A model for managing user experience
- Authors: Mashapa, Job
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Management , User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020765
- Description: New innovative products are being designed while the user interface of existing products is constantly being revamped to give them a new look. All this is an effort to bring a satisfactory interacting experience for the user. However, in most cases users do not feel that they experience that benefit. The introduction of a new product, or the enhancement of the functionality and user interface of an existing product, often faces criticism and brings resistance to the acceptance and usage of the product by the users. Therefore, the change in user interface or introduction of new products does not only affect the business processes but also the lifestyles of the users, as well as their overall user experience. One of the most important components for the success of any product is a positive user experience. User experience refers to the subjective feeling of the user that results from their interaction or intention to interact with a product in order to perform a specific task in a specific environment. When the user interface and functionality of a product match the expectations of the users and make the users effective and efficient, feel safe and attain some level of self-worth from using or possessing the product, their interaction with the product becomes more satisfactory. User experience practitioners are in agreement that a change to the user interface influences the user experience of the people when interacting with the product; hence it affects change in the user experience of the people. A vast body of literature exists on the methods for evaluating user experience as well as on the principles that are aimed at guiding the design of products for a positive user experience. However, there is a lack of a means to manage this change in user experience that results from the changes in the features of the user interface or the product functionalities. This inadequacy opens up the potential for integrating change management principles in order to manage user experience. However, existing change management principles do not address the user experience aspects when managing change. Following the above premise, this study focused on the development of a model for managing user experience: the User Experience Management Model (UXM2). The UXM2 infers its components from the disciplines of user experience and change management. Its uniqueness is seated in its people-centred approach that aims to effect a free-will change in the individuals towards a long-term positive user experience. The proposed model further aims to promote the voluntary acceptance of a product, which is contrary to the mandatory change that is guided by the policies of the organization, as discussed in the study. The UXM2 was developed from a thorough argumentation of literature on user experience and change management. The components that were required for development of the model were identified from literature, and were evaluated for their relevance by means of academic publications in subject domain international conferences. The academic publications underwent double-blind peer review with subject domain experts. The model was evaluated for its relevance and potential applicability through interviews and discussions with subject domain experts. The subject domain experts consist of user experience practitioners and academic professionals in the domain of HCI. The subject domain experts also evaluated the model by means of an evaluation tool comprising of a Likert scale rating of the proposed components and related activities for managing user experience. The target users of the UXM2 are user experience practitioners and product developers who aim to promote a sustainable long-term positive user experience for the people interacting with their products. The UXM2 is aimed at being used for the design of products that are meant for institutional use, personal use, mandatory use and optional use. It is believed that adoption of the UXM2 will promote acceptance of the product by users, with an associated sustainable positive long-term user experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mashapa, Job
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Management , User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020765
- Description: New innovative products are being designed while the user interface of existing products is constantly being revamped to give them a new look. All this is an effort to bring a satisfactory interacting experience for the user. However, in most cases users do not feel that they experience that benefit. The introduction of a new product, or the enhancement of the functionality and user interface of an existing product, often faces criticism and brings resistance to the acceptance and usage of the product by the users. Therefore, the change in user interface or introduction of new products does not only affect the business processes but also the lifestyles of the users, as well as their overall user experience. One of the most important components for the success of any product is a positive user experience. User experience refers to the subjective feeling of the user that results from their interaction or intention to interact with a product in order to perform a specific task in a specific environment. When the user interface and functionality of a product match the expectations of the users and make the users effective and efficient, feel safe and attain some level of self-worth from using or possessing the product, their interaction with the product becomes more satisfactory. User experience practitioners are in agreement that a change to the user interface influences the user experience of the people when interacting with the product; hence it affects change in the user experience of the people. A vast body of literature exists on the methods for evaluating user experience as well as on the principles that are aimed at guiding the design of products for a positive user experience. However, there is a lack of a means to manage this change in user experience that results from the changes in the features of the user interface or the product functionalities. This inadequacy opens up the potential for integrating change management principles in order to manage user experience. However, existing change management principles do not address the user experience aspects when managing change. Following the above premise, this study focused on the development of a model for managing user experience: the User Experience Management Model (UXM2). The UXM2 infers its components from the disciplines of user experience and change management. Its uniqueness is seated in its people-centred approach that aims to effect a free-will change in the individuals towards a long-term positive user experience. The proposed model further aims to promote the voluntary acceptance of a product, which is contrary to the mandatory change that is guided by the policies of the organization, as discussed in the study. The UXM2 was developed from a thorough argumentation of literature on user experience and change management. The components that were required for development of the model were identified from literature, and were evaluated for their relevance by means of academic publications in subject domain international conferences. The academic publications underwent double-blind peer review with subject domain experts. The model was evaluated for its relevance and potential applicability through interviews and discussions with subject domain experts. The subject domain experts consist of user experience practitioners and academic professionals in the domain of HCI. The subject domain experts also evaluated the model by means of an evaluation tool comprising of a Likert scale rating of the proposed components and related activities for managing user experience. The target users of the UXM2 are user experience practitioners and product developers who aim to promote a sustainable long-term positive user experience for the people interacting with their products. The UXM2 is aimed at being used for the design of products that are meant for institutional use, personal use, mandatory use and optional use. It is believed that adoption of the UXM2 will promote acceptance of the product by users, with an associated sustainable positive long-term user experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A model for supporting environmental awereness in higher education using social media
- Authors: Tlebere, Thabo Eugene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social media , Environmental education , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10496 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020820
- Description: University sustainability is a field of research that has been gaining increased interest in recent years. The reduction of environmental impact has become a strategic objective of universities globally. Universities have been prompted to take necessary action to ensure that their environmental impact is at a minimum. The environmental component of sustainability deals with the current conservation of the earth’s natural resources so that future generations can also have access to them. Human beings, due to their increasing needs, are accountable for the exploitation of natural resources. They are regarded as the main contributors to imbalances in the natural systems. Environmental concerns such as global warming, deforestations, disposal of wastes, and ozone reduction are the outcomes of the damage caused by humans on the environment. The aim of environmental education is to acquire remediation of the environment by making individuals aware of the environment and by educating them about how to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Environmental awareness is perceived as knowledge of the factors that affect the environment and having sensitivity towards the environment. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) bear the responsibility of educating individuals about environmental issues since they provide education to future leaders in society who may have an influence on future conditions in the environment. Social media are capable of delivering information to a large spectrum of audiences at a low cost. The Pew Internet American Life Project reported that the number of adults who utilise social media has increased by 57 percent from 2005 to 2011. Several environmental activist organisations utilise social media to carry out environmental awareness campaigns. In this study two environmental awareness campaigns which were powered by social media were conducted to improve environmental awareness of individuals in a higher education environment. A Social media Model for ENvironmental Awareness (SMENA) was developed to facilitate the environmental awareness campaigns. The SMENA includes a website, social media as well as theoretical guidelines for creating environmental awareness campaigns, and for using social media for environmental awareness campaigns. A case study at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) was used to empirically evaluate SMENA. Students at the Department of Computer Sciences of NMMU were exposed to information about environmental issues through social media with the intention of improving their environmental knowledge and awareness. The SMENA website usability was rated positively and students enjoyed the blogs and information distributed by means of social media. The results of the study intervention were positive and showed that social media can be used to improve the environmental knowledge of students. This study provides a valuable contribution to both the field of environmental education and social media usage and acceptance. The guidelines and requirements for using social media to improve environmental awareness provided in this study can be used to assist educators and university management with addressing the problems of reducing environmental impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tlebere, Thabo Eugene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social media , Environmental education , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10496 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020820
- Description: University sustainability is a field of research that has been gaining increased interest in recent years. The reduction of environmental impact has become a strategic objective of universities globally. Universities have been prompted to take necessary action to ensure that their environmental impact is at a minimum. The environmental component of sustainability deals with the current conservation of the earth’s natural resources so that future generations can also have access to them. Human beings, due to their increasing needs, are accountable for the exploitation of natural resources. They are regarded as the main contributors to imbalances in the natural systems. Environmental concerns such as global warming, deforestations, disposal of wastes, and ozone reduction are the outcomes of the damage caused by humans on the environment. The aim of environmental education is to acquire remediation of the environment by making individuals aware of the environment and by educating them about how to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Environmental awareness is perceived as knowledge of the factors that affect the environment and having sensitivity towards the environment. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) bear the responsibility of educating individuals about environmental issues since they provide education to future leaders in society who may have an influence on future conditions in the environment. Social media are capable of delivering information to a large spectrum of audiences at a low cost. The Pew Internet American Life Project reported that the number of adults who utilise social media has increased by 57 percent from 2005 to 2011. Several environmental activist organisations utilise social media to carry out environmental awareness campaigns. In this study two environmental awareness campaigns which were powered by social media were conducted to improve environmental awareness of individuals in a higher education environment. A Social media Model for ENvironmental Awareness (SMENA) was developed to facilitate the environmental awareness campaigns. The SMENA includes a website, social media as well as theoretical guidelines for creating environmental awareness campaigns, and for using social media for environmental awareness campaigns. A case study at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) was used to empirically evaluate SMENA. Students at the Department of Computer Sciences of NMMU were exposed to information about environmental issues through social media with the intention of improving their environmental knowledge and awareness. The SMENA website usability was rated positively and students enjoyed the blogs and information distributed by means of social media. The results of the study intervention were positive and showed that social media can be used to improve the environmental knowledge of students. This study provides a valuable contribution to both the field of environmental education and social media usage and acceptance. The guidelines and requirements for using social media to improve environmental awareness provided in this study can be used to assist educators and university management with addressing the problems of reducing environmental impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A phenomenological exploration : how secondary school teachers cope with depressed adolescents in their classrooms
- Authors: Vermonti, Stefano
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of , Depression in adolescence , Inclusive education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020935
- Description: This study focuses on the perception of teachers who have depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms as well as explores how teachers cope with teaching depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative research method was employed. Data was collected in the form of twelve semi-structured interviews with teachers in order to ascertain their perceptions on including and accommodating depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms. The data was analysed for emerging themes and sub-themes according to Tesch‟s eightstep data analysis process. This study highlights the characteristics, symptoms and causes of depression in adolescents and the effect it has on learners within our educational system. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of depressed adolescents in the classroom can be problematic for teachers since they feel that they are not suitably trained to deal with these learners in a teaching and learning environment. The participating teachers indicated that they are not able to identify and support depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms effectively. The participating teachers feel that they require further training on how to refer these depressed adolescent learners and their parents for further intervention and support. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher constructed guiding principles in order to address the issues raised by the participating teachers. In the light of the guiding principles, recommendations were made towards teachers, parents, schools, health professionals, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and further research in order to accommodate depressed adolescent learners in South African schools effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Vermonti, Stefano
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of , Depression in adolescence , Inclusive education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020935
- Description: This study focuses on the perception of teachers who have depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms as well as explores how teachers cope with teaching depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative research method was employed. Data was collected in the form of twelve semi-structured interviews with teachers in order to ascertain their perceptions on including and accommodating depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms. The data was analysed for emerging themes and sub-themes according to Tesch‟s eightstep data analysis process. This study highlights the characteristics, symptoms and causes of depression in adolescents and the effect it has on learners within our educational system. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of depressed adolescents in the classroom can be problematic for teachers since they feel that they are not suitably trained to deal with these learners in a teaching and learning environment. The participating teachers indicated that they are not able to identify and support depressed adolescent learners in their classrooms effectively. The participating teachers feel that they require further training on how to refer these depressed adolescent learners and their parents for further intervention and support. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher constructed guiding principles in order to address the issues raised by the participating teachers. In the light of the guiding principles, recommendations were made towards teachers, parents, schools, health professionals, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and further research in order to accommodate depressed adolescent learners in South African schools effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A poverty alleviation project of the Department of Social Development in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Veveza, Nonkosazana Sandra
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020401
- Description: Income-generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development (DoSD) to alleviate poverty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an income-generating, or poverty alleviation, project funded by the DoSD in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A sample of ten respondents was drawn from the project. The sampling method of this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Related literature focusing on income-generating projects for poverty alleviation was reviewed. Various recommendations have been made, based on the findings of the study. The findings of the study indicated the need for regular visits from Department officials to conduct monitoring and evaluation. Project members also need training in financial management as they cannot manage their finances. The research findings indicated clearly that strategies used by the Department were not effective enough to achieve the desired goals of an income-generating project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Veveza, Nonkosazana Sandra
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020401
- Description: Income-generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development (DoSD) to alleviate poverty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an income-generating, or poverty alleviation, project funded by the DoSD in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A sample of ten respondents was drawn from the project. The sampling method of this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Related literature focusing on income-generating projects for poverty alleviation was reviewed. Various recommendations have been made, based on the findings of the study. The findings of the study indicated the need for regular visits from Department officials to conduct monitoring and evaluation. Project members also need training in financial management as they cannot manage their finances. The research findings indicated clearly that strategies used by the Department were not effective enough to achieve the desired goals of an income-generating project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A psychobiographical study of Ellen Kuzwayo
- Authors: Arosi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008658 , Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The current study is a psychobiography. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this woman had within her society. Ellen Kuzwayo also meets the requirements of a psychobiography in that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study applies a qualitative research method in the form of a psychobiography, which aimed to describe Ellen Kuzwayo`s life accordingto Daniel Levinson`s Life Structure Theory of Adult Development. Levinson`s theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development. Levinson`s theory was chosenbecause it is specifically relevant to the development of women. The findings of the study indicate that Kuzwayo’s life was consistent with the pattern of development which Levinson (1996) identified. Kuzwayo was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory to investigate a particular human life. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations are offered in order to extend psychobiographical research on the life of Ellen Kuzwayo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Arosi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008658 , Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The current study is a psychobiography. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this woman had within her society. Ellen Kuzwayo also meets the requirements of a psychobiography in that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study applies a qualitative research method in the form of a psychobiography, which aimed to describe Ellen Kuzwayo`s life accordingto Daniel Levinson`s Life Structure Theory of Adult Development. Levinson`s theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development. Levinson`s theory was chosenbecause it is specifically relevant to the development of women. The findings of the study indicate that Kuzwayo’s life was consistent with the pattern of development which Levinson (1996) identified. Kuzwayo was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory to investigate a particular human life. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations are offered in order to extend psychobiographical research on the life of Ellen Kuzwayo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A psychobiographical study of Martin Luther King Junior: an Adlerian perspective
- Authors: Twaku, Unathi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: King, Martin Luther , Adlerian psychology , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020900
- Description: Martin Luther King Junior was an advocate of non-violent social change strategies; he was a pastor, an author, the first president of the southern Christian leadership conference, a speaker, a Nobel Prize winner, and a leader. Martin Luther King junior was transformed by his deep family roots in the African American Baptist church. His formative experiences in his hometown of Atlanta were his theological studies, his varied models of religious and political leadership and his extensive network of contacts in the peace and social justice movements of his time. Although only 39 at the time of his death, Martin Luther King juniors’ life was remarkable for the ways it reflected and inspired so many of the twentieth century’s major intellectual, cultural and political developments. The primary aim of this study was to explore and describe the psychological development across the lifespan of Martin Luther King junior, by applying Alfred Adler’s theory of individual psychology. Martin Luther King junior’s life was explored in this study through systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of the historic data on his life, which highlighted seven significant historical periods: (a) Childhood and adolescence (1929 – 1944), (b)The inevitable (1944 – 1948), (c) The Purpose in his Destiny (1948 – 1951), (d) Family and mission (1952 – 1959), (e) Movement against segregation (1960 – 1963), (f) History is made (1963 – 1967), and (g) Unfinished business (1968). Adler’s framework was used to recognize, convert and reconstruct his life into a coherent narrative of his psychological development throughout his life. Alexander’s guidelines for extracting salient data was utilised to ensure accurate description of Martin Luther King junior’s life. A conceptual framework that is the Adlerian Matrix was included in the study as guide in presenting the research discussion and findings in an illuminating and integrative manner. The research discussion and findings suggested that Adler’s theoretical framework considers the biopsychosocial, cultural and historic influences in Martin Luther King junior’s personality development. In taking the context into consideration, Adler’s individual psychology identified King junior with a social useful lifestyle because of his high social interest which influenced his striving for superiority. This lifestyle guided his fictional goal which was selfless and aimed at contributing to the wellbeing of others. The private logic about himself, others and the world, which is developed in early childhood, was a positive navigator for the development of his personality and lifestyle. Thus according to the Adlerian theory, King junior could positively balance the resolution of the life tasks of occupation, social and love & marriage. The study of King junior’s personality development has provided an affirmative demonstration of the value of Adler’s psychological theory to understand the process of personality development in an individual life. It has highlighted the value of studying an individual life taking his context, including early experiences, family environment and every action, into consideration to understand the uniqueness of responding to life tasks and his perceptions. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings using psychobiographical research design and methodology to reveal, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of historic personalities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Twaku, Unathi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: King, Martin Luther , Adlerian psychology , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020900
- Description: Martin Luther King Junior was an advocate of non-violent social change strategies; he was a pastor, an author, the first president of the southern Christian leadership conference, a speaker, a Nobel Prize winner, and a leader. Martin Luther King junior was transformed by his deep family roots in the African American Baptist church. His formative experiences in his hometown of Atlanta were his theological studies, his varied models of religious and political leadership and his extensive network of contacts in the peace and social justice movements of his time. Although only 39 at the time of his death, Martin Luther King juniors’ life was remarkable for the ways it reflected and inspired so many of the twentieth century’s major intellectual, cultural and political developments. The primary aim of this study was to explore and describe the psychological development across the lifespan of Martin Luther King junior, by applying Alfred Adler’s theory of individual psychology. Martin Luther King junior’s life was explored in this study through systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of the historic data on his life, which highlighted seven significant historical periods: (a) Childhood and adolescence (1929 – 1944), (b)The inevitable (1944 – 1948), (c) The Purpose in his Destiny (1948 – 1951), (d) Family and mission (1952 – 1959), (e) Movement against segregation (1960 – 1963), (f) History is made (1963 – 1967), and (g) Unfinished business (1968). Adler’s framework was used to recognize, convert and reconstruct his life into a coherent narrative of his psychological development throughout his life. Alexander’s guidelines for extracting salient data was utilised to ensure accurate description of Martin Luther King junior’s life. A conceptual framework that is the Adlerian Matrix was included in the study as guide in presenting the research discussion and findings in an illuminating and integrative manner. The research discussion and findings suggested that Adler’s theoretical framework considers the biopsychosocial, cultural and historic influences in Martin Luther King junior’s personality development. In taking the context into consideration, Adler’s individual psychology identified King junior with a social useful lifestyle because of his high social interest which influenced his striving for superiority. This lifestyle guided his fictional goal which was selfless and aimed at contributing to the wellbeing of others. The private logic about himself, others and the world, which is developed in early childhood, was a positive navigator for the development of his personality and lifestyle. Thus according to the Adlerian theory, King junior could positively balance the resolution of the life tasks of occupation, social and love & marriage. The study of King junior’s personality development has provided an affirmative demonstration of the value of Adler’s psychological theory to understand the process of personality development in an individual life. It has highlighted the value of studying an individual life taking his context, including early experiences, family environment and every action, into consideration to understand the uniqueness of responding to life tasks and his perceptions. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings using psychobiographical research design and methodology to reveal, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of historic personalities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A psychobiographical study of William Wilberforce
- Authors: Daubermann, Bettina Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Personality development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021085
- Description: The proposed study is of a psychobiographical nature and employs a qualitative research approach. The individual that forms the subject of this study is William Wilberforce. A social activist most of his life, Wilberforce is best known for his voice and works behind the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the abolition of slavery in 1833. His ambitious nature, social eloquence and verbal intellect resulted in him being elected as a member of parliament in the House of Commons in England during the period 1780 to 1825. Transformed by the Christian faith in 1885, Wilberforce came to the realization he had received a calling from God to speak up for those who could not with a specific task set out before him which was to abolish slavery. It was the purpose of the present research to explore and describe Wilberforce’s psychological development across his life-span according to Carl Rogers’ (1961) personality theory of optimal development. Salient aspects of Wilberforce’s life were related and compared to components of the theory so as to explore and describe the degree of optimal development that Wilberforce reached at different points in his life and whether he could be described as a fully functioning person. According to Rogers’ theory William Wilberforce was chosen as the research subject for his historical contribution to mankind by his devotion to the moral enhancement of his country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Daubermann, Bettina Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Personality development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021085
- Description: The proposed study is of a psychobiographical nature and employs a qualitative research approach. The individual that forms the subject of this study is William Wilberforce. A social activist most of his life, Wilberforce is best known for his voice and works behind the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the abolition of slavery in 1833. His ambitious nature, social eloquence and verbal intellect resulted in him being elected as a member of parliament in the House of Commons in England during the period 1780 to 1825. Transformed by the Christian faith in 1885, Wilberforce came to the realization he had received a calling from God to speak up for those who could not with a specific task set out before him which was to abolish slavery. It was the purpose of the present research to explore and describe Wilberforce’s psychological development across his life-span according to Carl Rogers’ (1961) personality theory of optimal development. Salient aspects of Wilberforce’s life were related and compared to components of the theory so as to explore and describe the degree of optimal development that Wilberforce reached at different points in his life and whether he could be described as a fully functioning person. According to Rogers’ theory William Wilberforce was chosen as the research subject for his historical contribution to mankind by his devotion to the moral enhancement of his country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategic analysis of Capitec Bank Limited within the South African banking industry
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategy to facilitate renewed resilience to re-establish meaning for persons with spinal cord injuries
- Authors: Willemse, Hermanus Barend
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries , Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008119 , Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries , Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Rehabilitation
- Description: Census estimates in 2010 indicated that 6,3 percent South Africans aged 5 years and older are currently classified as disabled in five of the nine provinces in the country. The national figure for 2005 was 5 percent, with the figure for females (6,5 percent) slightly higher than that for males (6,1percent). Spinal cord injured persons and their significant others experience a range of emotions which affect their relationships with themselves, others and their environment. To deal with the life-changing consequences of the injury and regain control, these persons not only require a variety of coping strategies but rediscovery of resilience is inevitable if the experience of personal purpose and meaningful existence is ever to be regained. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area, Port Elizabeth, South Africa – the geographical area in which this research study was undertaken - persons with spinal cord injuries have many challenges to face due to the shortcomings the existing resource for health care delivery in the post-discharge phase. The research objectives identified for the study were, firstly, to explore and describe the lived experiences of persons with spinal cord injuries; secondly, to explore and describe the lived experiences of the significant others of persons with spinal cord injuries; and thirdly, to develop a strategy to guide the professional nurse and the health care team in facilitating the health care of persons with spinal cord injuries. The study was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual method of inquiry. The data obtained was used to formulate the strategy with its three sub-strategies to guide professional nurses and the health care team to facilitate renewed resilience and the re-establishment of meaning for persons with spinal cord injuries. Although the experiences of the significant others were explored in order to thicken the description of the experiences of persons with spinal cord injuries, the strategy developed was limited to the persons with spinal cord injuries. Although it is well documented that there are significant physical needs, the themes that emerged from the current research mostly related to psychological and social aspects. In acknowledging the human being as unitary multi-dimensional being, the researcher in his discussions and quest to address the issue of renewed resilience in spinal cord injured persons towards finding purpose and re-establishing meaning in their lives, focused on their psychological, spiritual and social health. The outcome of the study is a strategy constructed to facilitate renewed resilience, and three sub-strategies ‘addressing experienced emotions’, ‘facilitating meaningful relationships’ and ‘facilitating effective coping’. The strategy has as purpose the empowering of spinal injured persons in their efforts to re-establish meaning by serving as a tool to guide professional nurses and members of the health care team in their facilitating of renewed resilience in persons with spinal cord injury. It is envisaged that the co-ordination of the strategy will take place from the health care delivery facility nearest to the spinal cord injured individual concerned. In order for persons with spinal cord injuries to become accountable members of society, all levels and aspects of care aimed at physical, psychological, spiritual and social well-being need to be holistically addressed. The front-line role of the professional nurse is vital as the professional nurse acts as the co-ordinator for the health care team in ensuring that persons with spinal cord injuries receive quality and holistic care in order to deal meaningfully with the life-altering consequences of a spinal cord injury. Through this study, valuable insight was gained with regard to experiences of both persons with spinal cord injuries and that of their significant others. Recommendations were made for nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Willemse, Hermanus Barend
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries , Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008119 , Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries , Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Rehabilitation
- Description: Census estimates in 2010 indicated that 6,3 percent South Africans aged 5 years and older are currently classified as disabled in five of the nine provinces in the country. The national figure for 2005 was 5 percent, with the figure for females (6,5 percent) slightly higher than that for males (6,1percent). Spinal cord injured persons and their significant others experience a range of emotions which affect their relationships with themselves, others and their environment. To deal with the life-changing consequences of the injury and regain control, these persons not only require a variety of coping strategies but rediscovery of resilience is inevitable if the experience of personal purpose and meaningful existence is ever to be regained. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area, Port Elizabeth, South Africa – the geographical area in which this research study was undertaken - persons with spinal cord injuries have many challenges to face due to the shortcomings the existing resource for health care delivery in the post-discharge phase. The research objectives identified for the study were, firstly, to explore and describe the lived experiences of persons with spinal cord injuries; secondly, to explore and describe the lived experiences of the significant others of persons with spinal cord injuries; and thirdly, to develop a strategy to guide the professional nurse and the health care team in facilitating the health care of persons with spinal cord injuries. The study was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual method of inquiry. The data obtained was used to formulate the strategy with its three sub-strategies to guide professional nurses and the health care team to facilitate renewed resilience and the re-establishment of meaning for persons with spinal cord injuries. Although the experiences of the significant others were explored in order to thicken the description of the experiences of persons with spinal cord injuries, the strategy developed was limited to the persons with spinal cord injuries. Although it is well documented that there are significant physical needs, the themes that emerged from the current research mostly related to psychological and social aspects. In acknowledging the human being as unitary multi-dimensional being, the researcher in his discussions and quest to address the issue of renewed resilience in spinal cord injured persons towards finding purpose and re-establishing meaning in their lives, focused on their psychological, spiritual and social health. The outcome of the study is a strategy constructed to facilitate renewed resilience, and three sub-strategies ‘addressing experienced emotions’, ‘facilitating meaningful relationships’ and ‘facilitating effective coping’. The strategy has as purpose the empowering of spinal injured persons in their efforts to re-establish meaning by serving as a tool to guide professional nurses and members of the health care team in their facilitating of renewed resilience in persons with spinal cord injury. It is envisaged that the co-ordination of the strategy will take place from the health care delivery facility nearest to the spinal cord injured individual concerned. In order for persons with spinal cord injuries to become accountable members of society, all levels and aspects of care aimed at physical, psychological, spiritual and social well-being need to be holistically addressed. The front-line role of the professional nurse is vital as the professional nurse acts as the co-ordinator for the health care team in ensuring that persons with spinal cord injuries receive quality and holistic care in order to deal meaningfully with the life-altering consequences of a spinal cord injury. Through this study, valuable insight was gained with regard to experiences of both persons with spinal cord injuries and that of their significant others. Recommendations were made for nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategy to make ICT accessible in rural Zambia: a case study of Macha
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study assessing the functioning of local economic development units in local municipalities within the Chris Hani District
- Authors: Madyibi, Mongezi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020102
- Description: The state has a task to find solutions to alleviate poverty and LED has been identified as part of the solution. The municipalities are mandated with Local Economic Development and that function has been located within an LED Unit. Based on the above-mentioned issues it was regarded as fitting to conduct a study that would identify challenges contributing to the effective functioning of LED units with specific reference to Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities in the Chris Hani District. Furthermore, the study will attempt to suggest recommendations to address the shortcomings. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 15 LED officials from the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities. Relevant literature that focuses on Local Economic Development has been reviewed. Various recommendations have been made on the findings of the study. It has emerged during the study that the municipalities within the CHDM perceive their role as that of being Implementer of LED policy instead of playing an enabling role as outlined in the LED Legislative Framework. There is a political will to support LED implementation at local municipalities within the CHDM. In the implementation of LED the LED units within the CHDM are faced with the following challenges: - Insufficient cooperation among stakeholders - Inadequate resources - Political dimensions - Poor LED planning, and - Inadequate LED training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Madyibi, Mongezi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020102
- Description: The state has a task to find solutions to alleviate poverty and LED has been identified as part of the solution. The municipalities are mandated with Local Economic Development and that function has been located within an LED Unit. Based on the above-mentioned issues it was regarded as fitting to conduct a study that would identify challenges contributing to the effective functioning of LED units with specific reference to Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities in the Chris Hani District. Furthermore, the study will attempt to suggest recommendations to address the shortcomings. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 15 LED officials from the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities. Relevant literature that focuses on Local Economic Development has been reviewed. Various recommendations have been made on the findings of the study. It has emerged during the study that the municipalities within the CHDM perceive their role as that of being Implementer of LED policy instead of playing an enabling role as outlined in the LED Legislative Framework. There is a political will to support LED implementation at local municipalities within the CHDM. In the implementation of LED the LED units within the CHDM are faced with the following challenges: - Insufficient cooperation among stakeholders - Inadequate resources - Political dimensions - Poor LED planning, and - Inadequate LED training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of South African journalists' perceptions of their roles in reporting on social conflict and how these relate to concepts of peace journalism
- Authors: Du Toit, Peter Andrew
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011639 , Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Description: Set against a backdrop of ongoing social conflict in the country, this study sets out to explore how South African journalists understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to reporting on conflict. The study seeks to determine whether journalists believe they have a constructive contribution to make in the peaceful management and resolution of social conflict. It also seeks to establish whether journalists see themselves as being able to contribute to creating conditions that can facilitate dialogue and constructive engagement. Furthermore the study aims to explore the extent to which the views and perceptions of South African journalists could be said to be consistent with the ideas put forward in the emerging field of peace journalism. In seeking to address these questions the study begins by identifying a core set of guidelines that could be said to characteristic of peace journalism. It then draws on in-depth interviews conducted with 12 experienced reporters to gain a sense of how journalists understand their roles. The 12 reporters were drawn from mainstream newspapers from South Africa’s main metropolitan areas. Following an analysis of these interviews the study found that many journalists see themselves as having a positive contribution to make towards peacemaking and peace building. However, these contributions, they argue, must be seen as the product of good reporting rather than as emanating from deliberate attempts to intervene in conflict. The study then contrasted the journalists’ perceptions with the principles and normative guidelines proposed by peace journalism and found that many of the journalists’ beliefs are consistent with peace journalism. It appears that, while they may not directly call themselves peace journalists, many of the reporters interviewed saw themselves as playing roles similar to those advocated by peace journalism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Du Toit, Peter Andrew
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011639 , Journalists -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Peace-building -- South Africa
- Description: Set against a backdrop of ongoing social conflict in the country, this study sets out to explore how South African journalists understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to reporting on conflict. The study seeks to determine whether journalists believe they have a constructive contribution to make in the peaceful management and resolution of social conflict. It also seeks to establish whether journalists see themselves as being able to contribute to creating conditions that can facilitate dialogue and constructive engagement. Furthermore the study aims to explore the extent to which the views and perceptions of South African journalists could be said to be consistent with the ideas put forward in the emerging field of peace journalism. In seeking to address these questions the study begins by identifying a core set of guidelines that could be said to characteristic of peace journalism. It then draws on in-depth interviews conducted with 12 experienced reporters to gain a sense of how journalists understand their roles. The 12 reporters were drawn from mainstream newspapers from South Africa’s main metropolitan areas. Following an analysis of these interviews the study found that many journalists see themselves as having a positive contribution to make towards peacemaking and peace building. However, these contributions, they argue, must be seen as the product of good reporting rather than as emanating from deliberate attempts to intervene in conflict. The study then contrasted the journalists’ perceptions with the principles and normative guidelines proposed by peace journalism and found that many of the journalists’ beliefs are consistent with peace journalism. It appears that, while they may not directly call themselves peace journalists, many of the reporters interviewed saw themselves as playing roles similar to those advocated by peace journalism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of the factors impacting on the performance of school opernational teams in secondary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of two irrigation projects in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape: with specific reference to land reforms and agriculture
- Authors: Wana, Lundi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation projects -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021084
- Description: Post-apartheid South Africa has derived a legacy of massive inequalities in both income and access to services, with the worst poverty being located in the rural areas. The rationale of this study aims to examine two irrigation projects in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, with specific reference to land reforms and agriculture. The study also aims to explore and document the challenges facing agricultural production in the Kat River Valley, with a specific focus on Gallawater farm. The study seeks to examine the impact and relevance of social and economic production networks on the daily management of the Gallawater farm. The outcomes of the study finds that management of agricultural projects is needed to provide infrastructural support through state investment, particularly within agricultural extension services, the provision of basic amenities and human resource development of skills. This can potentially resuscitate income levels and encourage investment into agriculture in the Eastern Cape. Methodologically, the study draws on information collected using in-depth interviews on the Gallawater farm where a total of twenty five individuals were interviewed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Wana, Lundi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation projects -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9235 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021084
- Description: Post-apartheid South Africa has derived a legacy of massive inequalities in both income and access to services, with the worst poverty being located in the rural areas. The rationale of this study aims to examine two irrigation projects in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, with specific reference to land reforms and agriculture. The study also aims to explore and document the challenges facing agricultural production in the Kat River Valley, with a specific focus on Gallawater farm. The study seeks to examine the impact and relevance of social and economic production networks on the daily management of the Gallawater farm. The outcomes of the study finds that management of agricultural projects is needed to provide infrastructural support through state investment, particularly within agricultural extension services, the provision of basic amenities and human resource development of skills. This can potentially resuscitate income levels and encourage investment into agriculture in the Eastern Cape. Methodologically, the study draws on information collected using in-depth interviews on the Gallawater farm where a total of twenty five individuals were interviewed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study to determine the factors to improve group and team effectiveness in Transnet Engineering
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandile Goodwill
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020626
- Description: Teams have increasingly become the means for completing tasks in many organisations, and organisations have turned to teams as a better way to use employee talents. Many South African companies have established work teams to solve both complex and minor problems, and some companies’ performance has increased due to the implementation of work teams. The fact that organisations are using teams does not necessarily mean they are always effective, there are many factors that contribute to team effectiveness in an organisation, and these factors need to be identified and managed properly so that the team can remain effective and produce the results that are expected. Management of most companies is unaware of the factors that contribute to group and team effectiveness, and most teams are ineffective because of the lack of focus on the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. This is the reason or objective why this study was conducted at Transnet Engineering, to identify the factors that are critical to improving team effectiveness. The researcher conducted a literature review in order to determine the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. Some of the factors deal with organisational culture, motivation (monetary and non-monetary motivation), diversity in teams, size of teams, formulation of teams, team leadership, team goals, team structures, team member training, trust in teams, etc. An empirical study with the use of a questionnaire was also conducted to determine the perceptions that supervisors, superintendents, foremen and managers have at Transnet Engineering with regards to factors that improve group and team effectiveness. The research instrument was grouped into five categories; organisational context, individual context, team context, management support and team effectiveness. More than 50 percent of the respondents agreed with the organisational and individual context factors that were tested, around 75 percent of the respondents agreed with team context factors that were tested, almost 60 percent of respondents agreed with management support factors, and more than 60 percent of respondents indicated that their teams are effective. Although there is general agreement between most factors identified in the literature study and the empirical study, the following will need more focus: Offering of team resources Leadership support from executive committee members (EXCO) Proper reward and recognition systems Conducting research to identify employee satisfaction levels Team development Diversity management Talent management Team size
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandile Goodwill
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020626
- Description: Teams have increasingly become the means for completing tasks in many organisations, and organisations have turned to teams as a better way to use employee talents. Many South African companies have established work teams to solve both complex and minor problems, and some companies’ performance has increased due to the implementation of work teams. The fact that organisations are using teams does not necessarily mean they are always effective, there are many factors that contribute to team effectiveness in an organisation, and these factors need to be identified and managed properly so that the team can remain effective and produce the results that are expected. Management of most companies is unaware of the factors that contribute to group and team effectiveness, and most teams are ineffective because of the lack of focus on the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. This is the reason or objective why this study was conducted at Transnet Engineering, to identify the factors that are critical to improving team effectiveness. The researcher conducted a literature review in order to determine the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. Some of the factors deal with organisational culture, motivation (monetary and non-monetary motivation), diversity in teams, size of teams, formulation of teams, team leadership, team goals, team structures, team member training, trust in teams, etc. An empirical study with the use of a questionnaire was also conducted to determine the perceptions that supervisors, superintendents, foremen and managers have at Transnet Engineering with regards to factors that improve group and team effectiveness. The research instrument was grouped into five categories; organisational context, individual context, team context, management support and team effectiveness. More than 50 percent of the respondents agreed with the organisational and individual context factors that were tested, around 75 percent of the respondents agreed with team context factors that were tested, almost 60 percent of respondents agreed with management support factors, and more than 60 percent of respondents indicated that their teams are effective. Although there is general agreement between most factors identified in the literature study and the empirical study, the following will need more focus: Offering of team resources Leadership support from executive committee members (EXCO) Proper reward and recognition systems Conducting research to identify employee satisfaction levels Team development Diversity management Talent management Team size
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study to determine the motivational climate in the Department of Health
- Authors: Seitshiro, Tshidiso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021090
- Description: The Department of Health, being a public entity, has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. The Department has experienced repeated negative feedback from the press with respect to job dissatisfaction and the quality of service. This could be the result of low employee motivation. The researcher was concerned and interested in investigating possible causes of these allegations by the press. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the motivational climate of employees in the Department of Health. The study included a literature study of employee motivation and organisational climate. The purpose of the literature was to determine how the Department of Health measures up to what the literature reveals. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data. The questionnaire was formulated from the literature discussed in the research study. The major findings indicated that the level of motivation in the Department of Health was low. Findings also indicated the majority of employees were not trained in the Batho Pele principle. The researcher argued that if employees were trained in the Batho Pele principle and also practised, the negative press feedback would be minimal. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings in an attempt to increase the overall levels of employee motivation within the Department of Health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Seitshiro, Tshidiso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021090
- Description: The Department of Health, being a public entity, has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. The Department has experienced repeated negative feedback from the press with respect to job dissatisfaction and the quality of service. This could be the result of low employee motivation. The researcher was concerned and interested in investigating possible causes of these allegations by the press. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the motivational climate of employees in the Department of Health. The study included a literature study of employee motivation and organisational climate. The purpose of the literature was to determine how the Department of Health measures up to what the literature reveals. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data. The questionnaire was formulated from the literature discussed in the research study. The major findings indicated that the level of motivation in the Department of Health was low. Findings also indicated the majority of employees were not trained in the Batho Pele principle. The researcher argued that if employees were trained in the Batho Pele principle and also practised, the negative press feedback would be minimal. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings in an attempt to increase the overall levels of employee motivation within the Department of Health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A systematic review of the influence of parenting on the development of antisocial behaviour
- Authors: Jacobs, Philencia Daniela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Antisocial personality disorders , Parenting , Child psychology , Conduct disorders in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020144
- Description: The role that parenting plays in the development of antisocial behaviour has been, and is still widely researched. International studies on this topic are vast. In South Africa, however, very little has been researched within this area. This study aimed to systematically review literature on the role of parenting in the development of antisocial behaviour. International literature published between 2000 and 2013 was reviewed in order to gain a better idea of the current state of knowledge on this topic. All of the articles included in the review examined some aspect of parenting behaviour, parenting practices and/or parenting styles related to the development of antisocial behaviour, conduct disorder, and/or oppositional defiant disorder. The articles were systematically assessed, and eight themes emerged which include: effective parenting behaviours; the moderating effects of callous unemotional traits on parenting; parental warmth; parental discipline; parental knowledge and monitoring; parental psychopathology; parenting styles; and parenting during infancy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jacobs, Philencia Daniela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Antisocial personality disorders , Parenting , Child psychology , Conduct disorders in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020144
- Description: The role that parenting plays in the development of antisocial behaviour has been, and is still widely researched. International studies on this topic are vast. In South Africa, however, very little has been researched within this area. This study aimed to systematically review literature on the role of parenting in the development of antisocial behaviour. International literature published between 2000 and 2013 was reviewed in order to gain a better idea of the current state of knowledge on this topic. All of the articles included in the review examined some aspect of parenting behaviour, parenting practices and/or parenting styles related to the development of antisocial behaviour, conduct disorder, and/or oppositional defiant disorder. The articles were systematically assessed, and eight themes emerged which include: effective parenting behaviours; the moderating effects of callous unemotional traits on parenting; parental warmth; parental discipline; parental knowledge and monitoring; parental psychopathology; parenting styles; and parenting during infancy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A value framework for information and communication technology governance in South African higher education institutions
- Authors: Johl, Christian Peter
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Management , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9821 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020281
- Description: The public higher education sector in South Africa is governed by an act of Parliament which defines the governance organs and mechanisms required within institutions and the sector. This doctoral thesis begins by contextualising ICT governance within the levels of systemic governance in South Africa that have relevance to this study. It then continues by advancing the understanding of the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) governance in public higher education institutions in South Africa by investigating the level of pervasiveness, the level of ICT process maturity and the alignment of ICT to the institutional processes within these institutions. Subsequently, this thesis results in the production of a contextually appropriate value framework that contributes towards an understanding of the need for the improvement of ICT governance. A survey of the extant literature on governance, ICT governance, and the frameworks and standards associated with governance indicates that the methodological approach currently favoured in ICT governance research is predominantly interpretive and based on surveys and interviews. This study leans towards a Design Science approach paradigm using surveys for the qualitative data collection process. The empirical research data was gathered from the highest ranking ICT officers at public higher education institutions in South Africa. This study makes contributions on a number of levels – from the first known measurement of ICT pervasiveness within the context of higher education, to the measurement of ICT process maturity and the measurement of the alignment of ICT and institutional processes, to the design of a value framework that breaks down governance into layers indicating which governance organs are appropriate at the relevant layers and which governance mechanisms can be used to address governance at each layer of governance. This study therefore makes a contribution to the ICT domain for development research by demonstrating praxis for the improvement of ICT governance implementation in the public higher education sector in South Africa. This study makes both method design and practical contributions to the ICT body of knowledge at various stages of the research process. These contributions include reflection on and analysis of the data gathering approaches that occur within the public higher education sector and in the complex environment of institutional autonomy and academic freedom; the use of Agency Theory to support the ‗governance intent‘ transfer between the layers of governance in the value framework and the synthesis of the improvement of ICT governance with value creation. The findings of this study further contribute to an understanding of the dynamics and interrelatedness of aspects of governance and management, while making a contribution to theoretical research by extending practical and empirical understanding of the ICT governance environment in the public higher education sector in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Johl, Christian Peter
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Management , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9821 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020281
- Description: The public higher education sector in South Africa is governed by an act of Parliament which defines the governance organs and mechanisms required within institutions and the sector. This doctoral thesis begins by contextualising ICT governance within the levels of systemic governance in South Africa that have relevance to this study. It then continues by advancing the understanding of the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) governance in public higher education institutions in South Africa by investigating the level of pervasiveness, the level of ICT process maturity and the alignment of ICT to the institutional processes within these institutions. Subsequently, this thesis results in the production of a contextually appropriate value framework that contributes towards an understanding of the need for the improvement of ICT governance. A survey of the extant literature on governance, ICT governance, and the frameworks and standards associated with governance indicates that the methodological approach currently favoured in ICT governance research is predominantly interpretive and based on surveys and interviews. This study leans towards a Design Science approach paradigm using surveys for the qualitative data collection process. The empirical research data was gathered from the highest ranking ICT officers at public higher education institutions in South Africa. This study makes contributions on a number of levels – from the first known measurement of ICT pervasiveness within the context of higher education, to the measurement of ICT process maturity and the measurement of the alignment of ICT and institutional processes, to the design of a value framework that breaks down governance into layers indicating which governance organs are appropriate at the relevant layers and which governance mechanisms can be used to address governance at each layer of governance. This study therefore makes a contribution to the ICT domain for development research by demonstrating praxis for the improvement of ICT governance implementation in the public higher education sector in South Africa. This study makes both method design and practical contributions to the ICT body of knowledge at various stages of the research process. These contributions include reflection on and analysis of the data gathering approaches that occur within the public higher education sector and in the complex environment of institutional autonomy and academic freedom; the use of Agency Theory to support the ‗governance intent‘ transfer between the layers of governance in the value framework and the synthesis of the improvement of ICT governance with value creation. The findings of this study further contribute to an understanding of the dynamics and interrelatedness of aspects of governance and management, while making a contribution to theoretical research by extending practical and empirical understanding of the ICT governance environment in the public higher education sector in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Accountability of armed opposition groups in Somalia
- Authors: Chingeni, Janet Chisomo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Armed Forces , Civil war -- Somalia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10294 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020779
- Description: The purpose of IHL is to protect civilians and provide obligations that parties to the conflict are to adhere to. These obligations in case of a non-international armed conflict emanate from Common Article 3, Additional Protocol II and customary international humanitarian law. The reason for the imposition of these obligations on the parties to the conflict is for the need to protect the civilian population against the effects of hostilities which mostly are women and children. As the conflict in Somalia has gone on for too long, IHL plays an important role in protecting civilians. As the Geneva Conventions regulate armed conflicts together with its Additional Protocols they set out the requirements for the treatment of those not taking part in hostilities. In direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions by the parties to the conflict, the persons not taking part in hostilities have been the victims of attacks by armed groups. Even though armed groups have obligations, breaches have continued to occur resulting in impunity and perpetrators of violence have gone unpunished and there is need to close the accountability gap in respect of holding armed groups accountable in Somalia. The aim of this research is to assess how armed groups in Somalia can be held accountable for the atrocities they have committed. In an attempt to close the gap the researcher discusses the obligations that armed groups have, and when these obligations are breached many result in criminal accountability in respect of war crimes. It is also stated in the research that a State has an obligation to prosecute those in breach of IHL obligations. For prosecution to be possible in Somalia there is need for the Federal government of Somalia to adopt new legislation to enforce the justice system in the attempt to hold armed groups accountable and where possible to also utilise available courts as it is difficult and expensive to establish a tribunal. To end impunity armed groups are to be held accountable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chingeni, Janet Chisomo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Armed Forces , Civil war -- Somalia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10294 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020779
- Description: The purpose of IHL is to protect civilians and provide obligations that parties to the conflict are to adhere to. These obligations in case of a non-international armed conflict emanate from Common Article 3, Additional Protocol II and customary international humanitarian law. The reason for the imposition of these obligations on the parties to the conflict is for the need to protect the civilian population against the effects of hostilities which mostly are women and children. As the conflict in Somalia has gone on for too long, IHL plays an important role in protecting civilians. As the Geneva Conventions regulate armed conflicts together with its Additional Protocols they set out the requirements for the treatment of those not taking part in hostilities. In direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions by the parties to the conflict, the persons not taking part in hostilities have been the victims of attacks by armed groups. Even though armed groups have obligations, breaches have continued to occur resulting in impunity and perpetrators of violence have gone unpunished and there is need to close the accountability gap in respect of holding armed groups accountable in Somalia. The aim of this research is to assess how armed groups in Somalia can be held accountable for the atrocities they have committed. In an attempt to close the gap the researcher discusses the obligations that armed groups have, and when these obligations are breached many result in criminal accountability in respect of war crimes. It is also stated in the research that a State has an obligation to prosecute those in breach of IHL obligations. For prosecution to be possible in Somalia there is need for the Federal government of Somalia to adopt new legislation to enforce the justice system in the attempt to hold armed groups accountable and where possible to also utilise available courts as it is difficult and expensive to establish a tribunal. To end impunity armed groups are to be held accountable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Adoption strategies for increasing the use of blended learning at a private higher education institution
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013