A portfolio of original compositions with a commentary
- Authors: Nkuna, Musa
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: String quartets -- Scores Song cycles -- Scores Music -- Africa -- Scores
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018689
- Description: This portfolio consists of four diverse original compositions written in 1999 : a string quartet, a cello suite and a set of two choral pieces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Nkuna, Musa
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: String quartets -- Scores Song cycles -- Scores Music -- Africa -- Scores
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018689
- Description: This portfolio consists of four diverse original compositions written in 1999 : a string quartet, a cello suite and a set of two choral pieces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An analysis of sources and predictability of geomagnetic storms
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ionospheric storms Solar flares Interplanetary magnetic fields Magnetospheric substorms Coronal mass ejections Space environment Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005236
- Description: Solar transient eruptions are the main cause of interplanetary-magnetospheric disturbances leading to the phenomena known as geomagnetic storms. Eruptive solar events such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently considered the main cause of geomagnetic storms (GMS). GMS are strong perturbations of the Earth’s magnetic field that can affect space-borne and ground-based technological systems. The solar-terrestrial impact on modern technological systems is commonly known as Space Weather. Part of the research study described in this thesis was to investigate and establish a relationship between GMS (periods with Dst ≤ −50 nT) and their associated solar and interplanetary (IP) properties during solar cycle (SC) 23. Solar and IP geoeffective properties associated with or without CMEs were investigated and used to qualitatively characterise both intense and moderate storms. The results of this analysis specifically provide an estimate of the main sources of GMS during an average 11-year solar activity period. This study indicates that during SC 23, the majority of intense GMS (83%) were associated with CMEs, while the non-associated CME storms were dominant among moderate storms. GMS phenomena are the result of a complex and non-linear chaotic system involving the Sun, the IP medium, the magnetosphere and ionosphere, which make the prediction of these phenomena challenging. This thesis also explored the predictability of both the occurrence and strength of GMS. Due to their nonlinear driving mechanisms, the prediction of GMS was attempted by the use of neural network (NN) techniques, known for their non-linear modelling capabilities. To predict the occurrence of storms, a combination of solar and IP parameters were used as inputs in the NN model that proved to predict the occurrence of GMS with a probability of 87%. Using the solar wind (SW) and IP magnetic field (IMF) parameters, a separate NN-based model was developed to predict the storm-time strength as measured by the global Dst and ap geomagnetic indices, as well as by the locally measured K-index. The performance of the models was tested on data sets which were not part of the NN training process. The results obtained indicate that NN models provide a reliable alternative method for empirically predicting the occurrence and strength of GMS on the basis of solar and IP parameters. The demonstrated ability to predict the geoeffectiveness of solar and IP transient events is a key step in the goal towards improving space weather modelling and prediction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ionospheric storms Solar flares Interplanetary magnetic fields Magnetospheric substorms Coronal mass ejections Space environment Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005236
- Description: Solar transient eruptions are the main cause of interplanetary-magnetospheric disturbances leading to the phenomena known as geomagnetic storms. Eruptive solar events such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently considered the main cause of geomagnetic storms (GMS). GMS are strong perturbations of the Earth’s magnetic field that can affect space-borne and ground-based technological systems. The solar-terrestrial impact on modern technological systems is commonly known as Space Weather. Part of the research study described in this thesis was to investigate and establish a relationship between GMS (periods with Dst ≤ −50 nT) and their associated solar and interplanetary (IP) properties during solar cycle (SC) 23. Solar and IP geoeffective properties associated with or without CMEs were investigated and used to qualitatively characterise both intense and moderate storms. The results of this analysis specifically provide an estimate of the main sources of GMS during an average 11-year solar activity period. This study indicates that during SC 23, the majority of intense GMS (83%) were associated with CMEs, while the non-associated CME storms were dominant among moderate storms. GMS phenomena are the result of a complex and non-linear chaotic system involving the Sun, the IP medium, the magnetosphere and ionosphere, which make the prediction of these phenomena challenging. This thesis also explored the predictability of both the occurrence and strength of GMS. Due to their nonlinear driving mechanisms, the prediction of GMS was attempted by the use of neural network (NN) techniques, known for their non-linear modelling capabilities. To predict the occurrence of storms, a combination of solar and IP parameters were used as inputs in the NN model that proved to predict the occurrence of GMS with a probability of 87%. Using the solar wind (SW) and IP magnetic field (IMF) parameters, a separate NN-based model was developed to predict the storm-time strength as measured by the global Dst and ap geomagnetic indices, as well as by the locally measured K-index. The performance of the models was tested on data sets which were not part of the NN training process. The results obtained indicate that NN models provide a reliable alternative method for empirically predicting the occurrence and strength of GMS on the basis of solar and IP parameters. The demonstrated ability to predict the geoeffectiveness of solar and IP transient events is a key step in the goal towards improving space weather modelling and prediction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An examination of Aristotelian modality
- Authors: Munshi, Salma
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: Aristotle , Modality (Theory of knowledge)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2703 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001978
- Description: From introduction: A popular misconception regarding Aristotle's views on modality is that Aristotle adhered to the doctrine of no unrealized possibilities. According to this doctrine, all possibilities are realized in time; in other words, if it is possible that something could happen, then at some time it is the case that that happens. For example, if it is possible for Socrates to escape from prison, then there will be a time at which Socrates will actually escape from prison. On this view, the possible and the actual co-incide; whereas there is abundant evidence that Aristotle was careful to maintain a distinction between the possible and the actual.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
- Authors: Munshi, Salma
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: Aristotle , Modality (Theory of knowledge)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2703 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001978
- Description: From introduction: A popular misconception regarding Aristotle's views on modality is that Aristotle adhered to the doctrine of no unrealized possibilities. According to this doctrine, all possibilities are realized in time; in other words, if it is possible that something could happen, then at some time it is the case that that happens. For example, if it is possible for Socrates to escape from prison, then there will be a time at which Socrates will actually escape from prison. On this view, the possible and the actual co-incide; whereas there is abundant evidence that Aristotle was careful to maintain a distinction between the possible and the actual.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
An examination of the extractives of Leonotis species
- Authors: Kaplan, Errol R
- Date: 1966
- Subjects: Leonotis -- Analysis Botanical chemistry Chemistry, Analytic Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012628
- Description: Marrubiin and the other two diterpenoids, compounds X and Y, which had previously been isolated from Leonotus leonurus have been reinvestigated. Although the structure for marrubiin is well known its stereochemistry has been the subject of protracted discussion and is by no means secure except at C₅ and C₁₀ . N.M.R. spectral evidence showed that the lactone ring was cis-fused and β-orientated. Dehydration experiments carried out by previous workers were repeated, in order to resolve the residual uncertainty regarding the stereochemistry at C₉, an attempt was made to prepare iodoacetyl marrubic acid for X-ray crystallographic studies. Compound Y, C₂₀H₂₈0₃, a triply-unsaturated compound was shown by spectral studies to contain a furan ring and an α,β- unsaturated keto-group. It possesses a hydroxyl group incapable of acetylation, but readily removed by alkali and dehydrating agents to yield a tetraunsaturated compound, anhydro~Y; the hydroxyl is thus tertiary, Isolation of 1:2:5-trimethylnaphthalene on dehydrogenation indicated a relationship with the labdane diterpene group and supported the C₂₀ formula, The position of the α,β-unsaturated keto-group was resolved by interpretation of the ultraviolet spectra of degradation products and also by isolation of 1:2:3:5- trimethylnaphthalene on dehydrogenation of a suitable grignard product, The presence of a β-substituted furan was further indicated by colour reactions and confirmed by mass and n.m.r. spectra. The skeleton of compound Y is correlated with marrubiin via "iso-ambreinolide " and its stereochemistry is discussed. Further stereochemical assignments are postulated from the study of the n.m.r. spectra. Compound X, C₂₀H₂₈0₅, was shown by spectral and chemical evidence to be a diterpenoid dilactone containing an ether bridge between C₉ and C₁₃ Isolation of 1:2:5 trimethylnaphthal ene on dehydrogenation showed it to be closely related to marrubiin, This was supported by n.m.r. spectral results. A structure for compound X is proposed and the stereochemistry discussed. The aerial portions of Leonotis leonitis were also extracted and shown to contain a new compound, compound R. Preliminary investigation showed that it was a dilactone containing a furan ring, The n.m.r. spectrum of the compound is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1966
- Authors: Kaplan, Errol R
- Date: 1966
- Subjects: Leonotis -- Analysis Botanical chemistry Chemistry, Analytic Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4481 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012628
- Description: Marrubiin and the other two diterpenoids, compounds X and Y, which had previously been isolated from Leonotus leonurus have been reinvestigated. Although the structure for marrubiin is well known its stereochemistry has been the subject of protracted discussion and is by no means secure except at C₅ and C₁₀ . N.M.R. spectral evidence showed that the lactone ring was cis-fused and β-orientated. Dehydration experiments carried out by previous workers were repeated, in order to resolve the residual uncertainty regarding the stereochemistry at C₉, an attempt was made to prepare iodoacetyl marrubic acid for X-ray crystallographic studies. Compound Y, C₂₀H₂₈0₃, a triply-unsaturated compound was shown by spectral studies to contain a furan ring and an α,β- unsaturated keto-group. It possesses a hydroxyl group incapable of acetylation, but readily removed by alkali and dehydrating agents to yield a tetraunsaturated compound, anhydro~Y; the hydroxyl is thus tertiary, Isolation of 1:2:5-trimethylnaphthalene on dehydrogenation indicated a relationship with the labdane diterpene group and supported the C₂₀ formula, The position of the α,β-unsaturated keto-group was resolved by interpretation of the ultraviolet spectra of degradation products and also by isolation of 1:2:3:5- trimethylnaphthalene on dehydrogenation of a suitable grignard product, The presence of a β-substituted furan was further indicated by colour reactions and confirmed by mass and n.m.r. spectra. The skeleton of compound Y is correlated with marrubiin via "iso-ambreinolide " and its stereochemistry is discussed. Further stereochemical assignments are postulated from the study of the n.m.r. spectra. Compound X, C₂₀H₂₈0₅, was shown by spectral and chemical evidence to be a diterpenoid dilactone containing an ether bridge between C₉ and C₁₃ Isolation of 1:2:5 trimethylnaphthal ene on dehydrogenation showed it to be closely related to marrubiin, This was supported by n.m.r. spectral results. A structure for compound X is proposed and the stereochemistry discussed. The aerial portions of Leonotis leonitis were also extracted and shown to contain a new compound, compound R. Preliminary investigation showed that it was a dilactone containing a furan ring, The n.m.r. spectrum of the compound is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1966
An investigation into the effect of military influences on the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercise of Ignatius of Loyola
- Authors: Christie, David Osborne
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint, 1491-1556. Exercitia spiritualia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008540
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the influences of a military nature affecting the life of Ignatius of Loyola up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises, and to assess whether such influences may have affected the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercises. The investigation opens with an apologetic on why the author considers it desirable to examine The Spiritual Exercises from this point of view. Thereafter a review of the life of Ignatius up to the time he wrote The Exercises is undertaken to identify which sources may have provided influences of a military nature or nuance, and to examine what possible effect these had upon Ignatius. The potential sources of influence examined include Ignatius's family background and the milieu in which he grew up, the attitude of his mentors in particular and society in general to the profession of arms, and Ignatius's own response to this attitude. From the age of twenty-five to thirty Ignatius was employed on duties of a principally military nature until he was severely wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521. Therefore his military experience is examined together with an attempt to assess the degree, if any, of his spirituality at that point in his life. This is followed by an investigation of the literary sources available to Ignatius from the time of his wounding up to the time when he wrote The Spiritual Exercises at Manresa. Thereafter an examination of the changes which took place in his psyche and spirit, from the time he was wounded up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises is undertaken, in order to ascertain whether his attitude to military concepts immediately prior to writing The Exercises had changed from his pre-Pamplona days. The Spiritual Exercises are then examined to consider which portions, if any, were affected in form or theology by military influences or nuances. The conclusion reached is that whereas The Spiritual Exercises are in no way a military treatise, the form is affected to a reasonable degree by Ignatius's experiences of, and attitude to, the military life, whereas the theology is affected only slightly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Christie, David Osborne
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint, 1491-1556. Exercitia spiritualia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008540
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the influences of a military nature affecting the life of Ignatius of Loyola up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises, and to assess whether such influences may have affected the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercises. The investigation opens with an apologetic on why the author considers it desirable to examine The Spiritual Exercises from this point of view. Thereafter a review of the life of Ignatius up to the time he wrote The Exercises is undertaken to identify which sources may have provided influences of a military nature or nuance, and to examine what possible effect these had upon Ignatius. The potential sources of influence examined include Ignatius's family background and the milieu in which he grew up, the attitude of his mentors in particular and society in general to the profession of arms, and Ignatius's own response to this attitude. From the age of twenty-five to thirty Ignatius was employed on duties of a principally military nature until he was severely wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521. Therefore his military experience is examined together with an attempt to assess the degree, if any, of his spirituality at that point in his life. This is followed by an investigation of the literary sources available to Ignatius from the time of his wounding up to the time when he wrote The Spiritual Exercises at Manresa. Thereafter an examination of the changes which took place in his psyche and spirit, from the time he was wounded up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises is undertaken, in order to ascertain whether his attitude to military concepts immediately prior to writing The Exercises had changed from his pre-Pamplona days. The Spiritual Exercises are then examined to consider which portions, if any, were affected in form or theology by military influences or nuances. The conclusion reached is that whereas The Spiritual Exercises are in no way a military treatise, the form is affected to a reasonable degree by Ignatius's experiences of, and attitude to, the military life, whereas the theology is affected only slightly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Competence development in marine protected area professionals: a case study of the South African Marine Protected Area Management Training Course (SAMPATC)
- Authors: Lewis, Sebastian Giulio
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Core competencies Employees -- Training of Marine ecosystem management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003337
- Description: This study reviews a training programme on Marine Protected Area (MPA) management. It notes that although MPAs are well promulgated under legislation, reports have found that there are still key challenges facing the management of these areas. The research examines how the course was developed following the Lemm and Attwood (2003) report and designed to develop competences for effective MPA management. The aim is to identify how a MPA management training course produced competences apposite to the workplace settings of the participants. An interpretive case study method was used, in two phases. The first phase explored salient issues in MPA management in South Africa through analysis of the two key ‘state of MPA management’ reports and interviews with MPA professionals. The second was an analysis of the South African Marine Protected Area Management Training Course. This involved interviews with course designers, a review of the course materials, interviews with past course participants, and an analysis of course evaluations. Evidence emerged that supported the following findings: Challenges and problems facing MPA management still exist. Competence in key areas of MPA management was addressed in an effective work-integrated approach. Social learning was a key process in the development of these competences. The competences articulate well with the workplace of participants. Gaps exist between some of the management issues and the competences developed by the course, and some aspects of the course design are ineffective. From these findings it is concluded that: The course took up the majority of issues in MPA management through the development of key competences. The course design facilitated the development of these competences. The competences developed through the course are relevant to the workplace of MPA professionals. The research found that the course adequately addresses issues in MPA management through the development of competences. Some recommendations for improvements are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Lewis, Sebastian Giulio
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Core competencies Employees -- Training of Marine ecosystem management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003337
- Description: This study reviews a training programme on Marine Protected Area (MPA) management. It notes that although MPAs are well promulgated under legislation, reports have found that there are still key challenges facing the management of these areas. The research examines how the course was developed following the Lemm and Attwood (2003) report and designed to develop competences for effective MPA management. The aim is to identify how a MPA management training course produced competences apposite to the workplace settings of the participants. An interpretive case study method was used, in two phases. The first phase explored salient issues in MPA management in South Africa through analysis of the two key ‘state of MPA management’ reports and interviews with MPA professionals. The second was an analysis of the South African Marine Protected Area Management Training Course. This involved interviews with course designers, a review of the course materials, interviews with past course participants, and an analysis of course evaluations. Evidence emerged that supported the following findings: Challenges and problems facing MPA management still exist. Competence in key areas of MPA management was addressed in an effective work-integrated approach. Social learning was a key process in the development of these competences. The competences articulate well with the workplace of participants. Gaps exist between some of the management issues and the competences developed by the course, and some aspects of the course design are ineffective. From these findings it is concluded that: The course took up the majority of issues in MPA management through the development of key competences. The course design facilitated the development of these competences. The competences developed through the course are relevant to the workplace of MPA professionals. The research found that the course adequately addresses issues in MPA management through the development of competences. Some recommendations for improvements are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Design of a Traffic Surveillance Application using iFogSim
- Authors: Sinqandu, Mluleki
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18676 , vital:42705
- Description: __iFogSim is a toolkit to model, simulate and evaluate networks of Fog computing, Edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT). This framework provides the capabilities of analysing and evaluating the performance of applications and resource management policies in Fog/IoT environments, based on which designers can model and test their applications. This thesis proposes a novel application model of a traffic surveillance vehicular network application through smart cameras using iFogSim, where the scenario of multiple vehicles tracking is considered. The effectiveness of the proposed application model is assessed and validated by simulations using a modified application model inherited from a case study of intelligent surveillance through distributed camera networks introduced. Simulations are conducted using the iFogSim tool and performance evaluation is done. The comparison between one vehicle and multiple vehicle tracking is done and the results demonstrate that the multiple vehicle application model achieves a better performance in terms of average latency and data transfer rate
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Sinqandu, Mluleki
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18676 , vital:42705
- Description: __iFogSim is a toolkit to model, simulate and evaluate networks of Fog computing, Edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT). This framework provides the capabilities of analysing and evaluating the performance of applications and resource management policies in Fog/IoT environments, based on which designers can model and test their applications. This thesis proposes a novel application model of a traffic surveillance vehicular network application through smart cameras using iFogSim, where the scenario of multiple vehicles tracking is considered. The effectiveness of the proposed application model is assessed and validated by simulations using a modified application model inherited from a case study of intelligent surveillance through distributed camera networks introduced. Simulations are conducted using the iFogSim tool and performance evaluation is done. The comparison between one vehicle and multiple vehicle tracking is done and the results demonstrate that the multiple vehicle application model achieves a better performance in terms of average latency and data transfer rate
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring lecturer experiences of the use of ICT in blended learning : a case study at a South African university
- Authors: Ntlabathi, Siyanda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Technological innovations , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Internet in education -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Critical realism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2044 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017355
- Description: ICTs have had a tremendous impact on our educational environment. There have been a huge number of developments and support in implementation of ICT in Higher Education teaching and learning, also referred to as e-learning. Similarly there appears to be quite a number of research conducted on the use of ICTs in blended learning settings worldwide and as well as in South Africa. Very little research however, has focussed on the experiences of lecturers with e-learning, specifically as it relates to Learning Management Systems (LMS). In trying to meet the requirements of its academic programmes and be in line with new developments worldwide, the University which is the focus of this study pilot projected the use of an LMS in a blended learning approach which integrates face-to-face classes with Blackboard, an ICT-based system or tool. Following the implementation of the pilot project, this study explores the experiences of lecturers in their blended learning environments at this university in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research design was that of an interpretative paradigm within a qualitative research approach in a case study methodology. Purposive sampling of six lecturers from departments within faculties across two campuses was done. The data was gathered through interviews, a follow-up questionnaire and document analysis was employed. Using Critical and Social Realism as meta-theories the study employed aspects of Activity Theory as substantive theory to understand particular experiences of blended learning environments and identify conditions which enable and constrain engagement in these environments so as to explore potential lessons to inform the kind of educational support which could be offered to facilitate uptake of the LMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ntlabathi, Siyanda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Technological innovations , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Internet in education -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Critical realism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2044 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017355
- Description: ICTs have had a tremendous impact on our educational environment. There have been a huge number of developments and support in implementation of ICT in Higher Education teaching and learning, also referred to as e-learning. Similarly there appears to be quite a number of research conducted on the use of ICTs in blended learning settings worldwide and as well as in South Africa. Very little research however, has focussed on the experiences of lecturers with e-learning, specifically as it relates to Learning Management Systems (LMS). In trying to meet the requirements of its academic programmes and be in line with new developments worldwide, the University which is the focus of this study pilot projected the use of an LMS in a blended learning approach which integrates face-to-face classes with Blackboard, an ICT-based system or tool. Following the implementation of the pilot project, this study explores the experiences of lecturers in their blended learning environments at this university in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research design was that of an interpretative paradigm within a qualitative research approach in a case study methodology. Purposive sampling of six lecturers from departments within faculties across two campuses was done. The data was gathered through interviews, a follow-up questionnaire and document analysis was employed. Using Critical and Social Realism as meta-theories the study employed aspects of Activity Theory as substantive theory to understand particular experiences of blended learning environments and identify conditions which enable and constrain engagement in these environments so as to explore potential lessons to inform the kind of educational support which could be offered to facilitate uptake of the LMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Exploring the role of social work intervention in empowering victims of crime : a case study of Alice community in Alice
- Authors: Njongi, Ayanda Griffiths
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Victims of crimes--South Africa Victims of crimes--Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15276 , vital:40333
- Description: The aim of the study is to explore the role of social work intervention in empowering victims of crime in the Alice community. The study used a qualitative research design to collect data from nineteen (19) participants. The findings revealed that people living in rural areas are vulnerable because they do not get the necessary support from the government, social workers and other professional bodies. Yet the role played by social workers to assist victims of crime is not enough because they are few and they do not have enough resources to execute their work. The study reveals that most of the victims of crime were females, others were employed and few of them were unemployed. The study recommends that policy makers need to evaluate the overall impact of different criminal activities by measuring the extent to which dependence changes as policies are changed. Debates should be centred on a discussion of how to design better programs in order to achieve the developmental objectives since it is evident that criminal activities grow day-by-day in South Africa. The study concludes that the researcher hopes that the objectives were adequately handled as they attempted as much as possible to address the possible implications associated with victimisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Njongi, Ayanda Griffiths
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Victims of crimes--South Africa Victims of crimes--Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15276 , vital:40333
- Description: The aim of the study is to explore the role of social work intervention in empowering victims of crime in the Alice community. The study used a qualitative research design to collect data from nineteen (19) participants. The findings revealed that people living in rural areas are vulnerable because they do not get the necessary support from the government, social workers and other professional bodies. Yet the role played by social workers to assist victims of crime is not enough because they are few and they do not have enough resources to execute their work. The study reveals that most of the victims of crime were females, others were employed and few of them were unemployed. The study recommends that policy makers need to evaluate the overall impact of different criminal activities by measuring the extent to which dependence changes as policies are changed. Debates should be centred on a discussion of how to design better programs in order to achieve the developmental objectives since it is evident that criminal activities grow day-by-day in South Africa. The study concludes that the researcher hopes that the objectives were adequately handled as they attempted as much as possible to address the possible implications associated with victimisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Horns of dilemma : Department head and subject teacher : a case study of Heads of Department in a public secondary school, northern Namibia
- Authors: Naundobe, Robert Natukondye
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: High school department heads -- Namibia , High school teachers -- Workload -- Namibia , Teacher effectiveness -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia , Conflict of interests
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017354
- Description: The accountability and responsibilities of school leaders have intensified greatly over the past decades and school leadership has become a strong focus of research. Meanwhile, Bush (2003) asserts that “school leaders [experience] tensions between competing elements of leadership, management and administration” (p. 7). This study uses observations, questionnaires, interviews and document analysis to unpack the perceptions of four Heads of Department (HoDs), the principal, and eight teachers on the tensions inherent in balancing the responsibilities of department head and subject teacher for HoDs in public secondary school. The study goes beyond the mere task of influence in its attempts to unpack how the leadership and teaching practices of HoDs may, or may not, be in conflict with each other. Using distributed leadership as a theoretical framing and drawing in particular on the work of Spillane and colleagues (2001; 2004), the study examines the roles HoDs enact; the challenges HoDs encounter in enacting their responsibilities as department head and subject teacher; and the strategies HoDs employ to combat the emerging challenges. The study found that the roles of HoDs are extensive and stretch across the classroom, the department, the whole school and beyond. However, the majority of these roles are biased in favour of management systems and processes and opportunities for leadership are rare. The many and extensive management responsibilities of the HoDs limit both their classroom teaching as well as their agency as leaders. The weight of their management work thus restricts their leadership, resulting in an authorised form of distributed leadership (Grant, 2010). The data also revealed that HoDs struggle to balance the responsibilities of department head and subject teacher due to both inter-role and intra-sender conflict. However, the study also found that the HoDs strategically adopt a range of strategies to assist them in doing their work, these include: compensatory teaching; delegation; and planning and prioritizing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Naundobe, Robert Natukondye
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: High school department heads -- Namibia , High school teachers -- Workload -- Namibia , Teacher effectiveness -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia , Conflict of interests
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017354
- Description: The accountability and responsibilities of school leaders have intensified greatly over the past decades and school leadership has become a strong focus of research. Meanwhile, Bush (2003) asserts that “school leaders [experience] tensions between competing elements of leadership, management and administration” (p. 7). This study uses observations, questionnaires, interviews and document analysis to unpack the perceptions of four Heads of Department (HoDs), the principal, and eight teachers on the tensions inherent in balancing the responsibilities of department head and subject teacher for HoDs in public secondary school. The study goes beyond the mere task of influence in its attempts to unpack how the leadership and teaching practices of HoDs may, or may not, be in conflict with each other. Using distributed leadership as a theoretical framing and drawing in particular on the work of Spillane and colleagues (2001; 2004), the study examines the roles HoDs enact; the challenges HoDs encounter in enacting their responsibilities as department head and subject teacher; and the strategies HoDs employ to combat the emerging challenges. The study found that the roles of HoDs are extensive and stretch across the classroom, the department, the whole school and beyond. However, the majority of these roles are biased in favour of management systems and processes and opportunities for leadership are rare. The many and extensive management responsibilities of the HoDs limit both their classroom teaching as well as their agency as leaders. The weight of their management work thus restricts their leadership, resulting in an authorised form of distributed leadership (Grant, 2010). The data also revealed that HoDs struggle to balance the responsibilities of department head and subject teacher due to both inter-role and intra-sender conflict. However, the study also found that the HoDs strategically adopt a range of strategies to assist them in doing their work, these include: compensatory teaching; delegation; and planning and prioritizing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Implementation and management of code of conduct in addressing service delivery, in the Eastern Cape department of basic education
- Authors: Mhambi, Mbulelo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Professional ethics Code of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16940 , vital:40787
- Description: The study seeks to assess and examine the management and implementation of the code of conduct by the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education in addressing service delivery in the Province. The reason for the Researcher to undertake the study is influenced among others by poor of service delivery, maladministration and corruption reported in this department through media, newspapers, Auditor General (AG) Reports and Portfolio Committee on Basic Education Eastern Cape Legislature which act as the oversight mechanism for this department. Literature review was conducted as a secondary source of information and primary information was conducted through sample of 30 respondents which were selected by the Researcher. The respondents were from the most key units of the department of Education Eastern Cape, which are stated in chapter one of the study. The study followed qualitative research approach which included semi-structured questionnaire, observation and document analysis. The findings of the study indicate lack of management and implementation of the code of conduct by the department. They clearly shows, lack of awareness and understanding of the code itself by the general staff members, lack of discipline, poor employee attitude, and unwillingness to improve service delivery and corruption in the department systems. The findings of the study expose lack of understanding of the code of conduct by the civil servants in the Department of Education, Eastern Cape. This can be attributed to lack of induction, orientation and training, in order to understand the importance of the code of conduct. Document analysis revealed that, there was lack of adherence and observation of the department’s established policies, rules, regulations, procedures and flouting of supply chain management processes and corruption in the system which is tantamount to violation of the DPSA code of conduct. These factors all contributed to this department’s failure in achieving clean audit outcomes from the AG during the last term. Department of Basic Education, Eastern Cape Province, received qualified and adverse audit reports between 2009 and 2014 financial years. The study recommends trainings of the department of education officials in the DPSA code of conduct. More vigorous on going ethical training is very crucial in the attempt to promote ethical behaviour, to root out corruption, under performance and vi maladministration activities experienced in this department so as to fast track service delivery to the people of the Province, in the following terms of Government administration going forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhambi, Mbulelo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Professional ethics Code of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16940 , vital:40787
- Description: The study seeks to assess and examine the management and implementation of the code of conduct by the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education in addressing service delivery in the Province. The reason for the Researcher to undertake the study is influenced among others by poor of service delivery, maladministration and corruption reported in this department through media, newspapers, Auditor General (AG) Reports and Portfolio Committee on Basic Education Eastern Cape Legislature which act as the oversight mechanism for this department. Literature review was conducted as a secondary source of information and primary information was conducted through sample of 30 respondents which were selected by the Researcher. The respondents were from the most key units of the department of Education Eastern Cape, which are stated in chapter one of the study. The study followed qualitative research approach which included semi-structured questionnaire, observation and document analysis. The findings of the study indicate lack of management and implementation of the code of conduct by the department. They clearly shows, lack of awareness and understanding of the code itself by the general staff members, lack of discipline, poor employee attitude, and unwillingness to improve service delivery and corruption in the department systems. The findings of the study expose lack of understanding of the code of conduct by the civil servants in the Department of Education, Eastern Cape. This can be attributed to lack of induction, orientation and training, in order to understand the importance of the code of conduct. Document analysis revealed that, there was lack of adherence and observation of the department’s established policies, rules, regulations, procedures and flouting of supply chain management processes and corruption in the system which is tantamount to violation of the DPSA code of conduct. These factors all contributed to this department’s failure in achieving clean audit outcomes from the AG during the last term. Department of Basic Education, Eastern Cape Province, received qualified and adverse audit reports between 2009 and 2014 financial years. The study recommends trainings of the department of education officials in the DPSA code of conduct. More vigorous on going ethical training is very crucial in the attempt to promote ethical behaviour, to root out corruption, under performance and vi maladministration activities experienced in this department so as to fast track service delivery to the people of the Province, in the following terms of Government administration going forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Investigation of the performance of photovoltaic systems
- Authors: Alistoun, Warren James
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems -- South Africa , Photovoltaic power generation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008396 , Photovoltaic power systems -- South Africa , Photovoltaic power generation -- South Africa
- Description: The main objective of this study was to investigate the performance of grid integrated PV systems. A data acquisition (DAQ) system was developed to monitor the performance of an existing grid integrated PV system with battery storage. This system is referred to as a grid assisted PV system. A data logger was used together with the inverters built in data logger to monitor environmental and electrical data on a grid tie PV system which was deployed during this study. To investigate the performance of these grid integrated PV systems PV and BOS device characterization was performed. This was achieved by using current voltage curve tracers and the DAQ system developed. Energy yield estimations were calculated referring to the literature review and a meteorological reference for comparison with measured energy yields from the grid tie PV system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Alistoun, Warren James
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems -- South Africa , Photovoltaic power generation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008396 , Photovoltaic power systems -- South Africa , Photovoltaic power generation -- South Africa
- Description: The main objective of this study was to investigate the performance of grid integrated PV systems. A data acquisition (DAQ) system was developed to monitor the performance of an existing grid integrated PV system with battery storage. This system is referred to as a grid assisted PV system. A data logger was used together with the inverters built in data logger to monitor environmental and electrical data on a grid tie PV system which was deployed during this study. To investigate the performance of these grid integrated PV systems PV and BOS device characterization was performed. This was achieved by using current voltage curve tracers and the DAQ system developed. Energy yield estimations were calculated referring to the literature review and a meteorological reference for comparison with measured energy yields from the grid tie PV system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Job engagement and locus of control in relation to organizational citizenship behaviour among academic and non-academic staff of a South African university
- Authors: Mbeba, Roland Darlington
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Locus of control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1633 , vital:27498
- Description: This study investigated the relationship between job engagement and locus of control on the one hand, and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other among non-academic and academic employees of the University of Fort Hare. Job engagement and locus of control were the independent variables and organisational citizenship behaviour was the dependent variable. Data was drawn from a sample of 300 participants. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. It consisted of four sections including biographical and occupation data questionnaire. To measure job engagement, the 18-item Rich et al., (2010) job engagement scale, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. To measure locus of control, the 16-item Spector (1988) work locus of control scale was used, with 6-point Likert scale. To measure organisational citizenship behaviour, the Fox & Spector (2011) 20 item organisational citizenship behaviour questionnaire, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. Data was analysed using various statistical techniques including the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Technique and the generalised linear regression model. The results indicated that job engagement has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour and locus of control also has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour. However the results also indicated that when job engagement and locus of control are put together, they do not account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than each of them separately. Furthermore, as far as OCB-P and OCB-O are concerned, the results indicated a partial support of the research hypothesis that job engagement and locus of control together account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than any of the two separately. The study recommends that managers in organisations must focus on improving job engagement and promoting internal locus of control in order to ensure high levels of organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mbeba, Roland Darlington
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Locus of control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1633 , vital:27498
- Description: This study investigated the relationship between job engagement and locus of control on the one hand, and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other among non-academic and academic employees of the University of Fort Hare. Job engagement and locus of control were the independent variables and organisational citizenship behaviour was the dependent variable. Data was drawn from a sample of 300 participants. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. It consisted of four sections including biographical and occupation data questionnaire. To measure job engagement, the 18-item Rich et al., (2010) job engagement scale, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. To measure locus of control, the 16-item Spector (1988) work locus of control scale was used, with 6-point Likert scale. To measure organisational citizenship behaviour, the Fox & Spector (2011) 20 item organisational citizenship behaviour questionnaire, with a 5-point Likert scale was used. Data was analysed using various statistical techniques including the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Technique and the generalised linear regression model. The results indicated that job engagement has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour and locus of control also has a significant positive correlation with organisational citizenship behaviour. However the results also indicated that when job engagement and locus of control are put together, they do not account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than each of them separately. Furthermore, as far as OCB-P and OCB-O are concerned, the results indicated a partial support of the research hypothesis that job engagement and locus of control together account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than any of the two separately. The study recommends that managers in organisations must focus on improving job engagement and promoting internal locus of control in order to ensure high levels of organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Making visual literacy meaningful in a rural context: an action research case study
- Authors: Mbelani, Madeyandile
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Visual literacy -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Education -- Research -- Case studies Education -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural schools -- Research -- Case studies Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003551
- Description: This thesis reports on a collaborative action research case study into the teaching of visual literacy to Grade 10 learners in a rural high school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Visual literacy is one of the critical aspects that have been incorporated in the teaching of English First Additional Language as required by the National Curriculum Statement (Grade 10-12), which has been implemented in Grade 10 as from 2006. With the aim of improving learners’ performance in visual literacy I designed a visual literacy unit that consisted of lesson plans running over 7 periods in 10 school days. In implementing the unit the learners were first grouped and then exposed to visual grammar and visual texts and then they critically viewed such texts and designed their own. Data was collected daily in the form of individual learner journals, researcher’s journal/diary, and copies were kept of activities done by learners (individually or in groups). Also, two teachers were invited as non-participant observers to each visit a lesson. Learner focus groups were conducted and critical friends were interviewed, tape recorded and transcribed. A camera was used to take still photographs to show learner activities in groups and during group presentations. The data revealed that visual literacy could be taught meaningfully in a rural high school as the learners could identify, cut, paste and discuss elements of visual language and they finally designed their own advertisements in groups. In the analysis of data the following factors emerged as hindrances for successful teaching of visual literacy in a rural high school: lack of resources; learners’ lack of a foundation in visual literacy from Grades 7-9; and problems revolving around time management and pacing. As action research comes in spirals, this research represented the first one and the researcher found the study an eye opener and a foundation to build on in the second spiral (that is not part of this research).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mbelani, Madeyandile
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Visual literacy -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Education -- Research -- Case studies Education -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural schools -- Research -- Case studies Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003551
- Description: This thesis reports on a collaborative action research case study into the teaching of visual literacy to Grade 10 learners in a rural high school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Visual literacy is one of the critical aspects that have been incorporated in the teaching of English First Additional Language as required by the National Curriculum Statement (Grade 10-12), which has been implemented in Grade 10 as from 2006. With the aim of improving learners’ performance in visual literacy I designed a visual literacy unit that consisted of lesson plans running over 7 periods in 10 school days. In implementing the unit the learners were first grouped and then exposed to visual grammar and visual texts and then they critically viewed such texts and designed their own. Data was collected daily in the form of individual learner journals, researcher’s journal/diary, and copies were kept of activities done by learners (individually or in groups). Also, two teachers were invited as non-participant observers to each visit a lesson. Learner focus groups were conducted and critical friends were interviewed, tape recorded and transcribed. A camera was used to take still photographs to show learner activities in groups and during group presentations. The data revealed that visual literacy could be taught meaningfully in a rural high school as the learners could identify, cut, paste and discuss elements of visual language and they finally designed their own advertisements in groups. In the analysis of data the following factors emerged as hindrances for successful teaching of visual literacy in a rural high school: lack of resources; learners’ lack of a foundation in visual literacy from Grades 7-9; and problems revolving around time management and pacing. As action research comes in spirals, this research represented the first one and the researcher found the study an eye opener and a foundation to build on in the second spiral (that is not part of this research).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Modelling stock return volatility dynamics in selected African markets
- Authors: King, Daniel Jonathan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rate of return -- Africa Stocks -- Prices -- Africa Finance -- Developing countries -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006452
- Description: Stock return volatility has been shown to occasionally exhibit discrete structural shifts. These shifts are particularly evident in the transition from ‘normal’ to crisis periods, and tend to be more pronounced in developing markets. This study aims to establish whether accounting for structural changes in the conditional variance process, through the use of Markov-switching models, improves estimates and forecasts of stock return volatility over those of the more conventional single-state (G)ARCH models, within and across selected African markets for the period 2002-2012. In the univariate portion of the study, the performances of various Markov-switching models are tested against a single-state benchmark model through the use of in-sample goodness-of-fit and predictive ability measures. In the multivariate context, the single-state and Markov-switching models are comparatively assessed according to their usefulness in constructing optimal stock portfolios. It is found that, even after accounting for structural breaks in the conditional variance process, conventional GARCH effects remain important to capturing the heteroscedasticity evident in the data. However, those univariate models which include a GARCH term are shown to perform comparatively poorly when used for forecasting purposes. Additionally, in the multivariate study, the use of Markov-switching variance-covariance estimates improves risk-adjusted portfolio returns when compared to portfolios that are constructed using the more conventional single-state models. While there is evidence that the use of some Markov-switching models can result in better forecasts and higher risk-adjusted returns than those models which include GARCH effects, the inability of the simpler Markov-switching models to fully capture the heteroscedasticity in the data remains problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: King, Daniel Jonathan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rate of return -- Africa Stocks -- Prices -- Africa Finance -- Developing countries -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006452
- Description: Stock return volatility has been shown to occasionally exhibit discrete structural shifts. These shifts are particularly evident in the transition from ‘normal’ to crisis periods, and tend to be more pronounced in developing markets. This study aims to establish whether accounting for structural changes in the conditional variance process, through the use of Markov-switching models, improves estimates and forecasts of stock return volatility over those of the more conventional single-state (G)ARCH models, within and across selected African markets for the period 2002-2012. In the univariate portion of the study, the performances of various Markov-switching models are tested against a single-state benchmark model through the use of in-sample goodness-of-fit and predictive ability measures. In the multivariate context, the single-state and Markov-switching models are comparatively assessed according to their usefulness in constructing optimal stock portfolios. It is found that, even after accounting for structural breaks in the conditional variance process, conventional GARCH effects remain important to capturing the heteroscedasticity evident in the data. However, those univariate models which include a GARCH term are shown to perform comparatively poorly when used for forecasting purposes. Additionally, in the multivariate study, the use of Markov-switching variance-covariance estimates improves risk-adjusted portfolio returns when compared to portfolios that are constructed using the more conventional single-state models. While there is evidence that the use of some Markov-switching models can result in better forecasts and higher risk-adjusted returns than those models which include GARCH effects, the inability of the simpler Markov-switching models to fully capture the heteroscedasticity in the data remains problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Reading strategies employed by grade 10 english first additional language teachers to elicit reading culture in the King williams town education district
- Authors: Gcilishe, Tantaswa Brenda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading-skill strategies Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6059 , vital:29487
- Description: This study sought to explore strategies used to elicit a reading culture among secondary schools learners. The importance of reading cannot be over emphasised as it is used as an index to how well an education system is, in the delivering of its mandate of creating a reading nation. In view of this, the South African government has developed a range of legislation and policies that shape reading and literacy in the country. Theoretically, the study is built around the socio-cultural theory which is conceptualised by different reading models. Methodologically, it is premised within the interpretive paradigm based on a case study design. In view of this, the study made use of the Qualitative research method with the principal tools for data collection being; interviews, focus group discussion and, observation. The main findings of the study revealed that using English as the medium of instruction in South Africa is not such a good idea. In this regards, teachers need some form of training to cope with the use of English (a first additional language to both teachers and learners) is a problem in itself. The study recommends that the government needs a) to provide funding to ascertain that resources needed to facilitate reading are available, b) the government should also play the role of monitoring and evaluation to make sure that the policies are kept in place and, c) There is need for in-service training for teachers to make sure that they are living up to expectation. There would be tremendous growth in socio-economic terms with a love for reading being fostered among all members of the school and community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gcilishe, Tantaswa Brenda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading-skill strategies Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6059 , vital:29487
- Description: This study sought to explore strategies used to elicit a reading culture among secondary schools learners. The importance of reading cannot be over emphasised as it is used as an index to how well an education system is, in the delivering of its mandate of creating a reading nation. In view of this, the South African government has developed a range of legislation and policies that shape reading and literacy in the country. Theoretically, the study is built around the socio-cultural theory which is conceptualised by different reading models. Methodologically, it is premised within the interpretive paradigm based on a case study design. In view of this, the study made use of the Qualitative research method with the principal tools for data collection being; interviews, focus group discussion and, observation. The main findings of the study revealed that using English as the medium of instruction in South Africa is not such a good idea. In this regards, teachers need some form of training to cope with the use of English (a first additional language to both teachers and learners) is a problem in itself. The study recommends that the government needs a) to provide funding to ascertain that resources needed to facilitate reading are available, b) the government should also play the role of monitoring and evaluation to make sure that the policies are kept in place and, c) There is need for in-service training for teachers to make sure that they are living up to expectation. There would be tremendous growth in socio-economic terms with a love for reading being fostered among all members of the school and community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Research portfolio
- Authors: Bock, L J
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Curriculum change -- Namibia College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006128
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Bock, L J
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Curriculum change -- Namibia College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006128
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Social capital and first-generation South African students at Rhodes University
- Hlatshwayo, Mlamuli Nkosingphile
- Authors: Hlatshwayo, Mlamuli Nkosingphile
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1466 , vital:20060
- Description: The post-1994 democratic dispensation was presented with a challenge of how to improve equity of access for the incoming Black majority in institutions of higher learning (Cloete and Moja, 2005; Badat, 2010). Democratization of access to institutions of higher learning led to what has been called a “revolution” in the student demographics of higher education institutions in South Africa (Cloete and Moja, 2005). Many of the new entrants, particularly those entering historically white institutions, are from working backgrounds and are the first in their families to have the opportunity obtain a tertiary qualification – they are ‘first generation’ students. This thesis is interested in the experiences of first-generation working class students as they negotiate the terrain of an elite, historically white, South African university. While a prior body of research on first-generation students has focused primarily on the educational, cultural and economic deficits and challenges that these students experience, the present project was interested in the question of social capital in relation to these students. The thesis set out to explore what social networks these students do and do not have access to, and the various ways that they create, access and take advantage of alternative social networks in order to overcome their marginality in their everyday lived experiences at the university. In depth qualitative interviews with 31 participants were employed to gain an insight into the experiences of first-generation Black working class students at one university. The study finds that while first-generation students are not bereft of social capital, their networks are often inward-looking, based as they are on mutual recognition of markers of marginalisation and poverty which risks restricting these students to the margins of university life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Hlatshwayo, Mlamuli Nkosingphile
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1466 , vital:20060
- Description: The post-1994 democratic dispensation was presented with a challenge of how to improve equity of access for the incoming Black majority in institutions of higher learning (Cloete and Moja, 2005; Badat, 2010). Democratization of access to institutions of higher learning led to what has been called a “revolution” in the student demographics of higher education institutions in South Africa (Cloete and Moja, 2005). Many of the new entrants, particularly those entering historically white institutions, are from working backgrounds and are the first in their families to have the opportunity obtain a tertiary qualification – they are ‘first generation’ students. This thesis is interested in the experiences of first-generation working class students as they negotiate the terrain of an elite, historically white, South African university. While a prior body of research on first-generation students has focused primarily on the educational, cultural and economic deficits and challenges that these students experience, the present project was interested in the question of social capital in relation to these students. The thesis set out to explore what social networks these students do and do not have access to, and the various ways that they create, access and take advantage of alternative social networks in order to overcome their marginality in their everyday lived experiences at the university. In depth qualitative interviews with 31 participants were employed to gain an insight into the experiences of first-generation Black working class students at one university. The study finds that while first-generation students are not bereft of social capital, their networks are often inward-looking, based as they are on mutual recognition of markers of marginalisation and poverty which risks restricting these students to the margins of university life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Student-athletes' attitude formation towards sport or other psychology services
- Wilmot, Gregory Thomas Charlton
- Authors: Wilmot, Gregory Thomas Charlton
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects Attitude (Psychology) Stereotypes (Social psychology) Clinical psychology Athletes -- Counseling of Athletes -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002595
- Description: This qualitative study aims to explore attitude formation within a small sample of Tertiary level student-athletes in relation to their antecedent experiences, individual knowledge about psychology and the social factors impacting on their attitude formation. The study is intended to allow for the development of themes related to the participants’ personal responses to the questions posed to them. The participants’ answers from the interviews will allow for an in-depth analysis and interpretation of the constituents influencing attitude formation towards sport psychology consultation. Primarily, the study aims to explore how attitudes towards clinical and sport psychology practitioners are constructed in this sample. Clinical psychology is used as a contrasting reference point to explore attitude formation in sport psychology. The participants’ beliefs, knowledge sources and attitude toward clinical psychology are examined to understand the fundamental constituents of their attitudes and to understand how this might be related to attitude formation towards sport psychology. It is intended that exploration of the participants’ knowledge sources (e.g. parents, peers, media and coaches) and additional influences on attitudes towards clinical psychology are used to provide insight into how they might shape attitude formation toward sport psychology. This is viewed as particularly important as sport psychology is an increasingly important tool in assisting the enhancement of sporting performance output. This qualitative study uses four elite student-athletes from the same sporting discipline and contextual background to allow for close linkages between the participants’ responses about attitude formation to be made. The study further aims to explore and understand how similarities and differences occur between the participants’ responses which will be completed through analysing and drawing parallels within themes relating to the literature or emerging separately. The Literature Review is intended to help guide the research through providing a reference source for contextualizing individual, public and socially generated beliefs and knowledge (literacy) about mental health / psychology, the constituents of attitude formation and the student-athlete’s context. These factors were identified in the literature as crucial components in attitude formation and also assisted in the development of initial themes, thus guiding the research. Unfortunately, there was limited literature pertaining to attitude formation in relation to sport psychology services and thus provide justification for using clinical psychology to explore attitude formation in sport psychology. This initial exploration of attitude formation in clinical psychology was used as a ‘template’ for contrasting attitude formation in the sample student-athletes as an indication of attitude formation in sport psychology. The Literature Review is viewed as an integral and active component of the study that is used as a body of reference guiding the exploration and interpretation of the emergent themes. This is done through the iterative reference to past research relating to attitude formation, health beliefs, and the numerous sources of information influencing attitude formation within clinical psychology and the student-athlete context. Most importantly, the Literature Review provides a significant base of information that guides the Research Question and the particular factors that have been noted as the most significant to the research. The Literature Review is intended to guide the Research Question and highlight the significant components that need to be taken into consideration in exploring attitude formation. This study, having taken the numerous individual, social, contextual and other factors into consideration, seeks to understand how such factors combine to shape attitudes and influence attitude formation. The collection of literature on social, knowledge and antecedent factors are significant in their role of shaping attitude formation and thus have been included within the Research Question. Furthermore, the Research Question and Literature Review had an impact on the Methodology and why Thematic Analysis was selected. Given the similarities in the participants’ sporting and contextual backgrounds (e.g., being in the same crew, university and social context), it was felt that the primary determinants of attitude formation, within antecedent experiences, knowledge and social influences, would emerge in related themes and thus provide greater insight into attitude formation within the student-athlete context. A limiting factor however, does lie in the small number of participants from a limited diversity of backgrounds, experiences or factors that could assist in allowing broader generalisations of the findings. However, this study aims to understand how the particular factors influence or shape attitudes towards sport and other psychology services and aims to understand the more specific or ‘fundamental’ components of attitude formation that are experienced within the student-athlete’s context and environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Wilmot, Gregory Thomas Charlton
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects Attitude (Psychology) Stereotypes (Social psychology) Clinical psychology Athletes -- Counseling of Athletes -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002595
- Description: This qualitative study aims to explore attitude formation within a small sample of Tertiary level student-athletes in relation to their antecedent experiences, individual knowledge about psychology and the social factors impacting on their attitude formation. The study is intended to allow for the development of themes related to the participants’ personal responses to the questions posed to them. The participants’ answers from the interviews will allow for an in-depth analysis and interpretation of the constituents influencing attitude formation towards sport psychology consultation. Primarily, the study aims to explore how attitudes towards clinical and sport psychology practitioners are constructed in this sample. Clinical psychology is used as a contrasting reference point to explore attitude formation in sport psychology. The participants’ beliefs, knowledge sources and attitude toward clinical psychology are examined to understand the fundamental constituents of their attitudes and to understand how this might be related to attitude formation towards sport psychology. It is intended that exploration of the participants’ knowledge sources (e.g. parents, peers, media and coaches) and additional influences on attitudes towards clinical psychology are used to provide insight into how they might shape attitude formation toward sport psychology. This is viewed as particularly important as sport psychology is an increasingly important tool in assisting the enhancement of sporting performance output. This qualitative study uses four elite student-athletes from the same sporting discipline and contextual background to allow for close linkages between the participants’ responses about attitude formation to be made. The study further aims to explore and understand how similarities and differences occur between the participants’ responses which will be completed through analysing and drawing parallels within themes relating to the literature or emerging separately. The Literature Review is intended to help guide the research through providing a reference source for contextualizing individual, public and socially generated beliefs and knowledge (literacy) about mental health / psychology, the constituents of attitude formation and the student-athlete’s context. These factors were identified in the literature as crucial components in attitude formation and also assisted in the development of initial themes, thus guiding the research. Unfortunately, there was limited literature pertaining to attitude formation in relation to sport psychology services and thus provide justification for using clinical psychology to explore attitude formation in sport psychology. This initial exploration of attitude formation in clinical psychology was used as a ‘template’ for contrasting attitude formation in the sample student-athletes as an indication of attitude formation in sport psychology. The Literature Review is viewed as an integral and active component of the study that is used as a body of reference guiding the exploration and interpretation of the emergent themes. This is done through the iterative reference to past research relating to attitude formation, health beliefs, and the numerous sources of information influencing attitude formation within clinical psychology and the student-athlete context. Most importantly, the Literature Review provides a significant base of information that guides the Research Question and the particular factors that have been noted as the most significant to the research. The Literature Review is intended to guide the Research Question and highlight the significant components that need to be taken into consideration in exploring attitude formation. This study, having taken the numerous individual, social, contextual and other factors into consideration, seeks to understand how such factors combine to shape attitudes and influence attitude formation. The collection of literature on social, knowledge and antecedent factors are significant in their role of shaping attitude formation and thus have been included within the Research Question. Furthermore, the Research Question and Literature Review had an impact on the Methodology and why Thematic Analysis was selected. Given the similarities in the participants’ sporting and contextual backgrounds (e.g., being in the same crew, university and social context), it was felt that the primary determinants of attitude formation, within antecedent experiences, knowledge and social influences, would emerge in related themes and thus provide greater insight into attitude formation within the student-athlete context. A limiting factor however, does lie in the small number of participants from a limited diversity of backgrounds, experiences or factors that could assist in allowing broader generalisations of the findings. However, this study aims to understand how the particular factors influence or shape attitudes towards sport and other psychology services and aims to understand the more specific or ‘fundamental’ components of attitude formation that are experienced within the student-athlete’s context and environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Teachers' leadership roles at a public rural school in the Ohangwena Region, Namibia
- Nauyoma-Hamupembe, Ladipaleni Ndadiinina
- Authors: Nauyoma-Hamupembe, Ladipaleni Ndadiinina
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Rural schools -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Teachers -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Teacher-principal relationships -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003679
- Description: The changing global and local circumstances and shift for democracy posed particular problems for school administration and leadership and made it difficult for principals to fulfil leadership responsibilities in schools alone. Hence principals require the assistance of all stakeholders in the school, and teachers in particular, to work together as a team and share the diverse leadership load for the improvement of schools. Thus, leadership in schools needs to be shared and distributed in a collaborative manner among teachers and principals working as a group to accomplish the primary objective of their schools, which is to improve learners’ achievement. For this idea to be embraced, I suggest it may require an urgent need for advanced knowledge and understanding of teacher leadership in schools, among teachers and principals, if schools are to thrive. This research studied the phenomenon of teacher leadership at a public rural school in the Ohangwena region of Namibia. It explored the teachers’ experiences of their leadership roles, and specifically the challenges inherent within the practice of teacher leadership in a school. A qualitative interpretive case study was conducted, employing document analysis, semi‐structured interviews and observations to produce data with regard to teachers’ experiences of their leadership roles, challenges inherent within its practice and possible strategies to promote teacher leadership. The analysis and the triangulation across the data sets suggested that teacher leadership existed in the case study school where it appeared in four different areas of leadership practice. These areas of leadership practices (Grant, 2008, p. 93) were, for example, in the classroom, outside the classroom in curricular and extra‐curricular activities, in school‐wide leadership development and between other neighbouring schools in the community. The school had a view of teacher leadership which was strongly located within the classroom and outside the classroom in curricular and extra‐curricular activities where teachers worked and interacted with their colleagues and learners. Teacher leadership was severely limited in the area of whole school development and almost non‐existent in the area outside the school between teachers across neighbouring schools, at circuit or district level and in the community. The study suggested that the nature of teacher leadership in the case study school was a restricted form of teacher leadership (Harris and Muijs, 2005) due to a range of factors which impeded its practice. The factors were, for example, a lack of involvement of all teachers in whole school leadership and school‐wide decision‐making. Other factors were limited time for teachers in the school, a lack of leadership development amongst the principal and teachers as well as resistance for teachers to leadership in the case study school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nauyoma-Hamupembe, Ladipaleni Ndadiinina
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Rural schools -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Teachers -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Teacher-principal relationships -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003679
- Description: The changing global and local circumstances and shift for democracy posed particular problems for school administration and leadership and made it difficult for principals to fulfil leadership responsibilities in schools alone. Hence principals require the assistance of all stakeholders in the school, and teachers in particular, to work together as a team and share the diverse leadership load for the improvement of schools. Thus, leadership in schools needs to be shared and distributed in a collaborative manner among teachers and principals working as a group to accomplish the primary objective of their schools, which is to improve learners’ achievement. For this idea to be embraced, I suggest it may require an urgent need for advanced knowledge and understanding of teacher leadership in schools, among teachers and principals, if schools are to thrive. This research studied the phenomenon of teacher leadership at a public rural school in the Ohangwena region of Namibia. It explored the teachers’ experiences of their leadership roles, and specifically the challenges inherent within the practice of teacher leadership in a school. A qualitative interpretive case study was conducted, employing document analysis, semi‐structured interviews and observations to produce data with regard to teachers’ experiences of their leadership roles, challenges inherent within its practice and possible strategies to promote teacher leadership. The analysis and the triangulation across the data sets suggested that teacher leadership existed in the case study school where it appeared in four different areas of leadership practice. These areas of leadership practices (Grant, 2008, p. 93) were, for example, in the classroom, outside the classroom in curricular and extra‐curricular activities, in school‐wide leadership development and between other neighbouring schools in the community. The school had a view of teacher leadership which was strongly located within the classroom and outside the classroom in curricular and extra‐curricular activities where teachers worked and interacted with their colleagues and learners. Teacher leadership was severely limited in the area of whole school development and almost non‐existent in the area outside the school between teachers across neighbouring schools, at circuit or district level and in the community. The study suggested that the nature of teacher leadership in the case study school was a restricted form of teacher leadership (Harris and Muijs, 2005) due to a range of factors which impeded its practice. The factors were, for example, a lack of involvement of all teachers in whole school leadership and school‐wide decision‐making. Other factors were limited time for teachers in the school, a lack of leadership development amongst the principal and teachers as well as resistance for teachers to leadership in the case study school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012