A case study of Jeffrey Dahmer
- Authors: Freeman, Chanté F
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Serial murders -- Case studies , Personality development -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51032 , vital:43202
- Description: Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer is an infamous serial killer and cannibal. He was described as a normal, but shy little boy, yet developed into an adult who brutally murdered, engaged in necrophiliac acts, dismembered and ate parts of his victims. This study took the form of an intrinsic case study with the aim to explore and describe the personality development of Jeffrey Dahmer. This exploration examined Dahmer’s known childhood experiences through the theoretical perspective of Otto Kernberg’s (1974, 1975, 1976) Object Relations Theory, in order to understand how Dahmer’s personality was formed. Data was collected from multiple resources, including books, authoritative biographies, academic articles, and internet sources available in the public domain. It was analysed using Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña’s (2014) three-step process namely, data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. This study’s findings confirmed the formation of pathological behavioural patterns supported by primitive defence mechanisms, associated with Kernberg’s lower level pathologies. It reflected Dahmer’s pathological formation of psychic structures seen in a diffuse identity and impaired formation of the superego, that supported these patterns. Additionally, the research was valuable in enhancing the researcher’s insight into personality development according to Kernberg’s Object Relations Theory. This study may also be beneficial to practising clinicians and professionals as an example of the early identification of personality pathology. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Freeman, Chanté F
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Serial murders -- Case studies , Personality development -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51032 , vital:43202
- Description: Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer is an infamous serial killer and cannibal. He was described as a normal, but shy little boy, yet developed into an adult who brutally murdered, engaged in necrophiliac acts, dismembered and ate parts of his victims. This study took the form of an intrinsic case study with the aim to explore and describe the personality development of Jeffrey Dahmer. This exploration examined Dahmer’s known childhood experiences through the theoretical perspective of Otto Kernberg’s (1974, 1975, 1976) Object Relations Theory, in order to understand how Dahmer’s personality was formed. Data was collected from multiple resources, including books, authoritative biographies, academic articles, and internet sources available in the public domain. It was analysed using Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña’s (2014) three-step process namely, data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. This study’s findings confirmed the formation of pathological behavioural patterns supported by primitive defence mechanisms, associated with Kernberg’s lower level pathologies. It reflected Dahmer’s pathological formation of psychic structures seen in a diffuse identity and impaired formation of the superego, that supported these patterns. Additionally, the research was valuable in enhancing the researcher’s insight into personality development according to Kernberg’s Object Relations Theory. This study may also be beneficial to practising clinicians and professionals as an example of the early identification of personality pathology. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Agro-morphological characterization and investigations into the response of yellow Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes to low soil pH
- Authors: Bobotyana, Simthandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn as food , Plants--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20528 , vital:46087
- Description: Maize (Zea mays L) is an essential food grain crop in South Africa and is mainly grown under rainfed conditions by small-scale farmers. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains a higher level of two essential amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine when equated to normal maize. Therefore, the QPM in communities is a vital cereal where maize is a staple crop. Among the significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect maize productivity, such as soil fertility. Low soil pH or soil acidity results in nutrient deficiencies, as well as the toxicity of minerals such as manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), and iron (Fe). The objectives of the study were to: (1) Characterize yellow QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids for agro-morphological variability under optimum conditions, (2) Determine the response of QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids to Al toxicity, and (3) Estimate the combining ability of QPM genotypes for the tolerance to Al toxicity. The laboratory assessment for tolerance to Al toxicity revealed a negative relationship between relative root growth RRG and hematoxylin staining; among the inbred lines, the genotype 8Y, 17Y, and 7Y had the highest RRG and net root growth (NRG) values and exhibited the highest tolerance to Al tolerance with the least hematoxylin staining. Inbred lines 12Y, 16Y, 19Y, 2Y, 20Y, 24Y, 30Y, 27Y, 34Y, 4Y, and 11Y were moderately tolerant. On the other hand, inbred lines 13Y, 18Y, and QSY5 had the least RRG were susceptible. Forty-four testcross hybrids were generated by crossing 22 QPM inbred lines with two open-pollinated variety (OPV) testers. These hybrids were evaluated together with five checks for different agronomic traits. The hybrids were planted in the summer season of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under rain-fed conditions 7 x 7 alpha lattice design was used. The significant variations among the genotypes for grain yield and most other agronomic traits under optimum, acidic conditions and across environments on combined analysis of variance. The hybrid was 14Y x NC (3.22 t/ha), followed by QSY5 x NC (3.02 t/ha) showed the highest yielding. The mean plant height was 226.23 cm, with ranges 197.60 to 254.85cm. The number of kernels per ear was 35, with a range from 29.45 to 40.25. Conversely, the mean ear length was 19.30 cm with a range of 17.65 to 20.95 cm, and the mean ear diameter ranged from 13,50 to 16,05 cm. The highest yielding hybrid, according to ranking, was 14Y x NC (2,93t/ha), which was ranked number 3, followed by 3Y x NC (2,83 t/ha), which was ranked number 4. Twenty-two yellow QPM inbred lines were evaluated for agro-morphological characteristics. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used under acidic and normal soil conditions at two locations. The mean performance of inbred lines for grain yield ranged from 1.6 t/ha to 3.1 t/ha under optimum conditions, whereas it ranged from 1.1.t/ha to 1.7 t/ha under an acidic environment. The highest grain yielding genotypes under the optimum environment were 14Y, 7Y, and QSY5, while, in the acidic environment, the highest yielders were 3Y, QSY5, and 17Y. The lowest grain yielder under the optimum environment was 16Y at 1.5 t/ha, whereas 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, and 29Y were the most moderate yielders under the acidic environment. Grain yield displayed positive and significant (p<0,05) correlation with ear height (0.59), plant height (0.55), leaf length (0.18), number of leaves (0.37), number of ears per plot (0,54), number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and thousand kernel weight. Combined ANOVA revealed that the environment effect was significant for all traits except the number of rows per ear and the number of ears in both environments. A total of 71 genotypes (22 inbred lines, forty-four single crosses, and five checks) were evaluated using a 7 x 7 alpha lattice design with two replications in combining ability. Across environments, the analysis showed a mean grain yield record of hybrids that ranged from 1.78 t/ha to 3.42 t/ha. Combined analysis showed only about 4 percent of the 44 hybrids had better grain yield than hybrid checks, whereas about 11 percent of the 44 hybrids had higher grain yield than two of the five hybrid checks. The highest yielding hybrid was 14Y x NC followed by QSY5 x NC. The Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield ranged from -32.70 for 11YxObat to 16.50 percent for 14YxNC among the top-yielding genotypes. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield was observed in hybrid 14YxNC followed by QSY9xNC, QSY5xOBAT, 3YxNC, 13YxNC and 4YxOBAT, while the remaining hybrids exhibited negative estimates. Inbred lines' proportional contributions to the total variances were much higher than the testers for all traits. Whereas the inbred lines' proportional contribution was lower than the interaction of line x tester except on the number of ears which displayed the highest estimates of variances due to SCA effects, significant variation was observed. The GCA effects on grain yield in both environments generally showed no significant difference among inbred lines except for inbred lines such as QSY5 and 34Y but were positive. The selected crosses showed significant SCA effects in a few agronomic yield-related traits in the combined analysis. Among the hybrids, the only crosses that showed significant and positive SCA effects for grain yield were 25YxNC under optimum and 34YxObat under acidic environment. The inbred lines were assessed for tolerance to Al toxicity under laboratory conditions. Overall, the study identified soil acidity tolerant QPM inbred lines with an excellent combining ability for high-yielding QPM test hybrids, grain yield, and related traits. , Thesis (MSc) (Agriculture, Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bobotyana, Simthandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn as food , Plants--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20528 , vital:46087
- Description: Maize (Zea mays L) is an essential food grain crop in South Africa and is mainly grown under rainfed conditions by small-scale farmers. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains a higher level of two essential amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine when equated to normal maize. Therefore, the QPM in communities is a vital cereal where maize is a staple crop. Among the significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect maize productivity, such as soil fertility. Low soil pH or soil acidity results in nutrient deficiencies, as well as the toxicity of minerals such as manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), and iron (Fe). The objectives of the study were to: (1) Characterize yellow QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids for agro-morphological variability under optimum conditions, (2) Determine the response of QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids to Al toxicity, and (3) Estimate the combining ability of QPM genotypes for the tolerance to Al toxicity. The laboratory assessment for tolerance to Al toxicity revealed a negative relationship between relative root growth RRG and hematoxylin staining; among the inbred lines, the genotype 8Y, 17Y, and 7Y had the highest RRG and net root growth (NRG) values and exhibited the highest tolerance to Al tolerance with the least hematoxylin staining. Inbred lines 12Y, 16Y, 19Y, 2Y, 20Y, 24Y, 30Y, 27Y, 34Y, 4Y, and 11Y were moderately tolerant. On the other hand, inbred lines 13Y, 18Y, and QSY5 had the least RRG were susceptible. Forty-four testcross hybrids were generated by crossing 22 QPM inbred lines with two open-pollinated variety (OPV) testers. These hybrids were evaluated together with five checks for different agronomic traits. The hybrids were planted in the summer season of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under rain-fed conditions 7 x 7 alpha lattice design was used. The significant variations among the genotypes for grain yield and most other agronomic traits under optimum, acidic conditions and across environments on combined analysis of variance. The hybrid was 14Y x NC (3.22 t/ha), followed by QSY5 x NC (3.02 t/ha) showed the highest yielding. The mean plant height was 226.23 cm, with ranges 197.60 to 254.85cm. The number of kernels per ear was 35, with a range from 29.45 to 40.25. Conversely, the mean ear length was 19.30 cm with a range of 17.65 to 20.95 cm, and the mean ear diameter ranged from 13,50 to 16,05 cm. The highest yielding hybrid, according to ranking, was 14Y x NC (2,93t/ha), which was ranked number 3, followed by 3Y x NC (2,83 t/ha), which was ranked number 4. Twenty-two yellow QPM inbred lines were evaluated for agro-morphological characteristics. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used under acidic and normal soil conditions at two locations. The mean performance of inbred lines for grain yield ranged from 1.6 t/ha to 3.1 t/ha under optimum conditions, whereas it ranged from 1.1.t/ha to 1.7 t/ha under an acidic environment. The highest grain yielding genotypes under the optimum environment were 14Y, 7Y, and QSY5, while, in the acidic environment, the highest yielders were 3Y, QSY5, and 17Y. The lowest grain yielder under the optimum environment was 16Y at 1.5 t/ha, whereas 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, and 29Y were the most moderate yielders under the acidic environment. Grain yield displayed positive and significant (p<0,05) correlation with ear height (0.59), plant height (0.55), leaf length (0.18), number of leaves (0.37), number of ears per plot (0,54), number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and thousand kernel weight. Combined ANOVA revealed that the environment effect was significant for all traits except the number of rows per ear and the number of ears in both environments. A total of 71 genotypes (22 inbred lines, forty-four single crosses, and five checks) were evaluated using a 7 x 7 alpha lattice design with two replications in combining ability. Across environments, the analysis showed a mean grain yield record of hybrids that ranged from 1.78 t/ha to 3.42 t/ha. Combined analysis showed only about 4 percent of the 44 hybrids had better grain yield than hybrid checks, whereas about 11 percent of the 44 hybrids had higher grain yield than two of the five hybrid checks. The highest yielding hybrid was 14Y x NC followed by QSY5 x NC. The Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield ranged from -32.70 for 11YxObat to 16.50 percent for 14YxNC among the top-yielding genotypes. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield was observed in hybrid 14YxNC followed by QSY9xNC, QSY5xOBAT, 3YxNC, 13YxNC and 4YxOBAT, while the remaining hybrids exhibited negative estimates. Inbred lines' proportional contributions to the total variances were much higher than the testers for all traits. Whereas the inbred lines' proportional contribution was lower than the interaction of line x tester except on the number of ears which displayed the highest estimates of variances due to SCA effects, significant variation was observed. The GCA effects on grain yield in both environments generally showed no significant difference among inbred lines except for inbred lines such as QSY5 and 34Y but were positive. The selected crosses showed significant SCA effects in a few agronomic yield-related traits in the combined analysis. Among the hybrids, the only crosses that showed significant and positive SCA effects for grain yield were 25YxNC under optimum and 34YxObat under acidic environment. The inbred lines were assessed for tolerance to Al toxicity under laboratory conditions. Overall, the study identified soil acidity tolerant QPM inbred lines with an excellent combining ability for high-yielding QPM test hybrids, grain yield, and related traits. , Thesis (MSc) (Agriculture, Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Caregivers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of breastfeeding and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pmtct) in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District: impact of a community dialogue intervention
- Authors: Barnard, Marné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Breastfeeding -- Transmission -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Communicable diseases -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50988 , vital:43196
- Description: Background: Globally, childhood mortality remains high with 5.3 million deaths occurring in children under the age of five years in 2018. Of these deaths, 43 000 were children from South Africa, with malnutrition being a significant risk factor contributing to disease and death. Breastfeeding has many benefits and reduces childhood mortality. Current primary health care strategies in South Africa are not having an adequate impact on breastfeeding rates, therefore appropriate messages need to be targeted at the community in order to improve breastfeeding rates. Participatory approaches have been identified as an effective tool to promote child health. Community dialogues led by skilled Early Childhood Development (ECD) mentors from the community might be key in order to improve caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Aim : The aim of the study was to explore the potential effects of community dialogues, led by ECD mentors, on caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Methods: Quasi-experimental design was used to compare the KAP of caregivers in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT. Convenience sampling was used to include 63 caregivers who participated in the umbrella project (mixed-methods) and 61 caregivers who did not participate in the project. Ethics approval was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee. Participants had to provide written informed consent. A skilled interviewer used a structured questionnaire to assess the KAP of all participants. Data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and analysed in collaboration with a statistician, who analysed the data using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were applied to numerical data, while frequency distributions were applied to categorical data. Correlations were calculated to describe the degree of relationship between two variables. Inferential statistic tests, conducted at a significance level of 0,05, were used for hypothesis testing. The t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in tests involving mean values. Scheffé’s test was used in ANOVA to determine between which of the groups a statistically significant difference was found. Results: In the intervention group more than double the number participants (35%; n=22) had a good knowledge of breastfeeding when compared to participants (15%; n=9) in the control group. Additionally, the intervention group participants displayed better attitudes towards the RtHB (p=0.02). However, control group participants showed better knowledge towards the HIV (p=0.01). Finally, results suggest that in the intervention group, participants (33%; n=21) were more likely to have a good total KAP score in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT when compared to participants (11%; n=7) in the control group. In the intervention group, better knowledge correlated with good practices relating to the RtHB (r=0.27). However, in the control group, positive attitudes correlated with better practices relating to HIV (r=0.29). Younger intervention group participants displayed better breastfeeding related practices (p=0.011). Additionally, younger control group participants displayed better knowledge of breastfeeding (p=0.001). Intervention group participants whose choices were influenced by their husband/ partner (p =0.016) and/ or radio/ magazines/ newspapers (p=0.004) had positive attitudes towards HIV. Control group participants whose choices were influenced by their other family members (p=0.043) and/ or clinic staff (p=0.016) had good knowledge of sharing their knowledge. Conclusions and recommendations: The intervention group displayed a better knowledge of breastfeeding as well as more desirable attitudes towards the RtHB, when compared to the control group. However, the control group displayed better knowledge of HIV, which could be due to the control group having more younger participants when compared to the intervention group. The community dialogue intervention had a positive impact on caregivers KAP relating to breastfeeding and PMTCT, which included all the different categories combined. In order to improve the Sakha Esethu intervention programme, managers need to provide guidance to the mentors on how to initiate conversations regarding HIV and discuss the stigma associated with HIV and breastfeeding. Results showed that including grandmothers and husbands or partners in the target population will benefit the intervention. Additionally, the use of radio needs to be considered especially for discussions regarding HIV. Lastly, sustainability needs to be improved due to many participants not remembering certain detail regarding topics that was discussed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Barnard, Marné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Breastfeeding -- Transmission -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Communicable diseases -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50988 , vital:43196
- Description: Background: Globally, childhood mortality remains high with 5.3 million deaths occurring in children under the age of five years in 2018. Of these deaths, 43 000 were children from South Africa, with malnutrition being a significant risk factor contributing to disease and death. Breastfeeding has many benefits and reduces childhood mortality. Current primary health care strategies in South Africa are not having an adequate impact on breastfeeding rates, therefore appropriate messages need to be targeted at the community in order to improve breastfeeding rates. Participatory approaches have been identified as an effective tool to promote child health. Community dialogues led by skilled Early Childhood Development (ECD) mentors from the community might be key in order to improve caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Aim : The aim of the study was to explore the potential effects of community dialogues, led by ECD mentors, on caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Methods: Quasi-experimental design was used to compare the KAP of caregivers in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT. Convenience sampling was used to include 63 caregivers who participated in the umbrella project (mixed-methods) and 61 caregivers who did not participate in the project. Ethics approval was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee. Participants had to provide written informed consent. A skilled interviewer used a structured questionnaire to assess the KAP of all participants. Data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and analysed in collaboration with a statistician, who analysed the data using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were applied to numerical data, while frequency distributions were applied to categorical data. Correlations were calculated to describe the degree of relationship between two variables. Inferential statistic tests, conducted at a significance level of 0,05, were used for hypothesis testing. The t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in tests involving mean values. Scheffé’s test was used in ANOVA to determine between which of the groups a statistically significant difference was found. Results: In the intervention group more than double the number participants (35%; n=22) had a good knowledge of breastfeeding when compared to participants (15%; n=9) in the control group. Additionally, the intervention group participants displayed better attitudes towards the RtHB (p=0.02). However, control group participants showed better knowledge towards the HIV (p=0.01). Finally, results suggest that in the intervention group, participants (33%; n=21) were more likely to have a good total KAP score in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT when compared to participants (11%; n=7) in the control group. In the intervention group, better knowledge correlated with good practices relating to the RtHB (r=0.27). However, in the control group, positive attitudes correlated with better practices relating to HIV (r=0.29). Younger intervention group participants displayed better breastfeeding related practices (p=0.011). Additionally, younger control group participants displayed better knowledge of breastfeeding (p=0.001). Intervention group participants whose choices were influenced by their husband/ partner (p =0.016) and/ or radio/ magazines/ newspapers (p=0.004) had positive attitudes towards HIV. Control group participants whose choices were influenced by their other family members (p=0.043) and/ or clinic staff (p=0.016) had good knowledge of sharing their knowledge. Conclusions and recommendations: The intervention group displayed a better knowledge of breastfeeding as well as more desirable attitudes towards the RtHB, when compared to the control group. However, the control group displayed better knowledge of HIV, which could be due to the control group having more younger participants when compared to the intervention group. The community dialogue intervention had a positive impact on caregivers KAP relating to breastfeeding and PMTCT, which included all the different categories combined. In order to improve the Sakha Esethu intervention programme, managers need to provide guidance to the mentors on how to initiate conversations regarding HIV and discuss the stigma associated with HIV and breastfeeding. Results showed that including grandmothers and husbands or partners in the target population will benefit the intervention. Additionally, the use of radio needs to be considered especially for discussions regarding HIV. Lastly, sustainability needs to be improved due to many participants not remembering certain detail regarding topics that was discussed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Main thesis title map: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Authors: Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: 1 inch = 200 yards 30.5595° S, 22.9375° E , Grahamstown (South Africa) Maps , Eastern Cape (South Africa) Maps , South Africa History 1836-1909 Maps
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26030 , vital:64782
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: 1 inch = 200 yards 30.5595° S, 22.9375° E , Grahamstown (South Africa) Maps , Eastern Cape (South Africa) Maps , South Africa History 1836-1909 Maps
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26030 , vital:64782
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Perceptions of blended learning by academic staff in the Health Sciences Faculty at Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Barry, Janet
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Faculty , Medical sciences -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Faculty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50999 , vital:43199
- Description: Numerous studies have investigated the use of blended learning by academic staff at tertiary institutions. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of blended learning by academic staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University. A related objective was to identify barriers and facilitators to the adoption of blended learning by academic staff. A sequential, exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted for this study whereby Phase 1 (focus groups) was used to inform Phase 2 (questionnaire) of the study. Results were analysed from both phases and organised according to strategies, support, and structure of a blended learning adoption framework. Existing support structures to assist with blended learning adoption, understanding of what blended learning is, confidence in using blended learning tools, and time to attend training were some of the findings of the study. The researcher concluded that academic staff in the Health Sciences Faculty at Nelson Mandela University are positioned in the second stage of the blended learning adoption framework, namely the early adoption stage of blended learning. These findings imply that existing strategies and support within the Faculty and the University need to be further developed, and structures put into place to move to an advanced stage of adoption of blended learning by academic staff in Health Sciences Faculty of Nelson Mandela University. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Barry, Janet
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Faculty , Medical sciences -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Faculty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50999 , vital:43199
- Description: Numerous studies have investigated the use of blended learning by academic staff at tertiary institutions. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of blended learning by academic staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University. A related objective was to identify barriers and facilitators to the adoption of blended learning by academic staff. A sequential, exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted for this study whereby Phase 1 (focus groups) was used to inform Phase 2 (questionnaire) of the study. Results were analysed from both phases and organised according to strategies, support, and structure of a blended learning adoption framework. Existing support structures to assist with blended learning adoption, understanding of what blended learning is, confidence in using blended learning tools, and time to attend training were some of the findings of the study. The researcher concluded that academic staff in the Health Sciences Faculty at Nelson Mandela University are positioned in the second stage of the blended learning adoption framework, namely the early adoption stage of blended learning. These findings imply that existing strategies and support within the Faculty and the University need to be further developed, and structures put into place to move to an advanced stage of adoption of blended learning by academic staff in Health Sciences Faculty of Nelson Mandela University. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of national culture characteristics and business orientations in Tanzanian small business success
- Authors: Chachage, Bukaza Loth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Success in business -- Tanzania , Small business -- Tanzania , New business enterprises -- Tanzania
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51061 , vital:43205
- Description: Despite numerous efforts to increase the business success of Tanzanian small businesses, it is still reported that progress in this regard has stagnated. The desired success in the SMME sector, and small businesses, is not being achieved, and is one of the reasons poverty in Tanzania remains significantly high. Researchers have suggested that low-income countries (LICs) such as Tanzania often do not achieve the desired growth of business enterprises due to insufficient attention being paid to issues of national culture and business orientations. Against this background, the purpose of the current study is to contribute to small business success in Tanzania by investigating the role that national culture characteristics (egalitarianism, mastery, harmony, embeddedness, affective autonomy and intellectual autonomy) and business orientations (technology, market and entrepreneurial) play in increasing the business success of Tanzanian small businesses. In this study, business success is defined as the extent to which small businesses effectively manage marketing, operations, human resources and finances. Located in the quantitative research paradigm, and using a mail survey data collection method, a sample of 640 SMMEs was targeted from eight regional economic zones in Tanzania. Of this group, 410 SMMEs, mostly small businesses, participated in the study (response rate = 64%). Instruments based on the works of Burgess (2011) and Schwartz (2004) were used to measure the business orientations and national culture characteristics of the selected Tanzanian small business owners and managers. The instrument developed by the South African Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA 2004) was used to measure small business success. The data analyses in this study included tests for data normalcy and the reliability and validity of the data (using Cronbach ‘s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively). Furthermore, multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the hypothesised relationships and other research propositions. The results of this study provided sound empirical proof of the interactive influence of national culture characteristics and business orientations on the business success of small businesses. Based on these empirical findings, a proposed framework for small business success in Tanzania was developed. The empirical results of the study provided evidence that support several existing theories, perceptions and beliefs about the relationship between national culture characteristics and business orientations. Certain findings also provided evidence that challenged aspects of existing theories, perceptions and beliefs. The study specifically highlights the importance of the technology and entrepreneurial business orientations as key positive determinants of the effectiveness of all four business functions (marketing, operations, human resources and financial management) investigated in the study. A surprising finding was the significantly negative relationship between market orientation and human resources management. The study also highlighted the centrality of the national characteristics of egalitarianism and intellectual autonomy in the development of the three business orientations (technology, entrepreneurial and market) investigated in the study. The findings suggest that the principle of the equality of people and a commitment to the continuous search and rewarding of new ideas and unique ways of doing things through continuous and professional development are important drivers of critical business orientations among Tanzanian small business owners and managers. The empirical findings furthermore highlighted the importance of mastery as a national culture characteristic. Mastery, which emphasises competence, goal-setting, hard-work, efficiency, effectiveness and self-reliance in attaining goals, influenced the effectiveness of all four business functions and two of the three business orientations investigated in the study. Finally, the study made significant contributions to the understanding of small business success in Tanzania and, arguably, across the African continent. The infusion of these insights into strategies for entrepreneurship development will go a long way to building successful businesses in the small business sector. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Chachage, Bukaza Loth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Success in business -- Tanzania , Small business -- Tanzania , New business enterprises -- Tanzania
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51061 , vital:43205
- Description: Despite numerous efforts to increase the business success of Tanzanian small businesses, it is still reported that progress in this regard has stagnated. The desired success in the SMME sector, and small businesses, is not being achieved, and is one of the reasons poverty in Tanzania remains significantly high. Researchers have suggested that low-income countries (LICs) such as Tanzania often do not achieve the desired growth of business enterprises due to insufficient attention being paid to issues of national culture and business orientations. Against this background, the purpose of the current study is to contribute to small business success in Tanzania by investigating the role that national culture characteristics (egalitarianism, mastery, harmony, embeddedness, affective autonomy and intellectual autonomy) and business orientations (technology, market and entrepreneurial) play in increasing the business success of Tanzanian small businesses. In this study, business success is defined as the extent to which small businesses effectively manage marketing, operations, human resources and finances. Located in the quantitative research paradigm, and using a mail survey data collection method, a sample of 640 SMMEs was targeted from eight regional economic zones in Tanzania. Of this group, 410 SMMEs, mostly small businesses, participated in the study (response rate = 64%). Instruments based on the works of Burgess (2011) and Schwartz (2004) were used to measure the business orientations and national culture characteristics of the selected Tanzanian small business owners and managers. The instrument developed by the South African Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA 2004) was used to measure small business success. The data analyses in this study included tests for data normalcy and the reliability and validity of the data (using Cronbach ‘s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively). Furthermore, multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the hypothesised relationships and other research propositions. The results of this study provided sound empirical proof of the interactive influence of national culture characteristics and business orientations on the business success of small businesses. Based on these empirical findings, a proposed framework for small business success in Tanzania was developed. The empirical results of the study provided evidence that support several existing theories, perceptions and beliefs about the relationship between national culture characteristics and business orientations. Certain findings also provided evidence that challenged aspects of existing theories, perceptions and beliefs. The study specifically highlights the importance of the technology and entrepreneurial business orientations as key positive determinants of the effectiveness of all four business functions (marketing, operations, human resources and financial management) investigated in the study. A surprising finding was the significantly negative relationship between market orientation and human resources management. The study also highlighted the centrality of the national characteristics of egalitarianism and intellectual autonomy in the development of the three business orientations (technology, entrepreneurial and market) investigated in the study. The findings suggest that the principle of the equality of people and a commitment to the continuous search and rewarding of new ideas and unique ways of doing things through continuous and professional development are important drivers of critical business orientations among Tanzanian small business owners and managers. The empirical findings furthermore highlighted the importance of mastery as a national culture characteristic. Mastery, which emphasises competence, goal-setting, hard-work, efficiency, effectiveness and self-reliance in attaining goals, influenced the effectiveness of all four business functions and two of the three business orientations investigated in the study. Finally, the study made significant contributions to the understanding of small business success in Tanzania and, arguably, across the African continent. The infusion of these insights into strategies for entrepreneurship development will go a long way to building successful businesses in the small business sector. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »