An evaluation of the BAE/SAAB South African Royal Manufacturing project in Virginia, Free State Province : a case study of the implementation of the South African Defence Offsets
- Authors: Wellmann, Gwendolyn
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1296 , Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Description: This study is an evaluation of the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium National Industrial Programme project, South African Royal Manufacturers (SARM), which forms part of BAE Systems/SAAB’s National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) obligations resulting from their participation in South Africa’s 1998 Strategic Procurement Programme (popularly referred to as the ‘arms deal’). SARM was a gold chain manufacturing plant, located in the Free State mining town of Virginia and which was implemented by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium in partnership with the Harmony Gold Mining Company. Funding for the business was provided by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium as part of their industrial participation obligation. This funding was supplemented with a loan obtained from the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to the value of 40% of the cash funds; while land and buildings, as well as loans in the form of gold granules and bars, were provided by Harmony Gold Company, as part of what they describe as their corporate social responsibility towards the Virginia area where they are the only mining company operating; and also simultaneously as their obligation towards gold beneficiation as required by law. The business failed after less than 12 months of operation amidst allegations of theft of gold and the sudden lay-off of approximately 500 poor black rural women. The company’s liquidation appears to be on the backburner indefinitely. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, and this thesis written over several more. As part of this evaluation several issues were investigated. These issues are: the push for beneficiation of South African mined metals; the National Industrial Participation Programme; local government development; the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium and other similar companies which are involved in jewellery production for export as part of both the country’s beneficiation drive, as well as the 3 NIPP. These other companies are used in this study as a ‘control’ group against which SARM’s performance can be measured realistically. Different research methods were used during the evaluation, including secondary document reviews, face-to-face and telephonic interviews with key-informants, the use of e-mail to contact key-informants, as well as conducting face-to-face questionnaires with random interviewees, and a focus group discussion with SARM ex-workers. There were several limitations to this study. The primary limitation was the inaccessibility of official and legal documents pertaining to both SARM, and the 1998 arms deal. SARM no longer exists, and thus the evaluation results should be used as lessons learned for similar projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Wellmann, Gwendolyn
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1296 , Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Description: This study is an evaluation of the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium National Industrial Programme project, South African Royal Manufacturers (SARM), which forms part of BAE Systems/SAAB’s National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) obligations resulting from their participation in South Africa’s 1998 Strategic Procurement Programme (popularly referred to as the ‘arms deal’). SARM was a gold chain manufacturing plant, located in the Free State mining town of Virginia and which was implemented by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium in partnership with the Harmony Gold Mining Company. Funding for the business was provided by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium as part of their industrial participation obligation. This funding was supplemented with a loan obtained from the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to the value of 40% of the cash funds; while land and buildings, as well as loans in the form of gold granules and bars, were provided by Harmony Gold Company, as part of what they describe as their corporate social responsibility towards the Virginia area where they are the only mining company operating; and also simultaneously as their obligation towards gold beneficiation as required by law. The business failed after less than 12 months of operation amidst allegations of theft of gold and the sudden lay-off of approximately 500 poor black rural women. The company’s liquidation appears to be on the backburner indefinitely. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, and this thesis written over several more. As part of this evaluation several issues were investigated. These issues are: the push for beneficiation of South African mined metals; the National Industrial Participation Programme; local government development; the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium and other similar companies which are involved in jewellery production for export as part of both the country’s beneficiation drive, as well as the 3 NIPP. These other companies are used in this study as a ‘control’ group against which SARM’s performance can be measured realistically. Different research methods were used during the evaluation, including secondary document reviews, face-to-face and telephonic interviews with key-informants, the use of e-mail to contact key-informants, as well as conducting face-to-face questionnaires with random interviewees, and a focus group discussion with SARM ex-workers. There were several limitations to this study. The primary limitation was the inaccessibility of official and legal documents pertaining to both SARM, and the 1998 arms deal. SARM no longer exists, and thus the evaluation results should be used as lessons learned for similar projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation of the Child Justice Act
- Authors: McGregor, Melissa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws, etc -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10175 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1278 , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc -- South Africa
- Description: “No civilized society, regards children as accountable for their actions to the same extent as adults”.1 In the absence of a justice system applicable exclusively to children in conflict with the law in South Africa, children are subjected to the same rigours of the criminal law applicable to adults in South Africa. “States Parties recognize the right of every child alleged as, accused of, or recognized as having infringed the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child's sense of dignity and worth, which reinforces the child's respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others and which takes into account the child's age and the desirability of promoting the child's reintegration and the child's assuming a constructive role in society”.2 As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, South Africa has a duty to ensure that the children in conflict with the law are treated in a manner that gives effect to the protectionary ideals espoused in the Convention. In July 2000, the South African Law Commission [Project 106] released the Child Justice Bill3, together with its Report on Juvenile Justice. Because the child justice system at present is not governed by legislation, uncertainty and inconsistency are constant dangers. We need legislation to ensure that all children in conflict with the law are dealt with consistently, fairly and appropriately. The question that needs to be answered in this treatise, is whether the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, which comes into effect on 01 April 2010, is a legislative framework that incorporates due process rights together with the rights of children who is alleged to have committed an offence, to be protected and treated in a manner appropriate to their age.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: McGregor, Melissa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws, etc -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10175 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1278 , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc -- South Africa
- Description: “No civilized society, regards children as accountable for their actions to the same extent as adults”.1 In the absence of a justice system applicable exclusively to children in conflict with the law in South Africa, children are subjected to the same rigours of the criminal law applicable to adults in South Africa. “States Parties recognize the right of every child alleged as, accused of, or recognized as having infringed the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child's sense of dignity and worth, which reinforces the child's respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others and which takes into account the child's age and the desirability of promoting the child's reintegration and the child's assuming a constructive role in society”.2 As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, South Africa has a duty to ensure that the children in conflict with the law are treated in a manner that gives effect to the protectionary ideals espoused in the Convention. In July 2000, the South African Law Commission [Project 106] released the Child Justice Bill3, together with its Report on Juvenile Justice. Because the child justice system at present is not governed by legislation, uncertainty and inconsistency are constant dangers. We need legislation to ensure that all children in conflict with the law are dealt with consistently, fairly and appropriately. The question that needs to be answered in this treatise, is whether the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, which comes into effect on 01 April 2010, is a legislative framework that incorporates due process rights together with the rights of children who is alleged to have committed an offence, to be protected and treated in a manner appropriate to their age.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation of the impact of corruption, economic status and political influence on the Malawian construction industry
- Authors: Phiri, Mulima Anaclet
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1155 , Construction industry -- Malawi
- Description: The key objectives of this MSc (Construction Management) dissertation are to evaluate the negative impact of: corruption; political influence, and the poor economy on the construction industry; in order to gain insight regarding the management of the sector to achieve the desired project deliverables, which are: • Achievement of a functional fit for purpose built environment, which is to the clients’ requirements; • Achievement of a Financially viable product in line with the clients’ budget; • Achievement of a successful and timely completion, and • Achievement of the required quality standard of the final product. To achieve the above mentioned project deliverables, the study entailed the following prominent findings: • There is a need to manage political greed in the distribution of development projects, and functionality of the product to suit the client / community; • There is a need to manage, mitigate and combat corruption in order to diminish the dominance of unscrupulous contractors over others, and to achieve clients’ desired quality standards; • There is a requirement to manage the construction policy formulation process and governance of laws and regulations to revamp the retrogression of the industry, and • There is a requirement to manage project cost to significantly boost the ailing economy. In conclusion, the study evaluates the Malawi construction industry status and improvements there on. The management of the industry’s phenomena and mind set is of paramount importance to the success of the findings in this study. Recommendations to improve the status quo relative to the findings are: to train all active stakeholders in construction management courses; a national initiative to sensitise the community regarding the powers granted to them, as an electorate of the stakeholders; to change the phenomenon of and mindset relative to bribes, and finally to derive a passion for construction and for the associated built environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Phiri, Mulima Anaclet
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1155 , Construction industry -- Malawi
- Description: The key objectives of this MSc (Construction Management) dissertation are to evaluate the negative impact of: corruption; political influence, and the poor economy on the construction industry; in order to gain insight regarding the management of the sector to achieve the desired project deliverables, which are: • Achievement of a functional fit for purpose built environment, which is to the clients’ requirements; • Achievement of a Financially viable product in line with the clients’ budget; • Achievement of a successful and timely completion, and • Achievement of the required quality standard of the final product. To achieve the above mentioned project deliverables, the study entailed the following prominent findings: • There is a need to manage political greed in the distribution of development projects, and functionality of the product to suit the client / community; • There is a need to manage, mitigate and combat corruption in order to diminish the dominance of unscrupulous contractors over others, and to achieve clients’ desired quality standards; • There is a requirement to manage the construction policy formulation process and governance of laws and regulations to revamp the retrogression of the industry, and • There is a requirement to manage project cost to significantly boost the ailing economy. In conclusion, the study evaluates the Malawi construction industry status and improvements there on. The management of the industry’s phenomena and mind set is of paramount importance to the success of the findings in this study. Recommendations to improve the status quo relative to the findings are: to train all active stakeholders in construction management courses; a national initiative to sensitise the community regarding the powers granted to them, as an electorate of the stakeholders; to change the phenomenon of and mindset relative to bribes, and finally to derive a passion for construction and for the associated built environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation of the local economic development strategy: the case of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Pillay, Sareesha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1160 , Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The central objective of the research study was to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy, with reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the NMBM was developed in 2004 in relation to the need for Local Economic Development. The need for Local Economic Development (LED) has been mandated by the national government of South Africa as prescribed in the direction toward developmental local government post - 2000. The National Framework for Local Economic Development in South Africa serves as a strategic implementation guide for municipalities. The National Framework for Local Economic Development provides a supportive foundation to assist municipalities such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving its economic development through concentrations on suggested actions. Through support for municipal Local Economic Development strategies, the objective of Local Economic Development was to offer local government, private sectors, non - profit organisations and local communities the opportunity to work together to improve the local economy. The aim has thus been to enhance competitiveness and encourage inclusive sustainable growth. The 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality includes its strategic approach to promote sustainable growth within its specified municipal environment. Formulation of the strategy includes descriptions of sector strategies as a mechanism to promote transformation and improved economic development in a sustainable manner. Content Analysis and the case study methods were utilised to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy in the undertaking of the research study as a way of examining the formulation of the Local Economic Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in order to determine v the shortcomings in Local Economic Development as brought about by ineffective policy formulation process. Discourse Analysis was also used to understand the policy foundations as influenced by the previous apartheid regime and its accompanied injustices on the citizens of South Africa. The brief descriptions of major economic developments and sector strategies for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality shows the detachment of policy content from clear strategic action plans has depicted an incongruence in efficiency and sustainable development. This has placed developmental policy formulation under scrutinisation and evaluation. The findings indicate that there is a need for revision and/ or reformulation of the current 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in promotion of effective sustainable development and an improved local economy. The impact of a failure to revise and rework the strategy has detrimental effects on the promotion of an effective and efficient economy in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Therefore, the lack of detail within the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy must be tackled by policy formulators to ensure economic growth and an alignment with the objectives as contained in the national mandate for economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Pillay, Sareesha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1160 , Local Economic Development (Programme) , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The central objective of the research study was to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy, with reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the NMBM was developed in 2004 in relation to the need for Local Economic Development. The need for Local Economic Development (LED) has been mandated by the national government of South Africa as prescribed in the direction toward developmental local government post - 2000. The National Framework for Local Economic Development in South Africa serves as a strategic implementation guide for municipalities. The National Framework for Local Economic Development provides a supportive foundation to assist municipalities such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving its economic development through concentrations on suggested actions. Through support for municipal Local Economic Development strategies, the objective of Local Economic Development was to offer local government, private sectors, non - profit organisations and local communities the opportunity to work together to improve the local economy. The aim has thus been to enhance competitiveness and encourage inclusive sustainable growth. The 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality includes its strategic approach to promote sustainable growth within its specified municipal environment. Formulation of the strategy includes descriptions of sector strategies as a mechanism to promote transformation and improved economic development in a sustainable manner. Content Analysis and the case study methods were utilised to evaluate the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy in the undertaking of the research study as a way of examining the formulation of the Local Economic Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in order to determine v the shortcomings in Local Economic Development as brought about by ineffective policy formulation process. Discourse Analysis was also used to understand the policy foundations as influenced by the previous apartheid regime and its accompanied injustices on the citizens of South Africa. The brief descriptions of major economic developments and sector strategies for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality shows the detachment of policy content from clear strategic action plans has depicted an incongruence in efficiency and sustainable development. This has placed developmental policy formulation under scrutinisation and evaluation. The findings indicate that there is a need for revision and/ or reformulation of the current 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in promotion of effective sustainable development and an improved local economy. The impact of a failure to revise and rework the strategy has detrimental effects on the promotion of an effective and efficient economy in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Therefore, the lack of detail within the 2020 Citywide Economic Growth and Development strategy must be tackled by policy formulators to ensure economic growth and an alignment with the objectives as contained in the national mandate for economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation of the time frame of the disclosure process in the evidence of 97 child witnesses in cases in the Belville sexual offences court
- Authors: Lehmann, Caron Mary
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Disclosure of information -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1279 , Disclosure of information -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: When children are sexually abused it usually takes place in concealment. This means that unless the child reveals the abuse, it will remain hidden. This study commences with an examination of the reasons as to why a child may delay the disclosure of sexual abuse. The result of research indicates that there are certain recognisable reasons, which are frequently encountered, as to why a child may either delay telling anyone about his or her experience or as to why s/he may never tell anyone. Traditional assumptions of what are considered normal reactions to sexual abuse are tested. The discussion then moves on to considering the approach of the South African courts in regard to evaluating the manner and timing of a child’s revelations, as well as to considering the impact which a delay may have on the acceptance of that child’s evidence. Intrinsic to this analysis is the progress made in our courts, and by the legislature, in recognising factors that influence a child to either blurt out the information immediately or conceal it for a period of time. Thereafter, the testimony of 97 child victims of sexual abuse is analysed with a view to determining whether these children fit the profiles raised in research on the subject and described in some of the case law. The rate of attrition in cases of sexual offences against children is considered as well as the role that cross-examination plays in either enhancing or reducing a child’s ability to accurately describe an acceptable motivation for the delay in disclosure. The study concludes with a discussion of how well child victims are served in a legal environment designed to provide a forum for eliciting the truth from a child witness. The use of intermediaries and the impact of cross-examination is discussed as well as the ability of judicial officers to adjudicate in matters requiring highly specialized knowledge and experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Lehmann, Caron Mary
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Disclosure of information -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1279 , Disclosure of information -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: When children are sexually abused it usually takes place in concealment. This means that unless the child reveals the abuse, it will remain hidden. This study commences with an examination of the reasons as to why a child may delay the disclosure of sexual abuse. The result of research indicates that there are certain recognisable reasons, which are frequently encountered, as to why a child may either delay telling anyone about his or her experience or as to why s/he may never tell anyone. Traditional assumptions of what are considered normal reactions to sexual abuse are tested. The discussion then moves on to considering the approach of the South African courts in regard to evaluating the manner and timing of a child’s revelations, as well as to considering the impact which a delay may have on the acceptance of that child’s evidence. Intrinsic to this analysis is the progress made in our courts, and by the legislature, in recognising factors that influence a child to either blurt out the information immediately or conceal it for a period of time. Thereafter, the testimony of 97 child victims of sexual abuse is analysed with a view to determining whether these children fit the profiles raised in research on the subject and described in some of the case law. The rate of attrition in cases of sexual offences against children is considered as well as the role that cross-examination plays in either enhancing or reducing a child’s ability to accurately describe an acceptable motivation for the delay in disclosure. The study concludes with a discussion of how well child victims are served in a legal environment designed to provide a forum for eliciting the truth from a child witness. The use of intermediaries and the impact of cross-examination is discussed as well as the ability of judicial officers to adjudicate in matters requiring highly specialized knowledge and experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An examination of how organisational policy and news professionalism are negotiated in a newsroom: a case study of Zimbabwe's Financial gazette
- Authors: Gandari, Jonathan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Financial gazette Journalism -- Zimbabwe Journalism -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe Journalistic ethics Journalists -- Zimbabwe Newspapers -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3430 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002884
- Description: The construction of journalistic professionalism in Zimbabwe has stirred debate among scholars. Critics have argued that professionalism has been compromised by the stifling media laws in Zimbabwe as well as the extra legal measures the state has enforced to control the press. Some have also argued that a new kind of journalism must be emerging in the Zimbabwean newsroom as journalism try to cope with the political and economic pressures bedeviling the country. Much of this criticism however, has not been based on close interrogation of professionalism from the perspective of the journalists in any particular newsroom. It is against this background that this study examines the constructions of professionalism at the Financial Gazette. In particular it explores the meaning of professionalism through interrogating the journalistic practices the journalists consider during the process of news production in the context of overwhelming state power. In undertaking this examination, the study draws primarily on qualitative research methods, particularly observation and multi-layered individual in-depth interviews. As the study demonstrates, the interrogation of professionalism from the perspective of newsroom practices uncovers the complex manner in which professionalism is negotiated in the Gazette’s newsroom located in a country undergoing transition in Democracy. The study establishes that when measured against normative canons of journalistic professionalism the Gazette is deviating from such tenets as public service and watchdog journalism. As the study indicates, perhaps unbeknown to the respondents, the ruling ZANU PF party hegemony is reproduced at the Gazette through choice of news values such as sovereignty and patriotism all euphemisms for ruling party‘s slogans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Gandari, Jonathan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Financial gazette Journalism -- Zimbabwe Journalism -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe Journalistic ethics Journalists -- Zimbabwe Newspapers -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3430 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002884
- Description: The construction of journalistic professionalism in Zimbabwe has stirred debate among scholars. Critics have argued that professionalism has been compromised by the stifling media laws in Zimbabwe as well as the extra legal measures the state has enforced to control the press. Some have also argued that a new kind of journalism must be emerging in the Zimbabwean newsroom as journalism try to cope with the political and economic pressures bedeviling the country. Much of this criticism however, has not been based on close interrogation of professionalism from the perspective of the journalists in any particular newsroom. It is against this background that this study examines the constructions of professionalism at the Financial Gazette. In particular it explores the meaning of professionalism through interrogating the journalistic practices the journalists consider during the process of news production in the context of overwhelming state power. In undertaking this examination, the study draws primarily on qualitative research methods, particularly observation and multi-layered individual in-depth interviews. As the study demonstrates, the interrogation of professionalism from the perspective of newsroom practices uncovers the complex manner in which professionalism is negotiated in the Gazette’s newsroom located in a country undergoing transition in Democracy. The study establishes that when measured against normative canons of journalistic professionalism the Gazette is deviating from such tenets as public service and watchdog journalism. As the study indicates, perhaps unbeknown to the respondents, the ruling ZANU PF party hegemony is reproduced at the Gazette through choice of news values such as sovereignty and patriotism all euphemisms for ruling party‘s slogans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An examination of international trophy hunters' South African hunting experiences
- Authors: Han, Xiliang
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hunting trophies -- South Africa , Big game hunting -- South Africa , Big game animals -- South Africa , Safaris -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1244 , Hunting trophies -- South Africa , Big game hunting -- South Africa , Big game animals -- South Africa , Safaris -- South Africa
- Description: The diversity of wildlife resources and the highly-developed trophy hunting and game ranching industry make South Africa a sought-after destination for travelling hunters. Significant economic, social and ecological benefits result from the annual visits of 16 000 hunters. These benefits, in turn, accelerate industry competition. To maintain or increase the clientele base, hunting providers should continue to manage and improve their clients’ safari experiences. This research investigated visiting hunters’ South African safari experiences by measuring their perceptions of service quality, satisfaction and behavioural intention. The results of the research could assist hunting providers in identifying areas where service expectations are not met and understanding the impact of service quality and satisfaction on clients’ loyalty. The literature study contextualised the South African trophy hunting industry within the tourism environment, the realms of wildlife tourism, and the characteristics of hunting tourism. An overview of tourism services, service quality, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intention was also provided. The resulting conceptual model hypothesised relationships among the safari experience variables (service quality, satisfaction and behavioural intention). ii The empirical data were collected by means of a mail survey, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 2 000 foreign hunters who had participated in a South African hunting safari at least once between 2003 and 2007. Two hundred and thirty six completed questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 13.2%. The majority of the hunters were male, aged between 40 and 60 years, and from the United States of America and Europe. Hunters perceived the level of service quality delivery by hunting providers to be relatively high and were generally satisfied with their South African safaris. As a result, they were willing to return for another hunting experience and were very likely to speak positively about their experiences. By performing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, a three-factor (augmented services, core services and supporting services) service quality construct was identified and confirmed. Multiple regression analyses found that core services was the strongest predictor of overall satisfaction; overall satisfaction was significantly related to revisit intention; and revisit intention significantly predicted word-of-mouth intention. An empirical model was accordingly constructed to replace the original conceptual model. iii It is recommended that South African hunting safari providers should: {u10007A} use the suggested measuring instrument to monitor their performance of service quality delivery on a regular basis; {u10007A} train their employees to ensure that they are knowledgeable and well prepared for field guidance and to promote ethical hunting practices; {u10007A} ensure an abundance of game and a wilderness atmosphere in the hunting area; {u10007A} conduct focus group studies to further understand the factors that shape clients’ perceptions of the safari experience; and {u10007A} invest in developing long-term relationships with existing clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Han, Xiliang
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hunting trophies -- South Africa , Big game hunting -- South Africa , Big game animals -- South Africa , Safaris -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1244 , Hunting trophies -- South Africa , Big game hunting -- South Africa , Big game animals -- South Africa , Safaris -- South Africa
- Description: The diversity of wildlife resources and the highly-developed trophy hunting and game ranching industry make South Africa a sought-after destination for travelling hunters. Significant economic, social and ecological benefits result from the annual visits of 16 000 hunters. These benefits, in turn, accelerate industry competition. To maintain or increase the clientele base, hunting providers should continue to manage and improve their clients’ safari experiences. This research investigated visiting hunters’ South African safari experiences by measuring their perceptions of service quality, satisfaction and behavioural intention. The results of the research could assist hunting providers in identifying areas where service expectations are not met and understanding the impact of service quality and satisfaction on clients’ loyalty. The literature study contextualised the South African trophy hunting industry within the tourism environment, the realms of wildlife tourism, and the characteristics of hunting tourism. An overview of tourism services, service quality, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intention was also provided. The resulting conceptual model hypothesised relationships among the safari experience variables (service quality, satisfaction and behavioural intention). ii The empirical data were collected by means of a mail survey, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 2 000 foreign hunters who had participated in a South African hunting safari at least once between 2003 and 2007. Two hundred and thirty six completed questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 13.2%. The majority of the hunters were male, aged between 40 and 60 years, and from the United States of America and Europe. Hunters perceived the level of service quality delivery by hunting providers to be relatively high and were generally satisfied with their South African safaris. As a result, they were willing to return for another hunting experience and were very likely to speak positively about their experiences. By performing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, a three-factor (augmented services, core services and supporting services) service quality construct was identified and confirmed. Multiple regression analyses found that core services was the strongest predictor of overall satisfaction; overall satisfaction was significantly related to revisit intention; and revisit intention significantly predicted word-of-mouth intention. An empirical model was accordingly constructed to replace the original conceptual model. iii It is recommended that South African hunting safari providers should: {u10007A} use the suggested measuring instrument to monitor their performance of service quality delivery on a regular basis; {u10007A} train their employees to ensure that they are knowledgeable and well prepared for field guidance and to promote ethical hunting practices; {u10007A} ensure an abundance of game and a wilderness atmosphere in the hunting area; {u10007A} conduct focus group studies to further understand the factors that shape clients’ perceptions of the safari experience; and {u10007A} invest in developing long-term relationships with existing clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An explanatory study into the rehabilitation of ex-freedom fighters in Gweru, Zimbabwe from 1990 to 1995
- Authors: Charema, John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1223 , Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the rehabilitation of ex-combatants who fought the Zimbabwe liberation war, thus to find out if these ex-combatants received counseling and were resettled or reintegrated within the period 1990 to 1995. In order to maintain focus the aims of the study were set out as follows: • to focus on rehabilitation which encompasses taking care of the ex-combatants who were disabled and or injured during the war, as well as counseling, reintegrating and resettling them and • to explore whether the ex-combatants who were demobilized and those who opted for a civilian life were rehabilitated. • to explore if the ex-combatants were reintegrated. • to understand how the ex-combatants were coping with their lives and • to discover how they perceived their support from the government at the time of their demobilisation. The study concentrated on ex-combatants in Gweru, who were to be rehabilitated from 1990 to 1995. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted to achieve the objectives set out for the study. The results of the study indicate that there was no rehabilitation, counseling, resettlement and real integration. The findings clearly indicate that these ex-combatants still think of being resettled, allocated good land for farming. They went on to suggest being paid pension by the government and to have their children employed, educated and supported by the government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Charema, John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1223 , Guerrillas -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Political rehabilitation -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Nationalism -- Zimbabwe -- Gweru , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1990-1995 , Zimbabwe -- History -- 1990-1995
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the rehabilitation of ex-combatants who fought the Zimbabwe liberation war, thus to find out if these ex-combatants received counseling and were resettled or reintegrated within the period 1990 to 1995. In order to maintain focus the aims of the study were set out as follows: • to focus on rehabilitation which encompasses taking care of the ex-combatants who were disabled and or injured during the war, as well as counseling, reintegrating and resettling them and • to explore whether the ex-combatants who were demobilized and those who opted for a civilian life were rehabilitated. • to explore if the ex-combatants were reintegrated. • to understand how the ex-combatants were coping with their lives and • to discover how they perceived their support from the government at the time of their demobilisation. The study concentrated on ex-combatants in Gweru, who were to be rehabilitated from 1990 to 1995. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted to achieve the objectives set out for the study. The results of the study indicate that there was no rehabilitation, counseling, resettlement and real integration. The findings clearly indicate that these ex-combatants still think of being resettled, allocated good land for farming. They went on to suggest being paid pension by the government and to have their children employed, educated and supported by the government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of myth in the adaptation processes of Zimbabwean migrants residing in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Kritzinger, Barbara
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1430 , Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Migration is recognised as an escalating phenomenon of human behaviour worldwide. In the Southern African region African migrations and migrants have remained a focal point of discussion amongst politicians, citizens and migrants themselves in recent years. In South Africa, a major destination of migrants from various African Diasporas, this renewed interest in the topic has occurred in the context of xenophobic related violence aimed at foreigners within the broader economic, political and social arena. These factors extend to South Africa’s relationships with her near neighbours. Thus, Zimbabwe’s political, economic and social crisis has overflowed into South African borders, contributing large numbers of migrants to her population. Previous research has underrepresented the perspectives of migrants and Zimbabwean migrants in particular. Zimbabwean migrants seek economic opportunities to better themselves and maintain the survival of their families who remain in their country of origin. They are transnationals who engage in continuous movement between one place and the next, supporting various livelihoods. Little is understood about migrant adaptation to their complex contexts. In this research project, content analysis was conducted of data gathered during interviews and participant-observation of Zimbabwean migrant traders on the beachfront informal market in Port Elizabeth. The maintenance of the cultural values and identity of the myth of the hero as upholder of household honour was found to be significant in the adaptation of migrants to their multi-faceted lives. The findings indicate that migrant life is indeed uncertain and ever-changing. Their resilience in the face of continual change illustrated both conflict and compromise between “social cohesiveness (and) social flexibility” (Bauman, 1998: 15-16)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of myth in the adaptation processes of Zimbabwean migrants residing in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Kritzinger, Barbara
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1430 , Migrant labor -- Zimbabwe , Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- Violence against -- South Africa , Migration, Internal -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Migration is recognised as an escalating phenomenon of human behaviour worldwide. In the Southern African region African migrations and migrants have remained a focal point of discussion amongst politicians, citizens and migrants themselves in recent years. In South Africa, a major destination of migrants from various African Diasporas, this renewed interest in the topic has occurred in the context of xenophobic related violence aimed at foreigners within the broader economic, political and social arena. These factors extend to South Africa’s relationships with her near neighbours. Thus, Zimbabwe’s political, economic and social crisis has overflowed into South African borders, contributing large numbers of migrants to her population. Previous research has underrepresented the perspectives of migrants and Zimbabwean migrants in particular. Zimbabwean migrants seek economic opportunities to better themselves and maintain the survival of their families who remain in their country of origin. They are transnationals who engage in continuous movement between one place and the next, supporting various livelihoods. Little is understood about migrant adaptation to their complex contexts. In this research project, content analysis was conducted of data gathered during interviews and participant-observation of Zimbabwean migrant traders on the beachfront informal market in Port Elizabeth. The maintenance of the cultural values and identity of the myth of the hero as upholder of household honour was found to be significant in the adaptation of migrants to their multi-faceted lives. The findings indicate that migrant life is indeed uncertain and ever-changing. Their resilience in the face of continual change illustrated both conflict and compromise between “social cohesiveness (and) social flexibility” (Bauman, 1998: 15-16)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of school-community links in enabling environmental learning through food growing : a cross-cultural study
- Authors: Köhly, Nicolette
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Environmental education -- New York (State) -- Case studies Sustainable agriculture -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Sustainable agriculture -- New York (State) -- Case studies Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- New York (State) -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- New York (State) -- Case studies Active learning -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Active learning -- New York (State) -- Case studies Community education -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Community education -- New York (State) -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1534 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003416
- Description: Agricultural and educational researchers recognize the critical value of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to education in building a food-secure world, reducing poverty, and conserving and enhancing natural resources. However, schools generally contribute little to communities in the context of food growing and environmental learning. The main objective of this qualitative research was to explore the role of school-community relationships in enabling environmental learning in the context of food growing activities. Findings suggest that the role of school-community links in enhancing environmental learning is more likely where community members are actively involved in school programs that have an emphasis on an experiential learning approach. However, this depends to a large extent on the availability of parents or concerned community members and their willingness to engage in voluntary school-based activities. Factors that could potentially strengthen the role of school-community links in supporting environmental learning include: allowing space for informal learning, mediating learning in civil society settings, ongoing facilitation by a committed coordinator, community buy-in and accountability, and addressing public interests through tangible benefits. A major challenge is to find an appropriate balance between social justice and practical food security concerns, while remaining true to ecological considerations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Köhly, Nicolette
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Environmental education -- New York (State) -- Case studies Sustainable agriculture -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Sustainable agriculture -- New York (State) -- Case studies Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- New York (State) -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- New York (State) -- Case studies Active learning -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Active learning -- New York (State) -- Case studies Community education -- Africa, Southern -- Case studies Community education -- New York (State) -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1534 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003416
- Description: Agricultural and educational researchers recognize the critical value of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to education in building a food-secure world, reducing poverty, and conserving and enhancing natural resources. However, schools generally contribute little to communities in the context of food growing and environmental learning. The main objective of this qualitative research was to explore the role of school-community relationships in enabling environmental learning in the context of food growing activities. Findings suggest that the role of school-community links in enhancing environmental learning is more likely where community members are actively involved in school programs that have an emphasis on an experiential learning approach. However, this depends to a large extent on the availability of parents or concerned community members and their willingness to engage in voluntary school-based activities. Factors that could potentially strengthen the role of school-community links in supporting environmental learning include: allowing space for informal learning, mediating learning in civil society settings, ongoing facilitation by a committed coordinator, community buy-in and accountability, and addressing public interests through tangible benefits. A major challenge is to find an appropriate balance between social justice and practical food security concerns, while remaining true to ecological considerations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of the personality preferences of post graduate psychology students utilising the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- Authors: Smit, René
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Personality assessment , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Personality and academic achievement -- South Africa , Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1096 , Personality assessment , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Personality and academic achievement -- South Africa , Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- Description: In order to continue their contribution to the profession of psychology in South Africa the selection committees of psychology departments of higher education institutions are faced with the difficult task of selecting the most suitable candidates to fill their Clinical, Counselling, Educational and Industrial Psychology masters coursework programmes. Selection committees have traditionally made use of several admission criteria and procedures ranging from academic performance to personality assessment to a combination of methods. Admission criteria vary greatly across Higher Education Institutions. The selection committee at the selected participating institution of higher education takes into account the prospective students' academic performance, relevant work or practical experience, research experience, active participation in the classroom, active involvement outside of the classroom (participation in and engagement with community activities), and personality. Currently the institution of higher education that provided the sample for the current study employs the NEO PI-R as well as the MMPI-2 to assess masters applicants’ personality traits. A study by Britz (1994) recommended that the MBTI® be included in the assessment battery for psychology masters students. The primary aim of the proposed study is to identify, explore and describe the personality preferences of a group of prospective psychology masters applicants and a group of successfully selected psychology masters students at a South African Higher Education Institution utilising the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®). The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and was based on the quantitative research approach. Non-probability convenience sampling and the survey method was utilised to identify and approach prospective participants. Participants were requested to complete the MBTI® questionnaire. The MBTI® protocols were hand-scored and the findings analysed utilising frequency distributions and inferential statistics, that is, means and standard deviations. The MBTI® was found to be valid and reliable in a variety of populations and contexts. xi Results indicated that the ISTJ (15 percent), INTP (15 percent) and ESFJ (15 percent) personality types were the three most common personality types amongst participants from the group of prospective psychology masters applicants. The ENFP (13 percent), INTP (13 percent) and ISFJ (13 percent) personality types were the three most common personality types amongst participants from the group of successfully selected masters students. The majority (14 percent) of participants from the total sample displayed a preference for the INTP personality type. An examination of the dichotomous personality types of the participants revealed that the majority of participants preferred the Extraversion attitude, Sensing and Thinking functions, and Judgement attitude.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Smit, René
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Personality assessment , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Personality and academic achievement -- South Africa , Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1096 , Personality assessment , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Personality and academic achievement -- South Africa , Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- Description: In order to continue their contribution to the profession of psychology in South Africa the selection committees of psychology departments of higher education institutions are faced with the difficult task of selecting the most suitable candidates to fill their Clinical, Counselling, Educational and Industrial Psychology masters coursework programmes. Selection committees have traditionally made use of several admission criteria and procedures ranging from academic performance to personality assessment to a combination of methods. Admission criteria vary greatly across Higher Education Institutions. The selection committee at the selected participating institution of higher education takes into account the prospective students' academic performance, relevant work or practical experience, research experience, active participation in the classroom, active involvement outside of the classroom (participation in and engagement with community activities), and personality. Currently the institution of higher education that provided the sample for the current study employs the NEO PI-R as well as the MMPI-2 to assess masters applicants’ personality traits. A study by Britz (1994) recommended that the MBTI® be included in the assessment battery for psychology masters students. The primary aim of the proposed study is to identify, explore and describe the personality preferences of a group of prospective psychology masters applicants and a group of successfully selected psychology masters students at a South African Higher Education Institution utilising the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®). The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and was based on the quantitative research approach. Non-probability convenience sampling and the survey method was utilised to identify and approach prospective participants. Participants were requested to complete the MBTI® questionnaire. The MBTI® protocols were hand-scored and the findings analysed utilising frequency distributions and inferential statistics, that is, means and standard deviations. The MBTI® was found to be valid and reliable in a variety of populations and contexts. xi Results indicated that the ISTJ (15 percent), INTP (15 percent) and ESFJ (15 percent) personality types were the three most common personality types amongst participants from the group of prospective psychology masters applicants. The ENFP (13 percent), INTP (13 percent) and ISFJ (13 percent) personality types were the three most common personality types amongst participants from the group of successfully selected masters students. The majority (14 percent) of participants from the total sample displayed a preference for the INTP personality type. An examination of the dichotomous personality types of the participants revealed that the majority of participants preferred the Extraversion attitude, Sensing and Thinking functions, and Judgement attitude.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of the role of a strategic internal communication system in the merging Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Soha, Sandi
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1458 , Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The merger of institutions of higher learning in South Africa has demonstrated to the study an exploration of the role of strategic internal communication system – in the merging of the Walter Sisulu University. The purpose of the study is to determine to what extent employees of the Walter Sisulu University have perceived that the internal communication system of this university has contributed towards an effectively merged organisation. The study was conducted after three historically disadvantaged institutions of higher learning merged to form one comprehensive university. The three merged institutions are: the Border Technikon, the Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. It was foreseeable during the process of the merger, that combining three institutions could possibly result in lower staff morale and uncertainty. The study has explored the theoretical framework for understanding the role of strategic internal communication systems in an organisation. The study was approached from a systems' perspective and that of a transformational model. A survey research design was utilised for the purpose of this study – in order to assess the validity and reliability of the data. A qualitative research design was used for the purpose of this study – in order to acquire the desired outcomes of the research. Questionnaires were used and the sample was drawn from a large population of the Walter Sisulu University – from, four campuses – with the aim of allowing one to make inferences about the population as a whole. The questionnaire was structured in four main sections namely: Biographical information, internal-communication systems, tools of internal communication, and line-management communication. The findings of the study aids the understanding behind the view of internal communication systems as having contributed – or not contributed – to a successfully merged university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Soha, Sandi
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1458 , Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The merger of institutions of higher learning in South Africa has demonstrated to the study an exploration of the role of strategic internal communication system – in the merging of the Walter Sisulu University. The purpose of the study is to determine to what extent employees of the Walter Sisulu University have perceived that the internal communication system of this university has contributed towards an effectively merged organisation. The study was conducted after three historically disadvantaged institutions of higher learning merged to form one comprehensive university. The three merged institutions are: the Border Technikon, the Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. It was foreseeable during the process of the merger, that combining three institutions could possibly result in lower staff morale and uncertainty. The study has explored the theoretical framework for understanding the role of strategic internal communication systems in an organisation. The study was approached from a systems' perspective and that of a transformational model. A survey research design was utilised for the purpose of this study – in order to assess the validity and reliability of the data. A qualitative research design was used for the purpose of this study – in order to acquire the desired outcomes of the research. Questionnaires were used and the sample was drawn from a large population of the Walter Sisulu University – from, four campuses – with the aim of allowing one to make inferences about the population as a whole. The questionnaire was structured in four main sections namely: Biographical information, internal-communication systems, tools of internal communication, and line-management communication. The findings of the study aids the understanding behind the view of internal communication systems as having contributed – or not contributed – to a successfully merged university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of voluntary counselling and testing : a Port Elizabeth-based study
- Authors: Foster, Caron
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1204 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and identify factors that either facilitate or inhibit individuals volunteering for HIV-testing. The target group was comprised of Xhosa first-language construction workers in a company with an HIV/AIDS workplace policy and programme. This programme provides basic education and awareness about HIV/AIDS. This education includes information about where to access voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. Interpretive qualitative research was undertaken in order to explore the beliefs, perceptions and intentions of the target group in regard to the utilisation VCT services. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide. The data was analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis. Concerns about validity and reliability were engaged throughout the research process and supported further by using researcher reflexivity and an independent researcher. The independent researcher analysed data separately and only after discussion and consensus being found between the two researchers were final categories and codes agreed upon and data analysis considered complete. Findings revealed that an HIV/AIDS workplace programme has a positive impact on the health-seeking behaviour of workers in the construction company used in this research. Respondents knew how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, how to prevent transmission and where to find HIV-testing treatment and support. In this case HIV-testing services can easily be accessed further facilitating respondents volunteering for HIV-testing. It was also found that family, friends and churches support HIV-testing behaviour by providing education, guidance and support to respondents encouraging behaviour change. On the other hand, respondents held that community members who had not benefited from an HIV/AIDS workplace programme such as theirs are exposed daily to the devastating effects of HIV leading to AIDS deaths and live in fear of the disease. Debilitating illness and eventual death is equated with an HIV-positive diagnosis which causes community members to believe it is better not to volunteer for HIV-testing than to ascertain one’s HIV-status. The HIV/AIDS workplace policy and xv programme on the other hand is seen to have provided respondents with HIV/AIDS knowledge enabling them to overcome their fear of an HIV-positive diagnosis and to volunteer for regular HIV-testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Foster, Caron
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1204 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV Infections -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and identify factors that either facilitate or inhibit individuals volunteering for HIV-testing. The target group was comprised of Xhosa first-language construction workers in a company with an HIV/AIDS workplace policy and programme. This programme provides basic education and awareness about HIV/AIDS. This education includes information about where to access voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. Interpretive qualitative research was undertaken in order to explore the beliefs, perceptions and intentions of the target group in regard to the utilisation VCT services. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide. The data was analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis. Concerns about validity and reliability were engaged throughout the research process and supported further by using researcher reflexivity and an independent researcher. The independent researcher analysed data separately and only after discussion and consensus being found between the two researchers were final categories and codes agreed upon and data analysis considered complete. Findings revealed that an HIV/AIDS workplace programme has a positive impact on the health-seeking behaviour of workers in the construction company used in this research. Respondents knew how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, how to prevent transmission and where to find HIV-testing treatment and support. In this case HIV-testing services can easily be accessed further facilitating respondents volunteering for HIV-testing. It was also found that family, friends and churches support HIV-testing behaviour by providing education, guidance and support to respondents encouraging behaviour change. On the other hand, respondents held that community members who had not benefited from an HIV/AIDS workplace programme such as theirs are exposed daily to the devastating effects of HIV leading to AIDS deaths and live in fear of the disease. Debilitating illness and eventual death is equated with an HIV-positive diagnosis which causes community members to believe it is better not to volunteer for HIV-testing than to ascertain one’s HIV-status. The HIV/AIDS workplace policy and xv programme on the other hand is seen to have provided respondents with HIV/AIDS knowledge enabling them to overcome their fear of an HIV-positive diagnosis and to volunteer for regular HIV-testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An exploration of Zimbabwean migrant women's perceptions of their identity : selected case studies in Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Moorhouse, Lesley
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1200 , Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study explores the perceptions of women who had migrated to Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, from Zimbabwe, in terms of their own identity. In-depth interviews were conducted, situated within a phenomenological paradigm with a feminist epistemological orientation, in order to describe the rich detail of a woman’s quotidian existence subsequent to the migratory experience. Findings suggest that women’s identities are constructed in relation to other people, both those who form their in-group and their out-group. The process of migration and difficulties associated with assimilation into the host community impacts on felt ethnicity, strengthening ties to the homeland and to fellow Zimbabweans. Identity is also impacted on by spatiality, or lived space, in terms of both memories of home and present space occupied. Migration incorporating even the post-migration period may well form an extended liminal experience for women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Moorhouse, Lesley
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1200 , Women immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Identity , Emigration and immigration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study explores the perceptions of women who had migrated to Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, from Zimbabwe, in terms of their own identity. In-depth interviews were conducted, situated within a phenomenological paradigm with a feminist epistemological orientation, in order to describe the rich detail of a woman’s quotidian existence subsequent to the migratory experience. Findings suggest that women’s identities are constructed in relation to other people, both those who form their in-group and their out-group. The process of migration and difficulties associated with assimilation into the host community impacts on felt ethnicity, strengthening ties to the homeland and to fellow Zimbabweans. Identity is also impacted on by spatiality, or lived space, in terms of both memories of home and present space occupied. Migration incorporating even the post-migration period may well form an extended liminal experience for women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An in-line measuring technique with tool error detection in an automotive production line
- Authors: Viol, Florian
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering
- Identifier: vital:9647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1327 , Automobile industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The modern automobile industry faces an increasing demand on personalized high quality products. In order to stay competitive the automobile manufacturers have to ensure the customers high quality demands. With the increasing amount of applied parts and components manufacturing processes are becoming more complex. The recent quality assurance of the manufacturers considers only the product quality. Furthermore are with the recent quality assurance methods only punctual integrations of quality assurance tools in production chains possible. These limitations cause a large quality control loop. This leads in case of defective parts to an enormous time and money effort to track the cause for the defect. This project presents an innovative measurement strategy of quality assurance within the modern automobile production which will minimize the control loop and identify the tool causing the defect in the part. It highlights the possibility to integrate equipment for quality assurance directly into the production cell itself and analyse the geometrical conditions within the manufacturing processes. The result of this thesis is a fully automated prototype which is installed into the actual production of the Volkswagen Golf assembly. The prototype system consists on the one hand out of different on the market free available hardware and software components. On the other hand there are specifically for this prototype developed hardware components and software tools. For the first time it is possible to inspect the geometrical conditions of one tool continuously during production and identify, if occurring, deviations in the tool in position direction and size. The installation of similar systems in the production will minimize the control loops of the production. The chance of early recognition of errors will reduce the efforts and cost of error backtracking. In ideal conditions this instrument will identify defective tools before a product is manufactured. This innovative quality tool is the ideal addition to the current quality assurance and is the first link between the product quality and the geometrical conditions of the tools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Viol, Florian
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering
- Identifier: vital:9647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1327 , Automobile industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The modern automobile industry faces an increasing demand on personalized high quality products. In order to stay competitive the automobile manufacturers have to ensure the customers high quality demands. With the increasing amount of applied parts and components manufacturing processes are becoming more complex. The recent quality assurance of the manufacturers considers only the product quality. Furthermore are with the recent quality assurance methods only punctual integrations of quality assurance tools in production chains possible. These limitations cause a large quality control loop. This leads in case of defective parts to an enormous time and money effort to track the cause for the defect. This project presents an innovative measurement strategy of quality assurance within the modern automobile production which will minimize the control loop and identify the tool causing the defect in the part. It highlights the possibility to integrate equipment for quality assurance directly into the production cell itself and analyse the geometrical conditions within the manufacturing processes. The result of this thesis is a fully automated prototype which is installed into the actual production of the Volkswagen Golf assembly. The prototype system consists on the one hand out of different on the market free available hardware and software components. On the other hand there are specifically for this prototype developed hardware components and software tools. For the first time it is possible to inspect the geometrical conditions of one tool continuously during production and identify, if occurring, deviations in the tool in position direction and size. The installation of similar systems in the production will minimize the control loops of the production. The chance of early recognition of errors will reduce the efforts and cost of error backtracking. In ideal conditions this instrument will identify defective tools before a product is manufactured. This innovative quality tool is the ideal addition to the current quality assurance and is the first link between the product quality and the geometrical conditions of the tools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An in-service development programme for potential information services staff in the Rhodes Library
- Authors: Shepherd, Eileen
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011602
- Description: This paper discusses the need for continuing professional development for librarians in academic libraries in general and at Rhodes University Library, South Africa in particular. It describes the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a staff-development and training pilot programme for professional librarians at Rhodes Library. A group of 15 librarians, drawn from the library staff complement, participated in an 8-session training course developed by Information Services librarians. The course, which covered basic information-finding skills using a variety of research databases and offered an introduction to concepts in 21st century academic librarianship, was presented using course management software in a face-to-face environment and required homework exercises and the completion of a 2-hour final test. The results of the project demonstrated the urgent need for such development programmes for professional library staff. 80% of the participants completed the course. The final test results indicated below average database search skills and an inability to think laterally. An unexpected finding was a lack of IT competencies. Important lessons were learned with regard to course-construction, content and timing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Shepherd, Eileen
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011602
- Description: This paper discusses the need for continuing professional development for librarians in academic libraries in general and at Rhodes University Library, South Africa in particular. It describes the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a staff-development and training pilot programme for professional librarians at Rhodes Library. A group of 15 librarians, drawn from the library staff complement, participated in an 8-session training course developed by Information Services librarians. The course, which covered basic information-finding skills using a variety of research databases and offered an introduction to concepts in 21st century academic librarianship, was presented using course management software in a face-to-face environment and required homework exercises and the completion of a 2-hour final test. The results of the project demonstrated the urgent need for such development programmes for professional library staff. 80% of the participants completed the course. The final test results indicated below average database search skills and an inability to think laterally. An unexpected finding was a lack of IT competencies. Important lessons were learned with regard to course-construction, content and timing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An intergrated learning programme for the Knysna Montessori school
- Authors: Nel, Andri
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa Curricula , Competency-based education -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1142 , Education -- South Africa Curricula , Competency-based education -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- South Africa
- Description: In line with Montessori methodology, the Knysna Montessori School runs its programmes in an integrated and holistic manner. Learning programmes are based on a blend of various Montessori learning programmes and the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). Classes are divided into three year-age groupings; and integrated learning programmes are in place within the pre-school, (including grade R), the grade 1 to 3 class, and the grade 4 to 6 class. However, the grade 7 to 9 Montessori class has been running in a more traditional and less integrated manner since its inception in 2004. That has motivated the undertaking of this study. The main aim of this qualitative study has been to determine how to best arrange the RNCS according to Montessori principles, that is to say, in a holistic and integrated manner, with the intention of presenting a learning programme for the grade 7 to 9 class. This aim was based on a constructivist philosophical foundation and addressed in conjunction with interpretivism and critical theory. The grounded theory research paradigm was followed. In this paradigm research findings are grounded in the data gathering and the analysis. Three methods of data collection were applied, namely a literature review, interviews and document analysis. A literature review was conducted to gain a better overview and understanding of the RNCS and Outcomes-Based Education (OBE). Furthermore, through the literature review, an in-depth understanding of the Montessori method of education, adolescent development and integrated and holistic education have been achieved. Interviews were conducted with staff from the Knysna Montessori School, with the purpose of gathering information on the Knysna Montessori School and its current application to the RNCS, from pre-school to grade 6. An availability and purposive sampling method was applied, in order to determine which staff members to interview. Finally, document analysis was done. The learning areas for the senior phase (grades 7 to 9) of the General Education and Training Band (GET) of the RNCS were coded and analysed in order to discover emergent themes within the RNCS and how these link with the Montessori curriculum arrangement for this age group. It became apparent that Montessori classrooms, both prior to and for the senior phase, are divided into three areas, namely language, mathematics and cultural studies. Based on this knowledge, as well as the documentary analysis, an integrated learning programme, grounded in the data analysis, was designed. It was found that the RNCS matches well with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement. Thus, this learning programme is in line with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement for the senior phase of the GET band. Such a curriculum arrangement integrates the learning outcomes and assessment standards from arts and culture, economic and management sciences, life orientation, natural sciences, social sciences and technology into different studies. These are globally referred to as cultural studies. However, specific attention was also given to moral education, self-expression through music, art and drama, entrepreneurship, career education and sport. The conclusion was reached that an integrated learning programme, based on Montessori principles and in line with the RNCS requirement, is possible for the Knysna Montessori School.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Nel, Andri
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa Curricula , Competency-based education -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1142 , Education -- South Africa Curricula , Competency-based education -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- South Africa
- Description: In line with Montessori methodology, the Knysna Montessori School runs its programmes in an integrated and holistic manner. Learning programmes are based on a blend of various Montessori learning programmes and the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). Classes are divided into three year-age groupings; and integrated learning programmes are in place within the pre-school, (including grade R), the grade 1 to 3 class, and the grade 4 to 6 class. However, the grade 7 to 9 Montessori class has been running in a more traditional and less integrated manner since its inception in 2004. That has motivated the undertaking of this study. The main aim of this qualitative study has been to determine how to best arrange the RNCS according to Montessori principles, that is to say, in a holistic and integrated manner, with the intention of presenting a learning programme for the grade 7 to 9 class. This aim was based on a constructivist philosophical foundation and addressed in conjunction with interpretivism and critical theory. The grounded theory research paradigm was followed. In this paradigm research findings are grounded in the data gathering and the analysis. Three methods of data collection were applied, namely a literature review, interviews and document analysis. A literature review was conducted to gain a better overview and understanding of the RNCS and Outcomes-Based Education (OBE). Furthermore, through the literature review, an in-depth understanding of the Montessori method of education, adolescent development and integrated and holistic education have been achieved. Interviews were conducted with staff from the Knysna Montessori School, with the purpose of gathering information on the Knysna Montessori School and its current application to the RNCS, from pre-school to grade 6. An availability and purposive sampling method was applied, in order to determine which staff members to interview. Finally, document analysis was done. The learning areas for the senior phase (grades 7 to 9) of the General Education and Training Band (GET) of the RNCS were coded and analysed in order to discover emergent themes within the RNCS and how these link with the Montessori curriculum arrangement for this age group. It became apparent that Montessori classrooms, both prior to and for the senior phase, are divided into three areas, namely language, mathematics and cultural studies. Based on this knowledge, as well as the documentary analysis, an integrated learning programme, grounded in the data analysis, was designed. It was found that the RNCS matches well with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement. Thus, this learning programme is in line with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement for the senior phase of the GET band. Such a curriculum arrangement integrates the learning outcomes and assessment standards from arts and culture, economic and management sciences, life orientation, natural sciences, social sciences and technology into different studies. These are globally referred to as cultural studies. However, specific attention was also given to moral education, self-expression through music, art and drama, entrepreneurship, career education and sport. The conclusion was reached that an integrated learning programme, based on Montessori principles and in line with the RNCS requirement, is possible for the Knysna Montessori School.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation into factors contributing towards teenage pregnancy in secondary schools: a case study in the Elliotdale sub-district
- Authors: Konkco, Eunice Xoliswa
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16206 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016151
- Description: The focus for this study was to determine the factors that contribute towards teenage pregnancy in the Elliotdale sub-district in secondary schools, in the Eastern Cape. The researcher used the qualitative approach to obtain data from a sample of 8 pregnant learners, two departmental officials, four principals, four school governing body members, and four educators in this research. Interviews were conducted to gain first hand information regarding factors that are contributing towards teenage pregnancy in four secondary schools in Elliotdale, a rural area of the Eastern Cape. The theoretical construct framing this study is grounded in the theories of Bandura and Bronfenbrenner who shape an understanding of social cognitive theory and ecological systems theory. In the study poverty was a contributory factor as a result of unemployment. Ignorance, as well as the attitude of the learners towards moral values, were the major concerns and findings noted by the respondents in this study. The study revealed that the Elliotdale district officials are determined to find ways of eliminating the rate of teenage pregnancy in secondary schools; however, the approach by the district towards the implementation of the existing programmes is not effective. The school principals are unaware of the current policies on preventative measures regarding teenage pregnancy in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Konkco, Eunice Xoliswa
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16206 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016151
- Description: The focus for this study was to determine the factors that contribute towards teenage pregnancy in the Elliotdale sub-district in secondary schools, in the Eastern Cape. The researcher used the qualitative approach to obtain data from a sample of 8 pregnant learners, two departmental officials, four principals, four school governing body members, and four educators in this research. Interviews were conducted to gain first hand information regarding factors that are contributing towards teenage pregnancy in four secondary schools in Elliotdale, a rural area of the Eastern Cape. The theoretical construct framing this study is grounded in the theories of Bandura and Bronfenbrenner who shape an understanding of social cognitive theory and ecological systems theory. In the study poverty was a contributory factor as a result of unemployment. Ignorance, as well as the attitude of the learners towards moral values, were the major concerns and findings noted by the respondents in this study. The study revealed that the Elliotdale district officials are determined to find ways of eliminating the rate of teenage pregnancy in secondary schools; however, the approach by the district towards the implementation of the existing programmes is not effective. The school principals are unaware of the current policies on preventative measures regarding teenage pregnancy in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation into factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level: a case study of a combined school in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Adam, Ndileka Primrose
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16158 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/229 , Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the corneThe main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the cornerstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.rstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Adam, Ndileka Primrose
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16158 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/229 , Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the corneThe main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the cornerstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.rstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation into implementation of language policy in the Eastern Cape with specific reference to isiXhosa
- Authors: Made, Zoliswa Jacqueline
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1181 , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study is about An Investigation into Implementation of Language Policy in the Eastern Cape with specific reference to isiXhosa. The objectives of this study are to investigate the current state of language policy implementation plan in local government sectors and schools and to propose a strategy for a sustainable language implementation plan for indigenous languages of South Africa. Chapter 1 provides the background, definitions of terms, the statement of the problem, the research methods used and the literature reviewed. Chapter 2 deals with the critical analysis of language policy, looking at the types of language policies and various relevant language policies. Chapter 3 addresses challenges facing the indigenous languages of South Africa (with specific reference to isiXhosa) especially at provincial level. Chapter 4 discusses the implementation strategies which will help in the development of the indigenous languages. Chapter 5 concludes the study by presenting findings and recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Made, Zoliswa Jacqueline
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1181 , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study is about An Investigation into Implementation of Language Policy in the Eastern Cape with specific reference to isiXhosa. The objectives of this study are to investigate the current state of language policy implementation plan in local government sectors and schools and to propose a strategy for a sustainable language implementation plan for indigenous languages of South Africa. Chapter 1 provides the background, definitions of terms, the statement of the problem, the research methods used and the literature reviewed. Chapter 2 deals with the critical analysis of language policy, looking at the types of language policies and various relevant language policies. Chapter 3 addresses challenges facing the indigenous languages of South Africa (with specific reference to isiXhosa) especially at provincial level. Chapter 4 discusses the implementation strategies which will help in the development of the indigenous languages. Chapter 5 concludes the study by presenting findings and recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010