Grade 3 teachers’ strategies to help English second language learners overcome interlingual spelling errors
- Authors: Rululu, Nomfusi Gladys
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Interlingual -- Spelling errors , Teacher`s strategies -- Grade 3
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1349 , vital:26548 , Interlingual -- Spelling errors , Teacher`s strategies -- Grade 3
- Description: Spelling is one of the most important components of writing at single-word level and is regarded as a vital part of written communication. Also spelling is seen as an important tool in writing. Without the ability to spell as a broader aspect of writing, a person could not be called literate in the conventional sense of the word. Although the spelling is so important, learners in the foundation phase especially in grade three commit interlingual spelling errors. This means that at this stage learners transfer patterns of the mother tongue to the second language. By so doing that they write English words as the way they are pronounced in their mother tongue. Hence this study investigated grade three teachers’ strategies to help English second language learners overcome interlingual spelling errors. In exploring these strategies this study adopted a qualitative approach in order to ensure reliability and validity of the study. The data gathering instruments used included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and document analysis. One primary school in Mdantsane a township in East London District was purposively selected to form the context of the study. The medium of instruction in this school is isiXhosa in the foundation phase and English is taught as a subject. Two teachers and their classes participated in this study. The findings of the study revealed that different factors contribute to interlingual spelling errors. These factors are status of the parent (they were illiterate), pronunciation, language borrowing and language transfer. It is also revealed that teachers have a limited number of strategies to teach learners overcome interlingual spelling errors instead they use strategies to teach spelling generally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Rululu, Nomfusi Gladys
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Interlingual -- Spelling errors , Teacher`s strategies -- Grade 3
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1349 , vital:26548 , Interlingual -- Spelling errors , Teacher`s strategies -- Grade 3
- Description: Spelling is one of the most important components of writing at single-word level and is regarded as a vital part of written communication. Also spelling is seen as an important tool in writing. Without the ability to spell as a broader aspect of writing, a person could not be called literate in the conventional sense of the word. Although the spelling is so important, learners in the foundation phase especially in grade three commit interlingual spelling errors. This means that at this stage learners transfer patterns of the mother tongue to the second language. By so doing that they write English words as the way they are pronounced in their mother tongue. Hence this study investigated grade three teachers’ strategies to help English second language learners overcome interlingual spelling errors. In exploring these strategies this study adopted a qualitative approach in order to ensure reliability and validity of the study. The data gathering instruments used included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and document analysis. One primary school in Mdantsane a township in East London District was purposively selected to form the context of the study. The medium of instruction in this school is isiXhosa in the foundation phase and English is taught as a subject. Two teachers and their classes participated in this study. The findings of the study revealed that different factors contribute to interlingual spelling errors. These factors are status of the parent (they were illiterate), pronunciation, language borrowing and language transfer. It is also revealed that teachers have a limited number of strategies to teach learners overcome interlingual spelling errors instead they use strategies to teach spelling generally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Heterosexual students’ attitudes towards gays and lesbians: an Eastern Cape University survey
- Authors: Barry, Hilde-May
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1009 , vital:26517
- Description: While South Africa stands apart from other countries as being more progressive in terms of gay and lesbian rights, attitudes towards this population continue to be intolerant. Attitudes shape people’s behaviour and in a university setting young students are vulnerable to discrimination. This is often a time when young people are still shaping their identities. An electronic survey comprising the Attitudes towards Lesbians and Gay Men Scale was administered to 401 students taking undergraduate psychology courses at the East London Campus of the University of Fort Hare, to assess their attitudes towards gays and lesbians. The survey measured their attitudes in terms of the biographical variables of gender, age, race, and religiosity, commitment to religious practice, urban or rural upbringing and nationality. The results of the research found that gender, race, religiosity, religious attendance and rural or urban upbringing do influence students’ attitudes significantly. However, age did not have an effect on attitudes towards gays and lesbians in the present study. The significance of the differences in attitudes in terms of nationality was not able to be tested due to the small sample size of foreign students. The findings of this study show that there are fairly consistent predictors of students’ attitudes concerning gays and lesbians. This information can help us to clarify areas to target for improvement in the campus climate for gay and lesbian communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Barry, Hilde-May
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1009 , vital:26517
- Description: While South Africa stands apart from other countries as being more progressive in terms of gay and lesbian rights, attitudes towards this population continue to be intolerant. Attitudes shape people’s behaviour and in a university setting young students are vulnerable to discrimination. This is often a time when young people are still shaping their identities. An electronic survey comprising the Attitudes towards Lesbians and Gay Men Scale was administered to 401 students taking undergraduate psychology courses at the East London Campus of the University of Fort Hare, to assess their attitudes towards gays and lesbians. The survey measured their attitudes in terms of the biographical variables of gender, age, race, and religiosity, commitment to religious practice, urban or rural upbringing and nationality. The results of the research found that gender, race, religiosity, religious attendance and rural or urban upbringing do influence students’ attitudes significantly. However, age did not have an effect on attitudes towards gays and lesbians in the present study. The significance of the differences in attitudes in terms of nationality was not able to be tested due to the small sample size of foreign students. The findings of this study show that there are fairly consistent predictors of students’ attitudes concerning gays and lesbians. This information can help us to clarify areas to target for improvement in the campus climate for gay and lesbian communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Identifying appropriate paths for establishing sustainable irrigated crop based farming business on smallholder irrigation schemes: a case of Ncora Irrigation Scheme
- Authors: Mbizana, Nandipha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016205 , Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study examined the impact of small scale irrigation technology in crop production under Ncora areas of Cofimvaba. To achieve the objective of the study, data were collected from 212 farmers engaged in various crop enterprises under the Ncora. The farmers were randomly selected. Descriptive Statistics, DEA model, linear regression model and gross margin analysis were used to analyse the results obtained from the survey. The descriptive results showed that Ncora farmers are small-scale farmers cultivating small hectare of land and using simple farm tools, mainly using furrow irrigation. Furthermore, they produce more than one crop enterprises. The gross margin Analysis shows that Ncora cultivation is profitable. The most profitable crop was found to be maize than potatoes. Farm production function revealed that land, labour and purchased inputs had a positive relationship with the output of the enterprises. SPSS was used to run data for linear regression model (OLS). It was suggested that extension services and private organizations assist farmers especially the emerging ones via provision of training, processing and storage facilities. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of soil and water quality as well as ground water table was recommended, in order to ensure sustainability of Ncora irrigation in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mbizana, Nandipha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016205 , Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study examined the impact of small scale irrigation technology in crop production under Ncora areas of Cofimvaba. To achieve the objective of the study, data were collected from 212 farmers engaged in various crop enterprises under the Ncora. The farmers were randomly selected. Descriptive Statistics, DEA model, linear regression model and gross margin analysis were used to analyse the results obtained from the survey. The descriptive results showed that Ncora farmers are small-scale farmers cultivating small hectare of land and using simple farm tools, mainly using furrow irrigation. Furthermore, they produce more than one crop enterprises. The gross margin Analysis shows that Ncora cultivation is profitable. The most profitable crop was found to be maize than potatoes. Farm production function revealed that land, labour and purchased inputs had a positive relationship with the output of the enterprises. SPSS was used to run data for linear regression model (OLS). It was suggested that extension services and private organizations assist farmers especially the emerging ones via provision of training, processing and storage facilities. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of soil and water quality as well as ground water table was recommended, in order to ensure sustainability of Ncora irrigation in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Impact of Agricultural development projects on poverty alleviation In Amajuba district municipality (KZN)
- Authors: Mabaso, Siphesihle Merit
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Agricultural development projects , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11217 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019770 , Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Agricultural development projects , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: The study determined the impact of agricultural development projects on poverty alleviation at Amajuba district municipality. Data was drawn from 100 respondents, projects were purposively selected in line with the focus of projects members and non-projects members in Dannhauser under Amajuba District municipality to access and investigate the impact of agricultural development projects on poverty alleviation. The study presents the results of assessing those that are in groups and those that are working individually on agricultural production to alleviate poverty. The data was captured using a questionnaire which was administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used to analyse and compare the level of livelihood and variables between project and non-project members. The results show that project members are more productive than non-project members. Project members had more access to funding, training, markets and extension services compared to non-members. However, the results further showed that being a project member attracts some rewards which end up improving the living standards as well as alleviates the poverty levels of farmers, whereas working as an individual limits the farmer(s) from receiving reasonable government assistance such as funding and extension services delivery. The descriptive results indicated that members of most rural households were relatively old, married, literate but unemployed. Non-project members were dependent on remittances, social grants and pension funds because the farming strategy could not meet all their household needs. However, The major crops that were grown for income and food security to maintain their livelihoods include: maize, potatoes, onions, butternut, carrots, cabbage and dry beans. Factors that had significant influences on outcomes were extension services, grants, pension and remittances, land productivity, market accessibility, output difference and livelihood. The available opportunities for project members were access to land, funding, markets, infrastructure, inputs and support services from government institutions, as well as NGO’s.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mabaso, Siphesihle Merit
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Agricultural development projects , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11217 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019770 , Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Agricultural development projects , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: The study determined the impact of agricultural development projects on poverty alleviation at Amajuba district municipality. Data was drawn from 100 respondents, projects were purposively selected in line with the focus of projects members and non-projects members in Dannhauser under Amajuba District municipality to access and investigate the impact of agricultural development projects on poverty alleviation. The study presents the results of assessing those that are in groups and those that are working individually on agricultural production to alleviate poverty. The data was captured using a questionnaire which was administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used to analyse and compare the level of livelihood and variables between project and non-project members. The results show that project members are more productive than non-project members. Project members had more access to funding, training, markets and extension services compared to non-members. However, the results further showed that being a project member attracts some rewards which end up improving the living standards as well as alleviates the poverty levels of farmers, whereas working as an individual limits the farmer(s) from receiving reasonable government assistance such as funding and extension services delivery. The descriptive results indicated that members of most rural households were relatively old, married, literate but unemployed. Non-project members were dependent on remittances, social grants and pension funds because the farming strategy could not meet all their household needs. However, The major crops that were grown for income and food security to maintain their livelihoods include: maize, potatoes, onions, butternut, carrots, cabbage and dry beans. Factors that had significant influences on outcomes were extension services, grants, pension and remittances, land productivity, market accessibility, output difference and livelihood. The available opportunities for project members were access to land, funding, markets, infrastructure, inputs and support services from government institutions, as well as NGO’s.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Impact of translucent water-based acrylic paint on the thermal performance of a low cost house
- Authors: Overen, Ochuko Kelvin
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019777
- Description: Insulation materials are selected based on their R-value, which is a measure of the thermal resistance of a material. Therefore, the higher the R-value of a material, the better its thermal insulation performance. There are two major groups of insulation materials: bulk and reflective insulation (or combine bulk and reflective). Bulk insulation is design to resist heat transfer due to conduction and convection. Reflective insulation resists radiant heat flow due to its high reflectivity and low emissivity. Insulation materials are not restricted to these materials only. Other low thermal conductive materials can be used as long as the primary aim of thermal insulation, which is increasing thermal resistance, is achieved. Hence, the aim of the project is to investigate the insulation ability of Translucent Water-based Acrylic Paint (TWAP) on the thermal performance of Low Cost Housing (LCH). To achieve the aim of the study, the inner surfaces of the external walls of LCH was coated with TWAP. Before the inner surfaces of the external walls were coated, the following techniques were used to characterised the paint; Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and IR thermography. SEM/EDX was adapted to view the surface morphology and to detect the elemental composition responsible for the thermal resistance of the TWAP. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the functional group and organic molecular composition of the paint. The heat resistance of TWAP was analyzed using IR thermography technique. A low cost house located in the Golf Course settlement in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa under the Nkonkobe Municipality Eastern Cape was used as a case study in this research. The house is facing geographical N16°E, It comprises a bedroom, toilet and an open plan living room and kitchen. The house has a floor dimension of 7.20 m x 5.70 m, giving an approximate area of 41 m2. The roof is made of galvanized corrugated iron sheets with no ceiling or any form of roof insulation. The walls of the buildings are made of the M6 (0.39 m 0.19 m x 0.14 m) hollow concrete blocks, with no plaster or insulation. The following meteorological parameters were measured: temperature, relative humidity, solar irradiance, wind speed and wind direction. Eleven type-K thermocouples were used to measure the indoor temperature, inner and outer surfaces temperature of the building walls. Two sets of HMP50 humidity sensors were used to measure the indoor and outdoor relative humidity as well as the ambient temperature. The indoor temperature and relative humidity were measured at a height of 1.80 m so as to have good indoor parameter variation patterns that are not influenced by the roof temperature. The outdoor relative humidity sensor together with a 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane and Li-Cor pyranometer were installed at a height of 0.44 m above the roof of the building. Wind speed and direction were measured by the 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane, while solar radiation was measured by the Li-Cor pyranometer. The entire set of sensors was connected to a CR1000 data logger from which data are stored and retrieved following a setup program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Overen, Ochuko Kelvin
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019777
- Description: Insulation materials are selected based on their R-value, which is a measure of the thermal resistance of a material. Therefore, the higher the R-value of a material, the better its thermal insulation performance. There are two major groups of insulation materials: bulk and reflective insulation (or combine bulk and reflective). Bulk insulation is design to resist heat transfer due to conduction and convection. Reflective insulation resists radiant heat flow due to its high reflectivity and low emissivity. Insulation materials are not restricted to these materials only. Other low thermal conductive materials can be used as long as the primary aim of thermal insulation, which is increasing thermal resistance, is achieved. Hence, the aim of the project is to investigate the insulation ability of Translucent Water-based Acrylic Paint (TWAP) on the thermal performance of Low Cost Housing (LCH). To achieve the aim of the study, the inner surfaces of the external walls of LCH was coated with TWAP. Before the inner surfaces of the external walls were coated, the following techniques were used to characterised the paint; Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and IR thermography. SEM/EDX was adapted to view the surface morphology and to detect the elemental composition responsible for the thermal resistance of the TWAP. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the functional group and organic molecular composition of the paint. The heat resistance of TWAP was analyzed using IR thermography technique. A low cost house located in the Golf Course settlement in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa under the Nkonkobe Municipality Eastern Cape was used as a case study in this research. The house is facing geographical N16°E, It comprises a bedroom, toilet and an open plan living room and kitchen. The house has a floor dimension of 7.20 m x 5.70 m, giving an approximate area of 41 m2. The roof is made of galvanized corrugated iron sheets with no ceiling or any form of roof insulation. The walls of the buildings are made of the M6 (0.39 m 0.19 m x 0.14 m) hollow concrete blocks, with no plaster or insulation. The following meteorological parameters were measured: temperature, relative humidity, solar irradiance, wind speed and wind direction. Eleven type-K thermocouples were used to measure the indoor temperature, inner and outer surfaces temperature of the building walls. Two sets of HMP50 humidity sensors were used to measure the indoor and outdoor relative humidity as well as the ambient temperature. The indoor temperature and relative humidity were measured at a height of 1.80 m so as to have good indoor parameter variation patterns that are not influenced by the roof temperature. The outdoor relative humidity sensor together with a 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane and Li-Cor pyranometer were installed at a height of 0.44 m above the roof of the building. Wind speed and direction were measured by the 03001 wind sentry anemometer/vane, while solar radiation was measured by the Li-Cor pyranometer. The entire set of sensors was connected to a CR1000 data logger from which data are stored and retrieved following a setup program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Implementation of a facebook crawler for opinion monitoring and trend analysis purposes: a case study of government service delivery in Dwesa
- Mfenyana, Sinesihle Ignetious
- Authors: Mfenyana, Sinesihle Ignetious
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Web-based user interfaces -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016067 , Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Web-based user interfaces -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Internet has shifted from the Web 1.0 era to the Web 2.0 era. In the contemporary era of web 2.0, the Internet is being used to build and reflect social relationships among people who share similar interests and activities. This is done through services such as Social Networking Sites (Facebook, Twitter etc.) and the web blogs. Currently, there is a very high usage of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) and blogs where people share their views, opinions, and thoughts. This leads to the production of a lot of data by people who post such content on SNSs. As a result, SNSs and blogs become the ideal platforms for opinion monitoring and the trend analysis. These SNSs and Blogs could be used by service providers for tracking what the public thinks or requires. The reason being, having such knowledge can help in decision making and future planning. If service providers can keep track of such views, opinions or thoughts with regard to the services they provide, they can better their understanding about the public or clients’ needs and improve the provision of relevant services. This research project presents a system prototype for performing opinion monitoring and trend analysis on Facebook. The proposed system crawl Facebook, indexes the data and provides user interface (UI) where end users can search and see the trending of a topics of their choice. The system prototype could also be used to check the trending topics without having to search. The main objective of this research project was to develop a framework that will contribute in improving the way government officials, companies or any service providers and normal citizens communicate regarding services they provide. This research project is premised on the conceptualization that if the government officials, companies or any service providers can keep track of the citizen’s opinions, views and thoughts with regards to services they provide it can help improve the delivery of such services. This research and the implementation of the trend analysis tool is undertaken in the context of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD) intervention for Dwesa marginalized community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mfenyana, Sinesihle Ignetious
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Web-based user interfaces -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016067 , Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Web-based user interfaces -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Internet has shifted from the Web 1.0 era to the Web 2.0 era. In the contemporary era of web 2.0, the Internet is being used to build and reflect social relationships among people who share similar interests and activities. This is done through services such as Social Networking Sites (Facebook, Twitter etc.) and the web blogs. Currently, there is a very high usage of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) and blogs where people share their views, opinions, and thoughts. This leads to the production of a lot of data by people who post such content on SNSs. As a result, SNSs and blogs become the ideal platforms for opinion monitoring and the trend analysis. These SNSs and Blogs could be used by service providers for tracking what the public thinks or requires. The reason being, having such knowledge can help in decision making and future planning. If service providers can keep track of such views, opinions or thoughts with regard to the services they provide, they can better their understanding about the public or clients’ needs and improve the provision of relevant services. This research project presents a system prototype for performing opinion monitoring and trend analysis on Facebook. The proposed system crawl Facebook, indexes the data and provides user interface (UI) where end users can search and see the trending of a topics of their choice. The system prototype could also be used to check the trending topics without having to search. The main objective of this research project was to develop a framework that will contribute in improving the way government officials, companies or any service providers and normal citizens communicate regarding services they provide. This research project is premised on the conceptualization that if the government officials, companies or any service providers can keep track of the citizen’s opinions, views and thoughts with regards to services they provide it can help improve the delivery of such services. This research and the implementation of the trend analysis tool is undertaken in the context of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD) intervention for Dwesa marginalized community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Implementation of the business studies national curriculum statement: a case study of four high schools in the Fort Beaufort education district
- Authors: Tyilo, Nomakula
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Curriculum planning Curriculum planning Curriculum planning Education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5829 , vital:29400
- Description: This study investigated the implementation of the Business Studies National Curriculum Statement in Schools in Fort Beaufort District. The interpretive paradigm was utilized in this study because it focuses on individual perceptions and experiences. In addition a qualitative approach was used for the collection of data so as to gain in-depth information on the implementation of the Business Studies National Curriculum. Semi- structured interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis were used as a form of collecting data. The participants were purposively selected for the sample of this study and comprised of 4 Principals, 3 Subject Advisors, 1 Provincial Subject Planner, 6 Teachers and 36 learners and interviews lasted for about 1 ½ hours. Data analysis was done in line with the research questions, aims and objectives of the study. Through the participants’ answers from schools under study, a transcript was formulated, coded and categorized in view of the implementation of Business Studies National Curriculum Statement in schools. Therefore, it was discovered from the data of the research study that the participants encounter a number of challenges with regard to teaching and implementing Business Studies in their schools. Namely: (1) lack of qualified personnel to teach Business Studies (2) lack of adequate teaching materials (3) lack of Subject Advisors executing their roles in helping teachers to teach Business Studies effectively (4) lack of training programmes and workshops on how to teach Business Studies in the classroom. Thus, there were variances in schools under study especially with relations to funding, availability of teaching material, support offered by School Heads and the Department of Education. As a result, emphasis was that the Department of Education had to come up with ways of continuously training the teachers and offering support in terms of teaching materials. Most of the participants from the school under study did not bother to plan their lessons when they were going to teach this subject. In sum, this study attempted to highlight the challenges that the participants encounter as they try to implement the Business Studies in their schools taking into the considering the educational history of their country. Hence some of the participants expressed why there is a need to create, cultivate and have a conducive and supportive working environment. The study recommends that the Department of Education provide teachers with special training on how to select relevant learning and teaching support material. Moreover, there is a greater need for Business Studies teachers to strike a balance between theory and practice in the deliverance of their lessons in Business Studies. Additionally, the District Officials must organise on-going training in Business Studies as this would help to rectify the problems that are currently being encountered in implementing Business Studies in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Tyilo, Nomakula
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Curriculum planning Curriculum planning Curriculum planning Education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5829 , vital:29400
- Description: This study investigated the implementation of the Business Studies National Curriculum Statement in Schools in Fort Beaufort District. The interpretive paradigm was utilized in this study because it focuses on individual perceptions and experiences. In addition a qualitative approach was used for the collection of data so as to gain in-depth information on the implementation of the Business Studies National Curriculum. Semi- structured interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis were used as a form of collecting data. The participants were purposively selected for the sample of this study and comprised of 4 Principals, 3 Subject Advisors, 1 Provincial Subject Planner, 6 Teachers and 36 learners and interviews lasted for about 1 ½ hours. Data analysis was done in line with the research questions, aims and objectives of the study. Through the participants’ answers from schools under study, a transcript was formulated, coded and categorized in view of the implementation of Business Studies National Curriculum Statement in schools. Therefore, it was discovered from the data of the research study that the participants encounter a number of challenges with regard to teaching and implementing Business Studies in their schools. Namely: (1) lack of qualified personnel to teach Business Studies (2) lack of adequate teaching materials (3) lack of Subject Advisors executing their roles in helping teachers to teach Business Studies effectively (4) lack of training programmes and workshops on how to teach Business Studies in the classroom. Thus, there were variances in schools under study especially with relations to funding, availability of teaching material, support offered by School Heads and the Department of Education. As a result, emphasis was that the Department of Education had to come up with ways of continuously training the teachers and offering support in terms of teaching materials. Most of the participants from the school under study did not bother to plan their lessons when they were going to teach this subject. In sum, this study attempted to highlight the challenges that the participants encounter as they try to implement the Business Studies in their schools taking into the considering the educational history of their country. Hence some of the participants expressed why there is a need to create, cultivate and have a conducive and supportive working environment. The study recommends that the Department of Education provide teachers with special training on how to select relevant learning and teaching support material. Moreover, there is a greater need for Business Studies teachers to strike a balance between theory and practice in the deliverance of their lessons in Business Studies. Additionally, the District Officials must organise on-going training in Business Studies as this would help to rectify the problems that are currently being encountered in implementing Business Studies in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
International students in South African universities: an examination of their academic choices, challenges and social integration at the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University
- Authors: Olujobi, Omobola
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020183 , Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: International students have become major role players in international education across the globe. Their enrollment in different universities has increased in the past few decades worldwide. Most of these students bring rich cultural diversity and skills to their various host institutions and countries. These trends signal the need to examine and understand international students within the South African context. Against this background, this study explores the factors that influence academic choices of international students, academic and social challenges they face and the role of social capital in influencing international student integration at the Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes in South Africa. A qualitative research design was employed in this study. Thirty international students were selected (and interviewed) using purposive sampling and snowballing. The study found that some of the main factors that influence the academic choices of international students include availability of scholarships and funding, recommendations of the institution by family and friends, availability of preferred course and the reputation of the institution. Some of the main challenges faced by international students in these two institutions include language barriers, financial difficulty, expensive but improperly maintained accommodation and culture shock. These challenges impede the smooth integration of international students into their new academic and social environment. However, the students employ several strategies in attempt to address the challenges they face. These include joining a student or community social organization, community engagement and making friends. These social networks and organizations serve as a support system and connection hub for the students. The study recommends that it is pertinent for the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University to meet the needs and expectations of its international students through regular surveys that give them room to speak about their experiences. The need for efficient International Offices at both institutions is crucial as well as the employment of open‐minded multicultural trained staff in these offices. The study also suggests the need for the both institutions to provide affordable and comfortable accommodation for its international students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Olujobi, Omobola
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020183 , Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: International students have become major role players in international education across the globe. Their enrollment in different universities has increased in the past few decades worldwide. Most of these students bring rich cultural diversity and skills to their various host institutions and countries. These trends signal the need to examine and understand international students within the South African context. Against this background, this study explores the factors that influence academic choices of international students, academic and social challenges they face and the role of social capital in influencing international student integration at the Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes in South Africa. A qualitative research design was employed in this study. Thirty international students were selected (and interviewed) using purposive sampling and snowballing. The study found that some of the main factors that influence the academic choices of international students include availability of scholarships and funding, recommendations of the institution by family and friends, availability of preferred course and the reputation of the institution. Some of the main challenges faced by international students in these two institutions include language barriers, financial difficulty, expensive but improperly maintained accommodation and culture shock. These challenges impede the smooth integration of international students into their new academic and social environment. However, the students employ several strategies in attempt to address the challenges they face. These include joining a student or community social organization, community engagement and making friends. These social networks and organizations serve as a support system and connection hub for the students. The study recommends that it is pertinent for the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University to meet the needs and expectations of its international students through regular surveys that give them room to speak about their experiences. The need for efficient International Offices at both institutions is crucial as well as the employment of open‐minded multicultural trained staff in these offices. The study also suggests the need for the both institutions to provide affordable and comfortable accommodation for its international students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Investigating the provision of nutritional support to critically ill hospitalised patients by registered nurses in East London public and private hospitals in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mooi, Nomaxabiso Mildred
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nutritional support , Critical illness , Critical Care units , Registered nurses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015533 , Nutritional support , Critical illness , Critical Care units , Registered nurses
- Description: Critical illness is typically associated with a catabolic stress state in which patients commonly demonstrate a systemic inflammatory response that brings about changes in their body systems. Changes in the body systems make the critically ill dependent on mechanical ventilation and inotropic support for longer periods in order to survive. However, this inflammatory response can be attenuated by the timely introduction of nutritional support to provide energy and nutrients to diminish catabolism and promote anabolism. The result could be a decrease in the morbidity and mortality rates, as well as the financial burden on the patients, institutions and the state. Since registered nurses initiate and utilise feeding protocols to achieve target goals, there is a strong need for nurse-initiated feeding protocols. These protocols should be coupled with a comprehensive nurse-directed nutritional educational intervention that will focus on their safe and effective implementation. This focus on nursing nutrition education represents a major shift away from traditional education which has focused on dietitians and physicians. Evidence suggests that incorporating guideline recommendations into nurse-initiated protocols for starting and advancing enteral feedings is an effective strategy to improve the delivery of nutritional support. The study was aimed at exploring the provision of nutritional support to critically ill hospitalised patients by registered nurses to identify and describe possible gaps in the practice, through determining the potential relationship between the provision of nutritional support and characteristics of its providers. A quantitative, descriptive correlational study was undertaken. Seventy registered nurses working in neonatal/paediatric and adult critical care units in two public and three private hospitals in East London in the Eastern Cape participated in the study. The sample also included public critical care students. The results showed that registered nurses in private hospitals have more knowledge about the importance of nutritional support than their public hospital counterparts and students. The mean score was on the question was 80.3% with the highest score of 91% which was for the private hospital nurses, followed by 77.2% for public and 71.4% for students. Again, the mean score for knowledge on timing of initiating nutritional support was 48%, the highest score being 69.4% for students followed by private hospital nurses with 49.6%. Close to 63% (n = 44) of these nurses were either unsure about the availability of nutritional protocols or clearly attested to their non-availability. This is seen as an issue of concern because a protocol is meant to be a standard document with which all members of the ICU should be familiar. It is meant to guide and facilitate the manner of working in the unit. While facilitation of maintenance of nutritional support to patients is the responsibility of registered nurses, according to Regulation 2598(1984) section 45 (1) (q) of the South African Nursing Council, 68% (n = 48) of the respondents felt that this was in the practising scope of doctors and dietitians. The study concluded that the nurses are knowledgeable about the importance of nutritional support but knowledge gaps have been identified as far as the timing of initiating nutritional support is concerned. Some attested to unavailability of standard guidelines that are tailored into protocols guiding the provision of nutritional support by registered nurses in the critical care units. Nutrition should be prioritised as an important therapy for improving the outcomes of critically ill patients. Nurses need to analyse its provision, identify barriers to nutritional strategies and engage in nutritional education to empower themselves regarding the practice. Most importantly, there is a need for nurse-initiated nutritional protocols that are tailored from the broad nutritional guidelines and aligned with the local context and ways of practising. Nutritional support should be included as a key component of the curriculum in academic programmes that specialise in critical care nursing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mooi, Nomaxabiso Mildred
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nutritional support , Critical illness , Critical Care units , Registered nurses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015533 , Nutritional support , Critical illness , Critical Care units , Registered nurses
- Description: Critical illness is typically associated with a catabolic stress state in which patients commonly demonstrate a systemic inflammatory response that brings about changes in their body systems. Changes in the body systems make the critically ill dependent on mechanical ventilation and inotropic support for longer periods in order to survive. However, this inflammatory response can be attenuated by the timely introduction of nutritional support to provide energy and nutrients to diminish catabolism and promote anabolism. The result could be a decrease in the morbidity and mortality rates, as well as the financial burden on the patients, institutions and the state. Since registered nurses initiate and utilise feeding protocols to achieve target goals, there is a strong need for nurse-initiated feeding protocols. These protocols should be coupled with a comprehensive nurse-directed nutritional educational intervention that will focus on their safe and effective implementation. This focus on nursing nutrition education represents a major shift away from traditional education which has focused on dietitians and physicians. Evidence suggests that incorporating guideline recommendations into nurse-initiated protocols for starting and advancing enteral feedings is an effective strategy to improve the delivery of nutritional support. The study was aimed at exploring the provision of nutritional support to critically ill hospitalised patients by registered nurses to identify and describe possible gaps in the practice, through determining the potential relationship between the provision of nutritional support and characteristics of its providers. A quantitative, descriptive correlational study was undertaken. Seventy registered nurses working in neonatal/paediatric and adult critical care units in two public and three private hospitals in East London in the Eastern Cape participated in the study. The sample also included public critical care students. The results showed that registered nurses in private hospitals have more knowledge about the importance of nutritional support than their public hospital counterparts and students. The mean score was on the question was 80.3% with the highest score of 91% which was for the private hospital nurses, followed by 77.2% for public and 71.4% for students. Again, the mean score for knowledge on timing of initiating nutritional support was 48%, the highest score being 69.4% for students followed by private hospital nurses with 49.6%. Close to 63% (n = 44) of these nurses were either unsure about the availability of nutritional protocols or clearly attested to their non-availability. This is seen as an issue of concern because a protocol is meant to be a standard document with which all members of the ICU should be familiar. It is meant to guide and facilitate the manner of working in the unit. While facilitation of maintenance of nutritional support to patients is the responsibility of registered nurses, according to Regulation 2598(1984) section 45 (1) (q) of the South African Nursing Council, 68% (n = 48) of the respondents felt that this was in the practising scope of doctors and dietitians. The study concluded that the nurses are knowledgeable about the importance of nutritional support but knowledge gaps have been identified as far as the timing of initiating nutritional support is concerned. Some attested to unavailability of standard guidelines that are tailored into protocols guiding the provision of nutritional support by registered nurses in the critical care units. Nutrition should be prioritised as an important therapy for improving the outcomes of critically ill patients. Nurses need to analyse its provision, identify barriers to nutritional strategies and engage in nutritional education to empower themselves regarding the practice. Most importantly, there is a need for nurse-initiated nutritional protocols that are tailored from the broad nutritional guidelines and aligned with the local context and ways of practising. Nutritional support should be included as a key component of the curriculum in academic programmes that specialise in critical care nursing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Investigation of the NFC technology for mobile payments and the development of a prototype payment application in the context of marginalized rural areas
- Authors: Gurajena, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020243
- Description: Both communication, and the methods and tools of commerce have evolved over time through the invention of new technologies. The latest of these technologies are mobile devices and electronic commerce respectively. The combination of these two technologies has resulted in the creation of electronic commerce which also enables mobile payments. Mobile payments (mpayments) are enabled by many technologies with Near Field Communication (NFC) being the most recent one. NFC is a wireless technology that enables mobile devices in close proximity to exchange data. The mobile device has already been enthusiastically accepted by the customers and they carry it with them wherever they go and this makes it a good device for providing a payment method alternative. This research looks at contactless mobile payment as a payment method. Customers in marginalized rural areas lack a payment alternative to cash hence in this research we are investigating and proposing the use of a NFC enabled mobile payment application for Marginalized Rural Areas. This research extensively evaluates and assesses the potential of using NFC enabled m-payments in Marginalized Rural Areas in South Africa by carrying out an investigation of the technology and its acceptance by customers. The investigation of the technology included implementation of a prototype application which was used to introduce the technology to the consumers. The customer acceptance of the NFC enabled mobile payments was evaluated using the Technology Acceptance model (TAM). The model was modified to suit the context of this study by adding more constructs. This research concluded that Near Field Communication enabled m-payments have great potential to be used and accepted by people in the marginalized rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gurajena, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020243
- Description: Both communication, and the methods and tools of commerce have evolved over time through the invention of new technologies. The latest of these technologies are mobile devices and electronic commerce respectively. The combination of these two technologies has resulted in the creation of electronic commerce which also enables mobile payments. Mobile payments (mpayments) are enabled by many technologies with Near Field Communication (NFC) being the most recent one. NFC is a wireless technology that enables mobile devices in close proximity to exchange data. The mobile device has already been enthusiastically accepted by the customers and they carry it with them wherever they go and this makes it a good device for providing a payment method alternative. This research looks at contactless mobile payment as a payment method. Customers in marginalized rural areas lack a payment alternative to cash hence in this research we are investigating and proposing the use of a NFC enabled mobile payment application for Marginalized Rural Areas. This research extensively evaluates and assesses the potential of using NFC enabled m-payments in Marginalized Rural Areas in South Africa by carrying out an investigation of the technology and its acceptance by customers. The investigation of the technology included implementation of a prototype application which was used to introduce the technology to the consumers. The customer acceptance of the NFC enabled mobile payments was evaluated using the Technology Acceptance model (TAM). The model was modified to suit the context of this study by adding more constructs. This research concluded that Near Field Communication enabled m-payments have great potential to be used and accepted by people in the marginalized rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Isolation, Characterisation, and biological activity evaluation of essential Oils of Cymbopogon validus (Stapf) Stapf ex Burtt Davy and Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf
- Authors: Rungqu, Pamela
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11354 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021283
- Description: Cymbopogon validus and Hyparrhenia hirta belong to the Poaceae botanical family. Both plants are used as thatching material; H. hirta is also used for weaving mats and baskets. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of C. validus and H. hirta essential oils on fresh egg-albumin induced edema on Wistar rats. To fully understand the chemically induced anti-inflammatory properties of these plants, we first analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oils. The essential oils were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In C. validus, 13 compounds accounted for 74.3% of fresh leaves oil, 14 compounds 71.8% of dried leaves oil and 12 compounds 73.3% of flower oil were identified from the GC-MS Chromatogram. The percentage yields were as follows fresh leaves oil 2.2%, dried leaves oil 2.0% and flower oil 2.4% v/w respectively. Linalool (3.2-29.6%) and northujane (4.4-16.9%) were the dominant compounds found in the 3 oils analyzed. While, α-terpineol 37.5% and verbenone 13.5% was only found in the fresh leaf oil, this was absent in the dried leaves oil and the flowers oil of C. validus. In H. hirta, 25 compounds accounted for 68.1% of fresh leaves oil, 40 compounds 71.9% of dried leaves oil, 23 compounds 77.6% of fresh flowers oil and 18 compounds 80.1% of dried flowers oil were identified from the GC-MS Chromatogram. The percentage yields obtained from the different parts were 3.4% for fresh leaves oil, 2.8% for dried leaves oil, 2.8% for fresh flowers oil and 0.7% for dried flowers oil v/w respectively. Northujane (8.5-30.0%), diisooctyl phthalate (4.4-26.5%), phytone (1.1-10.4%) were the dominant compounds found in the 4 oils analyzed. While, dibutyl phthalate 26.9% was only found in the fresh flowers and was absent in the dried flowers oil. Moreover, caryophyllene oxide (1.7-9.6%) was found in fresh leaves and dried flowers oil of H. hirta. In vivo analysis revealed that the two essential oils displayed significant edema inhibition effect overtime. They displayed strong anti-inflammatory properties when compared to control group. However, the H. hirta essential oil was more effective than that of C. validus. Linalool, α-terpineol, and northujane extracted from C. validus and H. hirta essential oils might have contributed to the anti-inflammatory effects observed in Wistar rats. This study, confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of C. validus and H. hirta suggesting that they may be used in diseases related to anti-inflammation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Rungqu, Pamela
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11354 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021283
- Description: Cymbopogon validus and Hyparrhenia hirta belong to the Poaceae botanical family. Both plants are used as thatching material; H. hirta is also used for weaving mats and baskets. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of C. validus and H. hirta essential oils on fresh egg-albumin induced edema on Wistar rats. To fully understand the chemically induced anti-inflammatory properties of these plants, we first analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oils. The essential oils were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In C. validus, 13 compounds accounted for 74.3% of fresh leaves oil, 14 compounds 71.8% of dried leaves oil and 12 compounds 73.3% of flower oil were identified from the GC-MS Chromatogram. The percentage yields were as follows fresh leaves oil 2.2%, dried leaves oil 2.0% and flower oil 2.4% v/w respectively. Linalool (3.2-29.6%) and northujane (4.4-16.9%) were the dominant compounds found in the 3 oils analyzed. While, α-terpineol 37.5% and verbenone 13.5% was only found in the fresh leaf oil, this was absent in the dried leaves oil and the flowers oil of C. validus. In H. hirta, 25 compounds accounted for 68.1% of fresh leaves oil, 40 compounds 71.9% of dried leaves oil, 23 compounds 77.6% of fresh flowers oil and 18 compounds 80.1% of dried flowers oil were identified from the GC-MS Chromatogram. The percentage yields obtained from the different parts were 3.4% for fresh leaves oil, 2.8% for dried leaves oil, 2.8% for fresh flowers oil and 0.7% for dried flowers oil v/w respectively. Northujane (8.5-30.0%), diisooctyl phthalate (4.4-26.5%), phytone (1.1-10.4%) were the dominant compounds found in the 4 oils analyzed. While, dibutyl phthalate 26.9% was only found in the fresh flowers and was absent in the dried flowers oil. Moreover, caryophyllene oxide (1.7-9.6%) was found in fresh leaves and dried flowers oil of H. hirta. In vivo analysis revealed that the two essential oils displayed significant edema inhibition effect overtime. They displayed strong anti-inflammatory properties when compared to control group. However, the H. hirta essential oil was more effective than that of C. validus. Linalool, α-terpineol, and northujane extracted from C. validus and H. hirta essential oils might have contributed to the anti-inflammatory effects observed in Wistar rats. This study, confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of C. validus and H. hirta suggesting that they may be used in diseases related to anti-inflammation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Job engagement and locus of control in relation to organizational citizenship behaviour among academic and non-academic staff of a South African university
- Authors: Mbeba, Roland Darlington
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Locus of control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1633 , vital:27498
- Description: This study investigated the relationship between job engagement and locus of control on the one hand, and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other among non-academic and academic employees of the University of Fort Hare. Job engagement and locus of control were the independent variables and organisational citizenship behaviour was the dependent variable. Data was drawn from a sample of 300 participants. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. It consisted of four sections including biographical and occupation data questionnaire. To measure job engagement, the 18-item Rich et al., (2010) job engagement scale, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. To measure locus of control, the 16-item Spector (1988) work locus of control scale was used, with 6-point Likert scale. To measure organisational citizenship behaviour, the Fox & Spector (2011) 20 item organisational citizenship behaviour questionnaire, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. Data was analysed using various statistical techniques including the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Technique and the generalised linear regression model. The results indicated that job engagement has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour and locus of control also has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour. However the results also indicated that when job engagement and locus of control are put together, they do not account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than each of them separately. Furthermore, as far as OCB-P and OCB-O are concerned, the results indicated a partial support of the research hypothesis that job engagement and locus of control together account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than any of the two separately. The study recommends that managers in organisations must focus on improving job engagement and promoting internal locus of control in order to ensure high levels of organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mbeba, Roland Darlington
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Locus of control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1633 , vital:27498
- Description: This study investigated the relationship between job engagement and locus of control on the one hand, and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other among non-academic and academic employees of the University of Fort Hare. Job engagement and locus of control were the independent variables and organisational citizenship behaviour was the dependent variable. Data was drawn from a sample of 300 participants. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. It consisted of four sections including biographical and occupation data questionnaire. To measure job engagement, the 18-item Rich et al., (2010) job engagement scale, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. To measure locus of control, the 16-item Spector (1988) work locus of control scale was used, with 6-point Likert scale. To measure organisational citizenship behaviour, the Fox & Spector (2011) 20 item organisational citizenship behaviour questionnaire, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. Data was analysed using various statistical techniques including the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Technique and the generalised linear regression model. The results indicated that job engagement has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour and locus of control also has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour. However the results also indicated that when job engagement and locus of control are put together, they do not account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than each of them separately. Furthermore, as far as OCB-P and OCB-O are concerned, the results indicated a partial support of the research hypothesis that job engagement and locus of control together account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than any of the two separately. The study recommends that managers in organisations must focus on improving job engagement and promoting internal locus of control in order to ensure high levels of organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Job engagement as a moderator variable to organisational stress and employees’ intention to quit among administrative personnel at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mxenge, Sandiswa Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Job engagement -- Intention to quit , Organisational stress -- Vigour , Dedication -- Absorption -- Workplace , Higher learning -- Ill-health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11563 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015074 , Job engagement -- Intention to quit , Organisational stress -- Vigour , Dedication -- Absorption -- Workplace , Higher learning -- Ill-health
- Description: This research study investigated the effect of job engagement to organisational stress and the employees’ intention to quit among administrative personnel at the University of Fort Hare. The main objectives of this study were determining the effects of organisational stress on employees’ intention to quit, examining the role of job engagement as a moderator of the relationship between organisational stress and employees’ intention to quit, and providing results that would lead to a deeper understanding of the nature and extent of the relationship between organisational stress and intention to quit. A survey method was adopted for this study. A questionnaire comprising of four sections: biographical information, ERI questionnaire for stress, turnover intention, and UWES scale, was administered to non-academic support personnel of the University of Fort Hare in all three campuses namely Alice, Bhisho, and East London. Simple random sampling was used to select the participants. The literature reviewed displayed a great need for managers to understand organisational stress and its causes, and how to manage and cope with stress so as to avoid losing employees, especially highly competent employees. The study yielded results that show that there are interrelationships amongst the three variables, and that job engagement does moderate the relationship between organisational stress and employees’ intention to quit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mxenge, Sandiswa Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Job engagement -- Intention to quit , Organisational stress -- Vigour , Dedication -- Absorption -- Workplace , Higher learning -- Ill-health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11563 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015074 , Job engagement -- Intention to quit , Organisational stress -- Vigour , Dedication -- Absorption -- Workplace , Higher learning -- Ill-health
- Description: This research study investigated the effect of job engagement to organisational stress and the employees’ intention to quit among administrative personnel at the University of Fort Hare. The main objectives of this study were determining the effects of organisational stress on employees’ intention to quit, examining the role of job engagement as a moderator of the relationship between organisational stress and employees’ intention to quit, and providing results that would lead to a deeper understanding of the nature and extent of the relationship between organisational stress and intention to quit. A survey method was adopted for this study. A questionnaire comprising of four sections: biographical information, ERI questionnaire for stress, turnover intention, and UWES scale, was administered to non-academic support personnel of the University of Fort Hare in all three campuses namely Alice, Bhisho, and East London. Simple random sampling was used to select the participants. The literature reviewed displayed a great need for managers to understand organisational stress and its causes, and how to manage and cope with stress so as to avoid losing employees, especially highly competent employees. The study yielded results that show that there are interrelationships amongst the three variables, and that job engagement does moderate the relationship between organisational stress and employees’ intention to quit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Learner perceptions on feedback received on performance tasks in mathematics in selected schools from the East London district in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngudle, N G
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Effective teaching , Teacher effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016499 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Effective teaching , Teacher effectiveness
- Description: Feedback has an important role to play in the performance of learners. This study looks to identify the challenges that the learners are faced with when the teachers provide them with feedback and the ways they would like like it to be used in order to see feedback assisting them in their learning and improve their performance. Feedback contributes a lot to assessment and has a close link with performance. The study used the qualitative approach to identify the challenges the learners experience when they receive the feedback from their teachers. The participants were sampled from grade 12 learners in the form of a focus group (seven to ten per school) and individual respondents. The method used semi-structured interviews and portfolio observations to collect the data from two high schools in East London (EL) district to look at the nature of the feedback provided to learners. The data was later analysed and interpreted. It has been identified that for both schools feedback conveyed certain messages to learners such motivation to do better, a need to do better and, lastly, affirmation that the learners are on the right track or they are neglected and left to figure out how to do the tasks. The study discovered that, according to Hattie and Timperley (2007)’ there are four levels of feedback. It was found that for the task level learners from school A mainly received oral feedback which was often seen as denigrating them; however, in school B learners received both the oral and written feedback. They felt that the feedback assisted them to understand the task at hand. They also saw this as a way of building up their confidence in all the tasks they come across. Secondly, in the process level, learners in school A did not report receiving feedback at this level but only oral feedback which does not show their mistakes step by step in the task, yet in school B they reported that they got feedback from their teacher individually to help them understand the task. Thirdly, for the self regulation level, in school A there was no data to confirm this. Regarding school B, learners were being assisted by the feedback they received from their teacher and this caused them to monitor their progress. The fourth and last level is the self or personal evaluation where in school A learners were not able to evaluate themselves because they did not receive written feedback, whereas in school B learners could do that freely referring to the written comments from their teacher. The research therefore concluded that in one of the schools the four levels that the study was looking at were not all addressed and thus no meaningful feedback was given. For school B the teacher gave them the feedback which has contributed a lot in their learning. The study recommends that feedback should not be used for right or wrong answers but it must also state clearly why the learner has obtained such mark or grade and what to do to correct the wrongs. Teachers should consider that learner errors also assist them to have a broader picture on what more they need to do in their subjects. It is also recommended that teachers should consider various strategies in giving feedback and the learners’ work has to be monitored timeously for the purpose of the learning process. Lastly, a good approach when feedback is provided is also important because it builds high self-esteem and develops the teacher-learner approach accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ngudle, N G
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Effective teaching , Teacher effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016499 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Effective teaching , Teacher effectiveness
- Description: Feedback has an important role to play in the performance of learners. This study looks to identify the challenges that the learners are faced with when the teachers provide them with feedback and the ways they would like like it to be used in order to see feedback assisting them in their learning and improve their performance. Feedback contributes a lot to assessment and has a close link with performance. The study used the qualitative approach to identify the challenges the learners experience when they receive the feedback from their teachers. The participants were sampled from grade 12 learners in the form of a focus group (seven to ten per school) and individual respondents. The method used semi-structured interviews and portfolio observations to collect the data from two high schools in East London (EL) district to look at the nature of the feedback provided to learners. The data was later analysed and interpreted. It has been identified that for both schools feedback conveyed certain messages to learners such motivation to do better, a need to do better and, lastly, affirmation that the learners are on the right track or they are neglected and left to figure out how to do the tasks. The study discovered that, according to Hattie and Timperley (2007)’ there are four levels of feedback. It was found that for the task level learners from school A mainly received oral feedback which was often seen as denigrating them; however, in school B learners received both the oral and written feedback. They felt that the feedback assisted them to understand the task at hand. They also saw this as a way of building up their confidence in all the tasks they come across. Secondly, in the process level, learners in school A did not report receiving feedback at this level but only oral feedback which does not show their mistakes step by step in the task, yet in school B they reported that they got feedback from their teacher individually to help them understand the task. Thirdly, for the self regulation level, in school A there was no data to confirm this. Regarding school B, learners were being assisted by the feedback they received from their teacher and this caused them to monitor their progress. The fourth and last level is the self or personal evaluation where in school A learners were not able to evaluate themselves because they did not receive written feedback, whereas in school B learners could do that freely referring to the written comments from their teacher. The research therefore concluded that in one of the schools the four levels that the study was looking at were not all addressed and thus no meaningful feedback was given. For school B the teacher gave them the feedback which has contributed a lot in their learning. The study recommends that feedback should not be used for right or wrong answers but it must also state clearly why the learner has obtained such mark or grade and what to do to correct the wrongs. Teachers should consider that learner errors also assist them to have a broader picture on what more they need to do in their subjects. It is also recommended that teachers should consider various strategies in giving feedback and the learners’ work has to be monitored timeously for the purpose of the learning process. Lastly, a good approach when feedback is provided is also important because it builds high self-esteem and develops the teacher-learner approach accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Legislating business rescue in South Africa: a critical evaluation
- Authors: Darko-Mamphey, Dorothy
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11121 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015244
- Description: Social, political and economic changes in post-apartheid South Africa have generated the need for a major reform of the legislative regime governing companies in order to ensure that that regime is capable of addressing the challenges faced in domestic and international circles, and to also meet the demands of globalisation. 1 These developments include the change in culture from company liquidations to commercial renewal which caused the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to embark on drastic reforms of South Africa’s business rescue mechanism as part of the broader company law reform project. 2 The domestic and global environments have indeed changed drastically with corporate structures showing significant evolution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Darko-Mamphey, Dorothy
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11121 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015244
- Description: Social, political and economic changes in post-apartheid South Africa have generated the need for a major reform of the legislative regime governing companies in order to ensure that that regime is capable of addressing the challenges faced in domestic and international circles, and to also meet the demands of globalisation. 1 These developments include the change in culture from company liquidations to commercial renewal which caused the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to embark on drastic reforms of South Africa’s business rescue mechanism as part of the broader company law reform project. 2 The domestic and global environments have indeed changed drastically with corporate structures showing significant evolution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Modern slavery and worst forms of child labour in South Africa: case of the former homeland areas
- Obi, A
- Authors: Obi, A
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Human rights , Child labour , Slavery
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016119 , Human rights , Child labour , Slavery
- Description: Despite a progressive constitution lauded as one of the best and most forward-looking in the world, with an advanced Bill of Rights, instances of human rights violations have been detected at all levels of the South African society. The most disturbing revelations have been associated with situations in many farming communities in South Africa. On the basis of a comprehensive nationwide study initiated in June 2001 and documented in 2003, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) confirmed widespread human rights violations on South African farms. Through the efforts of the South African Human Rights Commission, many of these violations have been brought to the attention of the authorities and there are already numerous actions being taken to contain and possibly eliminate them. Among these is the Child Labour Programme of Action which was adopted in 2003 by the large number of government departments that constitute the stakeholders, particularly those that have responsibility for labour, education, provincial and local government, water services, justice, policing, prosecution, and social development. However, the SAHRC study had limited coverage due to constraints of time and funding and did not pay adequate attention to the former independent homelands. In addition to this significant shortcoming, recent international experience reveals other forms of violations that may not be immediately obvious and therefore go undetected for a very long time. Among these, the International Labour Organization (ILO), together with various non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other bodies have drawn attention to existence of what are termed “worst forms of child labour”. The latter involves a wide range of abuses to which under-age individuals are subjected against their will and often exposed to hazards that may leave them permanently excluded from formal educational and economic opportunities. The fact that national definitions differ complicates the situation. As a result, systematic investigation is needed to see to what extent local practices compare with international norms and standards. Similarly, the fact that the former independent homelands were not adequately covered in such an important study that aimed to inform policy on the optimal direction of the transformation process also raises serious questions that must be addressed. This mini-dissertation documents evidence based on a rapid appraisal of farm and non-farm environments in two polar regions of the province, namely the Port St John’s Municipality in the Oliver Tambo District Municipality of the former Transkei homeland and Alice in the Nkonkobe Municipality of the former Ciskei homeland. Descriptive and content analysis methodologies were employed to analyze the data obtained from interviews of employers of labour, the labourers themselves, as well as community members and “bystanders” who had opinions about the insertion of children into the labour market. Correlational analysis and logistic regression were performed to draw inferences about the determinants of child labour in the farming system. The indication is that child labour is an established phenomenon whose discussion is however quite sensitive and elicits a wide range of emotions. The role of socioeconomic factors in influencing the decision to engage child labour seems to be quite extensive. For instance, monthly income of household has important practical implications for national and global policy on the use of child labour are foreseen and form the basis for the recommendations put forward to address the associated concerns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Obi, A
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Human rights , Child labour , Slavery
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016119 , Human rights , Child labour , Slavery
- Description: Despite a progressive constitution lauded as one of the best and most forward-looking in the world, with an advanced Bill of Rights, instances of human rights violations have been detected at all levels of the South African society. The most disturbing revelations have been associated with situations in many farming communities in South Africa. On the basis of a comprehensive nationwide study initiated in June 2001 and documented in 2003, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) confirmed widespread human rights violations on South African farms. Through the efforts of the South African Human Rights Commission, many of these violations have been brought to the attention of the authorities and there are already numerous actions being taken to contain and possibly eliminate them. Among these is the Child Labour Programme of Action which was adopted in 2003 by the large number of government departments that constitute the stakeholders, particularly those that have responsibility for labour, education, provincial and local government, water services, justice, policing, prosecution, and social development. However, the SAHRC study had limited coverage due to constraints of time and funding and did not pay adequate attention to the former independent homelands. In addition to this significant shortcoming, recent international experience reveals other forms of violations that may not be immediately obvious and therefore go undetected for a very long time. Among these, the International Labour Organization (ILO), together with various non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other bodies have drawn attention to existence of what are termed “worst forms of child labour”. The latter involves a wide range of abuses to which under-age individuals are subjected against their will and often exposed to hazards that may leave them permanently excluded from formal educational and economic opportunities. The fact that national definitions differ complicates the situation. As a result, systematic investigation is needed to see to what extent local practices compare with international norms and standards. Similarly, the fact that the former independent homelands were not adequately covered in such an important study that aimed to inform policy on the optimal direction of the transformation process also raises serious questions that must be addressed. This mini-dissertation documents evidence based on a rapid appraisal of farm and non-farm environments in two polar regions of the province, namely the Port St John’s Municipality in the Oliver Tambo District Municipality of the former Transkei homeland and Alice in the Nkonkobe Municipality of the former Ciskei homeland. Descriptive and content analysis methodologies were employed to analyze the data obtained from interviews of employers of labour, the labourers themselves, as well as community members and “bystanders” who had opinions about the insertion of children into the labour market. Correlational analysis and logistic regression were performed to draw inferences about the determinants of child labour in the farming system. The indication is that child labour is an established phenomenon whose discussion is however quite sensitive and elicits a wide range of emotions. The role of socioeconomic factors in influencing the decision to engage child labour seems to be quite extensive. For instance, monthly income of household has important practical implications for national and global policy on the use of child labour are foreseen and form the basis for the recommendations put forward to address the associated concerns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Molecular study of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA from Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Londiwe, Bhembe Nolwazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11281 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016163 , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Description: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is a causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) in humans and animals. The burden of tuberculosis in South Africa is worsened by the concurrent epidemic of HIV. The dynamic of TB epidemics has been investigated and yet little data has been given about the Eastern Cape, particularly Port Elizabeth. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of drug resistant MTBC and to determine the mutations causing resistance in Port Elizabeth. One hundred and ninety (190) DNA samples isolated from sputum specimen in humans suspected of having TB were amplified using the Seeplex® MTB Nested ACE detection assay. To differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members for surveillance purposes a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was done based on genomic regions of differences such as RD1, RD1mic, RD2seal, RD4, RD9 and RD12. Target genes known to confer resistance to first and second-line drugs were amplified and the amplicons sequenced using Big Dye Terminator DNA sequencing kit v3.1 (Applied Biosystems, UK). The patient’s demographic profiles were obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). All hundred and ninety DNA samples tested positive for MTBC using the Seeplex® MTB Nested ACE assay. Results show a high prevalence of extensive drug resistant TB in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province. One hundred and eighty four (184) DNA isolates were used in the identification of different MTBC species. We ended up working with 184 DNA isolates because we ran out of DNA, and we could not go back to isolate DNA from the affected individuals due to the fact that some patients died, while some have been released to go to their homes. From the 184 DNA isolates 45 (24.5%) isolates were identified to be M. tuberculosis, 94 isolates (51.1%) to be M. bovis BCG and 3 isolates (1.6%) to be M. cannetti. Sequencing results show the position of mutation in each DNA isolate; however in the study we got resistance to MDR to be 100% and 42% pre-XDR while 58% was XDR. These results raise an alarm for the prevalence MDR in MTBC from Port Elizabeth. This is a serious health concern which calls for a need to strategise on the identification of extensive drug resistant TB patients from multi-drug resistant TB patients and ensure monitoring of their treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Londiwe, Bhembe Nolwazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11281 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016163 , Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Description: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is a causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) in humans and animals. The burden of tuberculosis in South Africa is worsened by the concurrent epidemic of HIV. The dynamic of TB epidemics has been investigated and yet little data has been given about the Eastern Cape, particularly Port Elizabeth. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of drug resistant MTBC and to determine the mutations causing resistance in Port Elizabeth. One hundred and ninety (190) DNA samples isolated from sputum specimen in humans suspected of having TB were amplified using the Seeplex® MTB Nested ACE detection assay. To differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members for surveillance purposes a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was done based on genomic regions of differences such as RD1, RD1mic, RD2seal, RD4, RD9 and RD12. Target genes known to confer resistance to first and second-line drugs were amplified and the amplicons sequenced using Big Dye Terminator DNA sequencing kit v3.1 (Applied Biosystems, UK). The patient’s demographic profiles were obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). All hundred and ninety DNA samples tested positive for MTBC using the Seeplex® MTB Nested ACE assay. Results show a high prevalence of extensive drug resistant TB in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province. One hundred and eighty four (184) DNA isolates were used in the identification of different MTBC species. We ended up working with 184 DNA isolates because we ran out of DNA, and we could not go back to isolate DNA from the affected individuals due to the fact that some patients died, while some have been released to go to their homes. From the 184 DNA isolates 45 (24.5%) isolates were identified to be M. tuberculosis, 94 isolates (51.1%) to be M. bovis BCG and 3 isolates (1.6%) to be M. cannetti. Sequencing results show the position of mutation in each DNA isolate; however in the study we got resistance to MDR to be 100% and 42% pre-XDR while 58% was XDR. These results raise an alarm for the prevalence MDR in MTBC from Port Elizabeth. This is a serious health concern which calls for a need to strategise on the identification of extensive drug resistant TB patients from multi-drug resistant TB patients and ensure monitoring of their treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
National development plan (NDP) and youth employment in South Africa. The case of Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Chivanga, Shylet Yvonne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/855 , vital:26503
- Description: This research study explored the inadequacies of the National Development Plan on addressing the problem of youth unemployment in Eastern Cape in South Africa. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) to evaluate the employment needs of youth in relation to the identified measures of employment creation outlined in the NDP. ii) to identify the gaps in the NDP policy interventions in relation to the prospects and problems embedded in addressing the problem of youth unemployment. The literature reviewed in the study was drawn from several researchers and the study was underpinned by the human capital theory, the capability approach and the public and the private sector partnership theory. Though many theories were used, the human capital theory was the major theory adopted in this study. Since the study was qualitative in nature, an interview guide which consisted of open ended questions was used on face to face interviews and focus groups to collect data from twenty one youth and five youth representatives in the Eastern Cape. The data of this study was thematically analysed. The analysis of the study made the following conclusions about the NDP and youth employment in the Eastern Cape. Firstly, there is a problem of high youth unemployment which is above 50% in the Eastern Cape. Secondly, the NDP’s economic measures have a potential of excluding the youth and as a result, the NDP will inadequately address the employment needs of the youth. Thirdly, the youth appreciated that the NDP is realising the problem of youth unemployment but they are not happy with the NDP’s proposed employment measures of wage subsidies, low wages, labour deregulation and SMMEs because they do not solve the root causes of youth unemployment. Rather, they provide unsustainable and low quality jobs in the long run if not properly monitored. In response to the findings, the study therefore made the following recommendations: The NDP’s economic growth policy to be labour intensive compliant, human capital to match the work place skills requirements, promoting entrepreneurship skills, addressing the root causes rather than focusing on symptoms of unemployment , rethinking on SMMEs, development policies to match the local employment needs, succinct youth employment policy implementation, productivity to match the wages, complementing the private and the public sector in creating youth employment, the NDP to promote adequate link of education to self-employment from the primary level, the NDP to promote higher levels of investment for the employment benefits of the youth and the NDP to fight corruption on the misuse of youth employment grants. The study concluded that NDP’s proposed economic measures will inadequately address the youth employment needs hence there is need for relooking at the NDP to be sustainable employment responsive in nature so as to reduce poverty and inequality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Chivanga, Shylet Yvonne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/855 , vital:26503
- Description: This research study explored the inadequacies of the National Development Plan on addressing the problem of youth unemployment in Eastern Cape in South Africa. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) to evaluate the employment needs of youth in relation to the identified measures of employment creation outlined in the NDP. ii) to identify the gaps in the NDP policy interventions in relation to the prospects and problems embedded in addressing the problem of youth unemployment. The literature reviewed in the study was drawn from several researchers and the study was underpinned by the human capital theory, the capability approach and the public and the private sector partnership theory. Though many theories were used, the human capital theory was the major theory adopted in this study. Since the study was qualitative in nature, an interview guide which consisted of open ended questions was used on face to face interviews and focus groups to collect data from twenty one youth and five youth representatives in the Eastern Cape. The data of this study was thematically analysed. The analysis of the study made the following conclusions about the NDP and youth employment in the Eastern Cape. Firstly, there is a problem of high youth unemployment which is above 50% in the Eastern Cape. Secondly, the NDP’s economic measures have a potential of excluding the youth and as a result, the NDP will inadequately address the employment needs of the youth. Thirdly, the youth appreciated that the NDP is realising the problem of youth unemployment but they are not happy with the NDP’s proposed employment measures of wage subsidies, low wages, labour deregulation and SMMEs because they do not solve the root causes of youth unemployment. Rather, they provide unsustainable and low quality jobs in the long run if not properly monitored. In response to the findings, the study therefore made the following recommendations: The NDP’s economic growth policy to be labour intensive compliant, human capital to match the work place skills requirements, promoting entrepreneurship skills, addressing the root causes rather than focusing on symptoms of unemployment , rethinking on SMMEs, development policies to match the local employment needs, succinct youth employment policy implementation, productivity to match the wages, complementing the private and the public sector in creating youth employment, the NDP to promote adequate link of education to self-employment from the primary level, the NDP to promote higher levels of investment for the employment benefits of the youth and the NDP to fight corruption on the misuse of youth employment grants. The study concluded that NDP’s proposed economic measures will inadequately address the youth employment needs hence there is need for relooking at the NDP to be sustainable employment responsive in nature so as to reduce poverty and inequality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Nature of occurrence and economic potential of granitic pegmatites of Mzimba district in Northern Malawi
- Authors: Salima, Jalf William Joseph
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016192
- Description: A swarm of granitic pegmatites occurs in Mzimba district from northern Kasungu to Kafukure near the western international border with Zambia. The granitic pegmatites are hosted by a mobile belt, within the Mozambiquan orogenic belt (c. 900 - 1800 Ma). They have been dated as 485 Ma. They intruded metasediments of high to medium grade metamorphic rocks of a Precambrian Basement Complex. The dominant trend of the pegmatites is NW - SE, exhibiting a cross-cutting relationship with the country rocks and their contacts with the latter are usually sharp. The six pegmatites investigated in this study are inhomogeneous, composed of a massive quartz core, an intermediate zone composed of a blocky pink K-feldspar rich sub-zone and muscovite rich sub-zone and a wall zone composed of quartz - pink K-feldspar - muscovite mineral assemblage. The Mzimba pegmatites are classified as lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) family of rare element granitic pegmatites as described by Černý and Ercit (2005). They belong to the beryl-columbite subtype and beryl-columbite-phosphate subtype of the rare element pegmatites. It is suggested that the pegmatites are the product of magmatic differentiation and that they form roofs of granite plutons lying deep below the current level of erosion. The six pegmatites were sampled and minerals analysed using standard analytical methods such as petrographic microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Mineralogy of the granitic pegmatites indicates that they are predominantly composed of perthitic K-feldspar (perthite), Na-plagioclase (albite), quartz and muscovite as main mineral phases and accessory minerals including beryl, tantalite-columbite (ferrotantalite), iron-titanium oxides (ilmeno-rutile and ilmenite), tourmaline (schorl), garnet (almandine-spessartine) and triplite. Triplite is a very rare mineral found in a few pegmatites around the world, and this is the first reported account of this mineral in the Mzimba pegmatites and probably in Malawi. These minerals are being exploited by artisanal and small scale miners. Trace elements in K-feldspar and muscovite are significant indicators for the evaluation of economic potential of pegmatites as well as for the differentiation degree and origin of the magma. The K/Rb ratio for K-feldspars ranges between 12.72 and 109.38, while for muscovites it is between 16.66 and 82.36 indicating that the pegmatites are moderately evolved. The Ta versus Cs and the Ta versus K/Cs discrimination diagram indicates that all the investigated pegmatites plot above the 20 ppm threshold suggesting that the pegmatites have potential for Ta and Nb mineralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Salima, Jalf William Joseph
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016192
- Description: A swarm of granitic pegmatites occurs in Mzimba district from northern Kasungu to Kafukure near the western international border with Zambia. The granitic pegmatites are hosted by a mobile belt, within the Mozambiquan orogenic belt (c. 900 - 1800 Ma). They have been dated as 485 Ma. They intruded metasediments of high to medium grade metamorphic rocks of a Precambrian Basement Complex. The dominant trend of the pegmatites is NW - SE, exhibiting a cross-cutting relationship with the country rocks and their contacts with the latter are usually sharp. The six pegmatites investigated in this study are inhomogeneous, composed of a massive quartz core, an intermediate zone composed of a blocky pink K-feldspar rich sub-zone and muscovite rich sub-zone and a wall zone composed of quartz - pink K-feldspar - muscovite mineral assemblage. The Mzimba pegmatites are classified as lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) family of rare element granitic pegmatites as described by Černý and Ercit (2005). They belong to the beryl-columbite subtype and beryl-columbite-phosphate subtype of the rare element pegmatites. It is suggested that the pegmatites are the product of magmatic differentiation and that they form roofs of granite plutons lying deep below the current level of erosion. The six pegmatites were sampled and minerals analysed using standard analytical methods such as petrographic microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Mineralogy of the granitic pegmatites indicates that they are predominantly composed of perthitic K-feldspar (perthite), Na-plagioclase (albite), quartz and muscovite as main mineral phases and accessory minerals including beryl, tantalite-columbite (ferrotantalite), iron-titanium oxides (ilmeno-rutile and ilmenite), tourmaline (schorl), garnet (almandine-spessartine) and triplite. Triplite is a very rare mineral found in a few pegmatites around the world, and this is the first reported account of this mineral in the Mzimba pegmatites and probably in Malawi. These minerals are being exploited by artisanal and small scale miners. Trace elements in K-feldspar and muscovite are significant indicators for the evaluation of economic potential of pegmatites as well as for the differentiation degree and origin of the magma. The K/Rb ratio for K-feldspars ranges between 12.72 and 109.38, while for muscovites it is between 16.66 and 82.36 indicating that the pegmatites are moderately evolved. The Ta versus Cs and the Ta versus K/Cs discrimination diagram indicates that all the investigated pegmatites plot above the 20 ppm threshold suggesting that the pegmatites have potential for Ta and Nb mineralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
New Economic Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and Africa's quest for regional economic integration: the case of Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- Authors: Chigombe, Courage
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: New Partnership for Africa's Development , Southern African Development Community , Sustainable development -- Africa, Southern , Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions , Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2072 , vital:27604
- Description: Despite according high priority to regional economic integration and being clustered by regional economic schemes, Africa’s regional economic integration record is not inspiring. With the transformation of the OAU to the African Union (AU), the New Partnership for Africa`s Development (NEPAD) was adopted as the development program of the continent to drive the impetus of economic integration through trade. At the time NEPAD was adopted, regional integration schemes in Africa were facing problems of low intra-regional trade levels despite trade being identified as the engine of activity and economic growth for regional economic integration. The study was centered on Southern Africa with precise attention on SADC. Even though trade is accepted as a vital engine of economic growth and development, this is not the case with SADC. The study was looking at the contribution of NEPAD in intra-regional trade in Africa with special focus on SADC. This was prompted by the fact that regional integration is business as usual within the sub region while problems that have been confronting regional schemes are continuing unabated after the adoption of NEPAD. The study used the historical approach because it provides the study with an advantage of accessing existing literature with regards to what is really stalling intra-regional trade in SADC. The study findings noted that NEPAD has not fully addressed the problems of intra-regional trade within SADC and the continent at large. The study lastly concludes by giving a way forward for NEPAD to respond to the specific needs of SADC for the promotion of intra-regional and equitable trade.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Chigombe, Courage
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: New Partnership for Africa's Development , Southern African Development Community , Sustainable development -- Africa, Southern , Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions , Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2072 , vital:27604
- Description: Despite according high priority to regional economic integration and being clustered by regional economic schemes, Africa’s regional economic integration record is not inspiring. With the transformation of the OAU to the African Union (AU), the New Partnership for Africa`s Development (NEPAD) was adopted as the development program of the continent to drive the impetus of economic integration through trade. At the time NEPAD was adopted, regional integration schemes in Africa were facing problems of low intra-regional trade levels despite trade being identified as the engine of activity and economic growth for regional economic integration. The study was centered on Southern Africa with precise attention on SADC. Even though trade is accepted as a vital engine of economic growth and development, this is not the case with SADC. The study was looking at the contribution of NEPAD in intra-regional trade in Africa with special focus on SADC. This was prompted by the fact that regional integration is business as usual within the sub region while problems that have been confronting regional schemes are continuing unabated after the adoption of NEPAD. The study used the historical approach because it provides the study with an advantage of accessing existing literature with regards to what is really stalling intra-regional trade in SADC. The study findings noted that NEPAD has not fully addressed the problems of intra-regional trade within SADC and the continent at large. The study lastly concludes by giving a way forward for NEPAD to respond to the specific needs of SADC for the promotion of intra-regional and equitable trade.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014