Collegial leadership roles of teachers to manage curriculum reform in primary schools In Limpopo, South Africa
- Authors: Kgohlo, Piet Maphodisa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Limpompo (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53349 , vital:45143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the collegial leadership roles of teachers in managing the challenges of the implementation of the CAPS curriculum in primary schools in Limpopo. Four hundred and ninety-two teachers participated in this quantitative study. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers in the intermediate phase of primary schooling in Limpopo lack competence in content subjects such as mathematics, NSTECH and English as the language of teaching and learning. The findings further revealed that the lack of facilities such as libraries, media centres and computers, teacher development and support and infrastructure such as classrooms contributed to teachers’ low competencies in the use of resources to manage the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. In addition, the findings revealed that the majority of teachers experienced high levels of tobephobia. Furthermore, the findings revealed that teachers showed symptoms of stress, anxiety, tension, unhappiness, depression, pessimism and uncertainty in managing the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. However, the findings also revealed that collegial teaming is a potent strategy that could be used to reinforce the in-service training that fails to equip teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to face up to the challenges of managing the implementation of CAPS. This research explored a new area of managing curriculum change by making use of collegial teaming to develop teachers’ professional competencies. It makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge of implementing curriculum reforms in disadvantaged schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Primary School Education: Intermediate Phase, 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Kgohlo, Piet Maphodisa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Limpompo (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53349 , vital:45143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the collegial leadership roles of teachers in managing the challenges of the implementation of the CAPS curriculum in primary schools in Limpopo. Four hundred and ninety-two teachers participated in this quantitative study. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers in the intermediate phase of primary schooling in Limpopo lack competence in content subjects such as mathematics, NSTECH and English as the language of teaching and learning. The findings further revealed that the lack of facilities such as libraries, media centres and computers, teacher development and support and infrastructure such as classrooms contributed to teachers’ low competencies in the use of resources to manage the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. In addition, the findings revealed that the majority of teachers experienced high levels of tobephobia. Furthermore, the findings revealed that teachers showed symptoms of stress, anxiety, tension, unhappiness, depression, pessimism and uncertainty in managing the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. However, the findings also revealed that collegial teaming is a potent strategy that could be used to reinforce the in-service training that fails to equip teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to face up to the challenges of managing the implementation of CAPS. This research explored a new area of managing curriculum change by making use of collegial teaming to develop teachers’ professional competencies. It makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge of implementing curriculum reforms in disadvantaged schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Primary School Education: Intermediate Phase, 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Professional, personal and corporate ethics challenges during infrastructure delivery
- Authors: Dyariwe, Abongile
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53300 , vital:45131
- Description: Purpose of this treatise: This study is aimed at investigating whether there is a lack of professional- and, personal ethics, and a lack of enforcing corporate ethics from the Built environment professionals working for Eskom ECOU. Design/methodology/approach: The research approach used for the study was mainly quantitative. The quantitative methods used were descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods (Kruskal- Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney U Test). The selected sample for the study was categorised as internal stakeholders (i.e. employees that are permanently employed by Eskom) and external stakeholders (i.e. people that are employed by Eskom on a contract basis as quantity surveying, project management and engineering consultants) The scope of the study was to determine whether there are professional-, personal- and corporate ethical challenges in client organisations. A literature review was conducted; and all the relevant literature relating to professional-, personal- and corporate ethics in client organisations was collated, and then used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to internal and external stakeholders, who were involved during infrastructural delivery in client organisations, in order to acquire different views on ethical perceptions. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed, and used to test if the hypotheses were supported or not. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that the demographic profile does not have any significant influence on the ratings of internal and external stakeholders’ perceptions of the lack of professional and personal ethics – or on the enforcement of corporate ethics. Furthermore, this study also revealed that there is no significant difference in the ethical perceptions of internal and external stakeholders, on the enforcement of a professional and corporate ethical culture. Lastly, only in the personal ethics section there is a significant difference in ethical perception. In relation to the statement of the problem, the findings of this study revealed that internal and external stakeholders’ lack of professional- and personal ethics and the enforcement of corporate ethics are largely unknown. Research limitations: This study was limited to only Built environment professionals (including service providers) working for Eskom ECOU. Practical implications: The study revealed that there are ethical challenges in client organisations, even though they might be largely unknown. This clearly shows that construction industry professionals are all susceptible to unethical behaviour. Therefore, Eskom ECOU should refrain from only focusing on unethical behaviour by contractors and consulting firms; and it should also look at the client’s Built environment professionals; because there is evidence that they are also suspect during infrastructural delivery. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Dyariwe, Abongile
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53300 , vital:45131
- Description: Purpose of this treatise: This study is aimed at investigating whether there is a lack of professional- and, personal ethics, and a lack of enforcing corporate ethics from the Built environment professionals working for Eskom ECOU. Design/methodology/approach: The research approach used for the study was mainly quantitative. The quantitative methods used were descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods (Kruskal- Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney U Test). The selected sample for the study was categorised as internal stakeholders (i.e. employees that are permanently employed by Eskom) and external stakeholders (i.e. people that are employed by Eskom on a contract basis as quantity surveying, project management and engineering consultants) The scope of the study was to determine whether there are professional-, personal- and corporate ethical challenges in client organisations. A literature review was conducted; and all the relevant literature relating to professional-, personal- and corporate ethics in client organisations was collated, and then used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to internal and external stakeholders, who were involved during infrastructural delivery in client organisations, in order to acquire different views on ethical perceptions. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed, and used to test if the hypotheses were supported or not. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that the demographic profile does not have any significant influence on the ratings of internal and external stakeholders’ perceptions of the lack of professional and personal ethics – or on the enforcement of corporate ethics. Furthermore, this study also revealed that there is no significant difference in the ethical perceptions of internal and external stakeholders, on the enforcement of a professional and corporate ethical culture. Lastly, only in the personal ethics section there is a significant difference in ethical perception. In relation to the statement of the problem, the findings of this study revealed that internal and external stakeholders’ lack of professional- and personal ethics and the enforcement of corporate ethics are largely unknown. Research limitations: This study was limited to only Built environment professionals (including service providers) working for Eskom ECOU. Practical implications: The study revealed that there are ethical challenges in client organisations, even though they might be largely unknown. This clearly shows that construction industry professionals are all susceptible to unethical behaviour. Therefore, Eskom ECOU should refrain from only focusing on unethical behaviour by contractors and consulting firms; and it should also look at the client’s Built environment professionals; because there is evidence that they are also suspect during infrastructural delivery. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and employee engagement in a leading South African car rental company
- Authors: Mtati, Yanela
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53330 , vital:45134
- Description: The car rental industry in South Africa is a highly competitive sector. The industry’s players are constantly faced with the challenge of finding ways in which to enhance their competitiveness. One of the most important challenges for organisations operating in this industry is to deliver the best service to their customers, hence ensuring they retain customer loyalty, growth and securing future profitability. While a number of competitors may rely on various competitive strategies such as lower prices, it could become increasingly challenging for others to adopt similar approaches without comprising profitability. To overcome this challenge, together with Barloworld, Avis has implemented various employment engagement strategies with the aim of attracting, empowering, and retaining an engaged workforce. Research has shown that employees provide organisations with sustainable competitive advantage. More specifically, it has shown that engaged employees outperform disengaged employees. The differentiating factor for organisations in the pursuit of competitive advantage would therefore be an engaged workforce. In order to remain competitive, Avis realised that their employees area source of competitive advantage. In the year 2013, Avis packaged and introduced EVP as a human resources strategy towards winning an engaged workforce. Some of the objectives for taking on this strategy were to increase job satisfaction and motivation amongst employees and thus result in higher job performance. The main purpose of this study was to measure the impact that the introduction of EVP had on employee engagement at Avis. Introducing a structured EVP plan within this organisation was aimed to increase employee engagement and thus, this study aimed to measure the impact of this intervention. A literature review was conducted to expand on the various definitions of EVP, employee engagement and the elements that influence and impact these variables. This research revealed that engaged employees make positive contributions to key business outcomes such as financial performance, productivity and customer satisfaction. An empirical study was conducted by means of a survey with a questionnaire as data collecting tool. The purpose of the structured questionnaire was to validate the findings obtained from the theoretical overview and to assess employees’ perceptions of the EVP elements, engagement factors and the impact of engagement on the organisational success. The population comprised of 142employeesand 65% a response rate was obtained. The key findings of the study indicated that in general employees are engaged and committed to the vision of the organisation. It also indicated that the introduction of EVP improved the manner in which employees’ viewed their leaders and created a leadership culture that was conducive to the success of the organisation. Furthermore, the study validated the existence of a strong positive relationship between EVP, employee motivation, leadership culture, employee retention, compensation and employee engagement. This study provided direction and feedback in the organisation’s attempt to improve engagement levels and ultimately in the pursuit of competitive advantage. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2014.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Mtati, Yanela
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53330 , vital:45134
- Description: The car rental industry in South Africa is a highly competitive sector. The industry’s players are constantly faced with the challenge of finding ways in which to enhance their competitiveness. One of the most important challenges for organisations operating in this industry is to deliver the best service to their customers, hence ensuring they retain customer loyalty, growth and securing future profitability. While a number of competitors may rely on various competitive strategies such as lower prices, it could become increasingly challenging for others to adopt similar approaches without comprising profitability. To overcome this challenge, together with Barloworld, Avis has implemented various employment engagement strategies with the aim of attracting, empowering, and retaining an engaged workforce. Research has shown that employees provide organisations with sustainable competitive advantage. More specifically, it has shown that engaged employees outperform disengaged employees. The differentiating factor for organisations in the pursuit of competitive advantage would therefore be an engaged workforce. In order to remain competitive, Avis realised that their employees area source of competitive advantage. In the year 2013, Avis packaged and introduced EVP as a human resources strategy towards winning an engaged workforce. Some of the objectives for taking on this strategy were to increase job satisfaction and motivation amongst employees and thus result in higher job performance. The main purpose of this study was to measure the impact that the introduction of EVP had on employee engagement at Avis. Introducing a structured EVP plan within this organisation was aimed to increase employee engagement and thus, this study aimed to measure the impact of this intervention. A literature review was conducted to expand on the various definitions of EVP, employee engagement and the elements that influence and impact these variables. This research revealed that engaged employees make positive contributions to key business outcomes such as financial performance, productivity and customer satisfaction. An empirical study was conducted by means of a survey with a questionnaire as data collecting tool. The purpose of the structured questionnaire was to validate the findings obtained from the theoretical overview and to assess employees’ perceptions of the EVP elements, engagement factors and the impact of engagement on the organisational success. The population comprised of 142employeesand 65% a response rate was obtained. The key findings of the study indicated that in general employees are engaged and committed to the vision of the organisation. It also indicated that the introduction of EVP improved the manner in which employees’ viewed their leaders and created a leadership culture that was conducive to the success of the organisation. Furthermore, the study validated the existence of a strong positive relationship between EVP, employee motivation, leadership culture, employee retention, compensation and employee engagement. This study provided direction and feedback in the organisation’s attempt to improve engagement levels and ultimately in the pursuit of competitive advantage. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2014.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
The use of a rapid incineration field test for determining soil organic carbon in the Southern Cape Region
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
Possible futures for the African built environment towards 2050
- Authors: Adendorff, Gillian Lorraine
- Date: 2014-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53325 , vital:45136
- Description: Purpose –The purpose of this thesis is to develop four scenarios for Africa’s built environment over the nextfortyyears: The ”Angel” or “Good Governance”Scenario,in which positive elements become a realisation for Africa’s built environment and are conjointly favourable; The “Dwarf” or “Uneven African Development”Scenario, in which key driving forces unfold inan uneven pattern, or have a differentiated impact on Africa’s built environment; The “Elf” or Bad Governance Scenario,in which less good governance prevails, but where a fortunate built environment and securemanagement allowsAfrica to become competitive and benefit from satisfactory economic growth;and The “Hobgoblin” or “Business and Governance as usual” Scenario,in which negative regional drivers of change corrode positive policies and initiatives in a manner which compounds the pre-existing threats of Africa’s built environment development.Design/Methodology/Approach –The goal of this thesis is not only to affirm what is already known and knowable regardingwhat is happening right now at the intersections of Africa and its built environment development, but also to explore the many ways in which environmental scanning and built environment development could co-involve,both push and inhibit each other,in the future. Thereafter, this thesis beginsto examine what possible paths may be implicatedfor Africa’s poor and vulnerable built environment. Scenario planning is a methodology designed to help researchers, organisations and even nations alike through this creative process. This thesis begins to identifydriversof change, and then combines these driversin different ways to create a set of scenarios regardinghow the future built environment of Africa could evolve.Practical implications –This thesis provides a useful insight regardingdrivers for change for Africa’s built environment,and how to anticipate these changes in the mostcurrentScenario planning.Originality/Value –This thesis addressesthe future of Africa’s built environment from a decision maker’s point of view over the next 40 years. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-04
- Authors: Adendorff, Gillian Lorraine
- Date: 2014-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53325 , vital:45136
- Description: Purpose –The purpose of this thesis is to develop four scenarios for Africa’s built environment over the nextfortyyears: The ”Angel” or “Good Governance”Scenario,in which positive elements become a realisation for Africa’s built environment and are conjointly favourable; The “Dwarf” or “Uneven African Development”Scenario, in which key driving forces unfold inan uneven pattern, or have a differentiated impact on Africa’s built environment; The “Elf” or Bad Governance Scenario,in which less good governance prevails, but where a fortunate built environment and securemanagement allowsAfrica to become competitive and benefit from satisfactory economic growth;and The “Hobgoblin” or “Business and Governance as usual” Scenario,in which negative regional drivers of change corrode positive policies and initiatives in a manner which compounds the pre-existing threats of Africa’s built environment development.Design/Methodology/Approach –The goal of this thesis is not only to affirm what is already known and knowable regardingwhat is happening right now at the intersections of Africa and its built environment development, but also to explore the many ways in which environmental scanning and built environment development could co-involve,both push and inhibit each other,in the future. Thereafter, this thesis beginsto examine what possible paths may be implicatedfor Africa’s poor and vulnerable built environment. Scenario planning is a methodology designed to help researchers, organisations and even nations alike through this creative process. This thesis begins to identifydriversof change, and then combines these driversin different ways to create a set of scenarios regardinghow the future built environment of Africa could evolve.Practical implications –This thesis provides a useful insight regardingdrivers for change for Africa’s built environment,and how to anticipate these changes in the mostcurrentScenario planning.Originality/Value –This thesis addressesthe future of Africa’s built environment from a decision maker’s point of view over the next 40 years. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-04
The impact of talent management on profitability at Business Connexion
- Authors: Mbulawa, Xolani
- Date: 2013-11
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53337 , vital:45139
- Description: Human resource is seen as one of the key organisational factors for business success. The latest focus in the business arena has been how talent can be optimised to improve business success. When one reflects and looks back from the 1940s to the 1980s, it is clear that HR was not seen as a business unit that could impact profitability. It is clear in the literature that from the 1900s HR has evolved to being a business partner and a catalyst to improving financial performance within organisations. This has predominately been driven by HR ensuring the attraction and retention of high potential employees who can contribute to profits. The study’s focal point is whether talent management components impact profitability. The selected talent management components for this study are namely talent strategy, talent recruitment, talent development, performance management, talent retention, and succession planning. A strong belief exist that poor implementation of talent management components impedes on companies reaching optimum profit levels. It is for this reason that this study will argue the importance of talent management components as a strategic obligation in the current competitive war for talent. Business reality demands that companies should ensure having current and future talent needs addressed if they want to stay competitive. The war for talent has led to companies fighting for high potential talent, not only through remuneration packages ,but taking into account other talent management components that encompasses aspects such as work-life balance, better performance management linked to rewards and incentives , challenging work, succession planning etc. The researcher took a view to have this study done within BCX who is an employer of the researcher. The hypothesis utilised is the application of talent management components as an approach and process to facilitate profitability within BCX. Research shows that most companies are taking talent management very serious and are fully aware of its impact to productivity and profitability. Businesses in the service industry identified that implementing talent management processes and approaches is vital to competitive edge and profitability. However many companies are still struggling to reach the real understanding of what it meant by talent management. The research data indicates that most respondents are fully aware of the importance of these components. However at BCX, either they are unaware, uncertain on some of the talent components within the company and are unsure of the existence of these components and their impact to profitability. The literature reviewed in chapter two deliberates talent management components assessed in the questionnaire as imperative in contributing to profitability. Business Connexion does not implement these components to the extent of success. However some of the components are well implemented and managed such as performance management. Managers at Business Connexion to some extent have conflicting views of how the company is implementing these components and on their impact to profitability. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-11
- Authors: Mbulawa, Xolani
- Date: 2013-11
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53337 , vital:45139
- Description: Human resource is seen as one of the key organisational factors for business success. The latest focus in the business arena has been how talent can be optimised to improve business success. When one reflects and looks back from the 1940s to the 1980s, it is clear that HR was not seen as a business unit that could impact profitability. It is clear in the literature that from the 1900s HR has evolved to being a business partner and a catalyst to improving financial performance within organisations. This has predominately been driven by HR ensuring the attraction and retention of high potential employees who can contribute to profits. The study’s focal point is whether talent management components impact profitability. The selected talent management components for this study are namely talent strategy, talent recruitment, talent development, performance management, talent retention, and succession planning. A strong belief exist that poor implementation of talent management components impedes on companies reaching optimum profit levels. It is for this reason that this study will argue the importance of talent management components as a strategic obligation in the current competitive war for talent. Business reality demands that companies should ensure having current and future talent needs addressed if they want to stay competitive. The war for talent has led to companies fighting for high potential talent, not only through remuneration packages ,but taking into account other talent management components that encompasses aspects such as work-life balance, better performance management linked to rewards and incentives , challenging work, succession planning etc. The researcher took a view to have this study done within BCX who is an employer of the researcher. The hypothesis utilised is the application of talent management components as an approach and process to facilitate profitability within BCX. Research shows that most companies are taking talent management very serious and are fully aware of its impact to productivity and profitability. Businesses in the service industry identified that implementing talent management processes and approaches is vital to competitive edge and profitability. However many companies are still struggling to reach the real understanding of what it meant by talent management. The research data indicates that most respondents are fully aware of the importance of these components. However at BCX, either they are unaware, uncertain on some of the talent components within the company and are unsure of the existence of these components and their impact to profitability. The literature reviewed in chapter two deliberates talent management components assessed in the questionnaire as imperative in contributing to profitability. Business Connexion does not implement these components to the extent of success. However some of the components are well implemented and managed such as performance management. Managers at Business Connexion to some extent have conflicting views of how the company is implementing these components and on their impact to profitability. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-11
Dog wars : a Victorian steampunk adventure
- Authors: Molino, Nicolene Chloe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Creative writing , Fiction , South Africa , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5965 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001815
- Description: We're in an alternate universe, circa Dickensian London. Leofric Lieven, a local crime lord, is about to find the past catching up on him. The Romany Carnival has come to town, and a gypsy woman, his former lover and partner in crime, demands from him a favour which will redress his betrayal of years before: he must secure a stolen object and return it to her. But things go horribly wrong when local delivery boy Cards Bennish is kidnapped by Leofric’s competitor before he can deliver the goods that will cover Leofric's debt to the gypsy. In this world, humans can shape shift into animals, entirely or only partially, dog fighting is the favourite pastime for high stakes betting, and power belongs to the highest bidder. The gypsy’s final bet, for the highest stakes yet, will seal the fates of a number of people, for better or worse
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Molino, Nicolene Chloe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Creative writing , Fiction , South Africa , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5965 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001815
- Description: We're in an alternate universe, circa Dickensian London. Leofric Lieven, a local crime lord, is about to find the past catching up on him. The Romany Carnival has come to town, and a gypsy woman, his former lover and partner in crime, demands from him a favour which will redress his betrayal of years before: he must secure a stolen object and return it to her. But things go horribly wrong when local delivery boy Cards Bennish is kidnapped by Leofric’s competitor before he can deliver the goods that will cover Leofric's debt to the gypsy. In this world, humans can shape shift into animals, entirely or only partially, dog fighting is the favourite pastime for high stakes betting, and power belongs to the highest bidder. The gypsy’s final bet, for the highest stakes yet, will seal the fates of a number of people, for better or worse
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Exploring the possibility of an Ubuntu-based political philosophy
- Authors: Furman, Katherine Elizabeth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Ubuntu , Political philosophy , Ethical theories , Law , South Africa , Ubuntu (Philosophy) -- Research -- South Africa , Political science -- Philosophy -- Research , Philosophy, African -- Research , Social values -- Research South Africa , Ethics -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002003
- Description: It is typically said that there are two questions that political philosophy seeks to address: ‘who gets what?’ and ‘who decides on who gets what?’ South Africa, along with much of the rest of the world, has answered the second question badly and currently ranks as one of the world’s most unequal societies. Counter-intuitively, South Africa maintains a social-political order that (re)produces this inequality along with great enthusiasm for ubuntu, an African ethic that at a minimum requires that we treat each other humanely. However, due to the view that ubuntu has been co-opted in support of South Africa’s unjust system, ubuntu has largely been ignored by radical thinkers. The aim of this thesis is therefore to explore the possibility of an ubuntu-based political philosophy, with the core assumption that political philosophy is rooted in ethical theory. Three tasks are therefore undertaken in this thesis. Firstly, ubuntu is articulated as an ethic. Secondly, it is compared to similar Western ethical theories in order to determine if there are distinguishing characteristics that make ubuntu a more appropriate founding ethic for South African political philosophy. Finally, whether ubuntu can find real-world applicability will be assessed by looking at the way ubuntu has been used in the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Furman, Katherine Elizabeth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Ubuntu , Political philosophy , Ethical theories , Law , South Africa , Ubuntu (Philosophy) -- Research -- South Africa , Political science -- Philosophy -- Research , Philosophy, African -- Research , Social values -- Research South Africa , Ethics -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002003
- Description: It is typically said that there are two questions that political philosophy seeks to address: ‘who gets what?’ and ‘who decides on who gets what?’ South Africa, along with much of the rest of the world, has answered the second question badly and currently ranks as one of the world’s most unequal societies. Counter-intuitively, South Africa maintains a social-political order that (re)produces this inequality along with great enthusiasm for ubuntu, an African ethic that at a minimum requires that we treat each other humanely. However, due to the view that ubuntu has been co-opted in support of South Africa’s unjust system, ubuntu has largely been ignored by radical thinkers. The aim of this thesis is therefore to explore the possibility of an ubuntu-based political philosophy, with the core assumption that political philosophy is rooted in ethical theory. Three tasks are therefore undertaken in this thesis. Firstly, ubuntu is articulated as an ethic. Secondly, it is compared to similar Western ethical theories in order to determine if there are distinguishing characteristics that make ubuntu a more appropriate founding ethic for South African political philosophy. Finally, whether ubuntu can find real-world applicability will be assessed by looking at the way ubuntu has been used in the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Like Katherine
- Authors: Morgan, Jane Mary Kathleen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Creative writing , Fiction , South Africa , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001814
- Description: Vicky, a thirty something English radio journalist, has moved to Cape Town to try and work out what it is that's missing from her life and to fill the gap. At first she thinks she's found what she's looking for, but a series of unsettling events makes her realise she has simply brought her problems with her. She goes back to England, ostensibly for work, where she is contacted by her stepbrother, Mark. They hardly know each other but he has a reason for wanting to find her. They meet and, for both of them, their encounters change the way they see themselves and their relationships. Vicky comes to understand more about her past and her family and, for the first time, to find a connection with her emotional life
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Morgan, Jane Mary Kathleen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Creative writing , Fiction , South Africa , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001814
- Description: Vicky, a thirty something English radio journalist, has moved to Cape Town to try and work out what it is that's missing from her life and to fill the gap. At first she thinks she's found what she's looking for, but a series of unsettling events makes her realise she has simply brought her problems with her. She goes back to England, ostensibly for work, where she is contacted by her stepbrother, Mark. They hardly know each other but he has a reason for wanting to find her. They meet and, for both of them, their encounters change the way they see themselves and their relationships. Vicky comes to understand more about her past and her family and, for the first time, to find a connection with her emotional life
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of stock market development on economic growth: evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Vacu, Nomfundo Portia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006983 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Description: The main objective of this study is to examine the long run relationship between stock market development and economic growth in the case of South Africa. The study used quarterly data covering the period from 1990Q1 to 2010Q4. To empirically test the link between the two variables, the study used the Johnson’s cointegration approach and Granger causality so as to test the direction of the relationship. The Vector Error Correction Model was also employed to capture both short run and long run dynamics. Generally, the results reveal that a long run relationship exists between the two variables and the causality flows from economic growth to stock market development. Also, the extent to which of stock market development impacts on growth is statistically weak.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Vacu, Nomfundo Portia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006983 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Stocks -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Stock market development , Economic growth , South Africa
- Description: The main objective of this study is to examine the long run relationship between stock market development and economic growth in the case of South Africa. The study used quarterly data covering the period from 1990Q1 to 2010Q4. To empirically test the link between the two variables, the study used the Johnson’s cointegration approach and Granger causality so as to test the direction of the relationship. The Vector Error Correction Model was also employed to capture both short run and long run dynamics. Generally, the results reveal that a long run relationship exists between the two variables and the causality flows from economic growth to stock market development. Also, the extent to which of stock market development impacts on growth is statistically weak.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The talisman
- Authors: Reed, Graham Conan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Fiction , Short stories , English , South Africa , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001817
- Description: The Talisman is an adventure story set in a future where much of today's cultural memory and technology has been lost. Following a hunting accident, a young man named Forest survives a life-threatening wound and embarks on a quest for knowledge. Rising sea levels, bands of marauders, wild animals and the perils of survival in the broken world are not the only problems facing the survivors. The nature of the collapse of the society, what triggered it and its subsequent unfolding, bequeaths an existential quandary upon them that only Forest, and a rare text as old as the earth itself, can unravel
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Reed, Graham Conan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Fiction , Short stories , English , South Africa , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001817
- Description: The Talisman is an adventure story set in a future where much of today's cultural memory and technology has been lost. Following a hunting accident, a young man named Forest survives a life-threatening wound and embarks on a quest for knowledge. Rising sea levels, bands of marauders, wild animals and the perils of survival in the broken world are not the only problems facing the survivors. The nature of the collapse of the society, what triggered it and its subsequent unfolding, bequeaths an existential quandary upon them that only Forest, and a rare text as old as the earth itself, can unravel
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The biggest boy on the planet: a case study describing the Therapeutic Journey of a boy with severe anxiety
- Authors: Laing, Caroline
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25184 , vital:63985
- Description: The following paper describes the therapeutic journey of David (not his real name), an eight year old boy who was referred for therapy as a result of severe anxiety. David is a pupil at a remedial school, having moved from his previous school due to his being unable to cope academically and socially in a mainstream school environment. David had ten sessions of play therapy and the following paper provides a narrative account of the therapy process using a case study design. In the narratives, some of the themes which emerge during the course of therapy are described. The therapist’s theoretic orientation is explained as well as how this approach seemed to enable David, in the context of the therapeutic relationship, to express and make sense of his anxieties. , Thesis (M.Counselling Psychology) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-12
- Authors: Laing, Caroline
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25184 , vital:63985
- Description: The following paper describes the therapeutic journey of David (not his real name), an eight year old boy who was referred for therapy as a result of severe anxiety. David is a pupil at a remedial school, having moved from his previous school due to his being unable to cope academically and socially in a mainstream school environment. David had ten sessions of play therapy and the following paper provides a narrative account of the therapy process using a case study design. In the narratives, some of the themes which emerge during the course of therapy are described. The therapist’s theoretic orientation is explained as well as how this approach seemed to enable David, in the context of the therapeutic relationship, to express and make sense of his anxieties. , Thesis (M.Counselling Psychology) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-12
Patterns of belief in Bushman creation tales: an interpretive study relating to /Xam, Maluti, and Zu/'oasi sources
- Authors: Howard, Nadine B
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: South Africa , Creation -- Mythology , Spirituality -- Africa , San (African people) -- Religion , San (African people) -- Folklore
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019978 , Donated by Geoffrey Howard, 2010.
- Description: “Patterns of Belief in Bushman Creation Tales” regard /Xam, Maluti, and Zu/’oasi mythology. The study divides into three sections. The Early Period of Conceptual Unity concerns creation of the eland, a symbolic antelope. All beings are animal-persons of the early race. The /Xam deity /Kaggen creates and secretly cares for an eland to whom he feeds honey. The family, missing honey, sends Mongoose to spy on /Kaggen. He sees the eland and informs his father who kills it without Kaggen’s knowledge. Kaggen weeps bitterly. Elsewhere, when Cagn’s away Maluti sons hunt and discover an unknown creature. They try repeatedly to stab it as it breaks away, but returns to lay down. Finally Gewi kills it. They take meat and blood home, but later see Cagn’s snares and feel afraid. The Transition Period of Conceptual Separation and Restoration follows. Separation of animals and people takes place through re-creation and naming. The former animal-person world passes away. Maluti elands are re-created as Gewi tries to undo his “mischief”. Churning the eland’s blood, it scatters, becoming snakes, then hartebeests. Cagn and his wife help: spinning blood, adding fat from the heart. They produce multitudes of untamed elands. Gewi who “spoilt” them must hunt and kill one, but he fails. Cagn then teaches both sons to hunt. However, his elands are swift, and he will now dwell in their bones. “That day game were given to men to eat,” and the transition to knowing is made. Zu/’oasi animal-persons journey to the fire of creation; there to be beautifully marked or otherwise distinguished. /Xam antelope await their naming through the eating or drinking of liquid honeys which colour their hides. The Third Section offers an overview of concepts the thesis presents. It also bears the key to unlock a very old mystery. , Intended as a Masters of Arts thesis for the University of Natal, the author was unable to complete the final chapter before her death, and the thesis was never submitted for examination. It was the wish of her husband that her careful study should be brought to light and be made available to other students of this field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Howard, Nadine B
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: South Africa , Creation -- Mythology , Spirituality -- Africa , San (African people) -- Religion , San (African people) -- Folklore
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019978 , Donated by Geoffrey Howard, 2010.
- Description: “Patterns of Belief in Bushman Creation Tales” regard /Xam, Maluti, and Zu/’oasi mythology. The study divides into three sections. The Early Period of Conceptual Unity concerns creation of the eland, a symbolic antelope. All beings are animal-persons of the early race. The /Xam deity /Kaggen creates and secretly cares for an eland to whom he feeds honey. The family, missing honey, sends Mongoose to spy on /Kaggen. He sees the eland and informs his father who kills it without Kaggen’s knowledge. Kaggen weeps bitterly. Elsewhere, when Cagn’s away Maluti sons hunt and discover an unknown creature. They try repeatedly to stab it as it breaks away, but returns to lay down. Finally Gewi kills it. They take meat and blood home, but later see Cagn’s snares and feel afraid. The Transition Period of Conceptual Separation and Restoration follows. Separation of animals and people takes place through re-creation and naming. The former animal-person world passes away. Maluti elands are re-created as Gewi tries to undo his “mischief”. Churning the eland’s blood, it scatters, becoming snakes, then hartebeests. Cagn and his wife help: spinning blood, adding fat from the heart. They produce multitudes of untamed elands. Gewi who “spoilt” them must hunt and kill one, but he fails. Cagn then teaches both sons to hunt. However, his elands are swift, and he will now dwell in their bones. “That day game were given to men to eat,” and the transition to knowing is made. Zu/’oasi animal-persons journey to the fire of creation; there to be beautifully marked or otherwise distinguished. /Xam antelope await their naming through the eating or drinking of liquid honeys which colour their hides. The Third Section offers an overview of concepts the thesis presents. It also bears the key to unlock a very old mystery. , Intended as a Masters of Arts thesis for the University of Natal, the author was unable to complete the final chapter before her death, and the thesis was never submitted for examination. It was the wish of her husband that her careful study should be brought to light and be made available to other students of this field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Main thesis title: Onderwysers se belewing van multikulturele onderwys
- Authors: Strydom, Louise
- Date: 1999-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60003 , vital:62732
- Description: The South African Schools’ Act of 1996 terminated segregated education in South Africa. Multi-cultural education has become a reality in the new democratic South Africa. As a result of this major shift in policy, the researcher probed for an answer to the following question: “How does the teacher, especially the teacher already in service, experience this new situation regarding multi-cultural education?” To find an answer to this question, a literature study and empirical research, making use of a representative sample of respondents in the Southern Cape, were undertaken. The researcher has personally experienced the challenges of having to adapt from a mono-cultural teaching environment to a multi-cultural teaching environment at school level, hence a further interest in this research problem. Relevant terminology was highlighted and a brief historical synopsis of the course that multi-cultural education took in Western societies such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Britain was studied. These sources were utilised to draw a comparison with the South African situation. A concise synopsis of the history of multi-cultural education in South Africa was also undertaken to highlight the complexity of the educational situation presently being experienced in South Africa. The empirical research, with a target group representing teachers in the Southern Cape, was undertaken by means of a self-compiled questionnaire to make an analysis of teachers’ attitudes, expectations and perceptions of multi-cultural education as experienced in the classroom. The information obtained from the respondents indicated a generally positive attitude towards multi-cultural education amongst teachers. A great need for in-service training also became evident. xvi The researcher has thus made recommendations regarding in-service training that she thinks is of utmost importance. The practical problems that were highlighted during the research, make a vital contribution towards the successful implementation of multi-cultural education in South Africa. , Thesis (DEd) -- Faculty of Education, 1999
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999-04
- Authors: Strydom, Louise
- Date: 1999-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60003 , vital:62732
- Description: The South African Schools’ Act of 1996 terminated segregated education in South Africa. Multi-cultural education has become a reality in the new democratic South Africa. As a result of this major shift in policy, the researcher probed for an answer to the following question: “How does the teacher, especially the teacher already in service, experience this new situation regarding multi-cultural education?” To find an answer to this question, a literature study and empirical research, making use of a representative sample of respondents in the Southern Cape, were undertaken. The researcher has personally experienced the challenges of having to adapt from a mono-cultural teaching environment to a multi-cultural teaching environment at school level, hence a further interest in this research problem. Relevant terminology was highlighted and a brief historical synopsis of the course that multi-cultural education took in Western societies such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Britain was studied. These sources were utilised to draw a comparison with the South African situation. A concise synopsis of the history of multi-cultural education in South Africa was also undertaken to highlight the complexity of the educational situation presently being experienced in South Africa. The empirical research, with a target group representing teachers in the Southern Cape, was undertaken by means of a self-compiled questionnaire to make an analysis of teachers’ attitudes, expectations and perceptions of multi-cultural education as experienced in the classroom. The information obtained from the respondents indicated a generally positive attitude towards multi-cultural education amongst teachers. A great need for in-service training also became evident. xvi The researcher has thus made recommendations regarding in-service training that she thinks is of utmost importance. The practical problems that were highlighted during the research, make a vital contribution towards the successful implementation of multi-cultural education in South Africa. , Thesis (DEd) -- Faculty of Education, 1999
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999-04
Applicability of the SERVQUAL instrument under South African conditions : an assessment of four situations
- Authors: Pitt, Leyland Frederick
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: SERVQUAL instrument , Customer service , Measurement , Service quality , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001627
- Description: On-going research in recent years has shown quality of product and service, as perceived by customer, relative to competition, to be the single most important factor contributing to organizational well-being. Quality of product and service also presents one of the most significant opportunities for corporate differentiation. A major requirement for the successful management of quality is therefore effective measurement. In the case of physical goods, progress has been made over a long period. However, in the case of services, real advances have only occurred within the past decade. The importance of service quality is also highlighted by the fact that most businesses today are losing customers due to its inadequacy, rather than poor products. Indeed, from the customer's point of view, services and products probably do not exist in a dichotomy, but, rather, along a spectrum. Therefore, the measurement of service quality is critical, not only in traditional service organizations, but in manufacturing situations as well. The development of the SERVQUAL questionnaire in 1988, offered researchers, perhaps for the first time, an apparently reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of service quality. However, to date the instrument has not been subjected to rigorous testing for reliability and validity in South Africa, across a range of service organizations, within a typology. In this study, the SERVQUAL instrument was used to measure service quality across a range of firms within the Larsson-Bowen contingency framework, under South African conditions. Its main objectives were to assess its reliability and validity in these circumstances. It was found that SERVQUAL performed well across all organizations within the Larsson-Bowen framework, under South African conditions, with regard to reliability, convergent and nomological validity. Its construct validity proved to be less sound, and it was not found to possess discriminant validity. It is suggested that this is less attributable to South African circumstances than to the nature of the organizations. In cases of low diversity of demand, the instrument appears to capture the essence of service quality less effectively. Means of overcoming this in future studies are suggested, as well as other directions for research in the area of service quality measurement
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: Pitt, Leyland Frederick
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: SERVQUAL instrument , Customer service , Measurement , Service quality , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001627
- Description: On-going research in recent years has shown quality of product and service, as perceived by customer, relative to competition, to be the single most important factor contributing to organizational well-being. Quality of product and service also presents one of the most significant opportunities for corporate differentiation. A major requirement for the successful management of quality is therefore effective measurement. In the case of physical goods, progress has been made over a long period. However, in the case of services, real advances have only occurred within the past decade. The importance of service quality is also highlighted by the fact that most businesses today are losing customers due to its inadequacy, rather than poor products. Indeed, from the customer's point of view, services and products probably do not exist in a dichotomy, but, rather, along a spectrum. Therefore, the measurement of service quality is critical, not only in traditional service organizations, but in manufacturing situations as well. The development of the SERVQUAL questionnaire in 1988, offered researchers, perhaps for the first time, an apparently reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of service quality. However, to date the instrument has not been subjected to rigorous testing for reliability and validity in South Africa, across a range of service organizations, within a typology. In this study, the SERVQUAL instrument was used to measure service quality across a range of firms within the Larsson-Bowen contingency framework, under South African conditions. Its main objectives were to assess its reliability and validity in these circumstances. It was found that SERVQUAL performed well across all organizations within the Larsson-Bowen framework, under South African conditions, with regard to reliability, convergent and nomological validity. Its construct validity proved to be less sound, and it was not found to possess discriminant validity. It is suggested that this is less attributable to South African circumstances than to the nature of the organizations. In cases of low diversity of demand, the instrument appears to capture the essence of service quality less effectively. Means of overcoming this in future studies are suggested, as well as other directions for research in the area of service quality measurement
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
A mission and five commissions: a study of some aspects of the educational work of the American Zulu Mission, 1835-1910
- Authors: George, Ambrose Cato
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Missions -- South Africa Missions -- Educational Work , American Zulu Mission , Natal , South Africa , Colonial government , Adams College , Newton Adams , Missions , Missionary education , Educational purpose , Zulu people
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001403
- Description: This thesis examines the work of the American Zulu Mission in Natal from 1835 to 1910. Of the institutions controlled by this mission, the most famous was that known in the 20th Century as Adams College, named after one of the founders of the Natal work, Dr Newton Adams. Although other research work has been done on this institution and this mission in general, this thesis attempts to examine the work in the light of the mission's own view of its educational purpose and the expectations of the Colonial Government of what could be expected of missionary education. To meet this purpose particular stress was laid first on the actual development of the mission's educational institutions, especially when reports and letters assessed the aims of the developments and the ways in which these aims were being met. Secondly, the aims of missionary education were explained through five capital Colonial Government Commissions, which looked, in a number of different ways, at the current position and future of the Zulu peoples of Natal. These Commissions reported in 1846, 1852-1853, 1881-1882, 1892 and 1902. Two major findings emerge from the investigation. The first was lack of clarity, not only on the part of what the mission was trying to do, but also on what the Colonial Government expected it to do. To this absence of clarity must be added the continuous shortage of finance, the reluctance of the Zulu themselves to accept the combination of education (which they wanted) and conversion (of which they were often suspicious). In these circumstances, their slow progress of the 75 years from 1835 to 1910 becomes understandable. Had these years been the total extent of the mission' s contribution to Natal, there would be little justification for any extended investigation, or any reason behind the high prestige which the mission enjoyed. It is shown, however, that from 1902 onwards a new, more incisive and directional policy, especially on the question of education, came from the mission. This emerged particularly under the leadership of Le Roy, Principal from 1903 to 1925. The last part of this thesis assesses this new direction. The detailed investigation comes to an end at 1910 when with the creation of Union, an entirely new organisation and dispensation came into being. In the last years of Le Roy's principalship the promise of the period of 1902 to 1920 came to fruition and in the final chapter a brief summary of these developments are given
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: George, Ambrose Cato
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Missions -- South Africa Missions -- Educational Work , American Zulu Mission , Natal , South Africa , Colonial government , Adams College , Newton Adams , Missions , Missionary education , Educational purpose , Zulu people
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001403
- Description: This thesis examines the work of the American Zulu Mission in Natal from 1835 to 1910. Of the institutions controlled by this mission, the most famous was that known in the 20th Century as Adams College, named after one of the founders of the Natal work, Dr Newton Adams. Although other research work has been done on this institution and this mission in general, this thesis attempts to examine the work in the light of the mission's own view of its educational purpose and the expectations of the Colonial Government of what could be expected of missionary education. To meet this purpose particular stress was laid first on the actual development of the mission's educational institutions, especially when reports and letters assessed the aims of the developments and the ways in which these aims were being met. Secondly, the aims of missionary education were explained through five capital Colonial Government Commissions, which looked, in a number of different ways, at the current position and future of the Zulu peoples of Natal. These Commissions reported in 1846, 1852-1853, 1881-1882, 1892 and 1902. Two major findings emerge from the investigation. The first was lack of clarity, not only on the part of what the mission was trying to do, but also on what the Colonial Government expected it to do. To this absence of clarity must be added the continuous shortage of finance, the reluctance of the Zulu themselves to accept the combination of education (which they wanted) and conversion (of which they were often suspicious). In these circumstances, their slow progress of the 75 years from 1835 to 1910 becomes understandable. Had these years been the total extent of the mission' s contribution to Natal, there would be little justification for any extended investigation, or any reason behind the high prestige which the mission enjoyed. It is shown, however, that from 1902 onwards a new, more incisive and directional policy, especially on the question of education, came from the mission. This emerged particularly under the leadership of Le Roy, Principal from 1903 to 1925. The last part of this thesis assesses this new direction. The detailed investigation comes to an end at 1910 when with the creation of Union, an entirely new organisation and dispensation came into being. In the last years of Le Roy's principalship the promise of the period of 1902 to 1920 came to fruition and in the final chapter a brief summary of these developments are given
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
An existential-phenomenological explication of being-a-black student at a predominantly white university, with special reference to Rhodes University
- Authors: Harilall, Rehena Ranir
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Racism , South Africa , Black university students , College , Racism -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , College students, Black , College students, Black -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002067
- Description: This study attempts to explore, theoretically and empirically, the experience of being black in a predominantly white university. It is more specifically concerned with perceived interaction between members of different cultural and ethnic groups, namely, between black and white. Using the existential-phenomenological method the experience of seven subjects, both male and female, were explicated. This explication revealed that black students become aware of their "difference" during interaction with members of the dominant white group. The black students perceive the behaviour of the white-dominant group to be racist and this creates a great deal of latent hostility, anger, and resentment. It is suggested that a programme be developed to diffuse the conflict situation during intergroup interaction at university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: Harilall, Rehena Ranir
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Racism , South Africa , Black university students , College , Racism -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , College students, Black , College students, Black -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002067
- Description: This study attempts to explore, theoretically and empirically, the experience of being black in a predominantly white university. It is more specifically concerned with perceived interaction between members of different cultural and ethnic groups, namely, between black and white. Using the existential-phenomenological method the experience of seven subjects, both male and female, were explicated. This explication revealed that black students become aware of their "difference" during interaction with members of the dominant white group. The black students perceive the behaviour of the white-dominant group to be racist and this creates a great deal of latent hostility, anger, and resentment. It is suggested that a programme be developed to diffuse the conflict situation during intergroup interaction at university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
Lovedale 1930-1955 : the study of a missionary institution in its social, educational and political context
- White, Timothy Raymond Howard
- Authors: White, Timothy Raymond Howard
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Lovedale Institution , History , South Africa , Education , African people
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001856
- Description: Lovedale was founded by the Glasgow Missionary Society as an eduational centre for Africans. Education was to be adapted to the lives of the Africans which would be a departure from the English classical tradition. This meant that emphasis was placed on vocational training and that academic education focussed on the study of English rather than the Classics. But the importance of mother-tongue education was also stressed. The missionaries placed emphasis on village education, whereby the African would be taught skills and crafts that would be useful to him in life. Education, they argued, should also aim at character-training and at spreading the Christian message. They also wanted to see co-operation between the Church and the State in the education of the African. Vocational education was designed to create African artisans who would be able to compete with Whites; but it also aimed at emphasizing the importance of industry in building up character. The Lovedale Press illustrates vocational training in progress, dealing with the difficulties that arose when African printers came into competition with Whites. But the missionaries also used the Press to propagate the Christian message and to promote African literature. An ideological rift began to open up between the missions and the new Black political beliefs of the Second World War. This led to the Lovedale Riot which is considered in the broader framework of sociopolitical unrest within the country. After the 1948 Election an ideological rift also developed between the missions and the State. This study concludes by examining the introduction of the Bantu Education Act and the Lovedale response to this. It was felt that although Bantu Education threatened to undermine their educational endeavour, they should nevertheless cooperate with the system in order to save what they had built up.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
- Authors: White, Timothy Raymond Howard
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Lovedale Institution , History , South Africa , Education , African people
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2527 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001856
- Description: Lovedale was founded by the Glasgow Missionary Society as an eduational centre for Africans. Education was to be adapted to the lives of the Africans which would be a departure from the English classical tradition. This meant that emphasis was placed on vocational training and that academic education focussed on the study of English rather than the Classics. But the importance of mother-tongue education was also stressed. The missionaries placed emphasis on village education, whereby the African would be taught skills and crafts that would be useful to him in life. Education, they argued, should also aim at character-training and at spreading the Christian message. They also wanted to see co-operation between the Church and the State in the education of the African. Vocational education was designed to create African artisans who would be able to compete with Whites; but it also aimed at emphasizing the importance of industry in building up character. The Lovedale Press illustrates vocational training in progress, dealing with the difficulties that arose when African printers came into competition with Whites. But the missionaries also used the Press to propagate the Christian message and to promote African literature. An ideological rift began to open up between the missions and the new Black political beliefs of the Second World War. This led to the Lovedale Riot which is considered in the broader framework of sociopolitical unrest within the country. After the 1948 Election an ideological rift also developed between the missions and the State. This study concludes by examining the introduction of the Bantu Education Act and the Lovedale response to this. It was felt that although Bantu Education threatened to undermine their educational endeavour, they should nevertheless cooperate with the system in order to save what they had built up.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
Self-concept as a measure of success in the military environment
- Authors: Besener, Paul Robert
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: Self-perception , Control , Recruits , Soldiers , Military , National service , South Africa , Pupils , Learners , Guidance , School curriculum
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001429
- Description: This piece of research is an attempt to evaluate the relationship between military 'success' and the psychological preparedness of recruits in terms of their self-concepts and locus of control orientations. The new recruit is forced to adapt to the military environment which will, in turn, attempt to change him into an effective soldier. It was noticed by the researcher, who was involved in military training at the time, that a number of recruits, even some with seemingly limited potential, coped well, while others who seemed to have the ability failed to cope adequately. Recruits completed questionnaires which provided the researcher with biographical data and background information. In addition, the Bledsoe Self-Concept Scale and the Nowicki and Strickland Locus of Control Scale were used in order to determine their self-concepts and locus of control orientations respectively, prior to the beginning of national service. Detailed unstructured interviews were also conducted with a sample of military personnel, to provide another basis for gathering data and for clarifying some of the issues involved. Briefly, the chief conclusion of this researcher is that a significant majority of 'successful' recruits in the military environment have a positive self-concept and an internal locus of control. On the basis of the above finding, it is suggested that there is a need to guide pupils about certain aspects of military life before they begin their National Service. There would seem to be a need for this guidance to be incorporated into the school curriculum, together with such practical aspects as cadets, shooting, etc. There is a shortage of this kind of research on the military situation in South Africa, and it is suggested that numerous issues in this field need to be researched for the benefit of future conscripts and the military alike.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: Besener, Paul Robert
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: Self-perception , Control , Recruits , Soldiers , Military , National service , South Africa , Pupils , Learners , Guidance , School curriculum
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001429
- Description: This piece of research is an attempt to evaluate the relationship between military 'success' and the psychological preparedness of recruits in terms of their self-concepts and locus of control orientations. The new recruit is forced to adapt to the military environment which will, in turn, attempt to change him into an effective soldier. It was noticed by the researcher, who was involved in military training at the time, that a number of recruits, even some with seemingly limited potential, coped well, while others who seemed to have the ability failed to cope adequately. Recruits completed questionnaires which provided the researcher with biographical data and background information. In addition, the Bledsoe Self-Concept Scale and the Nowicki and Strickland Locus of Control Scale were used in order to determine their self-concepts and locus of control orientations respectively, prior to the beginning of national service. Detailed unstructured interviews were also conducted with a sample of military personnel, to provide another basis for gathering data and for clarifying some of the issues involved. Briefly, the chief conclusion of this researcher is that a significant majority of 'successful' recruits in the military environment have a positive self-concept and an internal locus of control. On the basis of the above finding, it is suggested that there is a need to guide pupils about certain aspects of military life before they begin their National Service. There would seem to be a need for this guidance to be incorporated into the school curriculum, together with such practical aspects as cadets, shooting, etc. There is a shortage of this kind of research on the military situation in South Africa, and it is suggested that numerous issues in this field need to be researched for the benefit of future conscripts and the military alike.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
Competition and segmentation : an analysis of wage determination and labour adjustments in manufacturing industry
- Authors: McCartan, Patrick John
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: Labour supply , Labour market , Competition , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:927 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001453
- Description: The thesis itself proceeds according to the following outline. Chapter One is concerned with the neoclassical theory of the labour market. Three particular models are surveyed all of which attempt to explain wage differentials and labour adjustments within a competitive equilibrium framework. The basic model of the labour market which rests upon the marginal productivity theory of labour demand, the utility-maximising approach to labour supply and the competitive theory of market equilibrium is dealt with first.This is followed by an outline of human capital theory which emphasises the crucial role played by education and training in determining individual earnings . Finally, attention is focused on disequilibrium wage models of adjustment which account for wage dispersion in terms of the amount and quality of information available to transactors in the labour market.(Introduction, p. 3-4)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
- Authors: McCartan, Patrick John
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: Labour supply , Labour market , Competition , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:927 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001453
- Description: The thesis itself proceeds according to the following outline. Chapter One is concerned with the neoclassical theory of the labour market. Three particular models are surveyed all of which attempt to explain wage differentials and labour adjustments within a competitive equilibrium framework. The basic model of the labour market which rests upon the marginal productivity theory of labour demand, the utility-maximising approach to labour supply and the competitive theory of market equilibrium is dealt with first.This is followed by an outline of human capital theory which emphasises the crucial role played by education and training in determining individual earnings . Finally, attention is focused on disequilibrium wage models of adjustment which account for wage dispersion in terms of the amount and quality of information available to transactors in the labour market.(Introduction, p. 3-4)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986