List of Titles

To yoga or not to yoga? The effect of yoga on sustained attention: an fNIRS Study

Authors: Cunningham, Cornelia
Date: 2024-04-04
Subjects: Yoga , Vigilance (Psychology) , fNIRS , Neuroplasticity , Executive functions (Neuropsychology) , Non-randomized controlled trial report
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435411 , vital:73155
Description: Deficits in sustained attention are ubiquitous across numerous neuropsychological disorders. Besides being critical in learning, memory, and general cognitive capacity, sustained attention is thought to be the primary foundation for ‘higher’ cognitive functions including, divided, selective, and focused attention. Despite the above, sustained attention remains the lesser-researched form of attention. Sustained attention is thought to be regulated by the default mode network and the central executive network, the latter of which is situated in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region typically associated with sustained attention. Given the contributions of sustained attention in overall cognitive functioning, alternative and natural methods used to enhance this type of executive function are important. One alternative method is yoga exercise, where yoga is thought to place the body into the most favourable state to enhance sustained attention capacity. This study found a significant (p = 0.018) difference between the yoga and control group in incongruent response accuracy scores in the SCWT. However, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in fNIRS individual and group analyses, SCWT congruent and incongruent reaction time, as well as congruent response accuracy. This suggests that short-term yoga practice may improve behavioural markers for sustained attention, at least in terms of cognitive interference. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-04

Towards a possible future solution against Multidrug Resistance: An in silico exploration of the Multidrug and Toxic compound Extrusion (MATE) transporter proteins as potential antimicrobial drug targets

- Damji, Amira Mahamood

Authors: Damji, Amira Mahamood
Date: 2024-04-04
Subjects: Multidrug resistance , Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion family, eukaryotic , Docking , Molecular dynamics , Drug development , Transmembrane protein
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435009 , vital:73123
Description: The rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a pressing global issue, hindering the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases, and imposing a burden on healthcare systems and the economy. The Multidrug and Toxic compound Extrusion (MATE) superfamily of membrane efflux transporters is one of the key players contributing to MDR due to their ability to export a wide range of cationic and hydrophilic xenobiotics, including treatment drugs, from cells, diminishing their efficacy. Targeting MATE transporters holds great promise in achieving some cellular control over MDR, but first, a deeper understanding of their structure-function-dynamics link is required. This study aimed to explore the MATE transporters as potential antimicrobial drug targets using a two-fold in silico approach. First, virtual screening of compounds from the South African Natural Compounds Database (SANCDB) was performed to identify prospective lead inhibitory compounds against the MATE transporters using molecular docking, and top hits were selected based on their binding energy and interaction with the active site on the N-lobe of the protein. Second, to investigate the molecular-level dynamics of their extrusion mechanism, the MATE transporter structures were embedded in a POPC membrane bilayer using the CHARMM-GUI online tool and then subjected to MD simulations for 100 ns with the CHARMM 36m force field using GROMACS. The resulting trajectories were evaluated using three standard metrics – RMSD, RMSF, and Rg; significant global structural changes were observed and key functional regions in both membrane- and non-membrane transmembrane (TM) segments were identified, containing more dynamic and flexible residues than other regions. Furthermore, the MATE transporters showed more of a loosely-packed structure, providing flexibility to allow for conformational switching during their substrate-transport cycle, which is typical for proteins whose secondary structures are composed of all α-helices. The scope of this study lied in the preliminary stages of the computer-aided drug design process, and provided insights that can be used to guide the development of strategies aimed at regulating or inhibiting the function of the MATE transporters, offering a possible future solution to the growing challenge of MDR. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-04

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Towards an artificial intelligence-based agent for characterising the organisation of primes

- Oyetunji, Nicole Armlade

Authors: Oyetunji, Nicole Armlade
Date: 2024-04-04
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435389 , vital:73153
Description: Machine learning has experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by advancements in computational power and data storage. One of the applications of machine learning is in the field of number theory. Prime numbers hold significant importance in mathematics and its applications, for example in cryptography, owing to their distinct properties. Therefore, it is crucial to efficiently obtain the complete list of primes below a given threshold, with low relatively computational cost. This study extensively explores a deterministic scheme, proposed by Hawing and Okouma (2016), that is centered around Consecutive Composite Odd Numbers, showing the link between these numbers and prime numbers by examining their internal structure. The main objective of this dissertation is to develop two main artificial intelligence agents capable of learning and recognizing patterns within a list of consecutive composite odd numbers. To achieve this, the mathematical foundations of the deterministic scheme are used to generate a dataset of consecutive composite odd numbers. This dataset is further transformed into a dataset of differences to simplify the prediction problem. A literature review is conducted which encompasses research from the domains of machine learning and deep learning. Two main machine learning algorithms are implemented along with their variations, Long Short-Term Memory Networks and Error Correction Neural Networks. These models are trained independently on two separate but related datasets, the dataset of consecutive composite odd numbers and the dataset of differences between those numbers. The evaluation of these models includes relevant metrics, for example, Root Mean Square Error, Mean Absolute Percentage Error, Theil U coefficient, and Directional Accuracy. Through a comparative analysis, the study identifies the top-performing 3 models, with a particular emphasis on accuracy and computational efficiency. The results indicate that the LSTM model, when trained on difference data and coupled with exponential smoothing, displays superior performance as the most accurate model overall. It achieves a RMSE of 0.08, which significantly outperforms the dataset’s standard deviation of 0.42. This model exceeds the performance of basic estimator models, implying that a data-driven approach utilizing machine learning techniques can provide valuable insights in the field of number theory. The second best model, the ECNN trained on difference data combined with exponential smoothing, achieves an RMSE of 0.28. However, it is worth mentioning that this model is the most computationally efficient, being 32 times faster than the LSTM model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-04

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“COVID-19 made me a single parent”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of a woman’s perinatal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

- Hadebe, Asanda Locresia

Authors: Hadebe, Asanda Locresia
Date: 2024-04-04
Subjects: Perinatal care , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Interpretative phenomenological analysis , Pregnant women South Africa , Pregnancy Psychological aspects , Psychology Qualitative research South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435437 , vital:73158
Description: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented challenges across various aspects of life. In particular, pregnant women encountered unique challenges and circumstances that necessitated adaptation to the experience of the perinatal period1 Satyanarayana et al., (2011). A considerable amount of research has been conducted regarding women's experience of the perinatal period during COVID-19, especially in first world countries. However, inadequate research has been done in the South African context and specifically, there is a lack of qualitative research providing thick descriptions of experience. The analysis describes three master themes supported by subordinate themes. The main themes are (1) A sense of loss and change, (2) Managing COVID-19 and its regulations during the perinatal period, and (3) Glimmers of hope and desirable aftermaths. The study’s findings expand and support the growing literature of women’s experiences on the perinatal period during the COVID-19 pandemic. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-04

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A comparative analysis of land, labour and gender in a communal area and fast track farm in Zvimba Rural District, Zimbabwe

- Chinomona, Perpetua

Authors: Chinomona, Perpetua
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Land reform Zimbabwe Zvimba District , Patriarchy Zimbabwe , Feminism Zimbabwe , Sexual division of labor Zimbabwe , Decision making , Culture
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434612 , vital:73089 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434612
Description: This thesis provides a comparative analysis of gender, land, and labour between two different types of farming sites in rural Zimbabwe, namely long-established communal areas and the more recent Al fast track land reform resettlement areas. More specifically, the focus is on Kanzou Village and Stratford fast track resettlement farm respectively, located in Zvimba District in Mashonaland West Province. The study focuses on the period from the year 2000, the year in which the fast track resettlement programme was launched by the government. The thesis examines in particular the status and experience of women with regard to land acquisition, access and security as well as the division of labour (including assets, inputs and labour-time) in the spheres of production (i.e., agriculture) and social reproduction (i.e., the domestic sphere). This includes highlighting the power relations existing between men and women in both spheres, in the light of prevailing systems of patriarchy. Analytically, the thesis is framed in terms of feminism, drawing upon the complementary insights of Third World feminism and socialist feminism. In seeking to capture the perspectives and practices of men and women in the two sites, the fieldwork for the study entails a qualitative methodology. The findings of the research demonstrate the existence and relevance of patriarchal systems with respect to land and labour in Kanzou Village and Stratford fast track farm, with key commonalities appearing across the two sites with reference to the multiple ways in which women are disadvantaged and disempowered. Therefore, gender bias and inequality in land and labour are exhibited by the fact that men have, for instance, easier access to land, less involvement in labouring activities, control over a higher proportion of household income and a disproportionate level of power in the household. At the same time, there are certain differences between Kanzou Village and Stratford fast track farm around questions of gender, land and labour, but these are differences in degree rather than kind. Perhaps more important in explaining the differences between the two sites, and indeed differences within each site, are other variables. These variables include marital status, form or marriage (for example, customary or civil marriages), age and gender. By considering these variables as well, the thesis shows the importance of unpacking the notion of ‘woman’ to reveal the variegated and differential experiences of different categories of women in rural Zimbabwe. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Capital mobility and economic growth in South Africa

- Dhlamini, Nonceba Michelle

Authors: Dhlamini, Nonceba Michelle
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Capital movements South Africa , Economic development South Africa , Autoregression (Statistics) , Econometric models , Financial crises
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434712 , vital:73098
Description: The South African current account balance has been deteriorating over the years. An investigation of the correlation between capital mobility and economic growth is of interest as South Africa is heavily reliant on capital inflows to finance the current account deficit. This research topic is of importance as there is need to devise policies that maximise the benefits the nation derives from capital mobility. The benefits that capital flows provide economies, theoretically outweigh the disadvantages, provided that capital flows are absorbed productively. The topic is also of interest in the light of the magnitude of shocks to the South African economy such as the rand crisis, dotcom bubble, stock market bubble, inflation targeting, commodity super cycle, global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and Russo-Ukrainian War, as these shocks have translated to slower economic growth and higher levels of inflation. These shocks have equally revealed that countries need to have sound macroeconomic policies in order to survive the impact of any crises. The vision 2030 secretariat has identified capital markets as the key providers of capital required for achieving social economic blueprint. The empirical evidence locally is limited in comparison to the empirical evidence from outside of South Africa. This topic is of importance as South African studies on this topic are not as recent and this study aims to bridge that gap. Data were obtained from the South African Reserve Bank Quarterly Bulletin and the World Bank database for the period 1990 to 2022. The Autoregressive Distribution Lag model was employed in order to determine the relationship. This study relied on the supply-leading theory which posits capital markets may positively or negatively affect key indicators of economic growth. The study found that there is a positive long run relationship between net capital flows, saving-investment ratio and economic growth and a negative long run relationship between the degree of trade openness and economic growth. The findings will allow opportunity to address capital flow surges and in turn boost investor confidence. Capital flow management measures can help manage destabilizing exchange rate movements and capital flows coupled with macroprudential tools helping reduce the domestic buildup of vulnerabilities. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Dictionaries as pedagogic tools: a case study of selected schools in Makhanda, Eastern Cape

- Wababa, Zola Richman

Authors: Wababa, Zola Richman
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434651 , vital:73093 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434656
Description: The importance of dictionaries in society has been confirmed in relevant literature while their specific role in education is underlined by several studies focused on the use of dictionaries in teaching and learning. This study focuses on mother-tongue or first language (L1) isiXhosa learners and their use of dictionaries across subjects in the Intermediate Phase of primary schooling. The research sought to examine how dictionaries are used in teaching and learning and how they could be used more effectively in the teaching and learning processes, with a focus on isiXhosa L1 learners in the Makhanda area of the Sarah Baartman District of education, Eastern Cape. The general aim of this study was to improve the process and practice of using and producing Language for General Purpose (LGP) and Language for Specific Purpose (LSP) dictionaries across subjects. The study also sought to contribute to improving the functional value and user-friendliness of teaching support materials, such as dictionaries. The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) policy document states that dictionaries are essential in teaching and learning of both language and content subjects. In relation to language subjects, the CAPS is explicit about the use of dictionaries in the acquisition of vocabulary, meaning, spelling, pronunciation, and grammar, among other types of information that are integral in language attainment and learning. Nonetheless, the CAPS document does not clearly articulate the use of dictionaries in content subjects. The study draws on two branches of lexicography – namely, dictionary user research and dictionary criticism – to examine the extent to which dictionaries are problem-solving tools which assist users to meet their cognitive and communicative needs. Thus, the study seeks to influence policy and practice of the use of dictionaries as teaching and learning resource materials that could help teachers and learners better understand key concepts across subjects. A mixed-method approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using a variety of data collection instruments, viz., observation schedules, questionnaires, and interviews. The study found that although teachers were aware of dictionaries, they did not use them as a resource in teaching. Furthermore, teachers lacked skills in the use of dictionaries, therefore, they were not able to effectively integrate dictionaries in their lessons. The research also found that learners had little awareness of dictionaries and did not fully understand their role in language acquisition or content. Lastly, the study offered some insights on how dictionaries could be integrated in teaching and learning, and how their use could address some communicative and cognitive problems faced by non-mother tongue English speakers in a context where English dominates teaching and learning at the expense of learners’ L1. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Effects of household debt on economic growth in South Africa

- Bwalya, Rachael Mulenga

Authors: Bwalya, Rachael Mulenga
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Household debt , Mortgage loans South Africa , Credit card debt , Gross domestic product South Africa , Economic growth
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434766 , vital:73103
Description: South Africa’s household debt relative to GDP has risen rapidly over the past decade. There is concern that high levels of household debt may decrease spending in the future and hence in the long run slow down economic growth. Thus, this study investigates the impact of household debt on growth in South Africa from 1987Q3 to 2022Q1. The research draws upon first-generation theories which include the absolute income hypothesis, life cycle hypothesis, and permanent income hypothesis, and second-generation theories which include the neo-Kaleckian model, the Super multiplier model, and the Steindl model. The impact of this relationship is assessed using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model, with a Toda-Yamamoto modification for some regressions. It is discovered that household debt has a positive short-term influence on economic growth, however, the influence is weak, and it decreases in the long run. Types of household debt such as credit card debt have shown to have a positive and strong influence on economic growth in South Africa from the short run to the long run, however, mortgage debt has shown weak positive influence on economic growth from the short 105 run to the long run. The study found that the growth maximizing ratios for household debt to 106 GDP ratio is 70 percent. The growth maximising credit card debt level is ZAR 72 403, in nominal terms and for mortgage debt is ZAR 5 980 000. The findings are expected to assist policymakers such as central banks and government authorities in formulating relevant policies to ensure economic sustainability through macro-prudential policy and strategies for household debt management. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Electricity demand and supply in South Africa: is nuclear energy a feasible alternative to coal for baseload energy supply in South Africa?

- Maqanda, Vuyani

Authors: Maqanda, Vuyani
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434802 , vital:73106 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434802
Description: Climate change mitigation has created pressure on the energy mix choices of all countries. Highly polluting energy sources are increasingly unpopular. Renewable energy options have emerged as preferred choices for the low-emissions transition. Proponents of nuclear power have promoted the technology as a low-emissions technology by focusing on the operational phase and ignoring the other polluting phases. South Africa generated about 83% of its electricity supply from coal in 2019 and was rated as the 12th most polluting country in the world. In addition to the high pollution levels, the ageing coal fleet suffered from poor maintenance that resulted in frequent power blackouts. One of the government’s energy plans from 2010 proposed the addition of 9 600 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030. However, this plan was not implemented. This study investigates why nuclear power historically never expanded beyond a single power facility in South Africa as well as the possible future role of nuclear power in alleviating South Africa’s current electricity supply constraints and emissions commitments in the period up to 2050. Qualitative analysis is used for this study with a focus on historical document analysis and interviews with energy experts. Two research methods, case studies, and expert opinions were used in this study with data sourced from policy documents, Statistics South Africa, the World Bank, and published articles from various platforms. The Hotelling model, focusing on the impact of price differentials on energy transitions, was used as a theoretical framework. The conclusion from applying the model was that nuclear power was more expensive than the other options even when internalisation of pollution externalities was considered and therefore nuclear power could not displace the cheaper alternatives like coal based on price factors alone. The Multi-Level Perspective, working through institutions, revealed that the institutional setting did not support a transition to nuclear energy. The lack of coordination of strategies derailed the transition. The comparative case study analysis of Germany, the UK, Australia, and India reaffirmed this as countries with better coordination succeeded in transitions. Energy experts offered differing views on the feasibility of nuclear power but many agreed that South Africa should focus on technologies it has better competencies in. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Evaluating perceptions of co-management on small-scale fisheries in the Wild Coast of South Africa

- Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla

Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Factors that influence the adoption and implementation of sustainable procurement: a case of a South African public university

- Mpapha, Sive

Authors: Mpapha, Sive
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434663 , vital:73094
Description: Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Improving the first-generation students’ alumni awareness at Sol Plaatje University

- Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc

Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Instagram and male body image: an in-depth study of perceptions surrounding Instagram-related body ideals amongst gym-going, male students at Rhodes University.

- Nikiforos, Declyn Michael Costa

Authors: Nikiforos, Declyn Michael Costa
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Instagram (Electronic resource) , Body image in men South Africa Makhanda , College students Attitudes , Rhodes University , Disciplinary power , Social comparison theory
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434584 , vital:73087
Description: Guided by the disciplinary power and social comparison theories, this study sought to explore the perceptions of Instagram-related male body ideals amongst young, gym-going men enrolled at Rhodes University. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted, and the responses suggested that Instagram use shaped young men’s body-related perceptions in a variety of complex ways. The findings suggested that Instagram exposed users to a lean and muscular body ideal and that perceptions of this ideal were shaped by factors such as Instagram’s positivity bias, the age of users, and the exposure to the idealised bodies of fitness influencers. Furthermore, perceptions of Instagram’s male body ideal were influenced by context. Black South Africans that attended majority white high schools were more likely to conform to the male body ideals associated with their school environment. In such instances, individuals rejected the body norms associated with their ethnic backgrounds in lieu of striving for a lean and muscular body. Additionally, perceptions of body dissatisfaction were evident in cases where upward social comparisons were made with unrealistic male body ideals. Conformity to Instagram’s male body ideal also suggested that male users were subjected to a coercive form of power that resulted in their active participation in the reproduction of male body ideals. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Issues in language acquisition planning in Zimbabwe: the case of Ndebele within the primary education system

- Masuku, Seabird

Authors: Masuku, Seabird
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434626 , vital:73091 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434627
Description: This thesis discusses pertinent language issues within the primary school system in Zimbabwe in view of complaints (over many years) of communities in the two Matabeleland provinces and Bulawayo about high failure rates of learners in the final grade 7 examinations. It also interrogates the government’s commitment to the development of indigenous languages in the primary school system, particularly in the three provinces mentioned above as mirrored in the 2013 constitution of the country. The study conducted traces the language trends exhibited currently back to their beginnings during the colonial era in language planning by the government and the policies that informed such planning. What obtains on the ground seems to be violating the principles behind the declaration of the International Mother Language Day (30C/62) proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. On 16 May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/61/266, called upon Member States (Zimbabwe included) "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world". The amended education act of 2006 states that in Zimbabwe’s primary schools early learning must be done through mother tongue instruction then switch to English in grade 4 upwards. As a first step of a child’s academic life, the lower primary education needs to be conducted in the child’s mother tongue to bridge the gap between the child’s home environment and the new school environment as well as to reduce culture shock associated with the sudden introduction of a new language. Studies, such as those done by Noormohamadi, (2008) and Mackenzie, (2013) have shown that children tend to understand better if they are taught in their mother tongue. In this thesis I seek to establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural ideology (awareness of circumstances surrounding individuals and how their behaviours are affected, specifically by their surroundings, social and cultural factors) and political ideology (thinking structures about the way policies should be run) underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe. It is my observation and argument that the Education Act proclaims what has not been practised on the ground through teacher training and deployment practices. To establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural and political ideologies underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe, I carried out research in Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces covering a total of 27 schools, 27 heads of school and 135 teachers. The research’s main aims were to find out if Ndebele was taught at school, by who and using what materials. It should be noted that mother tongue, in learning, acts as a basis of interpretation of subsequent concepts. When a child is learning new concepts or words in the second language, he or she first searches the equivalent in his or her mother tongue. If the primary language has not been developed well enough to have such equivalents, such a child is likely to have problems in forming new concepts in the second language. The role of language in meaning, therefore, is a variable that depends on the socio-geographical location of the languages and their speakers. The research established that, indigenous languages, Ndebele included, are not developed by the government through financial support for teaching material production and qualified teacher deployment. Instead, it was discovered that in Matabeleland there are some learners at primary school who are taught by a Shona-speaking teacher who cannot communicate properly with the learners. It should be remembered that a primary language is used by a child as the foundation to learn the basic concepts in his or her own language and to give him or her freedom to express himself or herself without the inhibitions imposed by an insufficient mastery of the medium of instruction. As a way of concluding the research I found it necessary that the use of mother tongue by learners at lower grades of primary school be strengthened through the deployment of teachers who can teach Ndebele properly because it provides a strong foundation for further education. Using the mother tongue, students learn to think, communicate and acquire an intuitive understanding of grammar. The mother tongue is; therefore, the greatest asset and vital tool people use to acquire new concepts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Short Composition Portfolio

- Mavuso, Bonelela Lindelani

Authors: Mavuso, Bonelela Lindelani
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Composition (Music) , Jazz composition , Jazz South Africa , Music of Eswatini
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434778 , vital:73104
Description: Short Composition Portfolio (60% performance/40%short-compositionportfolio). , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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The influence of strategic leadership on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises as mediated by strategy implementation

- January, Nceba

Authors: January, Nceba
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434723 , vital:73099
Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as the cornerstone of socio-economic development in many economies globally. The progressive contribution of SMEs to the global economy is irrefutable and enshrined in poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and job creation strategies pursued by many economies worldwide. SMEs are primarily the form of enterprise that accounts for over 90% of all businesses; thus, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises are the main source of employment. SMEs' contribution to value creation is estimated to be above 50% on average. In emerging countries, particularly South Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 45% of the total employment and 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In most countries, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contribute to more than 50% of employment and GDP, and these figures become significantly higher when the informal small business sector is included. World Bank estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030, making SME development a high priority for many governments worldwide. Despite globally acknowledged SME contributions, small businesses are still faced with many challenges that have ramifications on their survival, growth, and performance. Studies highlighted challenges such as lack of access to finance and funding modalities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, markets and social networks, and lack of research and development, strategic management skills, and inability to perform managerial tasks, among others. Recent studies have been conducted on many of these challenges; however, there is little known about the strategic management challenges that face SMEs and their business performance. Several studies were conducted on some of these strategic management challenges, such as strategic planning, strategic orientation, strategic agility, organisational flexibility, and total quality management. However, a review of studies relevant to SMEs and their performance is silent on the argument regarding the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs, especially when key drivers of effective strategy implementation mediate strategic leadership. Thus, this study investigated the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs as mediated by strategy implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A detailed theoretical investigation was conducted on the nature and role of strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. Strategic leadership represents the independent variables of this study, namely: strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, organisational culture, organisation’s resource portfolio, and ethical practice, followed by the mediating variable (strategy implementation) and the dependent variable (business performance). An empirical investigation was also conducted to test the significant influence between these variables. This study adopted a positivistic approach using a quantitative research method. The sample size of the study was 390 respondents. Self-developed and structured questionnaires were physically distributed to 315 SME owners and managers in NMB using a convenience sampling method. Only 229 returned questionnaires were suitable and relevant to this study; thus, a 72.69% response rate was achieved. Returned questionnaires were cleansed, coded, and transferred to a statistical data analysis software called Statistica, version 14.0, for quantitative data analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics was calculated to summarise the empirical data on demographic variables and the main variables of this study. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the correlations between the main variables of this study, and the results confirmed that there is a positive influence between strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of the influence between the main variables of the study. A regression analysis outcome revealed that some of the strategic leadership activities (strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, and organisational culture) have a statistically significant positive influence on the business performance of SMEs. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive influence does exist between strategy implementation and business performance of SMEs. This study’s recommendations were suggested to SME owners/managers. Firstly, to formulate and develop a clear long-term vision of the business for the next 3 to 5 years. Align resources to key areas of business operation and set internal controls that will help set standards of desired performance and ultimately achieve them. Secondly, to formulate and implement shared values that connect employees to the business purpose and the way it is conducted. These shared values must be underpinned by a unique, valuable, and incomparable culture against competitors to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, consider using rewards to recognise employees who embody the shared values of the business and are committed to the success of the business because of its culture. Thirdly, ensure both strategic and financial controls support strategy implementation and guide employees to achieve performance objectives. Use balanced scorecards to assess the effectiveness of controls in the business and put corrective measures to address performance gaps. Last but not least, invest in staff development and training, technological infrastructure, and set sound processes and systems for the business operation, establish structures that have clear lines of reporting, authority, and delegation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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