructural support through state investment, particularly within agricultural extension services, the provision of basic amenities and human resource development of skills. This can potentially resuscitate income levels and encourage investment into agriculture in the Eastern Cape. Methodologically, the study draws on information collected using in-depth interviews on the Gallawater farm where a total of twenty five individuals were interviewed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of women's representation in relation to poverty: a case study of The Post March 2009
- Gwanvalla, Delphine Ngehndab
- Authors: Gwanvalla, Delphine Ngehndab
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Journalism, Commercial -- Social aspects -- Cameroon Women -- Cameroon -- Social conditions Poor women -- Cameroon Mass media and women -- Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007144
- Description: The media, specifically tabloids, have the potential to portray poverty-related issues in a manner that informs the public and government about the experiences of people living in poverty so that it can be tackled with urgency. Poverty has blighted the lives of many, especially women, children and widows in Cameroon. The role of the media in reporting the plight and suffering of the ‘masses’ potentially shapes the way in which these issues are handled by those in authority. The study notes that the tabloid press has the potential to expose certain experiences of ordinary people thereby constituting that alternative sphere for the disadvantaged. The study investigates the manner women are represented in The Post which is an English tabloid published in Cameroon. The representation of women in this study looks at the institutional policies which drive the representation of women in news constructs, analyses the news values which shape news production, and uses Thompson’s modes of ideology to unravel the underlying meanings in the reported stories. The study is inspired by the claims that since women make up the majority of the world's poor, so too would media representations depict them as such. It utilises thematic analysis to understand the manner in which women are represented in The Post. It also uses interviews with the regional bureau editor of the North West region to probe what news values and institutional policies drive the stories on women’s poverty. Document analysis is used to better comprehend the institutional guidelines which govern the representation of women during the month of March 2009.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gwanvalla, Delphine Ngehndab
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Journalism, Commercial -- Social aspects -- Cameroon Women -- Cameroon -- Social conditions Poor women -- Cameroon Mass media and women -- Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007144
- Description: The media, specifically tabloids, have the potential to portray poverty-related issues in a manner that informs the public and government about the experiences of people living in poverty so that it can be tackled with urgency. Poverty has blighted the lives of many, especially women, children and widows in Cameroon. The role of the media in reporting the plight and suffering of the ‘masses’ potentially shapes the way in which these issues are handled by those in authority. The study notes that the tabloid press has the potential to expose certain experiences of ordinary people thereby constituting that alternative sphere for the disadvantaged. The study investigates the manner women are represented in The Post which is an English tabloid published in Cameroon. The representation of women in this study looks at the institutional policies which drive the representation of women in news constructs, analyses the news values which shape news production, and uses Thompson’s modes of ideology to unravel the underlying meanings in the reported stories. The study is inspired by the claims that since women make up the majority of the world's poor, so too would media representations depict them as such. It utilises thematic analysis to understand the manner in which women are represented in The Post. It also uses interviews with the regional bureau editor of the North West region to probe what news values and institutional policies drive the stories on women’s poverty. Document analysis is used to better comprehend the institutional guidelines which govern the representation of women during the month of March 2009.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study to determine the factors to improve group and team effectiveness in Transnet Engineering
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandile Goodwill
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020626
- Description: Teams have increasingly become the means for completing tasks in many organisations, and organisations have turned to teams as a better way to use employee talents. Many South African companies have established work teams to solve both complex and minor problems, and some companies’ performance has increased due to the implementation of work teams. The fact that organisations are using teams does not necessarily mean they are always effective, there are many factors that contribute to team effectiveness in an organisation, and these factors need to be identified and managed properly so that the team can remain effective and produce the results that are expected. Management of most companies is unaware of the factors that contribute to group and team effectiveness, and most teams are ineffective because of the lack of focus on the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. This is the reason or objective why this study was conducted at Transnet Engineering, to identify the factors that are critical to improving team effectiveness. The researcher conducted a literature review in order to determine the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. Some of the factors deal with organisational culture, motivation (monetary and non-monetary motivation), diversity in teams, size of teams, formulation of teams, team leadership, team goals, team structures, team member training, trust in teams, etc. An empirical study with the use of a questionnaire was also conducted to determine the perceptions that supervisors, superintendents, foremen and managers have at Transnet Engineering with regards to factors that improve group and team effectiveness. The research instrument was grouped into five categories; organisational context, individual context, team context, management support and team effectiveness. More than 50 percent of the respondents agreed with the organisational and individual context factors that were tested, around 75 percent of the respondents agreed with team context factors that were tested, almost 60 percent of respondents agreed with management support factors, and more than 60 percent of respondents indicated that their teams are effective. Although there is general agreement between most factors identified in the literature study and the empirical study, the following will need more focus: Offering of team resources Leadership support from executive committee members (EXCO) Proper reward and recognition systems Conducting research to identify employee satisfaction levels Team development Diversity management Talent management Team size
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandile Goodwill
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020626
- Description: Teams have increasingly become the means for completing tasks in many organisations, and organisations have turned to teams as a better way to use employee talents. Many South African companies have established work teams to solve both complex and minor problems, and some companies’ performance has increased due to the implementation of work teams. The fact that organisations are using teams does not necessarily mean they are always effective, there are many factors that contribute to team effectiveness in an organisation, and these factors need to be identified and managed properly so that the team can remain effective and produce the results that are expected. Management of most companies is unaware of the factors that contribute to group and team effectiveness, and most teams are ineffective because of the lack of focus on the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. This is the reason or objective why this study was conducted at Transnet Engineering, to identify the factors that are critical to improving team effectiveness. The researcher conducted a literature review in order to determine the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. Some of the factors deal with organisational culture, motivation (monetary and non-monetary motivation), diversity in teams, size of teams, formulation of teams, team leadership, team goals, team structures, team member training, trust in teams, etc. An empirical study with the use of a questionnaire was also conducted to determine the perceptions that supervisors, superintendents, foremen and managers have at Transnet Engineering with regards to factors that improve group and team effectiveness. The research instrument was grouped into five categories; organisational context, individual context, team context, management support and team effectiveness. More than 50 percent of the respondents agreed with the organisational and individual context factors that were tested, around 75 percent of the respondents agreed with team context factors that were tested, almost 60 percent of respondents agreed with management support factors, and more than 60 percent of respondents indicated that their teams are effective. Although there is general agreement between most factors identified in the literature study and the empirical study, the following will need more focus: Offering of team resources Leadership support from executive committee members (EXCO) Proper reward and recognition systems Conducting research to identify employee satisfaction levels Team development Diversity management Talent management Team size
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study to determine the motivational climate in the Department of Health
- Authors: Seitshiro, Tshidiso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021090
- Description: The Department of Health, being a public entity, has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. The Department has experienced repeated negative feedback from the press with respect to job dissatisfaction and the quality of service. This could be the result of low employee motivation. The researcher was concerned and interested in investigating possible causes of these allegations by the press. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the motivational climate of employees in the Department of Health. The study included a literature study of employee motivation and organisational climate. The purpose of the literature was to determine how the Department of Health measures up to what the literature reveals. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data. The questionnaire was formulated from the literature discussed in the research study. The major findings indicated that the level of motivation in the Department of Health was low. Findings also indicated the majority of employees were not trained in the Batho Pele principle. The researcher argued that if employees were trained in the Batho Pele principle and also practised, the negative press feedback would be minimal. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings in an attempt to increase the overall levels of employee motivation within the Department of Health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Seitshiro, Tshidiso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021090
- Description: The Department of Health, being a public entity, has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. The Department has experienced repeated negative feedback from the press with respect to job dissatisfaction and the quality of service. This could be the result of low employee motivation. The researcher was concerned and interested in investigating possible causes of these allegations by the press. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the motivational climate of employees in the Department of Health. The study included a literature study of employee motivation and organisational climate. The purpose of the literature was to determine how the Department of Health measures up to what the literature reveals. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data. The questionnaire was formulated from the literature discussed in the research study. The major findings indicated that the level of motivation in the Department of Health was low. Findings also indicated the majority of employees were not trained in the Batho Pele principle. The researcher argued that if employees were trained in the Batho Pele principle and also practised, the negative press feedback would be minimal. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings in an attempt to increase the overall levels of employee motivation within the Department of Health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A systematic review of the influence of parenting on the development of antisocial behaviour
- Authors: Jacobs, Philencia Daniela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Antisocial personality disorders , Parenting , Child psychology , Conduct disorders in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020144
- Description: The role that parenting plays in the development of antisocial behaviour has been, and is still widely researched. International studies on this topic are vast. In South Africa, however, very little has been researched within this area. This study aimed to systematically review literature on the role of parenting in the development of antisocial behaviour. International literature published between 2000 and 2013 was reviewed in order to gain a better idea of the current state of knowledge on this topic. All of the articles included in the review examined some aspect of parenting behaviour, parenting practices and/or parenting styles related to the development of antisocial behaviour, conduct disorder, and/or oppositional defiant disorder. The articles were systematically assessed, and eight themes emerged which include: effective parenting behaviours; the moderating effects of callous unemotional traits on parenting; parental warmth; parental discipline; parental knowledge and monitoring; parental psychopathology; parenting styles; and parenting during infancy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jacobs, Philencia Daniela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Antisocial personality disorders , Parenting , Child psychology , Conduct disorders in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020144
- Description: The role that parenting plays in the development of antisocial behaviour has been, and is still widely researched. International studies on this topic are vast. In South Africa, however, very little has been researched within this area. This study aimed to systematically review literature on the role of parenting in the development of antisocial behaviour. International literature published between 2000 and 2013 was reviewed in order to gain a better idea of the current state of knowledge on this topic. All of the articles included in the review examined some aspect of parenting behaviour, parenting practices and/or parenting styles related to the development of antisocial behaviour, conduct disorder, and/or oppositional defiant disorder. The articles were systematically assessed, and eight themes emerged which include: effective parenting behaviours; the moderating effects of callous unemotional traits on parenting; parental warmth; parental discipline; parental knowledge and monitoring; parental psychopathology; parenting styles; and parenting during infancy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A systematic study of Berkheya and allies (Compositae)
- Authors: Phaliso, Ntombifikile
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Compositae -- Africa, Southern , Daisies -- Africa, Southern , Compositae -- Phylogeny -- Africa, Southern , Compositae -- Geographical distribution -- Africa, Southern , Compositae -- Classification -- Africa, Southern , Cladistic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003054
- Description: Berkheya Ehrh. is a genus of daisies in the tribe Arctotideae, subtribe Gorteriinae with over 80 species, most of which occur in southern Africa. This genus has centres of diversity associated with the montane regions of South Africa, including the Drakensberg Alpine Centre and Mpumalanga escarpment regions. Previous molecular and morphological studies indicate that Berkheya is paraphyletic. I present phylogenies based on nrDNA (ITS; Internal Transcribed Spacer) and cpDNA (psbA-trnH) sequence data analysed with Bayesian Inference and Parsimony. A phylogeny of combined cp- and nrDNA is also presented. These phylogenies are used to assess generic limits and to investigate the biogeographic patterns of Berkheya and its allies. The ITS phylogeny shows five well supported clades of Berkheya, two of which (Clades I and 2) are monophyletic summer rainfall region clades. Clades 3 to 5 are all paraphyletic winter rainfall clades with Cullumia occurring in the third clade, Cuspida occurring in the fourth and Didelta in Clade 5. Both psbA-trnH and combined phylogenies show concordance with the clade distribution shown in the ITS phylogeny. The ITS phylogeny was used to analyse correspondence with Roessler’s (1959) Series. It was found that the phylogeny showed considerable agreement with Roessler’s series, but B. bipinnatifida and B. spinosa of Series Speciosae may require some revision as well as taxa of monotypic series Cruciatae and Angustae. It is suggested that the latter series be merged with Cullumia species to form a single series. Some consideration should be taken to include Didelta species into Series Fruticosae as Didelta occurs in subclade 5b of Clade 5 with other Series Fruticosae taxa. Achene morphology was examined from species from each of the five clades to investigate the relationships of Berkheya and its allies, as well as to determine if there were any consistent achene features for each clade. The structure of surface cells on the fruit, the presence, absence and morphology of twin hairs as well as the structure of the pappus scales were found to be most useful in reflecting phylogenetic relationships within the clades. When compared with the clades of the ITS phylogeny, achene morphology showed consistent characters between taxa occurring in the same clades. As the most comprehensive study involving Berkheya, this phylogenenetic investigation was able to confirm that Berkheya is a paraphyletic genus with Didelta, Cullumia and Cuspida needing to be subsumed into Berkheya. An alternative classification is that taxa of Clade 5 could possibly be erected as an expanded Didelta, separate and sister to Berkheya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Phaliso, Ntombifikile
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Compositae -- Africa, Southern , Daisies -- Africa, Southern , Compositae -- Phylogeny -- Africa, Southern , Compositae -- Geographical distribution -- Africa, Southern , Compositae -- Classification -- Africa, Southern , Cladistic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003054
- Description: Berkheya Ehrh. is a genus of daisies in the tribe Arctotideae, subtribe Gorteriinae with over 80 species, most of which occur in southern Africa. This genus has centres of diversity associated with the montane regions of South Africa, including the Drakensberg Alpine Centre and Mpumalanga escarpment regions. Previous molecular and morphological studies indicate that Berkheya is paraphyletic. I present phylogenies based on nrDNA (ITS; Internal Transcribed Spacer) and cpDNA (psbA-trnH) sequence data analysed with Bayesian Inference and Parsimony. A phylogeny of combined cp- and nrDNA is also presented. These phylogenies are used to assess generic limits and to investigate the biogeographic patterns of Berkheya and its allies. The ITS phylogeny shows five well supported clades of Berkheya, two of which (Clades I and 2) are monophyletic summer rainfall region clades. Clades 3 to 5 are all paraphyletic winter rainfall clades with Cullumia occurring in the third clade, Cuspida occurring in the fourth and Didelta in Clade 5. Both psbA-trnH and combined phylogenies show concordance with the clade distribution shown in the ITS phylogeny. The ITS phylogeny was used to analyse correspondence with Roessler’s (1959) Series. It was found that the phylogeny showed considerable agreement with Roessler’s series, but B. bipinnatifida and B. spinosa of Series Speciosae may require some revision as well as taxa of monotypic series Cruciatae and Angustae. It is suggested that the latter series be merged with Cullumia species to form a single series. Some consideration should be taken to include Didelta species into Series Fruticosae as Didelta occurs in subclade 5b of Clade 5 with other Series Fruticosae taxa. Achene morphology was examined from species from each of the five clades to investigate the relationships of Berkheya and its allies, as well as to determine if there were any consistent achene features for each clade. The structure of surface cells on the fruit, the presence, absence and morphology of twin hairs as well as the structure of the pappus scales were found to be most useful in reflecting phylogenetic relationships within the clades. When compared with the clades of the ITS phylogeny, achene morphology showed consistent characters between taxa occurring in the same clades. As the most comprehensive study involving Berkheya, this phylogenenetic investigation was able to confirm that Berkheya is a paraphyletic genus with Didelta, Cullumia and Cuspida needing to be subsumed into Berkheya. An alternative classification is that taxa of Clade 5 could possibly be erected as an expanded Didelta, separate and sister to Berkheya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A teaching case study of the strategic alignment of business strategy and information technology strategy at Nedbank
- Authors: Tsoaeli, Tebalo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Nedbank Banks and banking -- South Africa Business planning Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001883
- Description: In today’s business world, a lot of organizations are investing heavily in Information Technology (IT) in order to develop a competitive edge. According to Loukis, Sapounas and Milionis (2009:85) “firms all over the world make significant investments in IT aiming to increase their efficiency and effectiveness”. According to Cline and Guynes (2001:10), “during the last 30 years, IT has become an increasingly integral part of business operations”. Most of the times, organizations fail to get real value from the investments made in IT. This is mainly due to the fact that organizations fail to realize the value brought about by aligning IT strategy with Business strategy. Hu and Huang (2004:60) state that “each year organizations invest in IT to improve their competitive advantage and ultimately their business performance; however, more often than not, the anticipated benefits of IT investments fail to materialize due to misalignment of or lack of alignment, between the business and IT strategies”. Henderson and Venkatraman (1999:475) emphasize that “alignment is a desired state for organizations investing in IT that is not always achieved, as it often entails a radical change in the way managers consider IT”. It is through the alignment of IT strategy and Business strategy that organizations are able to realize the value brought about by investing in IT. Papp (2001:20)illustrates that “misalignment can cause problems with not only the development and integration of business and IT strategies, but can actually prevent IT from being fully leveraged to its maximum potential within an organization”. An organization that realizes the value of aligning IT strategy and Business strategy is able to develop a competitive advantage over its competitors. According to Daneshvar and Ramesh (2010:1) “each organization is aware of the special effects, benefits and implication of IT in business performance and also its capacity in building sustainable competitive advantages”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tsoaeli, Tebalo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Nedbank Banks and banking -- South Africa Business planning Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001883
- Description: In today’s business world, a lot of organizations are investing heavily in Information Technology (IT) in order to develop a competitive edge. According to Loukis, Sapounas and Milionis (2009:85) “firms all over the world make significant investments in IT aiming to increase their efficiency and effectiveness”. According to Cline and Guynes (2001:10), “during the last 30 years, IT has become an increasingly integral part of business operations”. Most of the times, organizations fail to get real value from the investments made in IT. This is mainly due to the fact that organizations fail to realize the value brought about by aligning IT strategy with Business strategy. Hu and Huang (2004:60) state that “each year organizations invest in IT to improve their competitive advantage and ultimately their business performance; however, more often than not, the anticipated benefits of IT investments fail to materialize due to misalignment of or lack of alignment, between the business and IT strategies”. Henderson and Venkatraman (1999:475) emphasize that “alignment is a desired state for organizations investing in IT that is not always achieved, as it often entails a radical change in the way managers consider IT”. It is through the alignment of IT strategy and Business strategy that organizations are able to realize the value brought about by investing in IT. Papp (2001:20)illustrates that “misalignment can cause problems with not only the development and integration of business and IT strategies, but can actually prevent IT from being fully leveraged to its maximum potential within an organization”. An organization that realizes the value of aligning IT strategy and Business strategy is able to develop a competitive advantage over its competitors. According to Daneshvar and Ramesh (2010:1) “each organization is aware of the special effects, benefits and implication of IT in business performance and also its capacity in building sustainable competitive advantages”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Abalone poaching in the East london area, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nini, Nobuhle Aurelia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Abalone culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fisheries -- Licenses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006805 , Abalone culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fisheries -- Licenses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Abalone poaching is a major problem in South Africa. The South African abalone, Haliotis midae, rates as an extreme example of high levels of illegal harvesting. The research aimed at examining the role of the different role players in preventing poaching of the species in the East London area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and determining the challenges the officers faced as there was an increase in poaching in the area. To achieve this aim, the research techniques including questionnaires, interviews and focus groups were used. Fisheries compliance and enforcement faces challenges of the illegal harvesting of abalone since 1994. In the past 18 years (1994-2012), and more specifically in the past nine years (2004-2012), poaching of abalone has increased at an alarming rate along the East London coastline. The failure of the state to issue fishing rights and conduct effective sea-based compliance, combined with the incentives to fish abalone created the conditions for rapid emergence of illegal harvesting. The uncontrolled fishing had a dramatic effect on the stock, and the average size of abalone decreased significantly. The Eastern Cape Province abalone cultivation industries were developed due to the decline in harvesting of abalone. Government departments such as the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism; the South African Police Services together with the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency have conducted joint operations to combat the illegal harvesting of abalone. These operations have led to many arrests of abalone poachers along the East London coastline. The quantity of confiscated abalone has increased from 2007 to 2011. The positive results achieved by the departments during joint operations showcase robust efforts to eradicate the environmental transgression in the East London Coastline. Joint operations are encouraged by all the departments to save the species for future generations. Workshops involving different stakeholders had to take place and the policies in place must have a bottom-up approach where communities are involved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nini, Nobuhle Aurelia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Abalone culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fisheries -- Licenses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006805 , Abalone culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Abalone populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fisheries -- Licenses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Abalone poaching is a major problem in South Africa. The South African abalone, Haliotis midae, rates as an extreme example of high levels of illegal harvesting. The research aimed at examining the role of the different role players in preventing poaching of the species in the East London area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and determining the challenges the officers faced as there was an increase in poaching in the area. To achieve this aim, the research techniques including questionnaires, interviews and focus groups were used. Fisheries compliance and enforcement faces challenges of the illegal harvesting of abalone since 1994. In the past 18 years (1994-2012), and more specifically in the past nine years (2004-2012), poaching of abalone has increased at an alarming rate along the East London coastline. The failure of the state to issue fishing rights and conduct effective sea-based compliance, combined with the incentives to fish abalone created the conditions for rapid emergence of illegal harvesting. The uncontrolled fishing had a dramatic effect on the stock, and the average size of abalone decreased significantly. The Eastern Cape Province abalone cultivation industries were developed due to the decline in harvesting of abalone. Government departments such as the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism; the South African Police Services together with the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency have conducted joint operations to combat the illegal harvesting of abalone. These operations have led to many arrests of abalone poachers along the East London coastline. The quantity of confiscated abalone has increased from 2007 to 2011. The positive results achieved by the departments during joint operations showcase robust efforts to eradicate the environmental transgression in the East London Coastline. Joint operations are encouraged by all the departments to save the species for future generations. Workshops involving different stakeholders had to take place and the policies in place must have a bottom-up approach where communities are involved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Accessing learner support services in a distance education context at UNISA Adult Basic Education Department
- Authors: Arko-Achemfuor, Akwasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013382 , Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigated the access to learner support services by Unisa‟s ABET students in the Department of Adult Education in one of the rural provinces in South Africa. Specifically, a survey using questionnaire and focus group interview was carried out to determine the access gaps in to the learner support services by Unisa‟s adult students. A literature study preceded the empirical study to fully comprehend the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the role of learner support in bridging the transactional distance between students on the one hand and the institution on the other hand. In the empirical study phase, a questionnaire was administered to 150 ABET Students in one province in South Africa through the stratified sampling technique and one focus group interview comprising 10 students who access support services at one of the regional offices to assess the importance they attach to the support services that are offered at the regional centres and the extent to which they are able to access them. The focus group interview comprised questions on the students‟ understanding of learner support services and their experiences in accessing them. Moore‟s theory of transactional distance was used as the theoretical base for the study. Out of a total of the 150 questionnaires that were distributed, 117 were the usable representing 78.0% response rate. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that, although Unisa has most of the learner support services in place but for various reasons, a lot of the students are not able to access the support services as expected as the needs gap for almost all the support services were high. The chi-square tests found significant differences (p is less than 0.05) between the students on the extent to which they are able to access the support services. An integrated learner support framework was suggested for Unisa and other distance providing institutions to address the access gaps adult students‟ encounter in their studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Arko-Achemfuor, Akwasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013382 , Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigated the access to learner support services by Unisa‟s ABET students in the Department of Adult Education in one of the rural provinces in South Africa. Specifically, a survey using questionnaire and focus group interview was carried out to determine the access gaps in to the learner support services by Unisa‟s adult students. A literature study preceded the empirical study to fully comprehend the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the role of learner support in bridging the transactional distance between students on the one hand and the institution on the other hand. In the empirical study phase, a questionnaire was administered to 150 ABET Students in one province in South Africa through the stratified sampling technique and one focus group interview comprising 10 students who access support services at one of the regional offices to assess the importance they attach to the support services that are offered at the regional centres and the extent to which they are able to access them. The focus group interview comprised questions on the students‟ understanding of learner support services and their experiences in accessing them. Moore‟s theory of transactional distance was used as the theoretical base for the study. Out of a total of the 150 questionnaires that were distributed, 117 were the usable representing 78.0% response rate. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that, although Unisa has most of the learner support services in place but for various reasons, a lot of the students are not able to access the support services as expected as the needs gap for almost all the support services were high. The chi-square tests found significant differences (p is less than 0.05) between the students on the extent to which they are able to access the support services. An integrated learner support framework was suggested for Unisa and other distance providing institutions to address the access gaps adult students‟ encounter in their studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Accountability of armed opposition groups in Somalia
- Authors: Chingeni, Janet Chisomo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Armed Forces , Civil war -- Somalia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10294 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020779
- Description: The purpose of IHL is to protect civilians and provide obligations that parties to the conflict are to adhere to. These obligations in case of a non-international armed conflict emanate from Common Article 3, Additional Protocol II and customary international humanitarian law. The reason for the imposition of these obligations on the parties to the conflict is for the need to protect the civilian population against the effects of hostilities which mostly are women and children. As the conflict in Somalia has gone on for too long, IHL plays an important role in protecting civilians. As the Geneva Conventions regulate armed conflicts together with its Additional Protocols they set out the requirements for the treatment of those not taking part in hostilities. In direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions by the parties to the conflict, the persons not taking part in hostilities have been the victims of attacks by armed groups. Even though armed groups have obligations, breaches have continued to occur resulting in impunity and perpetrators of violence have gone unpunished and there is need to close the accountability gap in respect of holding armed groups accountable in Somalia. The aim of this research is to assess how armed groups in Somalia can be held accountable for the atrocities they have committed. In an attempt to close the gap the researcher discusses the obligations that armed groups have, and when these obligations are breached many result in criminal accountability in respect of war crimes. It is also stated in the research that a State has an obligation to prosecute those in breach of IHL obligations. For prosecution to be possible in Somalia there is need for the Federal government of Somalia to adopt new legislation to enforce the justice system in the attempt to hold armed groups accountable and where possible to also utilise available courts as it is difficult and expensive to establish a tribunal. To end impunity armed groups are to be held accountable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chingeni, Janet Chisomo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Armed Forces , Civil war -- Somalia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10294 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020779
- Description: The purpose of IHL is to protect civilians and provide obligations that parties to the conflict are to adhere to. These obligations in case of a non-international armed conflict emanate from Common Article 3, Additional Protocol II and customary international humanitarian law. The reason for the imposition of these obligations on the parties to the conflict is for the need to protect the civilian population against the effects of hostilities which mostly are women and children. As the conflict in Somalia has gone on for too long, IHL plays an important role in protecting civilians. As the Geneva Conventions regulate armed conflicts together with its Additional Protocols they set out the requirements for the treatment of those not taking part in hostilities. In direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions by the parties to the conflict, the persons not taking part in hostilities have been the victims of attacks by armed groups. Even though armed groups have obligations, breaches have continued to occur resulting in impunity and perpetrators of violence have gone unpunished and there is need to close the accountability gap in respect of holding armed groups accountable in Somalia. The aim of this research is to assess how armed groups in Somalia can be held accountable for the atrocities they have committed. In an attempt to close the gap the researcher discusses the obligations that armed groups have, and when these obligations are breached many result in criminal accountability in respect of war crimes. It is also stated in the research that a State has an obligation to prosecute those in breach of IHL obligations. For prosecution to be possible in Somalia there is need for the Federal government of Somalia to adopt new legislation to enforce the justice system in the attempt to hold armed groups accountable and where possible to also utilise available courts as it is difficult and expensive to establish a tribunal. To end impunity armed groups are to be held accountable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Achievement of ‘Assessment of Learning’ and ‘Assessment for Learning’ in Physical Science and Mathematics Continuous Assessment (Cass) practices in two East London District High Schools in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Cobbinah, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16201 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013406 , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It has been argued that assessing learner performance is considered to be one of the most important things a teacher can do to promote learners’ learning. The Mathematics and Physical Science guidelines on assessment make a distinction between ‘assessment of learning’ and ‘assessment for learning’. Both processes are seen to be complementary aspects of continuous assessment (CASS) practices which constitute 25% of the final year learner’s mark in the National Senior Certificate. How teachers understand these processes and how they achieve them during their CASS practices were the focus of the study. This was a qualitative study in which two senior secondary schools in the East London District in the Eastern Cape participated. The respondents were four grade 12 Physical Science and Mathematics teachers and two heads of department (HoDs). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. There were five main findings. First, it was found that CASS assessment practices were skewed towards fulfilling accountability requirements of the Department of Education. Teachers focused on the Programme of Assessment (PoA) tasks and ignored other forms of assessment. Second, it appeared the use of the term ‘informal’ in the Department policy documents with regard to ‘assessment for learning’ encouraged teachers to treat informal assessment tasks as unimportant, not to be marked and recorded. In some cases assessment tasks were used to ‘occupy’ learners when teachers did not feel like teaching, so that learners would not be idle and disruptive in class. Third, some teachers did not set their own assessment tasks; they took previous papers and did cut and paste. Such a practice seemed to preclude assessment tasks that are tailor-made for particular learners. This practice also may undermine the alignment of learning outcomes and assessment standards. Fourth, moderation of CASS tasks was sometimes ignored and in other times done not strictly according to guidelines. These findings cast doubt on the validity and reliability of CASS marks. Finally, in most assessment for learning tasks, learners were not given feedback by teachers. This appears to undermine one of the most fundamental uses of assessment, which is feedback on performance that guides learning. It can be concluded that the CASS assessment practices did not reflect a balance between ‘assessment of learning’ and ‘assessment for learning’. This state of affairs seemed to be encouraged by the fact that district departmental support systems were too technicist and appeared to encourage teachers to do assessment to fulfil accountability purposes rather than for learners’ learning. It is recommended that research on assessment practices based on probability sampling for which results can be generalised to the target population should be carried out. It is further recommended that courses on assessment should be run for teachers in order to renew and/or give them assessment skills that will enable them to achieve a balance between assessment for learning and assessment of learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Cobbinah, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16201 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013406 , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It has been argued that assessing learner performance is considered to be one of the most important things a teacher can do to promote learners’ learning. The Mathematics and Physical Science guidelines on assessment make a distinction between ‘assessment of learning’ and ‘assessment for learning’. Both processes are seen to be complementary aspects of continuous assessment (CASS) practices which constitute 25% of the final year learner’s mark in the National Senior Certificate. How teachers understand these processes and how they achieve them during their CASS practices were the focus of the study. This was a qualitative study in which two senior secondary schools in the East London District in the Eastern Cape participated. The respondents were four grade 12 Physical Science and Mathematics teachers and two heads of department (HoDs). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. There were five main findings. First, it was found that CASS assessment practices were skewed towards fulfilling accountability requirements of the Department of Education. Teachers focused on the Programme of Assessment (PoA) tasks and ignored other forms of assessment. Second, it appeared the use of the term ‘informal’ in the Department policy documents with regard to ‘assessment for learning’ encouraged teachers to treat informal assessment tasks as unimportant, not to be marked and recorded. In some cases assessment tasks were used to ‘occupy’ learners when teachers did not feel like teaching, so that learners would not be idle and disruptive in class. Third, some teachers did not set their own assessment tasks; they took previous papers and did cut and paste. Such a practice seemed to preclude assessment tasks that are tailor-made for particular learners. This practice also may undermine the alignment of learning outcomes and assessment standards. Fourth, moderation of CASS tasks was sometimes ignored and in other times done not strictly according to guidelines. These findings cast doubt on the validity and reliability of CASS marks. Finally, in most assessment for learning tasks, learners were not given feedback by teachers. This appears to undermine one of the most fundamental uses of assessment, which is feedback on performance that guides learning. It can be concluded that the CASS assessment practices did not reflect a balance between ‘assessment of learning’ and ‘assessment for learning’. This state of affairs seemed to be encouraged by the fact that district departmental support systems were too technicist and appeared to encourage teachers to do assessment to fulfil accountability purposes rather than for learners’ learning. It is recommended that research on assessment practices based on probability sampling for which results can be generalised to the target population should be carried out. It is further recommended that courses on assessment should be run for teachers in order to renew and/or give them assessment skills that will enable them to achieve a balance between assessment for learning and assessment of learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Adoption strategies for increasing the use of blended learning at a private higher education institution
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013