The prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy in Africa: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Charles Bitamazire Businge, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, Andre Pascal Kengne
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
- Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
- Date: 22-8-2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3387 , vital:43338 , https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7#citeas
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 22-8-2019
Assessing the impact of the income generating projects funded by the department of social development in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Charles, Phatheka Patience
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37947 , vital:34267
- Description: Income-generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Department of Social Development to alleviate poverty. This study assessed the impact of income-generating projects funded by the department of social development in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape. The study is based on five specific objectives which sought to: assess the effectiveness of income-generating projects in Uitenhage; evaluate the formulation, implementation and overall management of income-generating projects by the Department of Social Development; 3)determine the involvement of the beneficiaries in improving their welfare; assess the roleplayed by the Department of Social Development in capacitating the project; and examine the possible challenges that the projects face that hinder them from achieving the alleviation of poverty. A sample of 22 people was selected to represent the income-generating projects members population. Non-probability sampling techniques were used in choosing the sample. Specifically, purposive sampling was one of the non-probability techniques used to ensure that all the projects were included in the research. Data were collected using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by using the documentation method. The result from this study showed that there are different income-generating activities and that all have need for regular monitoring and evaluation visits from officials from the Department. Project members also need training in financial management so that they do not mismanage their project finances. The research findings further indicated, clearly, that strategies currently used by the Department are not effective enough to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Charles, Phatheka Patience
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37947 , vital:34267
- Description: Income-generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Department of Social Development to alleviate poverty. This study assessed the impact of income-generating projects funded by the department of social development in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape. The study is based on five specific objectives which sought to: assess the effectiveness of income-generating projects in Uitenhage; evaluate the formulation, implementation and overall management of income-generating projects by the Department of Social Development; 3)determine the involvement of the beneficiaries in improving their welfare; assess the roleplayed by the Department of Social Development in capacitating the project; and examine the possible challenges that the projects face that hinder them from achieving the alleviation of poverty. A sample of 22 people was selected to represent the income-generating projects members population. Non-probability sampling techniques were used in choosing the sample. Specifically, purposive sampling was one of the non-probability techniques used to ensure that all the projects were included in the research. Data were collected using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by using the documentation method. The result from this study showed that there are different income-generating activities and that all have need for regular monitoring and evaluation visits from officials from the Department. Project members also need training in financial management so that they do not mismanage their project finances. The research findings further indicated, clearly, that strategies currently used by the Department are not effective enough to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Understanding the perceived role of mobile media in relation to development in a South African rural area
- Authors: Chatikobo, Tatenda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Internet telephony -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Internet telephony -- Social aspects --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95360 , vital:31148
- Description: This study explores the different perceptions of mobile media in relation to development within Dwesa, a marginalised rural community in South Africa. The proliferation of mobile phones and increasing access to the internet in Africa, and South Africa in particular, is extensively documented and attempts have been made to explore its impact on development. Drawing on adapted aspects of the Diffusion of innovation theory (DoI), the study seeks to understand the relative advantage, compatibility with needs and values, and observable benefits of using mobile media for a rural community. I provide a critical discussion of the concept of development and its relationship with digital technologies and innovation. I reflect on the Diffusion of innovation theory, highlighting its critiques, adaptations and modifications in studies, particularly in the Global South. The present study employs a qualitative methodology and relies on focus groups, semi-structured interviews and observation as methods of data collection. Participants were divided into three focus groups based on Rogers classification of innovativeness (early adopters, majority adopters and late/non-adopters) and I conducted two follow-up interviews with participants of each focus group. I analysed the data thematically. Research participants identified several areas where mobile media contributed to development and positive change, such as lowering the cost of access to information and communication, staying in touch with distant relatives, increasing access to services and providing entertainment, especially among young people. The participants noted that despite these positive changes, that mobile media on its own cannot be expected to address challenges of infrastructure and public service delivery. Research findings also revealed that mobile media might interfere with socio-cultural values of respect, human dignity and privacy. I conclude that, while mobile media is generally considered as beneficial, its critical role in improving the socio-economic conditions of people in Dwesa still remains in doubt. The study provides an opportunity to further investigate the compatibility of mobile media with socio-cultural values along the lines of age and gender, and address issues of digital skills and digital marginalisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chatikobo, Tatenda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Internet telephony -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Internet telephony -- Social aspects --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95360 , vital:31148
- Description: This study explores the different perceptions of mobile media in relation to development within Dwesa, a marginalised rural community in South Africa. The proliferation of mobile phones and increasing access to the internet in Africa, and South Africa in particular, is extensively documented and attempts have been made to explore its impact on development. Drawing on adapted aspects of the Diffusion of innovation theory (DoI), the study seeks to understand the relative advantage, compatibility with needs and values, and observable benefits of using mobile media for a rural community. I provide a critical discussion of the concept of development and its relationship with digital technologies and innovation. I reflect on the Diffusion of innovation theory, highlighting its critiques, adaptations and modifications in studies, particularly in the Global South. The present study employs a qualitative methodology and relies on focus groups, semi-structured interviews and observation as methods of data collection. Participants were divided into three focus groups based on Rogers classification of innovativeness (early adopters, majority adopters and late/non-adopters) and I conducted two follow-up interviews with participants of each focus group. I analysed the data thematically. Research participants identified several areas where mobile media contributed to development and positive change, such as lowering the cost of access to information and communication, staying in touch with distant relatives, increasing access to services and providing entertainment, especially among young people. The participants noted that despite these positive changes, that mobile media on its own cannot be expected to address challenges of infrastructure and public service delivery. Research findings also revealed that mobile media might interfere with socio-cultural values of respect, human dignity and privacy. I conclude that, while mobile media is generally considered as beneficial, its critical role in improving the socio-economic conditions of people in Dwesa still remains in doubt. The study provides an opportunity to further investigate the compatibility of mobile media with socio-cultural values along the lines of age and gender, and address issues of digital skills and digital marginalisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis related adverse drug reactions: implementation of a documentation tool
- Authors: Cheng, Amber
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44662 , vital:38151
- Description: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an ever-growing problem in South Africa (SA). According to the literature, minimal documentation is done on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), specifically in the MDR-TB population. Co-administration of medications is typical for the treatment of drug resistant forms of TB, which leads to high incidences of ADRs during the treatment period, especially in patients with comorbid disease states. This before-and-after study investigated the impact of an intervention (education training presentation and implementation of a purpose-designed documentation tool) on the current documentation pattern in a public sector hospital in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to measure the sustainability of the intervention, the study compared data from the pre-intervention phase to data collected from the post-intervention immediate phase and post-intervention delayed phase. Study results indicated that the intervention appeared to have had a positive effect on the frequency and variety of ADR documentation (2.1 and 1.3 fold increase, respectively) related to MDR-TB by the hospital staff of a public sector hospital, however, the positive change was not sustainable for longer than a three month period post intervention. It is recommended that factors such as: proper adoption; management; and additional resources are required to implement positive changes to documentation practices. Further studies need to be conducted in South Africa regarding the treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis, in order to establish safer treatment guidelines and more promising ADR reporting practices, which will ultimately improve patient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Cheng, Amber
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44662 , vital:38151
- Description: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an ever-growing problem in South Africa (SA). According to the literature, minimal documentation is done on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), specifically in the MDR-TB population. Co-administration of medications is typical for the treatment of drug resistant forms of TB, which leads to high incidences of ADRs during the treatment period, especially in patients with comorbid disease states. This before-and-after study investigated the impact of an intervention (education training presentation and implementation of a purpose-designed documentation tool) on the current documentation pattern in a public sector hospital in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to measure the sustainability of the intervention, the study compared data from the pre-intervention phase to data collected from the post-intervention immediate phase and post-intervention delayed phase. Study results indicated that the intervention appeared to have had a positive effect on the frequency and variety of ADR documentation (2.1 and 1.3 fold increase, respectively) related to MDR-TB by the hospital staff of a public sector hospital, however, the positive change was not sustainable for longer than a three month period post intervention. It is recommended that factors such as: proper adoption; management; and additional resources are required to implement positive changes to documentation practices. Further studies need to be conducted in South Africa regarding the treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis, in order to establish safer treatment guidelines and more promising ADR reporting practices, which will ultimately improve patient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Challenges on learning and teaching of fraction operations in Grade 6 - a case study in a South African primary school
- Authors: Chetty, Ashnee
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Early childhood)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15869 , vital:40534
- Description: Literature review indicates that world over, fraction operations in primary school are challenging not only for learners but also for teachers and South Africa is not an exception. There have been studies on challenges of fraction operations, but could not locate any study at a Grade 6 level in East London education district. The purpose of this study was to assess the specific strengths and challenges in the learning and teaching of fraction operations in Grade 6 in one of the schools in this district. The research paradigm for this study was post-positivism which adopted a mixed methods approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. The population consisted of three teachers and 98 Grade 6 learners in one primary school in East London. The learners were under 18 years and in order to comply with South African ethical regulations involving humans, a letter was sent out to all 98 Grade 6 learners’ parents requesting their consent. Only 59 learners brought back the consent letters signed by a parent or legal guardian and hence, the sample consisted of 59 Grade 6 learners. There were two instruments: a survey questionnaire with 15 items for learners and two interview schedules, one for teachers and another for learners. The time to complete the questionnaire was 45 minutes and the time to complete the interviews was less than 20 minutes for learners and 40 minutes for teachers. As part of a pilot study, the questionnaire was given to six learners in 2017 cohort. Also, the questionnaire was given two colleagues teaching Grade 6 from two different schools. Furthermore, two learners from the 2017 cohort and two colleagues from two different schools were interviewed, respectively, to check the validity of the learners’ and teachers’ interview schedules. Based on the feedback, the instruments were modified for use in 2018. The learners were given the questionnaire to answer first before 10 were selected for interviews. Three teachers, one each from Grades 5, 6 and 7 were interviewed. The quantitative data were analysed to lead to a descriptive data presentation. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. It was revealed that there were similarities and differences in the manner in which teachers teach and the challenges they identified. There were similarities and differences among the responses from the learners. They found certain fraction operations challenging and their strengths were similar as well. The common outline of the learners’ strengths were being able to do like-fractions while, their challenges were on doing unlike-fractions. The teachers too concurred with the learners’ views. The learners got confused because they did not understand fractions as part of a whole. The teachers indicated knowledge of more than one teaching method. The teachers also pointed out how times tables is an essential part of being able to do operations of fractions. This study could be beneficial for teachers, learners, parents and curriculum developers. The curriculum developers need to revisit the time frame, the transition between the grades, and how often the concept of fractions appears throughout every term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chetty, Ashnee
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Early childhood)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15869 , vital:40534
- Description: Literature review indicates that world over, fraction operations in primary school are challenging not only for learners but also for teachers and South Africa is not an exception. There have been studies on challenges of fraction operations, but could not locate any study at a Grade 6 level in East London education district. The purpose of this study was to assess the specific strengths and challenges in the learning and teaching of fraction operations in Grade 6 in one of the schools in this district. The research paradigm for this study was post-positivism which adopted a mixed methods approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. The population consisted of three teachers and 98 Grade 6 learners in one primary school in East London. The learners were under 18 years and in order to comply with South African ethical regulations involving humans, a letter was sent out to all 98 Grade 6 learners’ parents requesting their consent. Only 59 learners brought back the consent letters signed by a parent or legal guardian and hence, the sample consisted of 59 Grade 6 learners. There were two instruments: a survey questionnaire with 15 items for learners and two interview schedules, one for teachers and another for learners. The time to complete the questionnaire was 45 minutes and the time to complete the interviews was less than 20 minutes for learners and 40 minutes for teachers. As part of a pilot study, the questionnaire was given to six learners in 2017 cohort. Also, the questionnaire was given two colleagues teaching Grade 6 from two different schools. Furthermore, two learners from the 2017 cohort and two colleagues from two different schools were interviewed, respectively, to check the validity of the learners’ and teachers’ interview schedules. Based on the feedback, the instruments were modified for use in 2018. The learners were given the questionnaire to answer first before 10 were selected for interviews. Three teachers, one each from Grades 5, 6 and 7 were interviewed. The quantitative data were analysed to lead to a descriptive data presentation. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. It was revealed that there were similarities and differences in the manner in which teachers teach and the challenges they identified. There were similarities and differences among the responses from the learners. They found certain fraction operations challenging and their strengths were similar as well. The common outline of the learners’ strengths were being able to do like-fractions while, their challenges were on doing unlike-fractions. The teachers too concurred with the learners’ views. The learners got confused because they did not understand fractions as part of a whole. The teachers indicated knowledge of more than one teaching method. The teachers also pointed out how times tables is an essential part of being able to do operations of fractions. This study could be beneficial for teachers, learners, parents and curriculum developers. The curriculum developers need to revisit the time frame, the transition between the grades, and how often the concept of fractions appears throughout every term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Land Reform and the Challenge of Rural Development in Zimbabwe: The Case of the Fast Track Reform in Mashonaland West Region
- Authors: Chigarira, Tangai Sylvester
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe Agriculture and state -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18665 , vital:42704
- Description: A largely agricultural country, land remains an important factor of production and a critical element in the livelihoods of rural Zimbabweans. Small-scale farmers rely on land for food and income. The post-independence development of Zimbabwe has been tied to land holding. As such, land reform aimed at addressing colonial racial land inequalities and rural underdevelopment became an imperative. In the post-independence era, Zimbabwe undertook two phases of land reform – the first occurred between 1980 and 1999 and was known as the Land reform and Resettlement Programme (LRRP). This was based on the ‘willing-buyer and willing seller’. The second phase which took place from 2000, known as the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), took a radical approach. However, due to a variety of reasons, including the dominance of small-scale farming and challenges of land reform, agricultural productivity remains low. Moreover, despite land reform, including massive land redistribution, the process appears incomplete and inconclusive. This is so essentially because the land reform neither increased food production nor reduced poverty. Accordingly, sustainable development remains a distant reality, especially among rural small-scale farmers. The study aimed at assessing the impact of the fast track land reform (FTLRP) on poverty reduction and sustainable rural development in Zimbabwe. Despite undertaking one of Southern Africa’s largest post-colonial redistributive land reform to date, the provision of land on its own has not been sufficient to address rural poverty and achieving meaningful rural development. This is so because the land reform has not articulated integrated growth as remoteness and poverty remain endemic, which is connected to the land. So, resolving the land question still remains crucial for sustainable rural development in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chigarira, Tangai Sylvester
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe Agriculture and state -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18665 , vital:42704
- Description: A largely agricultural country, land remains an important factor of production and a critical element in the livelihoods of rural Zimbabweans. Small-scale farmers rely on land for food and income. The post-independence development of Zimbabwe has been tied to land holding. As such, land reform aimed at addressing colonial racial land inequalities and rural underdevelopment became an imperative. In the post-independence era, Zimbabwe undertook two phases of land reform – the first occurred between 1980 and 1999 and was known as the Land reform and Resettlement Programme (LRRP). This was based on the ‘willing-buyer and willing seller’. The second phase which took place from 2000, known as the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), took a radical approach. However, due to a variety of reasons, including the dominance of small-scale farming and challenges of land reform, agricultural productivity remains low. Moreover, despite land reform, including massive land redistribution, the process appears incomplete and inconclusive. This is so essentially because the land reform neither increased food production nor reduced poverty. Accordingly, sustainable development remains a distant reality, especially among rural small-scale farmers. The study aimed at assessing the impact of the fast track land reform (FTLRP) on poverty reduction and sustainable rural development in Zimbabwe. Despite undertaking one of Southern Africa’s largest post-colonial redistributive land reform to date, the provision of land on its own has not been sufficient to address rural poverty and achieving meaningful rural development. This is so because the land reform has not articulated integrated growth as remoteness and poverty remain endemic, which is connected to the land. So, resolving the land question still remains crucial for sustainable rural development in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The tertiary education institution of the future towards 2030: scenarios for skills transformation
- Authors: Chikoti, Patrick
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Administration Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37958 , vital:34274
- Description: The research methodology used in this research was comprised of Inayatullah’s Six Pillars of Futures Studies, in which emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative scenarios for the tertiary education institutions in South Africa towards 2030. An environmental scan revealed the drivers of change in the education sector and in the world of work. Deepening of the future of education was done through Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to facilitate the discerning of issues from various viewpoints in the creation and expansion of transformative stories so as to provide a window into possible futures for skills transformation. The four scenarios for the tertiary education institution of the future, namely “Stairway to Heaven”, “Highway to Hell”, “Bat out of Hell” and “Still Raining” were developed. These scenarios can be used as departure points by tertiary education providers to make strides towards the Global Sustainable Development Education 2030 targets and the attainment of South Africa’s Vision 2030 targets contained in the National Development Plan. Equally important, these scenarios make known what was previously unknown, exploring the possible and impossible, and encouraging new, innovative thinking for decision-makers. The “Stairway to Heaven” scenario supplies a future in which all stakeholders approve of and embrace the mandate of providing relevant skills and job readiness in a fast-changing world, and the benefits are maximised for all involved through co-creation. It is a scenario where industry, tertiary institutions and society have decided that the purpose of education should be lifelong learning for a viable, productive and sustainable world. The desired future of tertiary education is set against a backdrop of public and private sector collaboration, with the aim of turning the nation into an excellent hub for skills transformation. Furthermore, the scenario provides some insight on the vital measures required to embrace the innovation and the appropriate pedagogy. This research was motivated by the need to shine a light on the 21st century learner, rapidly obsoleting skills, no-collar worker, skills of the future, learning futures, and possible predictions about what new jobs may come into existence so that educationists can better prepare for the future. This research offers solutions on how institutions can prepare students for future jobs, especially considering the rapid changes in jobs and the unprecedented demise of certain jobs. The research closes a research gap through creating scenarios that offer various stakeholders in the tertiary education sector different insights and analysis into a number of interpretations of the potential paths that they can follow. The scenario application culminated in the formulation and creation of a “future vision of the tertiary education institution in South Africa towards 2030”, delivering a platform for skills transformation that will deliver adaptable workers, and sustainable and inclusive progress for all South Africans. To bring transformation into the present and design the future that embraces skills transformation, it is invaluable to interrogate the roles and choices that stakeholders of the educational sector make in determining the preferred future. The approach of this research makes it clear that, as the new world of work transpires, policymakers, students, labour, educational leaders, captains of industry and workers must proactively manage the workforce transitions. The focal issue is to discover the appropriate tools that will establish the confidence necessary to create the preferred future for skills transformation in tertiary institutions. This research has laid a platform for co-creation with various stakeholders in an effort to visualise a tertiary institution that contributes to skills development. The vision must accept that the South African jobs and skills historical profile is different from that of industrialised countries. Alternatively, the nation should respond to the double-barrelled challenge of participating in a high skills’ competitive environment on a global scale, as well as a local context that creates low-wage, blue-collar jobs to absorb the large numbers who are unemployed. The challenge is even greater for South Africa, because the economy – if highly service-oriented, with a big informal sector and a quality postgraduate education offering – is supported by a basic education system that is not producing enough critical thinkers who are equipped for university and work life. Thus, the system requires a double transformation to ensure student-centredness and meet the needs of a future worker.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chikoti, Patrick
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Administration Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37958 , vital:34274
- Description: The research methodology used in this research was comprised of Inayatullah’s Six Pillars of Futures Studies, in which emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative scenarios for the tertiary education institutions in South Africa towards 2030. An environmental scan revealed the drivers of change in the education sector and in the world of work. Deepening of the future of education was done through Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to facilitate the discerning of issues from various viewpoints in the creation and expansion of transformative stories so as to provide a window into possible futures for skills transformation. The four scenarios for the tertiary education institution of the future, namely “Stairway to Heaven”, “Highway to Hell”, “Bat out of Hell” and “Still Raining” were developed. These scenarios can be used as departure points by tertiary education providers to make strides towards the Global Sustainable Development Education 2030 targets and the attainment of South Africa’s Vision 2030 targets contained in the National Development Plan. Equally important, these scenarios make known what was previously unknown, exploring the possible and impossible, and encouraging new, innovative thinking for decision-makers. The “Stairway to Heaven” scenario supplies a future in which all stakeholders approve of and embrace the mandate of providing relevant skills and job readiness in a fast-changing world, and the benefits are maximised for all involved through co-creation. It is a scenario where industry, tertiary institutions and society have decided that the purpose of education should be lifelong learning for a viable, productive and sustainable world. The desired future of tertiary education is set against a backdrop of public and private sector collaboration, with the aim of turning the nation into an excellent hub for skills transformation. Furthermore, the scenario provides some insight on the vital measures required to embrace the innovation and the appropriate pedagogy. This research was motivated by the need to shine a light on the 21st century learner, rapidly obsoleting skills, no-collar worker, skills of the future, learning futures, and possible predictions about what new jobs may come into existence so that educationists can better prepare for the future. This research offers solutions on how institutions can prepare students for future jobs, especially considering the rapid changes in jobs and the unprecedented demise of certain jobs. The research closes a research gap through creating scenarios that offer various stakeholders in the tertiary education sector different insights and analysis into a number of interpretations of the potential paths that they can follow. The scenario application culminated in the formulation and creation of a “future vision of the tertiary education institution in South Africa towards 2030”, delivering a platform for skills transformation that will deliver adaptable workers, and sustainable and inclusive progress for all South Africans. To bring transformation into the present and design the future that embraces skills transformation, it is invaluable to interrogate the roles and choices that stakeholders of the educational sector make in determining the preferred future. The approach of this research makes it clear that, as the new world of work transpires, policymakers, students, labour, educational leaders, captains of industry and workers must proactively manage the workforce transitions. The focal issue is to discover the appropriate tools that will establish the confidence necessary to create the preferred future for skills transformation in tertiary institutions. This research has laid a platform for co-creation with various stakeholders in an effort to visualise a tertiary institution that contributes to skills development. The vision must accept that the South African jobs and skills historical profile is different from that of industrialised countries. Alternatively, the nation should respond to the double-barrelled challenge of participating in a high skills’ competitive environment on a global scale, as well as a local context that creates low-wage, blue-collar jobs to absorb the large numbers who are unemployed. The challenge is even greater for South Africa, because the economy – if highly service-oriented, with a big informal sector and a quality postgraduate education offering – is supported by a basic education system that is not producing enough critical thinkers who are equipped for university and work life. Thus, the system requires a double transformation to ensure student-centredness and meet the needs of a future worker.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Male nurses’ occupational experiences and meaning ascribed to dirty work in a female-dominated profession: A case of a hospital in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Chikungwa-Everson , Tarisai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Quality of work life Occupational prestige
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13314 , vital:39633
- Description: Orientation: Work and individual pursuit for career development have become critical in modern society. Within this, new forms of work and categories of work have emerged. Given these new forms of work and categories of work, there is a need to understand individual sense-making and experiences of transition. Research Purpose: The study explores male nurses’ occupational experiences and meaning ascribed to dirty work in a female-dominated profession. Motivation of the Study: Calls exist within the extant literature to understand modern forms of work and individual transition. One such area is that of dirty work – classified as any form of work with physical, moral or emotional taint. Little research within an Industrial and Organisational Psychology context exists on dirty work. Research Approach, Design/Method: An interpretivist, qualitative research approach using the exploratory research design was utilised to explore male nurse's occupational experiences and meaning ascribed to dirty work in a female-dominated profession. Narrative analysis was used as a basis for analysis using 27 male nurses working within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Main Findings: Based on the analysis of the 27 participants that took part in the study five main narratives emerged. These included: a) a career in nursing as framed as a recursive discourse; b) the experience of a nurse as oscillating as an agentic prowess and a communal assemblage of continued suspicion; c) striving more agentic domains ahead of communal domains in entering and surviving within dirty work; d) male nurses fulfilling a gendered utility role that female nurses cannot occupy and finally, e) male nurses’ ephemeral intention of being in the nursing profession influenced by the conditions of work. ii Practical/Managerial Implications: Based on the findings of the research, interventions are proposed with ramifications for the individual, organisation and career counselling. Contribution/Value-Add: Based on the findings of the research a theoretical framework of dirty work experiences and meaning of work amongst male nurses is proposed. The framework represents a departure away from traditional career theories espoused in the work of Holland and Super as it illustrates the role of intersectionality and marginality in shaping career development. Further, the proposed framework founded from the findings of the research (though supporting modern career models such as the Systems Theory Framework and the Career Construction Theory) uniquely show drivers towards dirty work, b) the processual work accompanying dirty work involvement and finally, c) the meaning ascribed to dirty work. The study becomes the first within a South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chikungwa-Everson , Tarisai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Quality of work life Occupational prestige
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13314 , vital:39633
- Description: Orientation: Work and individual pursuit for career development have become critical in modern society. Within this, new forms of work and categories of work have emerged. Given these new forms of work and categories of work, there is a need to understand individual sense-making and experiences of transition. Research Purpose: The study explores male nurses’ occupational experiences and meaning ascribed to dirty work in a female-dominated profession. Motivation of the Study: Calls exist within the extant literature to understand modern forms of work and individual transition. One such area is that of dirty work – classified as any form of work with physical, moral or emotional taint. Little research within an Industrial and Organisational Psychology context exists on dirty work. Research Approach, Design/Method: An interpretivist, qualitative research approach using the exploratory research design was utilised to explore male nurse's occupational experiences and meaning ascribed to dirty work in a female-dominated profession. Narrative analysis was used as a basis for analysis using 27 male nurses working within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Main Findings: Based on the analysis of the 27 participants that took part in the study five main narratives emerged. These included: a) a career in nursing as framed as a recursive discourse; b) the experience of a nurse as oscillating as an agentic prowess and a communal assemblage of continued suspicion; c) striving more agentic domains ahead of communal domains in entering and surviving within dirty work; d) male nurses fulfilling a gendered utility role that female nurses cannot occupy and finally, e) male nurses’ ephemeral intention of being in the nursing profession influenced by the conditions of work. ii Practical/Managerial Implications: Based on the findings of the research, interventions are proposed with ramifications for the individual, organisation and career counselling. Contribution/Value-Add: Based on the findings of the research a theoretical framework of dirty work experiences and meaning of work amongst male nurses is proposed. The framework represents a departure away from traditional career theories espoused in the work of Holland and Super as it illustrates the role of intersectionality and marginality in shaping career development. Further, the proposed framework founded from the findings of the research (though supporting modern career models such as the Systems Theory Framework and the Career Construction Theory) uniquely show drivers towards dirty work, b) the processual work accompanying dirty work involvement and finally, c) the meaning ascribed to dirty work. The study becomes the first within a South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
SME development policy and financing of women-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chikwavarara, Bigbouy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Small business -- women -- Zimbabwe Business enterprises -- Finance -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Finance -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37969 , vital:34275
- Description: This cross-sectional quasi-experimental research applied a combination of an indepth literature review, key informant interviews and a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) survey to identify key policies which influence access to formal finance for women-owned SMEs in Zimbabwe. The study then applied Sandiford and Rossmiller’s 4Es (effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity) framework for policy analysis to identify gaps in the SME development policy framework, which inhibit female entrepreneurs from access to formal finance. The study also reviewed India’s SME development policy framework to identify lessons that Zimbabwe could learn. The study found that female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe are rarely engaged during the design and implementation of SME policies; hence they lack knowledge of interventions which affect their businesses. The study also found that Zimbabwe lacks current data and knowledge on how the current SME policy framework affects women-owned SMEs to access finance. As a result, SME policies are not evidence based, are hurriedly implemented and lead to duplication and uncoordinated efforts. In addition, SME policies are not systematically evaluated so as to better inform implementation thereof or follow on policies. The study concluded that Zimbabwe’s SME development policy ranks low on all the 4Es - effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity in promoting access to finance for women-owned SMEs. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) to invest in timely policy research and analysis to better understand women-owned SMEs’ access to finance challenges and adopt evidence based policy making and implementation. The study also recommends the GoZ to learn from India how to enhance the SME development policy framework by building the capacity of female entrepreneurs and financial institutions to close the deeply entrenched information and confidence gaps on access to finance issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chikwavarara, Bigbouy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Small business -- women -- Zimbabwe Business enterprises -- Finance -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Finance -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37969 , vital:34275
- Description: This cross-sectional quasi-experimental research applied a combination of an indepth literature review, key informant interviews and a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) survey to identify key policies which influence access to formal finance for women-owned SMEs in Zimbabwe. The study then applied Sandiford and Rossmiller’s 4Es (effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity) framework for policy analysis to identify gaps in the SME development policy framework, which inhibit female entrepreneurs from access to formal finance. The study also reviewed India’s SME development policy framework to identify lessons that Zimbabwe could learn. The study found that female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe are rarely engaged during the design and implementation of SME policies; hence they lack knowledge of interventions which affect their businesses. The study also found that Zimbabwe lacks current data and knowledge on how the current SME policy framework affects women-owned SMEs to access finance. As a result, SME policies are not evidence based, are hurriedly implemented and lead to duplication and uncoordinated efforts. In addition, SME policies are not systematically evaluated so as to better inform implementation thereof or follow on policies. The study concluded that Zimbabwe’s SME development policy ranks low on all the 4Es - effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity in promoting access to finance for women-owned SMEs. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) to invest in timely policy research and analysis to better understand women-owned SMEs’ access to finance challenges and adopt evidence based policy making and implementation. The study also recommends the GoZ to learn from India how to enhance the SME development policy framework by building the capacity of female entrepreneurs and financial institutions to close the deeply entrenched information and confidence gaps on access to finance issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Mobile money adoption: a case study of Zimbaweans residing in South Africa
- Authors: Chimusoro, Anna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile commerce Financial institutions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13326 , vital:39634
- Description: A mobile phone has become an essential tool for both social and economic development in various countries around the world. For Zimbabweans residing in South Africa, a mobile phone is a lifeline to support family and relatives back home through Eco-cash mobile money service. With the assistance of mobile commerce applications, consumers are able to use their devices for financial transactions, taking pictures, videos and accessing social networks. As such, a mobile phone can be used for a myriad of functions other than communication purposes. These innovative technological developments in the telecommunications sector have also empowered businesses to improve on their efficiency and effectiveness. However, the challenge remains for consumers to adopt these innovations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the adoption of mobile money (Eco-cash) by Zimbabweans residing in South Africa. The study also established if perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk, perceived trust, social influence and facilitating conditions influence the intention to adopt mobile money (Eco-cash). The research adopted the TAM, extended TAM and UTAUT constructs to develop a theoretical model. A quantitative, descriptive research approach was applied to the study. Both primary and secondary sources were utilised in the collection of data. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 377 respondents through convenience and snowballing sampling methods in East London. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software packages was utilised to analyse the data. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) statistical techniques were employed to interpret the findings. The study found significant relationships on perceived ease of use, perceived trust, perceived risk, perceived usefulness, social influence and user intention. No significant relationship was found between facilitating conditions and user intention. The study recommends that MNOs design mobile money systems that are user-friendly and simple to use. Furthermore, MNOs and mobile money agents can offer value added services to attract more consumers to use their services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chimusoro, Anna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile commerce Financial institutions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13326 , vital:39634
- Description: A mobile phone has become an essential tool for both social and economic development in various countries around the world. For Zimbabweans residing in South Africa, a mobile phone is a lifeline to support family and relatives back home through Eco-cash mobile money service. With the assistance of mobile commerce applications, consumers are able to use their devices for financial transactions, taking pictures, videos and accessing social networks. As such, a mobile phone can be used for a myriad of functions other than communication purposes. These innovative technological developments in the telecommunications sector have also empowered businesses to improve on their efficiency and effectiveness. However, the challenge remains for consumers to adopt these innovations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the adoption of mobile money (Eco-cash) by Zimbabweans residing in South Africa. The study also established if perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk, perceived trust, social influence and facilitating conditions influence the intention to adopt mobile money (Eco-cash). The research adopted the TAM, extended TAM and UTAUT constructs to develop a theoretical model. A quantitative, descriptive research approach was applied to the study. Both primary and secondary sources were utilised in the collection of data. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 377 respondents through convenience and snowballing sampling methods in East London. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software packages was utilised to analyse the data. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) statistical techniques were employed to interpret the findings. The study found significant relationships on perceived ease of use, perceived trust, perceived risk, perceived usefulness, social influence and user intention. No significant relationship was found between facilitating conditions and user intention. The study recommends that MNOs design mobile money systems that are user-friendly and simple to use. Furthermore, MNOs and mobile money agents can offer value added services to attract more consumers to use their services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The rise of populism in africa: the role of nativism in maintaining political power in South Africa and Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chindoga , Melody
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nativism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15760 , vital:40521
- Description: ZANU-PF and ANC have been in power in their respective countries since the advent of democracy. However, the popularity of both the ANC and ZANU-PF has shifted from urban areas to rural areas, where their support bases are now concentrated (Clapham, 2012). Rural areas have benefitted the least from access to public resources and resource distribution yet despite this, they have provided the much needed support to both the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively. The politics of nativism has been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and ZANUPF in maintaining political power in their respective domains in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Nativism has been identified as a form of populism that is used as a political strategy to gain and maintain political power. It arises from opposition to the mind-set of colonialism in the form of a ‘reverse discourse’ that seeks to undermine colonial ideas through the mobilisation of African culture and is reliant on cultivating opposition to a defined enemy. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate how the politics of nativism have been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and by ZANUPF respectively to maintain power, by focusing particularly on their rural support bases. This study aligns itself with the broadly critical African perspective that is constituted by post-colonial theory and the accompanying oppositional canon of literature that is directly linked to the struggles against colonialism and oppression in former colonies, whilst also contesting contemporary representations of post-colonial societies emanating from those sources within which power resides. The study took the form of qualitative research, within which an interpretive approach was utilised to explore and to analyse the responses by inhabitants of two rural areas in South Africa and Zimbabwe to the nativist strategies and discourse constructed by the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively, contributing to the ongoing electoral support for these parties in rural areas. The research findings revealed that to maintain their popularity in rural areas, the nativist discourse of the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF has exploited historical factors related to oppression and inhumane treatment by Whites. The research also established that nativist discourse was utilised in rural areas of South ii Africa and Zimbabwe with varying success. It resonated with the experiences of the older generation of White domination, whereas most of the younger generation could not relate to its heavy reliance on anti-White sentiment. Those under the age of 35, typically considered as the youth, did not identify with much of the discourse and were sceptical of its racist foundation, preferring instead change in political leadership in order for change to occur
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chindoga , Melody
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nativism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15760 , vital:40521
- Description: ZANU-PF and ANC have been in power in their respective countries since the advent of democracy. However, the popularity of both the ANC and ZANU-PF has shifted from urban areas to rural areas, where their support bases are now concentrated (Clapham, 2012). Rural areas have benefitted the least from access to public resources and resource distribution yet despite this, they have provided the much needed support to both the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively. The politics of nativism has been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and ZANUPF in maintaining political power in their respective domains in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Nativism has been identified as a form of populism that is used as a political strategy to gain and maintain political power. It arises from opposition to the mind-set of colonialism in the form of a ‘reverse discourse’ that seeks to undermine colonial ideas through the mobilisation of African culture and is reliant on cultivating opposition to a defined enemy. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate how the politics of nativism have been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and by ZANUPF respectively to maintain power, by focusing particularly on their rural support bases. This study aligns itself with the broadly critical African perspective that is constituted by post-colonial theory and the accompanying oppositional canon of literature that is directly linked to the struggles against colonialism and oppression in former colonies, whilst also contesting contemporary representations of post-colonial societies emanating from those sources within which power resides. The study took the form of qualitative research, within which an interpretive approach was utilised to explore and to analyse the responses by inhabitants of two rural areas in South Africa and Zimbabwe to the nativist strategies and discourse constructed by the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively, contributing to the ongoing electoral support for these parties in rural areas. The research findings revealed that to maintain their popularity in rural areas, the nativist discourse of the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF has exploited historical factors related to oppression and inhumane treatment by Whites. The research also established that nativist discourse was utilised in rural areas of South ii Africa and Zimbabwe with varying success. It resonated with the experiences of the older generation of White domination, whereas most of the younger generation could not relate to its heavy reliance on anti-White sentiment. Those under the age of 35, typically considered as the youth, did not identify with much of the discourse and were sceptical of its racist foundation, preferring instead change in political leadership in order for change to occur
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Expanding learning in clergy leadership formation in an Anglican Church Province in Southern Africa: a critical realist study
- Authors: Chinganga, Percy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa, Southern -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Church management -- Africa, Southern , Critical realism , Educational leadership , Anglican Church of Southern Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92258 , vital:30704
- Description: The focus of this study was to investigate the kind of learning that happened when participants involved in clergy leadership formation programmes and activities in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) engaged in their responsibilities as a collective. Further, the research sought to explore collaborative and transforming practices in ACSA clergy leadership formation programmes and activities which could be expanded through learning. The study is premised on an investigation of the historical foundations of Christian leadership formation processes which sought to establish clergy leadership formation models relevant to ACSA (the context of the study) from inception (1848) to date (2017). This entailed investigating how the developments which have happened in the church from its inception in the New Testament times through the Medieval and Reformation periods, have contributed to the emergence of distinct Christian leadership formation models which have formed the basis of clergy leadership formation in ACSA. Accordingly, the study highlighted key issues relating to clergy leadership formation which are discernible in the different historical phases of the life and work of the church with the objective of establishing how ACSA, through expansive learning, could transform her current clergy leadership formation model(s) towards collaborative and transforming practices. The concept of expansive learning, drawn from Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), was used in the study as a methodological tool to create an environment where research participants (formators) from several dioceses would engage in collective work activities which would surface contradictions relating to how clergy leadership formation programmes and activities were understood and facilitated in ACSA. In response to the surfaced contradictions, the study engaged research participants in Change Laboratory Workshops whose goal was to transform the organisation (ACSA) in two particular ways: empowerment of participants (formators) with conceptual tools relevant to their responsibilities in clergy leadership formation programmes and activities in ACSA, and improvement of organisational cultural practices, that is, the manner in which ACSA ought to conceptualise, design, plan, facilitate and manage clergy leadership formation programmes and activities. The latter brought into the discourse the need for participants (formators) to select and employ methodologies, methods, approaches and resources relevant to the southern African context where ACSA is located even though the study also acknowledged the influence of other Anglican Church contexts on what happened at the local level. In order to decipher meaning out of investigated phenomena about clergy leadership formation in ACSA, the study employed the critical realist “underlabouring” philosophy advanced by theorists such as Bhaskar to surface underlying mechanisms that exist at the level of the “real” in order to understand the causes of particular events and experiences as they manifest in the “actual” and “empirical” domains of the world, ACSA in the case of the study. In particular, the study engaged critically the opinion deliberated by critical realists concerning the interplay between structure and agency in relation to the responsibilities of the research participants (formators) in ACSA clergy leadership formation programmes and activities. For instance, the study had an interest in investigating why bishops (principal formators in ACSA) exercised their episcopal authority in the manner they do and why individual formators were concerned about particular issues which relate to the facilitation of clergy leadership formation in ACSA (agential reflexivity/subjectivity). The study observed that, in the case of diocesan bishops, critical realists would argue that, by virtue of the authority which comes with their responsibilities (agency), they have the power to influence transformation of practices in clergy leadership formation in ACSA at any given point in time. The flip side of the discourse was also taken note of: that some bishops, for reasons known to themselves and their predecessors, are often reluctant to embrace new ideas relating to clergy leadership formation practices in their dioceses. Further, through critical realist lens, the study concluded that Canons, Vision and Mission statements, Acts, and structures such as Synod of Bishops, Provincial Synod, ABoTE, Cott, and TfM structurally shape ACSA, thus providing the organisation with a stable ontology which ought to direct, regulate and control the manner in which clergy leadership formation programmes and activities were conceptualised, designed, planned, facilitated and managed. As such, the study had an interest in establishing what would happen, in relation to clergy leadership formation practices in ACSA, when these structures would have been activated? Beyond that, in view of the goal of the study, it was enquired how expansive learning processes could be helpful in responding to the research findings towards exploring collaborative and transforming clergy leadership formation practices in ACSA. Drawing from the conceptual framework which was carved in the study on the basis of the theoretical tools (critical realism and educational leadership theory) and methodological tools (CHAT orientated concepts) undergirded by the Vygotskian theorisation of human consciousness development, the study concluded that clergy leadership formation is a collaborative activity which calls for the recognition, appreciation and utilisation of available expertise in ACSA and provision of a platform where participants (formators) could engage collectively on issues relating to their work with the objective of building each other up in knowledge and skills (expansive learning) towards realisation of the goals and objectives of the organisation. Diverse understandings (contradictions) of what needed to be prioritised in the facilitation of clergy leadership formation in ACSA would be considered as a positive rather than a negative. Ultimately, through the use of inductive, abductive and retroductive modes of inference, the study modelled a transforming, transformational, transformative, embodied and incarnational model of clergy leadership formation which ACSA could consider using in future deliberations on the object of study particularly in relation to the key research findings across the case studies which were used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chinganga, Percy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa, Southern -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Church management -- Africa, Southern , Critical realism , Educational leadership , Anglican Church of Southern Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92258 , vital:30704
- Description: The focus of this study was to investigate the kind of learning that happened when participants involved in clergy leadership formation programmes and activities in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) engaged in their responsibilities as a collective. Further, the research sought to explore collaborative and transforming practices in ACSA clergy leadership formation programmes and activities which could be expanded through learning. The study is premised on an investigation of the historical foundations of Christian leadership formation processes which sought to establish clergy leadership formation models relevant to ACSA (the context of the study) from inception (1848) to date (2017). This entailed investigating how the developments which have happened in the church from its inception in the New Testament times through the Medieval and Reformation periods, have contributed to the emergence of distinct Christian leadership formation models which have formed the basis of clergy leadership formation in ACSA. Accordingly, the study highlighted key issues relating to clergy leadership formation which are discernible in the different historical phases of the life and work of the church with the objective of establishing how ACSA, through expansive learning, could transform her current clergy leadership formation model(s) towards collaborative and transforming practices. The concept of expansive learning, drawn from Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), was used in the study as a methodological tool to create an environment where research participants (formators) from several dioceses would engage in collective work activities which would surface contradictions relating to how clergy leadership formation programmes and activities were understood and facilitated in ACSA. In response to the surfaced contradictions, the study engaged research participants in Change Laboratory Workshops whose goal was to transform the organisation (ACSA) in two particular ways: empowerment of participants (formators) with conceptual tools relevant to their responsibilities in clergy leadership formation programmes and activities in ACSA, and improvement of organisational cultural practices, that is, the manner in which ACSA ought to conceptualise, design, plan, facilitate and manage clergy leadership formation programmes and activities. The latter brought into the discourse the need for participants (formators) to select and employ methodologies, methods, approaches and resources relevant to the southern African context where ACSA is located even though the study also acknowledged the influence of other Anglican Church contexts on what happened at the local level. In order to decipher meaning out of investigated phenomena about clergy leadership formation in ACSA, the study employed the critical realist “underlabouring” philosophy advanced by theorists such as Bhaskar to surface underlying mechanisms that exist at the level of the “real” in order to understand the causes of particular events and experiences as they manifest in the “actual” and “empirical” domains of the world, ACSA in the case of the study. In particular, the study engaged critically the opinion deliberated by critical realists concerning the interplay between structure and agency in relation to the responsibilities of the research participants (formators) in ACSA clergy leadership formation programmes and activities. For instance, the study had an interest in investigating why bishops (principal formators in ACSA) exercised their episcopal authority in the manner they do and why individual formators were concerned about particular issues which relate to the facilitation of clergy leadership formation in ACSA (agential reflexivity/subjectivity). The study observed that, in the case of diocesan bishops, critical realists would argue that, by virtue of the authority which comes with their responsibilities (agency), they have the power to influence transformation of practices in clergy leadership formation in ACSA at any given point in time. The flip side of the discourse was also taken note of: that some bishops, for reasons known to themselves and their predecessors, are often reluctant to embrace new ideas relating to clergy leadership formation practices in their dioceses. Further, through critical realist lens, the study concluded that Canons, Vision and Mission statements, Acts, and structures such as Synod of Bishops, Provincial Synod, ABoTE, Cott, and TfM structurally shape ACSA, thus providing the organisation with a stable ontology which ought to direct, regulate and control the manner in which clergy leadership formation programmes and activities were conceptualised, designed, planned, facilitated and managed. As such, the study had an interest in establishing what would happen, in relation to clergy leadership formation practices in ACSA, when these structures would have been activated? Beyond that, in view of the goal of the study, it was enquired how expansive learning processes could be helpful in responding to the research findings towards exploring collaborative and transforming clergy leadership formation practices in ACSA. Drawing from the conceptual framework which was carved in the study on the basis of the theoretical tools (critical realism and educational leadership theory) and methodological tools (CHAT orientated concepts) undergirded by the Vygotskian theorisation of human consciousness development, the study concluded that clergy leadership formation is a collaborative activity which calls for the recognition, appreciation and utilisation of available expertise in ACSA and provision of a platform where participants (formators) could engage collectively on issues relating to their work with the objective of building each other up in knowledge and skills (expansive learning) towards realisation of the goals and objectives of the organisation. Diverse understandings (contradictions) of what needed to be prioritised in the facilitation of clergy leadership formation in ACSA would be considered as a positive rather than a negative. Ultimately, through the use of inductive, abductive and retroductive modes of inference, the study modelled a transforming, transformational, transformative, embodied and incarnational model of clergy leadership formation which ACSA could consider using in future deliberations on the object of study particularly in relation to the key research findings across the case studies which were used in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A critical analysis of A2 Fast Track Lowveld sugar cane farms in Zimbabwe in global value chains: interrogating the lives of farmers and farm labourers
- Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Authors: Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: International trade , Sugar trade -- Zimbabwe , Sugar growing -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93933 , vital:30972
- Description: The sugar cane industry has for many years been a lucrative business with a booming global market. In Zimbabwe, the sugar cane industry is no exception, as it has been regarded as one of the most efficient in the region and even in the world. The sugar cane farms and mills in Zimbabwe are located in Triangle and Chiredzi, in the south-eastern part of the country and they are under the ownership of Tongaat Hullet and the Zimbabwean A2 farmers. The focus of this is on the A2 fast track farms in Hippo Valley, which are now owned by black farmers but as out-growers for Tongaat Hullet. The crucial question addressed in the thesis is whether the A2 sugar cane farmers and their workers, located at the production end of the sugar cane global value chain, are benefitting from their involvement in this value chain. A number of scholars argue that global value chains lead to economic and social upgrading at the production end of the chain, based on thoughts contained in modernisation and trickledown theory. There is an assumption, then, that integration into the global economy leads to economic upgrading which translates into social upgrading. In drawing upon critical global value theorists, bolstered by the Marxist perspective, considers the importance of a more critical view of global value chains in relation to the sugar cane industry in Zimbabwe, with the particular focus on A2 farms. Thus, the main objective of the thesis is to consider the lives and livelihoods of A2 sugar cane farmers and sugar cane workers through a case study, in the context of global value chains and arguments around economic and social upgrading. This is pursued through a case study of six A2 farms, which involved interviewing farmers, supervisors, and both permanent and temporary workers. The thesis concludes that there is no significant evidence of social upgrading amongst the labour force, and that the A2 farmers are in constant tension with Tongaat Hullet in seeking to engage in economic upgrading of their status as commercial farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chingono, Kudakwashe Rejoice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: International trade , Sugar trade -- Zimbabwe , Sugar growing -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93933 , vital:30972
- Description: The sugar cane industry has for many years been a lucrative business with a booming global market. In Zimbabwe, the sugar cane industry is no exception, as it has been regarded as one of the most efficient in the region and even in the world. The sugar cane farms and mills in Zimbabwe are located in Triangle and Chiredzi, in the south-eastern part of the country and they are under the ownership of Tongaat Hullet and the Zimbabwean A2 farmers. The focus of this is on the A2 fast track farms in Hippo Valley, which are now owned by black farmers but as out-growers for Tongaat Hullet. The crucial question addressed in the thesis is whether the A2 sugar cane farmers and their workers, located at the production end of the sugar cane global value chain, are benefitting from their involvement in this value chain. A number of scholars argue that global value chains lead to economic and social upgrading at the production end of the chain, based on thoughts contained in modernisation and trickledown theory. There is an assumption, then, that integration into the global economy leads to economic upgrading which translates into social upgrading. In drawing upon critical global value theorists, bolstered by the Marxist perspective, considers the importance of a more critical view of global value chains in relation to the sugar cane industry in Zimbabwe, with the particular focus on A2 farms. Thus, the main objective of the thesis is to consider the lives and livelihoods of A2 sugar cane farmers and sugar cane workers through a case study, in the context of global value chains and arguments around economic and social upgrading. This is pursued through a case study of six A2 farms, which involved interviewing farmers, supervisors, and both permanent and temporary workers. The thesis concludes that there is no significant evidence of social upgrading amongst the labour force, and that the A2 farmers are in constant tension with Tongaat Hullet in seeking to engage in economic upgrading of their status as commercial farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Re-defining the calling – narratives of women excluded from the ordained ministry in the Seventh-Day Adventist church in South Africa
- Chinyamurindi, Willie Tafadzwa
- Authors: Chinyamurindi, Willie Tafadzwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Ordination of women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Th
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17529 , vital:41085
- Description: This work gives focus to understanding the notion of a calling amongst women excluded from the ordained ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa. Historically, there is an observation that women attend religious services in larger numbers than their male counterparts. Despite this, it is notable that in terms of leadership, very few women occupy this preserve. Further, the experiences of those in positions of leadership (especially women) remain an under-researched area. This study used a qualitative approach, with an explanatory research design. Analyses were conducted by NVivo qualitative research software amongst 15 women who had completed theological training within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa. Narrative analysis was used as a means of analysing the collected data. The data analysis generated four main narratives and resultant sub-narrative(s): 1) calling as influencing decision to enter the pastoral ministry; 2) the pastoral ministry framed as a sustained challenge to women pastors; 3) the existence of a perceived theological disjuncture; and finally 4) passive yet overt resolution tactics. Implications for individual and organisational functioning are made based on these findings
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chinyamurindi, Willie Tafadzwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Ordination of women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Th
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17529 , vital:41085
- Description: This work gives focus to understanding the notion of a calling amongst women excluded from the ordained ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa. Historically, there is an observation that women attend religious services in larger numbers than their male counterparts. Despite this, it is notable that in terms of leadership, very few women occupy this preserve. Further, the experiences of those in positions of leadership (especially women) remain an under-researched area. This study used a qualitative approach, with an explanatory research design. Analyses were conducted by NVivo qualitative research software amongst 15 women who had completed theological training within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa. Narrative analysis was used as a means of analysing the collected data. The data analysis generated four main narratives and resultant sub-narrative(s): 1) calling as influencing decision to enter the pastoral ministry; 2) the pastoral ministry framed as a sustained challenge to women pastors; 3) the existence of a perceived theological disjuncture; and finally 4) passive yet overt resolution tactics. Implications for individual and organisational functioning are made based on these findings
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Chinese engagement of Zimbabwe and the limits of elite agency:
- Chipaike, Ronald, Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Authors: Chipaike, Ronald , Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161548 , vital:40637 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1177/0021909619848783
- Description: This article contends that Zimbabwe’s agency in its engagement with China has been limited and at best circumscribed. This owes to factors such as indifference by state authorities to cooperation with civil society actors in negotiating with Chinese actors, the desperation of the The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front regime in the face of isolation by erstwhile partners as well as the opacity and secrecy that characterizes significant areas of the Zimbabwe–China relationship. The pressing need for critical institutions such as parliament to play independent oversight roles as well as the creation of space for civil society watchdog functions are highlighted as key enablers if Zimbabwean agency is to generate positive gains from the country’s engagement with China.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chipaike, Ronald , Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161548 , vital:40637 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1177/0021909619848783
- Description: This article contends that Zimbabwe’s agency in its engagement with China has been limited and at best circumscribed. This owes to factors such as indifference by state authorities to cooperation with civil society actors in negotiating with Chinese actors, the desperation of the The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front regime in the face of isolation by erstwhile partners as well as the opacity and secrecy that characterizes significant areas of the Zimbabwe–China relationship. The pressing need for critical institutions such as parliament to play independent oversight roles as well as the creation of space for civil society watchdog functions are highlighted as key enablers if Zimbabwean agency is to generate positive gains from the country’s engagement with China.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Implementation of school-based assessment in high schools, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa : implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Chipfiko, Jack
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: High schools -- Examinations Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15892 , vital:40549
- Description: The purpose of any education system is to deliver a quality educational product. Various forms of assessment are used to ensure the suitability of the product and inform decisions. In South Africa, School-Based Assessment(SBA) is one of the tools used to assess the content competences, skills, values and attitudes; to provide learners, parents and teachers with results that are a meaningful indication of what the learners know, understand and can do at the time of assessment (DBE, 2012). Surprisingly, on a yearly basis, Umalusi reports reveal that SBA marks are rejected resulting in the learners being resulted on mostly the year end examination. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of SBA with a view to unearth the factors contributing to the perennial rejection of SBA marks, resulting in learners from some schools being unfairly assessed. To explore the research problem, a mixed methods study, employing a concurrent triangulation design, was employed. Total Quality Management theory was the theoretical framework anchoring this study. Sub research questions to interrogate the research problem focused on examining the roles of the teachers, learners and parents in the implementation of SBA; assessing the structures in place to support the implementation of SBA; examining how teachers, learners and parents play complementary roles in the implementation of SBA; and identifying strategies to enhance the implementation of SBA in South African (SA) high schools. Data were collected using Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected samples of teachers, learners and SGB chairpersons from high schools in White River Circuit in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. The use of mixed methods produced quantitative and qualitative data which were independently analysed and merged during interpretation. Findings revealed that: participants and respondents confirmed the various roles of SBA in teaching and learning; structures were in place to support the implementation of SBA in high schools; complementarity of roles were sporadic in the implementation of SBA in high schools; and various strategies were employed to enhance the implementation of SBA in high schools. Implications for teaching and learning focused on realigning the implementation processes in the production of a quality educational product, and maximising its benefits to teachers, learners and parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chipfiko, Jack
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: High schools -- Examinations Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15892 , vital:40549
- Description: The purpose of any education system is to deliver a quality educational product. Various forms of assessment are used to ensure the suitability of the product and inform decisions. In South Africa, School-Based Assessment(SBA) is one of the tools used to assess the content competences, skills, values and attitudes; to provide learners, parents and teachers with results that are a meaningful indication of what the learners know, understand and can do at the time of assessment (DBE, 2012). Surprisingly, on a yearly basis, Umalusi reports reveal that SBA marks are rejected resulting in the learners being resulted on mostly the year end examination. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of SBA with a view to unearth the factors contributing to the perennial rejection of SBA marks, resulting in learners from some schools being unfairly assessed. To explore the research problem, a mixed methods study, employing a concurrent triangulation design, was employed. Total Quality Management theory was the theoretical framework anchoring this study. Sub research questions to interrogate the research problem focused on examining the roles of the teachers, learners and parents in the implementation of SBA; assessing the structures in place to support the implementation of SBA; examining how teachers, learners and parents play complementary roles in the implementation of SBA; and identifying strategies to enhance the implementation of SBA in South African (SA) high schools. Data were collected using Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected samples of teachers, learners and SGB chairpersons from high schools in White River Circuit in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. The use of mixed methods produced quantitative and qualitative data which were independently analysed and merged during interpretation. Findings revealed that: participants and respondents confirmed the various roles of SBA in teaching and learning; structures were in place to support the implementation of SBA in high schools; complementarity of roles were sporadic in the implementation of SBA in high schools; and various strategies were employed to enhance the implementation of SBA in high schools. Implications for teaching and learning focused on realigning the implementation processes in the production of a quality educational product, and maximising its benefits to teachers, learners and parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Time-resolved luminescence: progress in development of theory and analytical methods
- Authors: Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/105403 , vital:32509 , https://doi.org/10.1142/9781786345790_0007
- Description: Time-resolved optical stimulation is an important method for measurement of optically stimulated luminescence. The aim of time-resolved optical stimulation is to separate the stimulation and emission of luminescence in time. The luminescence is stimulated from a sample using a short light pulse of constant intensity. The ensuing luminescence can be monitored either during stimulation in the presence of scattered stimulating light, or after the light-pulse. The time-resolved luminescence spectrum produced in this way can be resolved into components, each with a distinct lifetime. The lifetimes are linked to physical processes of luminescence. Time-resolved optical stimulation has thus been used to study dynamics of luminescence in various materials, particularly ones of interest in dosimetry such as quartz, feldspar, α-Al2O3:C and BeO. This chapter will review the theory of time-resolved luminescence, look at the instrumentation involved and discuss advances in analytical methods of time-resolved luminescence spectra.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/105403 , vital:32509 , https://doi.org/10.1142/9781786345790_0007
- Description: Time-resolved optical stimulation is an important method for measurement of optically stimulated luminescence. The aim of time-resolved optical stimulation is to separate the stimulation and emission of luminescence in time. The luminescence is stimulated from a sample using a short light pulse of constant intensity. The ensuing luminescence can be monitored either during stimulation in the presence of scattered stimulating light, or after the light-pulse. The time-resolved luminescence spectrum produced in this way can be resolved into components, each with a distinct lifetime. The lifetimes are linked to physical processes of luminescence. Time-resolved optical stimulation has thus been used to study dynamics of luminescence in various materials, particularly ones of interest in dosimetry such as quartz, feldspar, α-Al2O3:C and BeO. This chapter will review the theory of time-resolved luminescence, look at the instrumentation involved and discuss advances in analytical methods of time-resolved luminescence spectra.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
Stakeholder relationship management of a Chinese Mining Organisation in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chodokufa, Kudakwashe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial management -- Zimbabwe , Mineral industries -- Zimbabwe -- Management , Investments, Chinese -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115127 , vital:34080
- Description: Media reports and research has pointed out problems in the way that Chinese mining organisations in Zimbabwe are managing stakeholder relationships. The problems ranging from disgruntled communities and allegations of labour violations. Taking into account the impact that China’s FDI has had on the ailing Zimbabwean economy research into the management of stakeholder relationships becomes imperative to understand how Chinese mining organisations build and manage stakeholder relationships. A review of stakeholder theory has revealed that there is not much emphasis by researchers on how organisations manage their stakeholder relationships, but rather on the identification and analysis of stakeholders. Research that has focused on stakeholder relationships has focused on different elements found in stakeholder relationship management and not necessarily on how stakeholder relationships should be managed. On the other hand, stakeholder theory does not seem to include social licence to operate which is important in stakeholder relationship management within the mining context. The purpose of this study is to develop a multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process for the Chinese mining organisation in Zimbabwe, showing dynamic interactions between multiple stakeholder networks with complementary, competitive and/or cooperative interests, while taking into account the possibility that interests may vary according to the underlying context. Thirteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with three stakeholder groups of a Chinese mining organisation as identified from the literature, namely employees, government and the community. The critical incident technique (CIT) was adopted in developing the interview questions and facilitated the data collection process. Participants described 36 critical incidents. According to multiple stakeholders, the findings suggest that, the Chinese managers built the relationship with multiple stakeholders through friendship, negotiation, pretend not to understand, referral, singing a contract, started with problems, they just arrived and through the government. With the same relationship being managed by the Chinese managers by being hard, rough and ruthless, authoritative, Chinese way of doing things, used avoidance, lack of competency, through a third party and resolving conflict when managing stakeholder relationships. Showing that the building and managing of stakeholder relationships is socially constructed and experienced differently by stakeholders. The positive and negative relationship characteristics influenced how stakeholder relationships are managed by the selected Chinese mining organisation. In the presence of positive relationship characteristics which included, friendship,there was flexibility, power dynamics, accountability depends on situations, commitment a show of investment, do cooperate to a certain extent, trust began with an open mind, shared values: hardwork and profit, shared values: culture was associated with the Chinese managing the relationship through being kind, supportive, motivating and understanding; complaint; through a third party; controlling; Chinese way of doing things; and performance and reward management of stakeholder relationships. Whilst negative relationship characteristics which included fear, their hearts were hardened, Chinese had power, intimidaton, not accountable, lack of commitment, communication understanding, connotations and intretations, communication done through a third party; no cooperation want to cut coners; trust are they conveying what is being said; deception and misrepresentation; trust depends on experience; being told lies and not transparent were associated with negative (being authoritative; hard, rough and ruthless; avoidance; blame shifting and pushy) stakeholder relationship management by the Chinese managers. Hence, a proposition that negative or positive relationship characteristics result in negative or positive stakeholder relationship management by the Chinese managers was propossed. The following challenges were experienced in the management of stakeholder relationships namely, communication, corruption, cheating, political environment, working conditions and broken promises. The dynamic multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process was subsequently revised to accommodate the new relationship characteristics and their positive and negative influence on how stakeholder relationships are managed. The main contribution of this study is the dynamic multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process which was developed within the context of a Chinese mining organisation in Africa. It is recommended that practitioners utilise the dynamic multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process to assist them in understanding and conducting research on stakeholder relationships. Further research is suggested on developing the research proposition made in the study and to empirically test the dynamic multidimension stakeholder relationship management process in other industries that posses different or similar contexts as this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chodokufa, Kudakwashe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial management -- Zimbabwe , Mineral industries -- Zimbabwe -- Management , Investments, Chinese -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115127 , vital:34080
- Description: Media reports and research has pointed out problems in the way that Chinese mining organisations in Zimbabwe are managing stakeholder relationships. The problems ranging from disgruntled communities and allegations of labour violations. Taking into account the impact that China’s FDI has had on the ailing Zimbabwean economy research into the management of stakeholder relationships becomes imperative to understand how Chinese mining organisations build and manage stakeholder relationships. A review of stakeholder theory has revealed that there is not much emphasis by researchers on how organisations manage their stakeholder relationships, but rather on the identification and analysis of stakeholders. Research that has focused on stakeholder relationships has focused on different elements found in stakeholder relationship management and not necessarily on how stakeholder relationships should be managed. On the other hand, stakeholder theory does not seem to include social licence to operate which is important in stakeholder relationship management within the mining context. The purpose of this study is to develop a multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process for the Chinese mining organisation in Zimbabwe, showing dynamic interactions between multiple stakeholder networks with complementary, competitive and/or cooperative interests, while taking into account the possibility that interests may vary according to the underlying context. Thirteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with three stakeholder groups of a Chinese mining organisation as identified from the literature, namely employees, government and the community. The critical incident technique (CIT) was adopted in developing the interview questions and facilitated the data collection process. Participants described 36 critical incidents. According to multiple stakeholders, the findings suggest that, the Chinese managers built the relationship with multiple stakeholders through friendship, negotiation, pretend not to understand, referral, singing a contract, started with problems, they just arrived and through the government. With the same relationship being managed by the Chinese managers by being hard, rough and ruthless, authoritative, Chinese way of doing things, used avoidance, lack of competency, through a third party and resolving conflict when managing stakeholder relationships. Showing that the building and managing of stakeholder relationships is socially constructed and experienced differently by stakeholders. The positive and negative relationship characteristics influenced how stakeholder relationships are managed by the selected Chinese mining organisation. In the presence of positive relationship characteristics which included, friendship,there was flexibility, power dynamics, accountability depends on situations, commitment a show of investment, do cooperate to a certain extent, trust began with an open mind, shared values: hardwork and profit, shared values: culture was associated with the Chinese managing the relationship through being kind, supportive, motivating and understanding; complaint; through a third party; controlling; Chinese way of doing things; and performance and reward management of stakeholder relationships. Whilst negative relationship characteristics which included fear, their hearts were hardened, Chinese had power, intimidaton, not accountable, lack of commitment, communication understanding, connotations and intretations, communication done through a third party; no cooperation want to cut coners; trust are they conveying what is being said; deception and misrepresentation; trust depends on experience; being told lies and not transparent were associated with negative (being authoritative; hard, rough and ruthless; avoidance; blame shifting and pushy) stakeholder relationship management by the Chinese managers. Hence, a proposition that negative or positive relationship characteristics result in negative or positive stakeholder relationship management by the Chinese managers was propossed. The following challenges were experienced in the management of stakeholder relationships namely, communication, corruption, cheating, political environment, working conditions and broken promises. The dynamic multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process was subsequently revised to accommodate the new relationship characteristics and their positive and negative influence on how stakeholder relationships are managed. The main contribution of this study is the dynamic multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process which was developed within the context of a Chinese mining organisation in Africa. It is recommended that practitioners utilise the dynamic multidimensional stakeholder relationship management process to assist them in understanding and conducting research on stakeholder relationships. Further research is suggested on developing the research proposition made in the study and to empirically test the dynamic multidimension stakeholder relationship management process in other industries that posses different or similar contexts as this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Strength and Sprint Time Changes in Response to Repeated Shuttles Between the Wickets During Batting in Cricket
- Christie, Candice J, Sheppard, Bronwyn J, Goble, David, Pote, Lee, Noakes, Timothy
- Authors: Christie, Candice J , Sheppard, Bronwyn J , Goble, David , Pote, Lee , Noakes, Timothy
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127133 , vital:35959 , https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002585
- Description: Christie CJ, Sheppard B, Goble D, Pote L, and Noakes TD. Strength and sprint time changes in response to repeated shuttles between the wickets during batting in cricket. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2018—No studies have investigated the impact of repeated sprints between the wickets on lower-limb strength and sprint performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess changes in knee extensor (EXT) and flexor (FLEX) strength after repeated sprints between the wickets and to relate these to changes in sprint times. Twenty batters completed 2 conditions: onewas high-volume running (HVR-twelve sprints per over) and the other, moderate-volume running (MVR-6 sprints per over) between the wickets (42 deliveries in both). Peak isokinetic torque was measured before and after each condition and sprint times were recorded. Eccentric and concentric peak torque decreased significantly (p , 0.05) at 1.05 rad˙s ̄1 for knee EXT in both conditions. There was an 18% (HVR) and 10% (MVR) decline in concentric and eccentric knee EXT peak torque. Peak FLEX torques were significantly (p , 0.05) reduced after HVR (16.7%) but not after the MVR condition (8%). There were similar declines in eccentric FLEX peak torque. Sprint times increased significantly (p , 0.05) during the HVR condition but not in the MVR condition; sprint times in the HVR condition were compromised as early as the third over. We conclude that a high volume of runs significantly reduces muscle function in the lower limbs, partly explaining the impairment in sprint performance. However, because batters slowed as early as the third over in the HVR condition, there may be some form of strategy used in anticipation of a higher overall workload. More middle wicket practices, focusing on repeat shuttle sprints while batting, should be included in the coaching program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Christie, Candice J , Sheppard, Bronwyn J , Goble, David , Pote, Lee , Noakes, Timothy
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127133 , vital:35959 , https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002585
- Description: Christie CJ, Sheppard B, Goble D, Pote L, and Noakes TD. Strength and sprint time changes in response to repeated shuttles between the wickets during batting in cricket. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2018—No studies have investigated the impact of repeated sprints between the wickets on lower-limb strength and sprint performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess changes in knee extensor (EXT) and flexor (FLEX) strength after repeated sprints between the wickets and to relate these to changes in sprint times. Twenty batters completed 2 conditions: onewas high-volume running (HVR-twelve sprints per over) and the other, moderate-volume running (MVR-6 sprints per over) between the wickets (42 deliveries in both). Peak isokinetic torque was measured before and after each condition and sprint times were recorded. Eccentric and concentric peak torque decreased significantly (p , 0.05) at 1.05 rad˙s ̄1 for knee EXT in both conditions. There was an 18% (HVR) and 10% (MVR) decline in concentric and eccentric knee EXT peak torque. Peak FLEX torques were significantly (p , 0.05) reduced after HVR (16.7%) but not after the MVR condition (8%). There were similar declines in eccentric FLEX peak torque. Sprint times increased significantly (p , 0.05) during the HVR condition but not in the MVR condition; sprint times in the HVR condition were compromised as early as the third over. We conclude that a high volume of runs significantly reduces muscle function in the lower limbs, partly explaining the impairment in sprint performance. However, because batters slowed as early as the third over in the HVR condition, there may be some form of strategy used in anticipation of a higher overall workload. More middle wicket practices, focusing on repeat shuttle sprints while batting, should be included in the coaching program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Students’ perceived experiences of a flipped classroom at a traditional South African university in comparison to the traditional classroom
- Authors: Cilliers, Liezel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Teaching -- trends Flipped classrooms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15881 , vital:40545
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceived experiences of flipped classrooms at a traditional South African university in comparison to the traditional classroom. Universities across the world are confronted with a variety of problems. One of these challenges include the massification of higher education as more students now have access to universities resulting in larger class sizes and lower through put rates. Universities have traditionally made use of the face-to-face model of lectures and tutorials as a passive mode of course instruction and delivery. However, due to the massification of higher education, it has become very difficult for lecturers to communicate and collaborate with students. One of the ways that lecturers have attempted to overcome the problem of massification is to make use of technology to increase the delivery of course content. When lectures are made available online while the traditional class time is used to build conceptual understanding and cognitive skills among students, the approach is known as ‘flipping’ the classroom. Several studies have shown that this type of active classroom approach can perform better than traditional lectures when learning outcomes are compared. There is also a very limited body of knowledge available regarding students’ perceived experiences of flipped classrooms at traditional South African universities. The theoretical frameworks guiding this study are the Activity Theory and Constructivism, whilst a pragmatic paradigm was employed. The flipped classroom was used in one course of the Management and Commerce Faculty at a traditional university in South Africa. The study was divided into three cycles: The first cycle involved 4 weeks of traditional lectures, the second cycle of 4 weeks introduced blended learning into the course, while the third cycle of 4 weeks changed the content delivery method to a flipped classroom. At the end of each cycle a formal evaluation through focus groups interviews (with 10 students per cycle) and a questionnaire (that was administered to the class) was conducted to inform the next cycle. Throughout the research process, the researcher also kept detailed field notes to as an account of the planning, execution and reflection for each class. The researcher also observed the behavior of the students during the various research cycles to provide a ‘snapshot’ of the classes. The results of the study suggest that students prefer the use of the flipped classroom is it enables them to communicate with their peers and the lecturer, and providing them with opportunities to better understand learning content through discussions and reasoning, rather than the means of receiving information. Barriers that were identified included difficulty with learning strategies and technical assistance when students needed assistance. However, students were positive about both the use of the flipped classroom as opposed to the use of the traditional classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Cilliers, Liezel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Teaching -- trends Flipped classrooms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15881 , vital:40545
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceived experiences of flipped classrooms at a traditional South African university in comparison to the traditional classroom. Universities across the world are confronted with a variety of problems. One of these challenges include the massification of higher education as more students now have access to universities resulting in larger class sizes and lower through put rates. Universities have traditionally made use of the face-to-face model of lectures and tutorials as a passive mode of course instruction and delivery. However, due to the massification of higher education, it has become very difficult for lecturers to communicate and collaborate with students. One of the ways that lecturers have attempted to overcome the problem of massification is to make use of technology to increase the delivery of course content. When lectures are made available online while the traditional class time is used to build conceptual understanding and cognitive skills among students, the approach is known as ‘flipping’ the classroom. Several studies have shown that this type of active classroom approach can perform better than traditional lectures when learning outcomes are compared. There is also a very limited body of knowledge available regarding students’ perceived experiences of flipped classrooms at traditional South African universities. The theoretical frameworks guiding this study are the Activity Theory and Constructivism, whilst a pragmatic paradigm was employed. The flipped classroom was used in one course of the Management and Commerce Faculty at a traditional university in South Africa. The study was divided into three cycles: The first cycle involved 4 weeks of traditional lectures, the second cycle of 4 weeks introduced blended learning into the course, while the third cycle of 4 weeks changed the content delivery method to a flipped classroom. At the end of each cycle a formal evaluation through focus groups interviews (with 10 students per cycle) and a questionnaire (that was administered to the class) was conducted to inform the next cycle. Throughout the research process, the researcher also kept detailed field notes to as an account of the planning, execution and reflection for each class. The researcher also observed the behavior of the students during the various research cycles to provide a ‘snapshot’ of the classes. The results of the study suggest that students prefer the use of the flipped classroom is it enables them to communicate with their peers and the lecturer, and providing them with opportunities to better understand learning content through discussions and reasoning, rather than the means of receiving information. Barriers that were identified included difficulty with learning strategies and technical assistance when students needed assistance. However, students were positive about both the use of the flipped classroom as opposed to the use of the traditional classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019