The relationship between psychological capital and work engagement among educators in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Van Kerkhof, Michelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Human capital -- Psychological aspects , Psychology, Industrial Employees -- Psychology Management|xPsychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44145 , vital:37117
- Description: Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and work engagement (WE) are both positive constructs which research shows has an advantageous effect on the performance of the organisation. The educational system, and in particular the job of the educator, remains an important field of study as 80% of schools in South Africa are deemed dysfunctional (Spaull, 2013). Although educators face numerous challenges, there are still educators who remain determined in their work role. This research used a cross-sectional design, using a composite questionnaire to measure PsyCap and WE. The self-report questionnaires were distributed to a sample of educators (n=106) of which 53% were from private schools and 47% were from public schools in Port Elizabeth. Various studies both locally and abroad confirm the reliability and validity of the PCQ-24 and UWES-9 measures utilised in this study. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between PsyCap and WE of educators. The relationship between PsyCap and WE was assessed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Furthermore, it also considered whether a significant distinction exists among the PsyCap and WE levels of private and public schools in Port Elizabeth. A t-test was used to establish the difference among the levels of PsyCap and WE of private and public school teachers. As indicated by previous research, the current study uncovered that PsyCap predicts WE, exhibiting a positive relationship among the constructs. In addition, this study found that there was a difference among the PsyCap and WE levels of private and public school teachers in Port Elizabeth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The implications of utilising small, medium and micro sized enterprises on construction projects
- Authors: Kampman, Juan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management Construction industry -- Economic aspects Construction industry -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30698 , vital:31031
- Description: The National Development Plan envisages that eleven million jobs will be created in South Africa by small and medium enterprises (SME) by 2030. This vehicle aims to generate employment opportunities, redistribute income and contribute to poverty alleviation. This research highlights the main hurdles associated with the appointment of small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) contractors while providing recommendations geared towards the development of a sustainable industry. This study focuses on the cost, quality, programme, and health and safety implications of utilising SMMEs on construction projects. The study is seen from the perspective of the client’s representatives on construction projects and it focuses on South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) projects in the Eastern Cape. The respondents answered a structured web-based questionnaire which included open and closed questions. The research determined that in order to provide the best quality work, at the best price, on time, and in a safe manner, SMMEs who are employed on construction projects should be experienced or should be trained and mentored, or both. To ensure that SMMEs function at the required level with regard to the cost of their service, the quality of work, construction duration, and health and safety, it is fundamental to train and mentor the SMMEs. In order to assist SMMEs, they should be supported by providing construction material, the required tools, and personal protective equipment at the start of a project. It was proposed that SMME guidelines be drafted in order to standardise implementation methodologies which can be applied throughout the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Investigating public participation strategies in the provision of low-income housing in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Batyi, Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14543 , vital:27749
- Description: This study investigates the public participation strategies in the provision of low –income housing. The purpose is to look at the effectiveness of the public participation strategies. In order to achieve this goal, it was necessary to review literature on public participation to advance the argument that public participation is an integral part of local government and the community at large. Currently, public participation permeates all legislation, impacting on local government in South Africa. It enhances individual and group esteem and enables municipal functionaries to understand crucial issues that serve as an impetus for policymaking. A supportive objective was to identify challenges that may be experienced by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality with public participation in low-cost houses. The study adopted qualitative data collection instruments, which were used to collect data. The face-to-face interviews with the total sample of this study consisted of fourteen (14) participants comprising six (6) municipal officials, (3 officials from each of the Public Participation and the Integrated Development Units) and four (4) ward councillors and committee members, one (1) each from wards 1, 6, 46 and 47. For the purpose of this study, purposive (non-probability) or judgemental sampling was used. The qualitative data was analysed thematically using coding and categorising data into themes. The findings of this study revealed that there is a lack of public participation by the local communities in development projects. Also, ward committees do not have a platform to participate at the representative forums and during the IDP/budget hearings. In this regard, the study made recommendations on the participation strategies in order to tackle the challenges faced in the provision of low-income housing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Education: the transitional challenges of graduation to employment
- Authors: Mkosana, Nkululeko Cautious
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Labor supply -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12198 , vital:27043
- Description: Graduate unemployment, more specifically the continued inability of young people to make a successful transition from institutions of higher learning to labour markets, remains a key concern and one of the most pressing socio-economic issues facing South Africa. Of similar concern, has been the inordinate length of time it takes for graduates (particularly black graduates) to acquire employment. This research study was undertaken in an attempt to understand employment trends among black graduates: its specific aim is to determine, the length of time it takes for black graduates to acquire employment after graduation. As a secondary aim the study also seeks to determine the underlying causes of long-lasting unemployment. The study investigated the employment circumstances involving a sample of 40 graduate participants from Motherwell Township: it was discovered that it took from 1-3 years for the respondents to acquire employment. The study also found that relative to their male counterparts it took much longer for female graduate participants to acquire employment. It also emerged that the type of qualification possessed by the graduates was a determining factor in the likelihood of their gaining employment timeously.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Experiences of women who gave birth before arrival at a midwife obstetric unit
- Authors: Fouché, Moira Sandy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Midwifery -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Maternity nursing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7176 , vital:21290
- Description: Pregnant women expect to give birth in a safe environment conducive to a safe delivery such as the hospital. In some cases the birth does not always work out as planned as labour is unpredictable and circumstances may lead to the woman giving birth before arriving at the hospital. For some women the outcome of the experience could have a positive effect while most of the time it is a negative effect such as embarrassment and disappointment. The researcher, an experienced midwife, observed in the unit where she works of the steady increase in women who were admitted as experiencing birth before arrival. The women will at times be reluctant to respond to questions on admission regarding their labour process and also tend not to focus on the needs of the baby. When the mother is discharged, one is left wondering what will happen to the infant at home. Hence, this study had the following objectives: to explore and describe the women’s experiences of giving birth before arrival at a midwife obstetric unit in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area and secondly, to use the findings of the study to make recommendations to assist midwives to support women who have experienced birth before arrival at a midwife obstetric unit. This study was a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research study. The research population included all the women who had birth-before-arrival deliveries at the midwife obstetric unit in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area. The criteria for inclusion were women who had experienced birth before arrival between October 2014 and December 2014; women who had been admitted to an midwife obstetric unit and not referred to a tertiary level of care, but discharged home; women whose babies were still alive; women who had spent at least eight hours and not more than twelve hours in the midwife obstetric unit and women older than 18 years of age. Purposive sampling was used. The researcher conducted semi-structured one-on-one interviews which were captured by means of an audio-tape recorder to collect data. Taking field notes was part of the interview session. Analysis of data was done according to Tesch’s method of data analysis. The supervisor and an independent coder assisted with the analysis to confirm the data and help develop themes. To ensure rigour in the study, the Lincoln and Guba model of trustworthiness was used, which encompasses truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality. The research was done in an ethical manner whereby autonomy and respect, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice were maintained by the researcher. The researcher maintained privacy and confidentiality by numbering the interviews and not revealing the participant’s identity. The collected data was kept under lock and key and was only discussed with the research supervisor and the independent coder. The interviews were conducted in a private and safe place without any interruptions. Two main themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme one – A birth before arrival at the midwifery facility is an emotional experience for the mother. Theme two - Mothers described diverse experiences related to emergency childbirth care. Based on the findings of the study, the relevant recommendations were made to improve the overall management of women who experience birth before arrival. The recommendations will be utilised by the midwives in maternity units and primary health-care practitioners in the clinics attending to pregnant women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The relationship between Union Representatives and school management teams in the Tsolo District: implications for school management
- Authors: Maqhubela, V
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management -- Labour Unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18416 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006573
- Description: This dissertation is a report of the study that was conducted in rural schools of Tsolo district in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was about the relationship between union representatives and school management teams. The study was conducted because the researcher is a site steward in the present school where the researcher working and is always dealing with conflicts that usually occur between the S.M.T and Union members and has to address these issues regularly. This problem made the researcher to be interested and want to know further from other schools of what is the situation. This was done through focus group interviews and the study was qualitative research paradigm. There were questions that were drafted and participants were asked to respond according to the questions. The participants were as follows 11 SMT members and 18 union representatives. The study findings highlighted the role that SMT could play in the smooth running of the school and in addressing tensions to enhance effective work. The study also illuminated the issue of being bias among the SMT in some unions and dictatorship by S.M.T members. The study findings highlight the role the S.M.T should play and the issue of consultation before any decision should be taken as an integral part. The study also showed that there was a need for schools to know the South African legislation so as to go along with correct rules and regulations when addressing different issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011