A model for enhancing trust in information systems tools within Nigeria media planning agencies
- Authors: Olaitan, Olutoyin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5350-4136
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Information resources management--Nigeria , Information networks--Security measures--Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24904 , vital:63669
- Description: Media Planning Agencies (MPAs) are responsible for purchasing time and advertising space on behalf of organisations who desire to advertise or market their products and services (Kupoluyi, 2011). These agencies perform their tasks based on the evaluative factors of pricing, demographics, reach, psychographics and other factors relevant to the clients’ target market which are all enabled by technology. MPAs utilise industry specific Information Systems (IS) tools in their business processes. McKnight (2005) contends that trust in IS tools directly impacts on the willingness of a user to depend on such IS tools for accomplishing their goals. The research problem exists due to the fact that the current level of trust in these IS tools employed within MPAs in Nigeria is very low (Egbonwon, 2012). This distrust has led to the non-optimisation of the available tools. Empirical findings reveal that most of the personnel in these agencies prefer to actualise their processes manually, or at best with the limited aid of Microsoft Office tools such as Excel and Word (Akharume, 2012). Thus the research problem investigated trust-enhancing mechanisms for IS tools in MPAs to improve efficient and effective use. The study conducted an in-depth critique of the role of trust in maximizing IS tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness within Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This was done through a literature review and questionnaire. The output of the research process is the proposition of a model for enhancing trust in IS tools within MPAs. The study proposed that the enhancement of trust in IS tools will lead to optimal use of these tools, thus leading to efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of Nigerian MPAs. The model was developed by following Hevner, March, Park and Ram’s (2004) Design Science research guidelines and validated through an expert review process. The outcome of the expert review was used to further refine the model and thereafter conclude the study. It is believed that the outcome of this research will empower MPAs to become competitive nationally, grow into global players in their industry and achieve efficiency with regards to how business is conducted. , Thesis (MCom IS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06
A model for enhancing trust in information systems tools within Nigerian media planning agencies
- Authors: Olutoyin, Olaitan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5350-4136
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Advertising media planning -- Nigeria , Information resources management -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25592 , vital:64337
- Description: Media Planning Agencies (MPAs) are responsible for purchasing time and advertising space on behalf of organisations who desire to advertise or market their products and services (Kupoluyi, 2011). These agencies perform their tasks based on the evaluative factors of pricing, demographics, reach, psychographics and other factors relevant to the clients’ target market which are all enabled by technology. MPAs utilise industry specific Information Systems (IS) tools in their business processes. McKnight (2005) contends that trust in IS tools directly impacts on the willingness of a user to depend on such IS tools for accomplishing their goals. The research problem exists due to the fact that the current level of trust in these IS tools employed within MPAs in Nigeria is very low (Egbonwon, 2012). This distrust has led to the non-optimisation of the available tools. Empirical findings reveal that most of the personnel in these agencies prefer to actualise their processes manually, or at best with the limited aid of Microsoft Office tools such as Excel and Word (Akharume, 2012). Thus the research problem investigated trust-enhancing mechanisms for IS tools in MPAs to improve efficient and effective use. The study conducted an in-depth critique of the role of trust in maximizing IS tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness within Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This was done through a literature review and questionnaire. The output of the research process is the proposition of a model for enhancing trust in IS tools within MPAs. The study proposed that the enhancement of trust in IS tools will lead to optimal use of these tools, thus leading to efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of Nigerian MPAs. The model was developed by following Hevner, March, Park and Ram’s (2004) Design Science research guidelines and validated through an expert review process. The outcome of the expert review was used to further refine the model and thereafter conclude the study. It is believed that the outcome of this research will empower MPAs to become competitive nationally, grow into global players in their industry and achieve efficiency with regards to how business is conducted. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06
An investigation into identity formation of school- going adolescents : application of the neo- eriksonian paradigm in an urban African context
- Authors: Vasi, Shirlee
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Adolescence , Identity (Psychology) in adolescence , Youth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26503 , vital:65482
- Description: The study drew on two approaches on identity formation, each postulating differing but complementary exploration components style and status in an effort to better understand the dimensions of identity formation as measured by the EOM EIS 2 and the ISI3. The sample of the study N 111 was socio/demographically diverse with respect to gender, age, race and language, with participants drawn from an urban high school setting in the Eastern Cape. Overall patterns of results revealed by Analysis of Variance ANOVA suggested that significant differences exist between adolescents with respect to gender and age in a South African context. No significant results were noted for the identity variables of race and language, with the identity variables of the EOM EIS 2 and the ISI3. Inter-correlations among the identity variables of the EOM EIS 2 and the ISI3 for the sample of school-going adolescents in this study were investigated. The findings provide evidence that the two instruments to a large extent carry a similar meaning theoretically within an African setting. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06
An investigation into the learning outcomes the selected life orientation educators teach in the intermediate and senior phase: implications for instructional supervision in two J.S.S. in Butterworth district
- Authors: Sele, Noxolo
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Life skills -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25393 , vital:64235
- Description: This study seeks to investigate the Life Orientation (LO) Learning Outcomes the selected educators teach in the Intermediate and Senior Phase. It focuses on two Junior Secondary Schools (J.S.S.) in Butterworth Education District of the Eastern Cape Province. According to the Department of Education (2002) Life Orientation is mandatory for all learners in the Senior and Further Education and Training phases of Basic Education. It offers possibilities for equipping learners in South Africa with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to develop confidence within themselves and to become responsible citizens. In this inquiry, the study used qualitative research methods to explore how teachers and learners perceive the implementation of LO. The research on both teachers and learners has testified that the most looked part in LO is its importance on the developmental aspect of learners. The finding also draws strongly from what the literature has revealed, that Life Orientation curriculum expressly revolves around learners achieving outcomes, which are identified and assessed through the acquisition and demonstration of knowledge, skills, attitudes and value. The educators affirmed that LO was an important subject but was looked down by many teachers as less interesting and boring. The interviewees argued that LO contributes to best understanding of challenges facing our youth. One major recommendation was that grade teachers must draw insights from various teaching approaches and move beyond using one approach to deliver LO. Among other things, future research need to investigate what training needs do teachers and school heads need to arouse their interest and eagerness to facilitate teaching of LO? , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06
Pills, Politics and Partners: NGOs and the Management of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the Eastern Cape, with special reference to the Lusikisiki Project, 2004-2014
- Authors: Govere, Fredrick Murambiwa
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Management , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV-positive persons -- Services for -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25720 , vital:64473
- Description: South Africa is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV prevalence rates remain stubbornly high.1 This trend is both concerning and difficult to explain given that South Africa is economically well-resourced with a better health care infrastructure relative to other African countries. The African National Congress identified the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a major public health threat to South Africa as early as the 1990s (Parikh and Whiteside, 2007; Gevisser, 2007). In response, international donors provided a substantial amount of financial resources to support improvements in South Africa’s health care infrastructure. The persistently high rates of HIV/AIDS in the population beg for answers to questions such as why South Africa’s political leadership has been unable to control the spread of the disease and what particular social, behavioural and economic factors have contributed to South Africa’s disproportionate share of the global HIV/AIDS burden. At this point in time, public health experts still have not been able to definitively isolate the factors that explain the severity of the HIV/AIDS disease burden within South Africa’s population. While international donor aid continues to play a central role in the social, economic and health betterment in developing nations, its political impact on local governance structures has been much debated.2 In particular, the roles played by non-government organisations (NGOs) in the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa have been found to be complex, controversial, and their lasting value contested. Specifically debated is the disproportionate global investment in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment in South Africa and the ways in which it has shaped intervention strategies, public and private policy, and the governance roles assumed by various national and local governmental agencies. Despite the threat of diminished financial support from international donor agencies that has loomed heavily over recipient countries in recent years, a number of key international donors have actually scaled up their global response to HIV/AIDS, particularly in South Africa.3 These donor agencies include the U.S. government’s Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, as well as non-profit humanitarian organisations such as Mèdecins Sans Frontiéres (MSF), commonly known as Doctors without Borders. This study aims to critically examine the prevailing intervention strategy used by these international donors to “push the pill;” that is, to push a public health agenda that holds antiretroviral (ARV) therapy as the preeminent solution to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic at the expense of other intervention strategies. While a biomedical approach remains the most compelling intervention strategy, the fight against HIV/AIDS needs to be more comprehensive in its scope taking into account local knowledge and culture. This study will discuss how political rhetoric delivered through the media and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems has been used to embed a biomedical pill agenda into the organizational culture and intervention strategies implemented by local community-based organizations. Through a process of strategic translation, HIV/AIDS has been portrayed as the number one health problem facing South Africa today; in fact, across all of Sub-Saharan Africa (World Health Organisation 2005a, 2005b). As such, the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has justified the focus on making ARV drugs available throughout Sub-Saharan Africa at the expense of other interventions that could aim more precisely at the key social and health problems faced by the South African population which compromise health and well-being. The question about whose interests are donors and donor-funded agencies representing, and what are the intended and unintended consequences that result from these interests is the subject of this study. The study will attempt to shed light on these questions through a critical examination of the widely publicized HIV/AIDS intervention programme, the Lusikisiki Project, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. I have drawn extensively from the development discourse literature and such scholars as Ferguson, 1990; Escobar, 1994 and 1995; Rist, 1997; and Mosse, 2005, to provide theoretical grounding for answering the questions posed.4 The study will critically analyse the social and political factors that defined this reputedly successful HIV/AIDS intervention project. Further, the study wil elucidate other cultural and behavioural factors that shaped the initiative in its battle against HIV/AIDS. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06
The challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children in cluster foster homes in South Africa: the case of Ekhaya losizo in Grahamstown
- Authors: Nyamutinga, Dudzai
- Date: 2014-06
- Subjects: Foster home care -- South Africa , Social work with children -- South Africa , Orphans -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27402 , vital:67291
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children in cluster foster homes . The case of Ekhaya losizo Cluster home. The study intended to bring out the challenges that children who have been abandoned, neglected and orphaned face after they are found in need of care and protection and then are placed in institutional care. The first objective was to explore the different kind of challenges that orphans and vulnerable children encounter in a cluster foster home. The research study concluded that children face physical, emotional and psychological challenges. The research also examined the effects of these physical, social and emotional challenges on the wellbeing and welfare of these orphans and vulnerable children. According to the research study, most children in the cluster home faced a number of social, emotional and psychological wellbeing which affect normal development. The research focused on investigating the kind of support that is offered by community members to such orphans and vulnerable children. According to the findings, children are provided with emotional support, financial, social and educational. The study findings revealed that there is much support provided by the community. The last objective which is the fourth one is aimed at examining services that are offered by social service practitioners in the care of orphans and vulnerable children in cluster foster care. The study findings managed to document that social workers are very much instrumental in the welfare of children. This is because they are involved in identifying the child in need of care and protection as stipulated in the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, they do placements of children in cluster homes, monitoring and also identifying suitable caregivers who are able to provide proper nurturance to children. Psychologists are also instrumental in providing counselling to these children. They help those children that are traumatized, orphaned, abandoned and those that are having adaptation challenges as well as attachment challenges. The study utilized a qualitative method in order for the researcher to understand the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children. Purposive sampling which is non- probability was used with both in-depth interview as well as focus group discussion. The researcher purposely selected those people who are relevant in providing the relevant information for the research. The study utilized an in-depth interview guide as well as focus group discussion to gather information from respondents. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-06