Enhancing clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students: perceptions of midwifery educators
- Authors: Vuso, Virginia Zanyiwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Study and teaching Childbirth -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Nursing -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13204 , vital:27161
- Description: Since the inception of the student supernumerary status, both globally and in South Africa, nursing and midwifery educators have been concerned about the clinical competencies of their students. Student clinical competency levels in South Africa are critical to midwifery practice, especially as most litigation against the Department of Health in South Africa concerns negligence in midwifery practice. In addition, the litigations mostly involve newly qualified midwives, thus suggesting a link with practice competency levels. Several challenges exist in the academic and practice environments regarding student learning, practice and clinical preparedness. Lack of support during clinical placement and a lack of facilities for use during clinical practice modules are among these challenges. Some students, due to the challenges they face with clinical learning and practice, fail to meet the practical competencies for examination entry requirements. Consequently, some of these students have to repeat the year or exit the programme. The current study sought to identify how to assist midwifery educators in their activities to prepare students for clinical placement readiness. The first objective of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwifery educators regarding the need for additional measures to enhance the clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students before they are allocated to the clinical areas. The second objective sought to make recommendations that would further assist the midwifery educators to clinically prepare midwifery students before being allocated and placed in different clinical areas. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used for the study and the study was conducted at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape Province from August 2014 to January 2016. The research population consisted of midwifery educators at a nursing college and a purposive sampling technique was used guided by set criteria. Data were collected using focus group interviews. Four focus groups were used making a total of 17 participants. The principles applied for data analysis were those of Tesch’s method of data analysis, which were used to develop the themes and sub-themes. An independent coder assisted with the coding of the data for the purposes of trustworthiness. In addition, Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness consisting of the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability was used to confirm the validity of the study while the ethical principles adopted were informed consent, justice, non-maleficence, privacy and confidentiality. The study found that the participants perceived numerous challenges that hindered the clinical preparedness of their students. These related to increased workload, lack of support from management and a lack of commitment on the part of students towards their studies. The participants also identified inconsistencies in clinical practice between the clinical midwives and the educators, and even among the educators themselves. This lack of consistency in turn causes confusion among the students and thus impacts negatively on their clinical practice preparedness. Based on these findings recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and research were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Vuso, Virginia Zanyiwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Midwifery -- Study and teaching Childbirth -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Nursing -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13204 , vital:27161
- Description: Since the inception of the student supernumerary status, both globally and in South Africa, nursing and midwifery educators have been concerned about the clinical competencies of their students. Student clinical competency levels in South Africa are critical to midwifery practice, especially as most litigation against the Department of Health in South Africa concerns negligence in midwifery practice. In addition, the litigations mostly involve newly qualified midwives, thus suggesting a link with practice competency levels. Several challenges exist in the academic and practice environments regarding student learning, practice and clinical preparedness. Lack of support during clinical placement and a lack of facilities for use during clinical practice modules are among these challenges. Some students, due to the challenges they face with clinical learning and practice, fail to meet the practical competencies for examination entry requirements. Consequently, some of these students have to repeat the year or exit the programme. The current study sought to identify how to assist midwifery educators in their activities to prepare students for clinical placement readiness. The first objective of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwifery educators regarding the need for additional measures to enhance the clinical preparedness of basic midwifery students before they are allocated to the clinical areas. The second objective sought to make recommendations that would further assist the midwifery educators to clinically prepare midwifery students before being allocated and placed in different clinical areas. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used for the study and the study was conducted at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape Province from August 2014 to January 2016. The research population consisted of midwifery educators at a nursing college and a purposive sampling technique was used guided by set criteria. Data were collected using focus group interviews. Four focus groups were used making a total of 17 participants. The principles applied for data analysis were those of Tesch’s method of data analysis, which were used to develop the themes and sub-themes. An independent coder assisted with the coding of the data for the purposes of trustworthiness. In addition, Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness consisting of the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability was used to confirm the validity of the study while the ethical principles adopted were informed consent, justice, non-maleficence, privacy and confidentiality. The study found that the participants perceived numerous challenges that hindered the clinical preparedness of their students. These related to increased workload, lack of support from management and a lack of commitment on the part of students towards their studies. The participants also identified inconsistencies in clinical practice between the clinical midwives and the educators, and even among the educators themselves. This lack of consistency in turn causes confusion among the students and thus impacts negatively on their clinical practice preparedness. Based on these findings recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and research were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial education as tools for sustainable SMES
- Authors: Mbanga, Nelisa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11277 , vital:26905
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises are the engines of economic development. In developing countries, they play an irreplaceable role in poverty alleviation through creation of jobs and contribution towards the countries’ gross domestic products. South Africa is faced with a challenge of high failure rate of SMEs despite the efforts by government to support and grow this sector. For a country to have a strong sustainable economy, sustainable and successful SME sector is necessary. Literature reviews have demonstrated that incorporating sustainability aspect into entrepreneurship improves the performance of businesses. Research on implementation of sustainability principles by SMEs is limited and SMEs have been left out in sustainability teachings and monitoring. The purpose of the study was to analyse the role played by entrepreneurial mind-set and entrepreneurial education on sustainability of SMEs. The research was conducted amongst 10 SME owners/managers with businesses located in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Case study method using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Results were transcribed, analysed and interpreted. Results of the research demonstrated that SME owners/managers possess entrepreneurial mind-set, which is a necessity to run a successful business. There was also evidence that entrepreneurial education enhances entrepreneurial mind-set of SME owners/managers. SMEs owners/managers also demonstrated that they implement sustainability principles informally with no guiding documents. With regards to implementation of sustainability principles, there was no noticeable difference between SME owners/managers who had undergone entrepreneurship education and the ones who had not gone through entrepreneurship education. This highlighted the need to incorporate sustainability issues in entrepreneurship education courses. The study brings contribution towards building sustainable SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mbanga, Nelisa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11277 , vital:26905
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises are the engines of economic development. In developing countries, they play an irreplaceable role in poverty alleviation through creation of jobs and contribution towards the countries’ gross domestic products. South Africa is faced with a challenge of high failure rate of SMEs despite the efforts by government to support and grow this sector. For a country to have a strong sustainable economy, sustainable and successful SME sector is necessary. Literature reviews have demonstrated that incorporating sustainability aspect into entrepreneurship improves the performance of businesses. Research on implementation of sustainability principles by SMEs is limited and SMEs have been left out in sustainability teachings and monitoring. The purpose of the study was to analyse the role played by entrepreneurial mind-set and entrepreneurial education on sustainability of SMEs. The research was conducted amongst 10 SME owners/managers with businesses located in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Case study method using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Results were transcribed, analysed and interpreted. Results of the research demonstrated that SME owners/managers possess entrepreneurial mind-set, which is a necessity to run a successful business. There was also evidence that entrepreneurial education enhances entrepreneurial mind-set of SME owners/managers. SMEs owners/managers also demonstrated that they implement sustainability principles informally with no guiding documents. With regards to implementation of sustainability principles, there was no noticeable difference between SME owners/managers who had undergone entrepreneurship education and the ones who had not gone through entrepreneurship education. This highlighted the need to incorporate sustainability issues in entrepreneurship education courses. The study brings contribution towards building sustainable SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Equal pay for equal work
- Authors: Paul, Gary William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Equal pay for equal work -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Pay equity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5343 , vital:20830
- Description: The notion of Decent Work has been broadly advocated since 1999 by means of various International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. Through these Conventions and as part of its Decent Work Agenda, the ILO strives to foster the creation of social and economic systems, capable of ensuring basic security and employment and adaptable to rapidly changing local and global economic circumstances. The Decent Work Agenda has been widely accepted as an important strategy to eradicate poverty and enable socio-economic development. It is submitted that the concept of Decent Work as contemplated by the ILO, firstly focuses on the payment of an income, which allows the working individual a good life. It secondly strives to ensure that everybody has an equal chance to develop themselves; that working conditions are safe; that there is no instance of child and forced labour; and that discrimination does not occur. The elimination of discrimination in the workplace is not only an ever-evolving pursuit, given that it continues to manifest in innumerable forms, but it has also proven to be an extremely pervasive pursuit as evidenced by the jurisdiction-specific literature review in this study. The jurisdictions focused on in this study are the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia. This study concerns itself with pay-related discrimination which strains ILO Conventions No 100 and 111. Convention 100 focuses on equal pay for equal work and Convention No 111 focuses on the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace. In spite of extensive legislative developments in the various jurisdictions which form part of this study, enhanced by the creation of various practical mechanisms to enable the elimination of pay-related discrimination, the stubborn problem of discriminatory pay practices has survived structured and deliberate attempts to get rid of it. In South Africa, the amendment to section 6(4) of the Employment Equity Act, assented on 1 August 2014, specifically describes a difference in conditions of employment between employees of the same employer performing the same or substantially the same work or work of equal value based on any one or more of the grounds listed in section 6(1), as unfair discrimination. This amendment therefore seeks to prohibit such unfair discriminatory practices. Based on the newness of this amendment and the fact that courts have not yet delivered judgments arising from litigation related to this particular amendment, a sense of uncertainty exists with respect to the adequacy of the amended section 6 in the Employment Equity Amendment Act. If progress in the other jurisdictions in this regard is anything to go by, there is no reason to believe that the amendment to section 6 will be a panacea capable of addressing all alleged discriminatory pay practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Paul, Gary William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Equal pay for equal work -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Pay equity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5343 , vital:20830
- Description: The notion of Decent Work has been broadly advocated since 1999 by means of various International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. Through these Conventions and as part of its Decent Work Agenda, the ILO strives to foster the creation of social and economic systems, capable of ensuring basic security and employment and adaptable to rapidly changing local and global economic circumstances. The Decent Work Agenda has been widely accepted as an important strategy to eradicate poverty and enable socio-economic development. It is submitted that the concept of Decent Work as contemplated by the ILO, firstly focuses on the payment of an income, which allows the working individual a good life. It secondly strives to ensure that everybody has an equal chance to develop themselves; that working conditions are safe; that there is no instance of child and forced labour; and that discrimination does not occur. The elimination of discrimination in the workplace is not only an ever-evolving pursuit, given that it continues to manifest in innumerable forms, but it has also proven to be an extremely pervasive pursuit as evidenced by the jurisdiction-specific literature review in this study. The jurisdictions focused on in this study are the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia. This study concerns itself with pay-related discrimination which strains ILO Conventions No 100 and 111. Convention 100 focuses on equal pay for equal work and Convention No 111 focuses on the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace. In spite of extensive legislative developments in the various jurisdictions which form part of this study, enhanced by the creation of various practical mechanisms to enable the elimination of pay-related discrimination, the stubborn problem of discriminatory pay practices has survived structured and deliberate attempts to get rid of it. In South Africa, the amendment to section 6(4) of the Employment Equity Act, assented on 1 August 2014, specifically describes a difference in conditions of employment between employees of the same employer performing the same or substantially the same work or work of equal value based on any one or more of the grounds listed in section 6(1), as unfair discrimination. This amendment therefore seeks to prohibit such unfair discriminatory practices. Based on the newness of this amendment and the fact that courts have not yet delivered judgments arising from litigation related to this particular amendment, a sense of uncertainty exists with respect to the adequacy of the amended section 6 in the Employment Equity Amendment Act. If progress in the other jurisdictions in this regard is anything to go by, there is no reason to believe that the amendment to section 6 will be a panacea capable of addressing all alleged discriminatory pay practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Establishing a waste management system for Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Establishing the links between performance improvement programmes, maturity and performance to facilitate improvement strategy formulation
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Lean manufacturing , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6865 , vital:21155
- Description: The automotive components manufacturing sector is facing tremendous pressure to remain competitive in a global economy. The application of performance improvement techniques to optimise factor production inputs remains a key strategic mechanism to effect the necessary change towards competitiveness. The high failure rate of these programmes, however, is a risk factor that should be considered by manufacturing firms. The investment into the implementation of these programmes will yield no return if the organisational maturity profile is not considered. The expected gains may not materialise and the execution of critical projects may take much longer than required. It is for this reason that an approach towards selecting the correct Performance Improvement Programme to optimise the performance of companies is a business imperative. Through a better understanding of the relationships between Performance Improvement Programmes and Organisational Maturity Variables, implementation success rates can increase, leading to improved results and sustainability. The approach taken to this research was quantitative in nature. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the selected respondents from the Eastern Cape automotive sector. The respondents had a working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma. The research instrument was administered through an online survey. The research sought to identify whether there was a relationship amongst the variables under the three identified constructs. The research also sought to establish whether there was a difference between the specific Performance Improvement Programmes’ and Organisational Maturity Variables’ relationships. This affirmed the use of a new framework that integrates the programmes on the basis of their relationship to Organisational Maturity Variables. The research also provided insight into the challenges of the industry from a performance perspective and linked these with the relationship between Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables. This allowed the researcher to include this additional insight as a consideration in the integrated implementation framework developed as part of the research. The results show that good consideration should be given to the Organisational Maturity Variables as these variables are related to the successful adoption of Performance Improvement Programmes. The research also shows that Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance and Six Sigma are related to an organisations’ maturity profile in different ways. These results support the integrated Performance Improvement Programme approach, using a common set of tools and selecting the necessary programme specific tools based on a firm’s maturity profile. The research affords industry a framework to aid in decision making considering the relationships tested as part of this research. The linkages between Performance Programmes, Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables are now more specific in nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Lean manufacturing , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6865 , vital:21155
- Description: The automotive components manufacturing sector is facing tremendous pressure to remain competitive in a global economy. The application of performance improvement techniques to optimise factor production inputs remains a key strategic mechanism to effect the necessary change towards competitiveness. The high failure rate of these programmes, however, is a risk factor that should be considered by manufacturing firms. The investment into the implementation of these programmes will yield no return if the organisational maturity profile is not considered. The expected gains may not materialise and the execution of critical projects may take much longer than required. It is for this reason that an approach towards selecting the correct Performance Improvement Programme to optimise the performance of companies is a business imperative. Through a better understanding of the relationships between Performance Improvement Programmes and Organisational Maturity Variables, implementation success rates can increase, leading to improved results and sustainability. The approach taken to this research was quantitative in nature. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the selected respondents from the Eastern Cape automotive sector. The respondents had a working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma. The research instrument was administered through an online survey. The research sought to identify whether there was a relationship amongst the variables under the three identified constructs. The research also sought to establish whether there was a difference between the specific Performance Improvement Programmes’ and Organisational Maturity Variables’ relationships. This affirmed the use of a new framework that integrates the programmes on the basis of their relationship to Organisational Maturity Variables. The research also provided insight into the challenges of the industry from a performance perspective and linked these with the relationship between Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables. This allowed the researcher to include this additional insight as a consideration in the integrated implementation framework developed as part of the research. The results show that good consideration should be given to the Organisational Maturity Variables as these variables are related to the successful adoption of Performance Improvement Programmes. The research also shows that Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance and Six Sigma are related to an organisations’ maturity profile in different ways. These results support the integrated Performance Improvement Programme approach, using a common set of tools and selecting the necessary programme specific tools based on a firm’s maturity profile. The research affords industry a framework to aid in decision making considering the relationships tested as part of this research. The linkages between Performance Programmes, Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables are now more specific in nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Estuarine species and habitat :distribution and connectivity
- Veldkornet, Dimitri Allastair
- Authors: Veldkornet, Dimitri Allastair
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- Research -- South Africa Estuarine fishes -- Speciation -- South Africa , Aquatic plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45388 , vital:38604
- Description: This study explored the distribution of estuarine macrophyte genetic lineages, species and habitats in relation to environmental gradients at various spatial scales. A database was assembled to determine the area and species composition of different estuarine habitats. This can now be used to retrieve information as a baseline for further monitoring and conservation planning. Research has shown that macrophytes occur over a wide range of physiochemical conditions, suggesting that these species have great genetic and phenotypic variation to occupy broad niche ranges. In eight estuaries along the South African coast, sediment and groundwater characteristics were measured in quadrants spanning the salt marsh, ecotone and terrestrial habitats. The results suggested that, in the absence of competition and disturbance at the salt marsh-terrestrial boundary, salt marshes would be unaffected by sea-level rise; and they would migrate landward. However, disturbance at the landward margin of salt marshes has already resulted in changes in species composition and altered environmental conditions. This promotes the encroachment of terrestrial alien invasive plants, leading to a loss of connectivity. A holistic assessment of land-cover changes showed that only 28% of South African estuaries still remain in a natural state. The delineation of all estuaries needs to be consistent and inclusive of all estuarine physical and biological processes, to curb future changes. The research results have been used in national assessments of estuarine health; and they have made a significant contribution to estuary-management plans. In addition, three scientific articles have been published from the thesis; and two more are currently under review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Veldkornet, Dimitri Allastair
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- Research -- South Africa Estuarine fishes -- Speciation -- South Africa , Aquatic plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45388 , vital:38604
- Description: This study explored the distribution of estuarine macrophyte genetic lineages, species and habitats in relation to environmental gradients at various spatial scales. A database was assembled to determine the area and species composition of different estuarine habitats. This can now be used to retrieve information as a baseline for further monitoring and conservation planning. Research has shown that macrophytes occur over a wide range of physiochemical conditions, suggesting that these species have great genetic and phenotypic variation to occupy broad niche ranges. In eight estuaries along the South African coast, sediment and groundwater characteristics were measured in quadrants spanning the salt marsh, ecotone and terrestrial habitats. The results suggested that, in the absence of competition and disturbance at the salt marsh-terrestrial boundary, salt marshes would be unaffected by sea-level rise; and they would migrate landward. However, disturbance at the landward margin of salt marshes has already resulted in changes in species composition and altered environmental conditions. This promotes the encroachment of terrestrial alien invasive plants, leading to a loss of connectivity. A holistic assessment of land-cover changes showed that only 28% of South African estuaries still remain in a natural state. The delineation of all estuaries needs to be consistent and inclusive of all estuarine physical and biological processes, to curb future changes. The research results have been used in national assessments of estuarine health; and they have made a significant contribution to estuary-management plans. In addition, three scientific articles have been published from the thesis; and two more are currently under review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluating late payment-induced waste in South Africa through lean construction principles
- Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
- Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
- Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluation of p-menthane-3, 8-diol citronellal acetal as a suitable bio-plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride
- Authors: Ncanywa, Luphumlo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Polyvinyl chloride Chlorine compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45898 , vital:39317
- Description: The main aim of this project is to test novel naturally-derived plasticizers (bio-plasticizers) synthesized at Innoventon and to determine if they are a suitable replacement for conventional plasticizers used to plasticize polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most common plastics used in the world because of its durability and low cost. PVC when blended with plasticizers is a versatile thermoplastic and is used in many applications. A plasticizer is a substance that is added to a material, usually a polymer, to increase flexibility, softness and workability. Many elastomers and polymers are tough and dry; therefore they need plasticizers to make them useful. A plasticizer must be thoroughly incorporated in the elastomer or polymer in order for it to be effective. There are many types of plasticizers used in the world. Phthalate plasticizers are the most commonly used plasticizers of the past century. They comprise 92% of the global production of plasticizers. DEHP (di-ethyl hexyl phthalate) is the most widely used phthalate plasticizer. Phthalate plasticizers have been proved to be harmful to the environment and human beings. They can cause many harmful diseases to humans e.g. kidney failure, heart disease, liver failure, fertility and growth disorders. They lower testosterone in baby boys that are exposed through breast milk. In light of the above, the use of certain phthalates has been banned in cosmetics and consumer products. Since there is sufficient evidence to raise fears over the use of phthalate plasticizers, there is a great opportunity to find a way to replace phthalate plasticizers in PVC with bio-plasticizers. The current study represents the first step in developing alternative plasticizers for PVC and other polymers. These alternative plasticizers are characterized by low toxicity, low migration and are less harmful to the environment and human beings. p-menthane-3, 8-diol citronellal acetal is one such proposed bio-plasticizer which has a similar structure to the phthalates and has been previously reported by Innoventon to have potential plasticizing characteristics. During this study PVC was plasticized with PMD-citronellal acetal and tested for plasticizing properties. The plasticizing effect of PMD-citronellal acetal in PVC films was compared to that of conventional plasticizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The two plasticizers‟ performance was evaluated by preparing PVC films with varying amounts of each plasticizer and PMD-citronellal acetal subjecting the films to a series of tests. Tensile strength and elongation tests were performed on the plasticized and unplasticized films but these tests did not produce consistent results due to premature failures on the films. However, tensile strength was reduced in some films for both plasticizers compared to unplasticized film. Elongation and flexibility were increased in some samples as the percentage of plasticizer in each film was increased. Glass transition temperatures were determined for the plasticized and unplasticized PVC films. Glass transition temperature of both plasticizers was reduced as the percentage of plasticizer in each film was increased. Multiple regression analysis was done on the data to compare the similarity of the two plasticizers. The statistical tests showed that DBP and PMD-citronellal acetal have the same plasticization property with regard to glass transition temperature of PVC. The thermal stability of the PVC films with the two plasticizers was evaluated. Similar thermal stability was observed on the PVC, PVC with DBP and PVC with PMD-citronellal acetal. The leaching of the PMD-citronellal acetal and DBP were compared. The plasticizer loss increased as the percentage of each plasticizer in the PVC increased. The relationship between the percentage of the plasticizers and leaching rate was further analysed using multiple linear regressions. The two plasticizers were found to have the same leaching rate. FTIR analysis was performed on the plasticized and unplasticized PVC films to identify functional groups present and to determine whether the plasticizers formed any bonds with PVC functional groups. The characteristics bands of PVC were observed in FTIR. The FTIR spectra indicated that the plasticizers were incorporated into the PVC matrix without bonding. The results of the tests showed that PMD-citronellal acetal can be a suitable bio-plasticizer for PVC since it exhibited similar plasticization properties to DBP with regard to glass transition temperatures, leaching rates and thermal stability. Regarding tensile strength and elongation, further testing has to be done as the preliminary results were inconclusive. PMDcitronellal acetal was shown to be a possible alternative for DBP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ncanywa, Luphumlo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Polyvinyl chloride Chlorine compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45898 , vital:39317
- Description: The main aim of this project is to test novel naturally-derived plasticizers (bio-plasticizers) synthesized at Innoventon and to determine if they are a suitable replacement for conventional plasticizers used to plasticize polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most common plastics used in the world because of its durability and low cost. PVC when blended with plasticizers is a versatile thermoplastic and is used in many applications. A plasticizer is a substance that is added to a material, usually a polymer, to increase flexibility, softness and workability. Many elastomers and polymers are tough and dry; therefore they need plasticizers to make them useful. A plasticizer must be thoroughly incorporated in the elastomer or polymer in order for it to be effective. There are many types of plasticizers used in the world. Phthalate plasticizers are the most commonly used plasticizers of the past century. They comprise 92% of the global production of plasticizers. DEHP (di-ethyl hexyl phthalate) is the most widely used phthalate plasticizer. Phthalate plasticizers have been proved to be harmful to the environment and human beings. They can cause many harmful diseases to humans e.g. kidney failure, heart disease, liver failure, fertility and growth disorders. They lower testosterone in baby boys that are exposed through breast milk. In light of the above, the use of certain phthalates has been banned in cosmetics and consumer products. Since there is sufficient evidence to raise fears over the use of phthalate plasticizers, there is a great opportunity to find a way to replace phthalate plasticizers in PVC with bio-plasticizers. The current study represents the first step in developing alternative plasticizers for PVC and other polymers. These alternative plasticizers are characterized by low toxicity, low migration and are less harmful to the environment and human beings. p-menthane-3, 8-diol citronellal acetal is one such proposed bio-plasticizer which has a similar structure to the phthalates and has been previously reported by Innoventon to have potential plasticizing characteristics. During this study PVC was plasticized with PMD-citronellal acetal and tested for plasticizing properties. The plasticizing effect of PMD-citronellal acetal in PVC films was compared to that of conventional plasticizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The two plasticizers‟ performance was evaluated by preparing PVC films with varying amounts of each plasticizer and PMD-citronellal acetal subjecting the films to a series of tests. Tensile strength and elongation tests were performed on the plasticized and unplasticized films but these tests did not produce consistent results due to premature failures on the films. However, tensile strength was reduced in some films for both plasticizers compared to unplasticized film. Elongation and flexibility were increased in some samples as the percentage of plasticizer in each film was increased. Glass transition temperatures were determined for the plasticized and unplasticized PVC films. Glass transition temperature of both plasticizers was reduced as the percentage of plasticizer in each film was increased. Multiple regression analysis was done on the data to compare the similarity of the two plasticizers. The statistical tests showed that DBP and PMD-citronellal acetal have the same plasticization property with regard to glass transition temperature of PVC. The thermal stability of the PVC films with the two plasticizers was evaluated. Similar thermal stability was observed on the PVC, PVC with DBP and PVC with PMD-citronellal acetal. The leaching of the PMD-citronellal acetal and DBP were compared. The plasticizer loss increased as the percentage of each plasticizer in the PVC increased. The relationship between the percentage of the plasticizers and leaching rate was further analysed using multiple linear regressions. The two plasticizers were found to have the same leaching rate. FTIR analysis was performed on the plasticized and unplasticized PVC films to identify functional groups present and to determine whether the plasticizers formed any bonds with PVC functional groups. The characteristics bands of PVC were observed in FTIR. The FTIR spectra indicated that the plasticizers were incorporated into the PVC matrix without bonding. The results of the tests showed that PMD-citronellal acetal can be a suitable bio-plasticizer for PVC since it exhibited similar plasticization properties to DBP with regard to glass transition temperatures, leaching rates and thermal stability. Regarding tensile strength and elongation, further testing has to be done as the preliminary results were inconclusive. PMDcitronellal acetal was shown to be a possible alternative for DBP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Examining public participation as a contributor to good governance: a local government perspective
- Authors: Nkuntse, Tulani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11854 , vital:26982
- Description: This study undertook to examine public participation as a contributor to good governance in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), as part of the process of improving this Municipality’s governance. The main objectives of the study were to analyse the existing processes and arrangements for public participation in the NMBM; to examine the extent to which community participation influences decision-making; to investigate the factors that improve or lead to good governance in a municipal environment; to examine a framework for robust participation, in which communities are able to influence decisions that affect them; and to propose recommendations to potentially improve the Municipality’s governance. The triangulation research methodology was employed with emphasis on both the quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The sample comprised of two Ward Councillors, two selected Mayoral Committee members and 14 Ward Committee members. Questionnaires, with open and closed questions, were employed for the Ward Committee members and semi-structured interviews were conducted with both the Ward Councillors and the two Mayoral Committee members. Statistical procedures supplied by the NMMU Unit of Statistics were utilised to interpret and analyse the quantitative data to determine the results for data analysis. The qualitative data analysis involved thematic content analysis. The findings suggest that the current public participation processes are inadequate. The correlation of results further revealed that a significant negative relationship exists between the Ward Councillors, the Municipality and Ward Committee members. Despite various legislative prescriptions pertaining to public participation requirements in local government, the results suggest that the NMBM may be undertaking the public participation exercise for the sake of compliance and therefore it might not be a genuine exercise. The thesis proposes specific recommendations on how the NMBM can address the current shortcomings in terms of its public participation processes and strategies. Recommendations include significant civic education for the public to understand that being in a democratic country involves active participation in local affairs; more participatory initiatives need to be done to make the public aware of the role of Ward Committees and to invite people to apply to be on these Committees; recommendations also suggested that it would be crucial that Ward Committees are not used as a political platform to push political agendas, as this deters public participation. The NMBM needs to establish a monitoring and evaluation process to track their progress with public participation and develop and implement a public participation strategy and policy for enhanced public participation is also proposed in the thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nkuntse, Tulani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11854 , vital:26982
- Description: This study undertook to examine public participation as a contributor to good governance in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), as part of the process of improving this Municipality’s governance. The main objectives of the study were to analyse the existing processes and arrangements for public participation in the NMBM; to examine the extent to which community participation influences decision-making; to investigate the factors that improve or lead to good governance in a municipal environment; to examine a framework for robust participation, in which communities are able to influence decisions that affect them; and to propose recommendations to potentially improve the Municipality’s governance. The triangulation research methodology was employed with emphasis on both the quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The sample comprised of two Ward Councillors, two selected Mayoral Committee members and 14 Ward Committee members. Questionnaires, with open and closed questions, were employed for the Ward Committee members and semi-structured interviews were conducted with both the Ward Councillors and the two Mayoral Committee members. Statistical procedures supplied by the NMMU Unit of Statistics were utilised to interpret and analyse the quantitative data to determine the results for data analysis. The qualitative data analysis involved thematic content analysis. The findings suggest that the current public participation processes are inadequate. The correlation of results further revealed that a significant negative relationship exists between the Ward Councillors, the Municipality and Ward Committee members. Despite various legislative prescriptions pertaining to public participation requirements in local government, the results suggest that the NMBM may be undertaking the public participation exercise for the sake of compliance and therefore it might not be a genuine exercise. The thesis proposes specific recommendations on how the NMBM can address the current shortcomings in terms of its public participation processes and strategies. Recommendations include significant civic education for the public to understand that being in a democratic country involves active participation in local affairs; more participatory initiatives need to be done to make the public aware of the role of Ward Committees and to invite people to apply to be on these Committees; recommendations also suggested that it would be crucial that Ward Committees are not used as a political platform to push political agendas, as this deters public participation. The NMBM needs to establish a monitoring and evaluation process to track their progress with public participation and develop and implement a public participation strategy and policy for enhanced public participation is also proposed in the thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Exchange rate and foreign direct investment inflows: a case of Namibia 1990-2014
- Authors: Idhenga, Salome Ngwedha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic policy , Exchange rate pass-through -- Namibia , Investments, Foreign -- Namibia , Gross domestic product -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6762 , vital:21134
- Description: Purpose - this study is aimed at to investigating the effects exchange rate and other variables on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have on the Namibian economy. Methodology -The model comprises of the unit root test, the co-integration test, the long run equation co-efficient, an error correction model, the normality test and the stability test, were employed to estimate and interpret the results. Finding and recommendations - The results of the study have revealed that a relationship exists between exchange rate and FDI. However, this relationship is said to be statistically insignificant. It cannot therefore be used as a tool to influence FDI in Namibia. The results further indicated that GDP and trade openness were the most significant determinants of FDI in Namibia. The recommendations of this study thus suggest that the government should implement policies to diversify its production across all sectors and increase the manufacturing of finished goods, so as to enhance the GDP growth. Namibia should further advance its trade open through in-creased and fast-tracked trade agreements at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Idhenga, Salome Ngwedha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic policy , Exchange rate pass-through -- Namibia , Investments, Foreign -- Namibia , Gross domestic product -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6762 , vital:21134
- Description: Purpose - this study is aimed at to investigating the effects exchange rate and other variables on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have on the Namibian economy. Methodology -The model comprises of the unit root test, the co-integration test, the long run equation co-efficient, an error correction model, the normality test and the stability test, were employed to estimate and interpret the results. Finding and recommendations - The results of the study have revealed that a relationship exists between exchange rate and FDI. However, this relationship is said to be statistically insignificant. It cannot therefore be used as a tool to influence FDI in Namibia. The results further indicated that GDP and trade openness were the most significant determinants of FDI in Namibia. The recommendations of this study thus suggest that the government should implement policies to diversify its production across all sectors and increase the manufacturing of finished goods, so as to enhance the GDP growth. Namibia should further advance its trade open through in-creased and fast-tracked trade agreements at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Experiences of medical practitioners regarding the accessing of information at the point-of-care via mobile technology for clinical decision making at public hospitals
- Van Rooyen, Annesty Elaine, Jordan, Portia
- Authors: Van Rooyen, Annesty Elaine , Jordan, Portia
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Decision making , Point-of-care testing , Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5554 , vital:20904
- Description: Medical practitioners are often unable to access medical and health information at the point-of-care, thus preventing them from providing quality healthcare. Family Health International 360 (FHI) provided medical practitioners with a locally relevant, reliable, and accurate comprehensive library of medical information on mobile computing devices (MCDs), at the point-of-care, as part of a project in collaboration with the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape Province. As part of the latter project, Ricks (2012:7) conducted an investigation into the impact that accessing health information at the point-of-care, via MCDs, had on the clinical decision-making practice of medical practitioners and professional nurses in public hospitals and primary healthcare settings in the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher identified a gap in the aforementioned study and was thus motivated to conduct this study to explore and describe the experiences of medical practitioners at public hospitals in further detail by conducting a qualitative study, as the previous study was quantitative. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore and describe the experiences of medical practitioners regarding the accessing of information at the point-of-care, via mobile technology, for clinical decision making at public hospitals. To achieve the purpose of the study, a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used. The research population comprised medical practitioners who were using MCDs to access information at the point-of-care for clinical decision making. Purposive sampling was used to select the research sample. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the necessary research data. Tesch’s steps were used to analyse the data. The principles for ensuring trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. Two main themes and six sub-themes emerged in relation to the experiences of medical practitioners regarding the accessing of information at the point-of-care, for clinical decision making, via mobile technology. The main findings of the research highlighted the benefits and challenges that were experienced by the medical practitioners when using the MCDs for accessing information at the point-of-care for clinical decision making. The study concludes with recommendations pertaining to the areas of practise, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van Rooyen, Annesty Elaine , Jordan, Portia
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Decision making , Point-of-care testing , Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5554 , vital:20904
- Description: Medical practitioners are often unable to access medical and health information at the point-of-care, thus preventing them from providing quality healthcare. Family Health International 360 (FHI) provided medical practitioners with a locally relevant, reliable, and accurate comprehensive library of medical information on mobile computing devices (MCDs), at the point-of-care, as part of a project in collaboration with the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape Province. As part of the latter project, Ricks (2012:7) conducted an investigation into the impact that accessing health information at the point-of-care, via MCDs, had on the clinical decision-making practice of medical practitioners and professional nurses in public hospitals and primary healthcare settings in the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher identified a gap in the aforementioned study and was thus motivated to conduct this study to explore and describe the experiences of medical practitioners at public hospitals in further detail by conducting a qualitative study, as the previous study was quantitative. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore and describe the experiences of medical practitioners regarding the accessing of information at the point-of-care, via mobile technology, for clinical decision making at public hospitals. To achieve the purpose of the study, a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used. The research population comprised medical practitioners who were using MCDs to access information at the point-of-care for clinical decision making. Purposive sampling was used to select the research sample. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the necessary research data. Tesch’s steps were used to analyse the data. The principles for ensuring trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. Two main themes and six sub-themes emerged in relation to the experiences of medical practitioners regarding the accessing of information at the point-of-care, for clinical decision making, via mobile technology. The main findings of the research highlighted the benefits and challenges that were experienced by the medical practitioners when using the MCDs for accessing information at the point-of-care for clinical decision making. The study concludes with recommendations pertaining to the areas of practise, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Experiences of midwives caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth
- Authors: Dasi, Peggy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Obstetrics , Midwives , Perinatal death -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9000 , vital:26454
- Description: Midwives working in labour wards usually have the pleasure of delivering a live baby and rejoicing with the mother. However, the delivery could become tragic for the mothers and midwives when the baby dies at birth due to pregnancy related complications. The result is that midwives have to render care and support to mothers who have lost their babies at birth. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the experiences of midwives caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth. A qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used to conduct this research study to gain an understanding of how the midwives experienced caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth. A purposive criterion based non-probability sampling method was used. Ten semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the research study. Measures of trustworthiness were ensured by using credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s method to make sense out of text and data. Four themes were identified, namely, Midwives shared their diverse experiences relating to caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth; Midwives expressed how their personal values and beliefs influenced the ways they dealt with babies dying at birth; Midwives described the organizational values and beliefs related to death and dying and how this influences their own experiences and lastly Midwives provided suggestions regarding how they can be assisted in caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth. Two main guidelines were developed based on the research findings and literature. The study concludes with recommendations made with regard to areas of nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dasi, Peggy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Obstetrics , Midwives , Perinatal death -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9000 , vital:26454
- Description: Midwives working in labour wards usually have the pleasure of delivering a live baby and rejoicing with the mother. However, the delivery could become tragic for the mothers and midwives when the baby dies at birth due to pregnancy related complications. The result is that midwives have to render care and support to mothers who have lost their babies at birth. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the experiences of midwives caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth. A qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used to conduct this research study to gain an understanding of how the midwives experienced caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth. A purposive criterion based non-probability sampling method was used. Ten semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the research study. Measures of trustworthiness were ensured by using credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s method to make sense out of text and data. Four themes were identified, namely, Midwives shared their diverse experiences relating to caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth; Midwives expressed how their personal values and beliefs influenced the ways they dealt with babies dying at birth; Midwives described the organizational values and beliefs related to death and dying and how this influences their own experiences and lastly Midwives provided suggestions regarding how they can be assisted in caring for mothers who have lost their babies at birth. Two main guidelines were developed based on the research findings and literature. The study concludes with recommendations made with regard to areas of nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Experiences of newly qualified south african psychologists dealing with suicidal behaviour
- Authors: Cramer, Ryan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Suicidal behavior , Suicide Psychotherapy Suicide -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5677 , vital:20962
- Description: Suicidal behaviour is a phenomenon encountered the world over. Recognising and adequately dealing with such behaviours, in a professional setting, is a role expected of a psychologist. Working with suicidal behaviour is influenced by a variety of factors on the part of the psychologist. These may include, inter alia, experiences they may have had with suicidal behaviour, the training they have received in order to deal with such behaviours and their subjective experience of self-efficacy in dealing with such behaviours. The current qualitative study sought to explore and describe the experiences of recently qualified South African psychologists in dealing with suicidal behaviour through semi-structured interviews. The focus was on newly qualified clinical psychologists who received their masters training at a university in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study aimed to understand how confident, equipped, and ready newly qualified psychologists perceived themselves in dealing with suicidal behaviour. Three major themes emerged from the data. The first describes the strategies psychologists used in order to recognise potential suicidal behaviour, the second was how newly qualified psychologists managed suicidal behaviour, and the final theme described how psychologists could be prepared for their role to deal effectively with these behaviours. Investigating their experiences enabled the participants to contribute towards creating knowledge in this crucial area of psychological practice and allowed for the discovery of invaluable insights which could benefit the future training of psychologists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Cramer, Ryan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Suicidal behavior , Suicide Psychotherapy Suicide -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5677 , vital:20962
- Description: Suicidal behaviour is a phenomenon encountered the world over. Recognising and adequately dealing with such behaviours, in a professional setting, is a role expected of a psychologist. Working with suicidal behaviour is influenced by a variety of factors on the part of the psychologist. These may include, inter alia, experiences they may have had with suicidal behaviour, the training they have received in order to deal with such behaviours and their subjective experience of self-efficacy in dealing with such behaviours. The current qualitative study sought to explore and describe the experiences of recently qualified South African psychologists in dealing with suicidal behaviour through semi-structured interviews. The focus was on newly qualified clinical psychologists who received their masters training at a university in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study aimed to understand how confident, equipped, and ready newly qualified psychologists perceived themselves in dealing with suicidal behaviour. Three major themes emerged from the data. The first describes the strategies psychologists used in order to recognise potential suicidal behaviour, the second was how newly qualified psychologists managed suicidal behaviour, and the final theme described how psychologists could be prepared for their role to deal effectively with these behaviours. Investigating their experiences enabled the participants to contribute towards creating knowledge in this crucial area of psychological practice and allowed for the discovery of invaluable insights which could benefit the future training of psychologists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Experiences of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics regarding the nursing management of mentally ill clients in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tuswa, Bulelwa Martha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mentally ill -- Patients -- Care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18507 , vital:28652
- Description: In South Africa, mental health care is being integrated into primary health care services. The integration of services was aimed at increasing the accessibility and availability of all health care services at primary health care level. The integration was well intentioned, and it was hoped that mentally ill clients would benefit from having a service near their homes. However, the process of integration is fraught with challenges, for instance, staff shortages, which lead to ineffective nursing management of mentally ill clients at the primary health care clinics. As a result, one professional nurse is often allocated to manage the clinic services on a daily basis with the assistance of an enrolled nurse or auxiliary nurse. The professional nurses therefore experience high levels of stress due to gross staff shortages and lack of time to conduct proper nursing assessments. This led to the research question: “What are the experiences of professional nurses with regards to the nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape?’’ The proposed objectives of the study were to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics with regard to the nursing management of mentally ill clients. The researcher thereafter made recommendations to the district managers regarding effective nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. The research population comprised of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants and the sample number was determined by data saturation. Unstructured interviews and observation notes were used to collect data. The eight steps of data analysis suggested by Tesch were utilized to analyze the data. The researcher conducted an in-depth literature review in order to identify research gaps pertaining to the study. To ensure that a high level of validity and reliability was exercised throughout the study, the researcher conformed to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The study was conducted in an ethical manner and ethical principles were adhered to. Findings: Three themes with subthemes emerged. The study showed that professional nurses experienced challenges related to the nursing management of mentally ill clients. These challenges included shortage of staff, a heavy workload, and lack of resources, lack of in-service training and workshops related to mental health issues coupled with lack of support from the supervisors. Due to the challenges, the mentally ill clients were not getting quality nursing care leading to complications and relapse. Conclusion: It emerged from the study that matters pertaining to mental illness and mental discomfort were still a serious problem in rural areas. The problems were related to the challenges which prevented professional nurses from providing quality nursing care to mentally ill clients with subsequent complications and relapse. Recommendations: Recommendations were made as an effort to ensure that the nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics is improved. These recommendations were categorized as related to nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tuswa, Bulelwa Martha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mentally ill -- Patients -- Care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18507 , vital:28652
- Description: In South Africa, mental health care is being integrated into primary health care services. The integration of services was aimed at increasing the accessibility and availability of all health care services at primary health care level. The integration was well intentioned, and it was hoped that mentally ill clients would benefit from having a service near their homes. However, the process of integration is fraught with challenges, for instance, staff shortages, which lead to ineffective nursing management of mentally ill clients at the primary health care clinics. As a result, one professional nurse is often allocated to manage the clinic services on a daily basis with the assistance of an enrolled nurse or auxiliary nurse. The professional nurses therefore experience high levels of stress due to gross staff shortages and lack of time to conduct proper nursing assessments. This led to the research question: “What are the experiences of professional nurses with regards to the nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape?’’ The proposed objectives of the study were to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics with regard to the nursing management of mentally ill clients. The researcher thereafter made recommendations to the district managers regarding effective nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. The research population comprised of professional nurses working in rural primary health care clinics in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants and the sample number was determined by data saturation. Unstructured interviews and observation notes were used to collect data. The eight steps of data analysis suggested by Tesch were utilized to analyze the data. The researcher conducted an in-depth literature review in order to identify research gaps pertaining to the study. To ensure that a high level of validity and reliability was exercised throughout the study, the researcher conformed to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The study was conducted in an ethical manner and ethical principles were adhered to. Findings: Three themes with subthemes emerged. The study showed that professional nurses experienced challenges related to the nursing management of mentally ill clients. These challenges included shortage of staff, a heavy workload, and lack of resources, lack of in-service training and workshops related to mental health issues coupled with lack of support from the supervisors. Due to the challenges, the mentally ill clients were not getting quality nursing care leading to complications and relapse. Conclusion: It emerged from the study that matters pertaining to mental illness and mental discomfort were still a serious problem in rural areas. The problems were related to the challenges which prevented professional nurses from providing quality nursing care to mentally ill clients with subsequent complications and relapse. Recommendations: Recommendations were made as an effort to ensure that the nursing management of mentally ill clients in rural primary health care clinics is improved. These recommendations were categorized as related to nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Experiences of university students with symptoms of depression and anxiety in a mindfulness-based intervention
- Authors: Buhrmann, Mimmie Petronella
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy , Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3705 , vital:20456
- Description: This study explored and described the experiences of students with self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression who participated in a mindfulness-based intervention. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Student Counselling Career and Development Centre (SCCDC) at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The study utilised a qualitative research approach and nine participants were selected through purposive, non-probability sampling. The data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and participants‟ brief written reflections of their individual experiences. Content analysis produced ten themes categorised according to the components of the biopsychosocial/spiritual (BPSS) model. The most prevalent theme identified, describing participants‟ experience of the mindfulness-based intervention, was an enhanced perception of emotional regulation. This finding confirmed the outcomes of previous studies that also found an increase in emotional regulation related to mindfulness-based interventions. Results also shed new light on the perceived personal changes participants experienced in relation to body awareness, increased attentional regulation, social interactions, and spiritual experiences. In addition, participants verbalised present moment awareness and an accepting non-judgmental attitude as central to the biopsychosocial/spiritual changes and benefits they experienced. Recommendations for further research include investigating the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on attentional control and social interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Buhrmann, Mimmie Petronella
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy , Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3705 , vital:20456
- Description: This study explored and described the experiences of students with self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression who participated in a mindfulness-based intervention. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Student Counselling Career and Development Centre (SCCDC) at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The study utilised a qualitative research approach and nine participants were selected through purposive, non-probability sampling. The data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and participants‟ brief written reflections of their individual experiences. Content analysis produced ten themes categorised according to the components of the biopsychosocial/spiritual (BPSS) model. The most prevalent theme identified, describing participants‟ experience of the mindfulness-based intervention, was an enhanced perception of emotional regulation. This finding confirmed the outcomes of previous studies that also found an increase in emotional regulation related to mindfulness-based interventions. Results also shed new light on the perceived personal changes participants experienced in relation to body awareness, increased attentional regulation, social interactions, and spiritual experiences. In addition, participants verbalised present moment awareness and an accepting non-judgmental attitude as central to the biopsychosocial/spiritual changes and benefits they experienced. Recommendations for further research include investigating the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on attentional control and social interactions.
- 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
- 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
Exploring fathers’ reading involvement in a grade 4 classroom
- Authors: Nel, Chantel Eve
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Reading (Elementary) -- South Africa Reading -- Remedial teaching Effective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12505 , vital:27077
- Description: The state of education in South Africa is of nationwide concern and primary school learners are at serious risk of not learning to read. The lack of parental involvement in children's reading development is one of the main barriers to quality education. Mothers are customarily the parent who is most often involved in the reading development of children but there has been an increased interest in asserting more about how fathers are taking on the reading tasks of children. The focus of the study is on the involvement of fathers in the reading development of their children and aims to determine the fathers’ perceptions regarding their roles in the reading development of their children, the barriers that hinder their involvement as well as the benefits of their involvement. The literature review was done using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as theoretical framework. A qualitative research design was employed using phenomenology as a research strategy. The research is underpinned by the interpretive paradigm and involved the fathers of grade 4 learners at a primary school in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Data was collected from these fathers by means of questionnaires, group and semi-structured interviews and narratives. The main findings that emerged from the study revealed that fathers’ lack of support in reading development was embedded in the fact that they perceived their role as provider who underestimated their individual contribution. They acknowledged their participation in uncoordinated reading efforts whilst engagement with teacher and policy document were also findings that emerged from this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nel, Chantel Eve
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Reading (Elementary) -- South Africa Reading -- Remedial teaching Effective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12505 , vital:27077
- Description: The state of education in South Africa is of nationwide concern and primary school learners are at serious risk of not learning to read. The lack of parental involvement in children's reading development is one of the main barriers to quality education. Mothers are customarily the parent who is most often involved in the reading development of children but there has been an increased interest in asserting more about how fathers are taking on the reading tasks of children. The focus of the study is on the involvement of fathers in the reading development of their children and aims to determine the fathers’ perceptions regarding their roles in the reading development of their children, the barriers that hinder their involvement as well as the benefits of their involvement. The literature review was done using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as theoretical framework. A qualitative research design was employed using phenomenology as a research strategy. The research is underpinned by the interpretive paradigm and involved the fathers of grade 4 learners at a primary school in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Data was collected from these fathers by means of questionnaires, group and semi-structured interviews and narratives. The main findings that emerged from the study revealed that fathers’ lack of support in reading development was embedded in the fact that they perceived their role as provider who underestimated their individual contribution. They acknowledged their participation in uncoordinated reading efforts whilst engagement with teacher and policy document were also findings that emerged from this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Exploring the unfair labour practice relating to promotion in the education sector
- Authors: Moela, Matlose Phineas
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa Discrimination in employment -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12209 , vital:27044
- Description: This research paper explores the means at the disposal of employers and employees to address the phenomenon of unfair labour practice relating to promotion in the workplace. Furthermore the paper endeavours to illustrate that there are aspects of South African law that provide a framework within which unfair labour practices can be addressed in the workplace. As I explore these fundamental issues of the law, the fairness relating to recruitment and selection practices will be examined. Some recommendations are also made as to how departments and organisations must address promotion issues at the workplace. There are often perceptions of alleged unfairness committed by employers in the workplace. These perceptions emanate from a number of allegations. The allegations include but are not limited to past practices, policy considerations, acting in higher positions, prior promises, being better qualified, receiving higher marks in the interviews, irregular conduct by the interviewing panel, unfair decisions by appointing authority or their failure to apply their minds, affirmative action or equity considerations. The study seeks to explore some of these allegations and further provide certainty as to what the legal recourse is under those circumstances. The research further seeks to provide the legal certainty pertaining to issues of promotion in the workplace. The study commences on a general approach to the principles of law relating to unfair labour practice in the public sector. Further developments of the law relating to promotion as it applies to the education sector are explored. The study culminates with possible remedies available to instances where an unfair conduct has been found to be committed by the employer during the promotion process. There is sufficient case law which covers the promotion processes. The study also exposes forms of relief which can be awarded to applicants who had lodged disputes in which it is found that indeed the employer had committed unfair labour practice relating to promotion. The study further aims to explore both procedural and substantive fairness with regard to appointment and promotion processes. Issues which are dealt with concerning fairness in promotion disputes include polygraph tests, whether there are hard and fast rules to the process, whether employees have the general right to promotion, what the requirements for fair appointment or promotion are, the law on substantive fairness, affirmative action and promotion, the consequences of failure to appoint the most suitable candidate, dealing with candidates who obtained higher scores in the interviews, promoting a candidate who had not met minimum requirements and promoting candidates based on flawed scores. The research also deals with frivolous referrals of disputes and costs which can be awarded against such applicants. Further issues which are dealt with in this research include the concept of “joinder” which is critical where there is an incumbent in the post which is disputed and the relief sought is that such post must be set aside. Further clarity is given on who is supposed to be joined in a dispute which is referred in the education sector. The CCMA rules on joinder are also clarified. The consequences of failure to join the incumbent are also dealt with. The research is also clarifying the concept of prematurity or ripeness in promotion disputes and its consequent lack of jurisdiction if such is referred.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Moela, Matlose Phineas
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa Discrimination in employment -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12209 , vital:27044
- Description: This research paper explores the means at the disposal of employers and employees to address the phenomenon of unfair labour practice relating to promotion in the workplace. Furthermore the paper endeavours to illustrate that there are aspects of South African law that provide a framework within which unfair labour practices can be addressed in the workplace. As I explore these fundamental issues of the law, the fairness relating to recruitment and selection practices will be examined. Some recommendations are also made as to how departments and organisations must address promotion issues at the workplace. There are often perceptions of alleged unfairness committed by employers in the workplace. These perceptions emanate from a number of allegations. The allegations include but are not limited to past practices, policy considerations, acting in higher positions, prior promises, being better qualified, receiving higher marks in the interviews, irregular conduct by the interviewing panel, unfair decisions by appointing authority or their failure to apply their minds, affirmative action or equity considerations. The study seeks to explore some of these allegations and further provide certainty as to what the legal recourse is under those circumstances. The research further seeks to provide the legal certainty pertaining to issues of promotion in the workplace. The study commences on a general approach to the principles of law relating to unfair labour practice in the public sector. Further developments of the law relating to promotion as it applies to the education sector are explored. The study culminates with possible remedies available to instances where an unfair conduct has been found to be committed by the employer during the promotion process. There is sufficient case law which covers the promotion processes. The study also exposes forms of relief which can be awarded to applicants who had lodged disputes in which it is found that indeed the employer had committed unfair labour practice relating to promotion. The study further aims to explore both procedural and substantive fairness with regard to appointment and promotion processes. Issues which are dealt with concerning fairness in promotion disputes include polygraph tests, whether there are hard and fast rules to the process, whether employees have the general right to promotion, what the requirements for fair appointment or promotion are, the law on substantive fairness, affirmative action and promotion, the consequences of failure to appoint the most suitable candidate, dealing with candidates who obtained higher scores in the interviews, promoting a candidate who had not met minimum requirements and promoting candidates based on flawed scores. The research also deals with frivolous referrals of disputes and costs which can be awarded against such applicants. Further issues which are dealt with in this research include the concept of “joinder” which is critical where there is an incumbent in the post which is disputed and the relief sought is that such post must be set aside. Further clarity is given on who is supposed to be joined in a dispute which is referred in the education sector. The CCMA rules on joinder are also clarified. The consequences of failure to join the incumbent are also dealt with. The research is also clarifying the concept of prematurity or ripeness in promotion disputes and its consequent lack of jurisdiction if such is referred.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Facilitated empowerment of midwives to enhance utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in the Eastern Cape province
- Ngwanya, Thandi Rose-mary, Williams, Marie
- Authors: Ngwanya, Thandi Rose-mary , Williams, Marie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Prenatal care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prenatal education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12517 , vital:27080
- Description: Background: Antenatal care is essential care that assists in maintaining a state of good health for the woman and her unborn baby. Globally the use of antenatal care services remains a challenge and this tendency is closely associated with maternal and neonatal mortalities and morbidities. South Africa has adopted a free service policy for pregnant women, their infants and for children up to the age of six. Despite this policy, the problem of limited utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women is still observed in this country and is associated with increased maternal and neonatal mortalities and morbidities.The purpose of the current proposed study was to explore and describe the reasons for limited utilisation of antenatal care services in the Mnquma sub-district, and to develop guidelines to assist the midwives to encourage the use of antenatal care services. Objectives:To explore and describe the reasons for the limited utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women at Mnquma sub-district.To explore and describe the knowledge of antenatal care services by the pregnant women.To develop guidelines to facilitate empowerment of midwives to enhance utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted in Mnquma sub-district during the months of July to January in 2016 using a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The research population were post-delivery women and the purposive sampling was used to identify women who met the stated criteria. One-on-one audio-taped semi-structured interviews were conducted and field notes were kept to justify some of the themes identified. Thirteen interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Collected data was analysed using Tesch’s data analysis method. Trustworthiness was maintained through the standards of truth value, credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The ethical considerations of beneficence, justice, autonomy, non-maleficence and veracity were maintained. From the findings it emerged that the participants raised various concerns with regard to barriers influencing limited utilization of antenatal care services. The participants had limited knowledge of antenatal care services. Furthermore, participants recommended some solutions to enhance utilization of antenatal care services. Recommendations were made with regard to clinical practice, nursing education and nursing research. Guidelines were formulated to assist midwives to enhance the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ngwanya, Thandi Rose-mary , Williams, Marie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Prenatal care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prenatal education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12517 , vital:27080
- Description: Background: Antenatal care is essential care that assists in maintaining a state of good health for the woman and her unborn baby. Globally the use of antenatal care services remains a challenge and this tendency is closely associated with maternal and neonatal mortalities and morbidities. South Africa has adopted a free service policy for pregnant women, their infants and for children up to the age of six. Despite this policy, the problem of limited utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women is still observed in this country and is associated with increased maternal and neonatal mortalities and morbidities.The purpose of the current proposed study was to explore and describe the reasons for limited utilisation of antenatal care services in the Mnquma sub-district, and to develop guidelines to assist the midwives to encourage the use of antenatal care services. Objectives:To explore and describe the reasons for the limited utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women at Mnquma sub-district.To explore and describe the knowledge of antenatal care services by the pregnant women.To develop guidelines to facilitate empowerment of midwives to enhance utilisation of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in Eastern Cape Province. The study was conducted in Mnquma sub-district during the months of July to January in 2016 using a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The research population were post-delivery women and the purposive sampling was used to identify women who met the stated criteria. One-on-one audio-taped semi-structured interviews were conducted and field notes were kept to justify some of the themes identified. Thirteen interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Collected data was analysed using Tesch’s data analysis method. Trustworthiness was maintained through the standards of truth value, credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The ethical considerations of beneficence, justice, autonomy, non-maleficence and veracity were maintained. From the findings it emerged that the participants raised various concerns with regard to barriers influencing limited utilization of antenatal care services. The participants had limited knowledge of antenatal care services. Furthermore, participants recommended some solutions to enhance utilization of antenatal care services. Recommendations were made with regard to clinical practice, nursing education and nursing research. Guidelines were formulated to assist midwives to enhance the utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in the Mnquma sub-district in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Factors affecting the acceptance and meaningful use of picture archive and communication systems by referring clinicians in private practice
- Authors: D'Assonville, Gustav Andre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Picture archiving and communication systems in medicine , Imaging systems in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4688 , vital:20648
- Description: A Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is a health information technology that facilitates the electronic storage, transmission, presentation and processing of digital medical-imaging datasets. The benefits of PACS have been well-documented. It provides a means to replace traditional film-based workflows and their inherent limitations. Referring clinicians’ acceptance is a critical factor in the overall success of a PACS implementation; and given the financial implications of project failure, research into physician acceptance and meaningful use is crucial. Very few PACS acceptance studies have focused on the referring clinicians, and even less in the context of the private sector. Therefore, the problem that this research aims to address is: There is a lack of understanding on which factors influence PACS acceptance and the meaningful use thereof by referring clinicians in private practice. This explorative study follows an embedded mixed methodology approach in order to meet the research objectives, favouring a qualitative method of inquiry with the support of a quantitative strand. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to private practice referring clinicians to probe the aspects related to PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The conceptual framework, as devised by Paré and Trudel (2007), was used as a theoretical lens to categorize and discuss the research results in terms of Project, Technological, Organizational and Behavioural factors that affect PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The findings showed good acceptance rates, which is in line with other research conducted in this field, including research done in the public sector. Technical and Organizational factors were the most prevalent. An extension of the above-mentioned theoretical framework was proposed to assist in maintaining positive results after the project Implementation phase has been completed. This research expands the Information Technology PACS body of knowledge – by identifying both the technical and the non-technical factors that are crucial in private practice referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use. By addressing these factors, institutions can improve the likelihood of PACS project success in private practice settings. Maximising referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use could also give private practices a competitive advantage over their competitors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: D'Assonville, Gustav Andre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Picture archiving and communication systems in medicine , Imaging systems in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4688 , vital:20648
- Description: A Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is a health information technology that facilitates the electronic storage, transmission, presentation and processing of digital medical-imaging datasets. The benefits of PACS have been well-documented. It provides a means to replace traditional film-based workflows and their inherent limitations. Referring clinicians’ acceptance is a critical factor in the overall success of a PACS implementation; and given the financial implications of project failure, research into physician acceptance and meaningful use is crucial. Very few PACS acceptance studies have focused on the referring clinicians, and even less in the context of the private sector. Therefore, the problem that this research aims to address is: There is a lack of understanding on which factors influence PACS acceptance and the meaningful use thereof by referring clinicians in private practice. This explorative study follows an embedded mixed methodology approach in order to meet the research objectives, favouring a qualitative method of inquiry with the support of a quantitative strand. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to private practice referring clinicians to probe the aspects related to PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The conceptual framework, as devised by Paré and Trudel (2007), was used as a theoretical lens to categorize and discuss the research results in terms of Project, Technological, Organizational and Behavioural factors that affect PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The findings showed good acceptance rates, which is in line with other research conducted in this field, including research done in the public sector. Technical and Organizational factors were the most prevalent. An extension of the above-mentioned theoretical framework was proposed to assist in maintaining positive results after the project Implementation phase has been completed. This research expands the Information Technology PACS body of knowledge – by identifying both the technical and the non-technical factors that are crucial in private practice referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use. By addressing these factors, institutions can improve the likelihood of PACS project success in private practice settings. Maximising referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use could also give private practices a competitive advantage over their competitors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016