Composition portfolio
- Authors: Lemmer, Elizabeth Kate
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Music South Africa , COVID-19 (Disease) and the arts , Emotions in music , Violin music Scores , String quartets Scores , Chamber music Scores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text , sheet music
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232624 , vital:50008
- Description: In this portfolio I reflect on issues Covid-19 has brought to our communities and the possibilities of creating a brighter future. My music reflects the struggle that most people have faced in the last two years, the emotions and the conspiracies surrounding the experience, and the effect of solitude. In a time such as this it is almost inevitable that the music being composed is connected to the struggle in society at large. For ma composition is a journal of the heart. The pandemic has created a situation where most are out of touch with each other, have lost all previous routine and structure, where relationships are broken due to lack of personal contact, and almost everyone has unwillingly (or unwittingly) been thrust into self-reflection. Every day sees a new struggle to squeeze in all those pre-pandemic ideals so that some normalcy can be obtained, but this is not a time to be looking back. It’s a time to understand what we are going through, build new joy and excitement for this different life and learn to live the best we can with the opportunities we are given. There has not been a more important time to foster some form of connection with friends and family, and to be as strong and supportive as possible. The portfolio begins with a solo violin piece, Unwelcome Solitude, which exemplifies the loneliness and sadness during the various lockdowns over the last two years, with hints of the past and the difficulties in trying to resurrect pre-Covid-19 times. There are some unusual expressive markings to add to the descriptive effect within the piece. This is followed by The Pandemic, two serialism works: Panic and Pain scored for a string quartet. Both of these pieces apply a flexible use of serialism to emphasize out the emotional aspects of the music, and quite simply; the panic and the pain caused by Covid-19 and the country’s response to the pandemic as a whole. Finally there is a three movement chamber piece titled A Storm Series which quite literally represents the series of events that occur from the upcoming to the closure of a typical Highveld storm. Further than this, these pieces represent the series of events that occurred in South Africa from the first rumour of the Covid-19 virus starting to circle around the world, through the various lockdowns and progression of events in our country and abroad. The final movement of this series, Re-awakening, ends on a positive note representing the rainbow at the end of the storm, and the positive outlook for South Africa to keep persevering through the pandemic. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Lemmer, Elizabeth Kate
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Music South Africa , COVID-19 (Disease) and the arts , Emotions in music , Violin music Scores , String quartets Scores , Chamber music Scores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text , sheet music
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232624 , vital:50008
- Description: In this portfolio I reflect on issues Covid-19 has brought to our communities and the possibilities of creating a brighter future. My music reflects the struggle that most people have faced in the last two years, the emotions and the conspiracies surrounding the experience, and the effect of solitude. In a time such as this it is almost inevitable that the music being composed is connected to the struggle in society at large. For ma composition is a journal of the heart. The pandemic has created a situation where most are out of touch with each other, have lost all previous routine and structure, where relationships are broken due to lack of personal contact, and almost everyone has unwillingly (or unwittingly) been thrust into self-reflection. Every day sees a new struggle to squeeze in all those pre-pandemic ideals so that some normalcy can be obtained, but this is not a time to be looking back. It’s a time to understand what we are going through, build new joy and excitement for this different life and learn to live the best we can with the opportunities we are given. There has not been a more important time to foster some form of connection with friends and family, and to be as strong and supportive as possible. The portfolio begins with a solo violin piece, Unwelcome Solitude, which exemplifies the loneliness and sadness during the various lockdowns over the last two years, with hints of the past and the difficulties in trying to resurrect pre-Covid-19 times. There are some unusual expressive markings to add to the descriptive effect within the piece. This is followed by The Pandemic, two serialism works: Panic and Pain scored for a string quartet. Both of these pieces apply a flexible use of serialism to emphasize out the emotional aspects of the music, and quite simply; the panic and the pain caused by Covid-19 and the country’s response to the pandemic as a whole. Finally there is a three movement chamber piece titled A Storm Series which quite literally represents the series of events that occur from the upcoming to the closure of a typical Highveld storm. Further than this, these pieces represent the series of events that occurred in South Africa from the first rumour of the Covid-19 virus starting to circle around the world, through the various lockdowns and progression of events in our country and abroad. The final movement of this series, Re-awakening, ends on a positive note representing the rainbow at the end of the storm, and the positive outlook for South Africa to keep persevering through the pandemic. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The role of community led support groups in facilitating relapse prevention to young adults with a substance use disorder
- Authors: Teko,Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse--Relapse--Prevention , Substance abuse--Treatment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55766 , vital:53457
- Description: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a cause of great concern globally and in South Africa. Epidemiological studies in South Africa indicate that the age of onset of substance use is rapidly decreasing with time from the age of 17 to as young as 10 years of age. Research confirms that early identification and treatment of harmful substance use reduce the chances of developing a substance use disorder. This study focused on young adults whose harmful use of substances escalated into a substance use disorder. Aftercare is an integral component in addressing risk factors to facilitate ongoing recovery. This study focused on community-led support groups as an aftercare strategy for SUD recovery. The aim of this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how community-led support groups can facilitate relapse prevention in the aftercare of young adults with substance use disorders. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit members from community-led support groups between 18 and 35 years of age who had been in recovery for a substance use disorder for six months and longer. A total of nine participants were sampled from three different community led support groups in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Data was collected through individual, online, semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. The findings showed that community led support groups are viable vehicles for recovery in the aftercare. What was unique was the employment of strategies of needs identification and active responses that improved the recovery potential of young adults. What was further noted was how Community-led support groups can tailor their assistance to the unique needs of their members who take ownership of the group instead of relying on professional interventions. In conclusion, the community-led support groups in this study served as a viable strategy for the ongoing recovery in the aftercare of the participants in this study. Data verification strategies were employed to ensure the trustworthiness and rigour of the study. There was strict adherence to all ethical considerations. , Thesis (MA)Social Work -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Development Professionals, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Teko,Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse--Relapse--Prevention , Substance abuse--Treatment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55766 , vital:53457
- Description: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a cause of great concern globally and in South Africa. Epidemiological studies in South Africa indicate that the age of onset of substance use is rapidly decreasing with time from the age of 17 to as young as 10 years of age. Research confirms that early identification and treatment of harmful substance use reduce the chances of developing a substance use disorder. This study focused on young adults whose harmful use of substances escalated into a substance use disorder. Aftercare is an integral component in addressing risk factors to facilitate ongoing recovery. This study focused on community-led support groups as an aftercare strategy for SUD recovery. The aim of this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how community-led support groups can facilitate relapse prevention in the aftercare of young adults with substance use disorders. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit members from community-led support groups between 18 and 35 years of age who had been in recovery for a substance use disorder for six months and longer. A total of nine participants were sampled from three different community led support groups in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Data was collected through individual, online, semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. The findings showed that community led support groups are viable vehicles for recovery in the aftercare. What was unique was the employment of strategies of needs identification and active responses that improved the recovery potential of young adults. What was further noted was how Community-led support groups can tailor their assistance to the unique needs of their members who take ownership of the group instead of relying on professional interventions. In conclusion, the community-led support groups in this study served as a viable strategy for the ongoing recovery in the aftercare of the participants in this study. Data verification strategies were employed to ensure the trustworthiness and rigour of the study. There was strict adherence to all ethical considerations. , Thesis (MA)Social Work -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Development Professionals, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The perceived success of selected therapy programmes on mitigating the relapses of patients with substance use disorders in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Chatikobo, Nyasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21860 , vital:51833
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the perceived success of selected therapy programs in mitigating the relapse of patients with substance use disorders at two selected rehabilitation centres in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The methodology used for this study was a mixed-method approach, although more emphasis was on qualitative methods. The qualitative data was collected from four focus groups, and 6 in-depth interviews from key informants. The quantitative data was collected using questionnaires that were completed by 100 primary carers of discharged patients from the selected drug treatment centres. The main findings of the study showed that substance use disorder is a complex disease that requires several factors to be considered to avoid any relapses. The study showed that rehabilitation centres are hugely contributing to efforts of solving substance use in Gauteng and South Africa as a whole. These rehabilitation centres offered various treatment programs to individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. The findings also indicated that the selected therapy programmes at the rehabilitation centres met their objectives. However, some of the programmes were successful in mitigating the relapses of patients recovering from addiction to a lesser extent. The study also found out that the number of individuals who relapse is relatively high, however, the study did not dive into the depth of the causing factors. This may be room for future studies. Findings further indicated that the rehabilitation centres lacked in the application of a holistic approach to addiction treatment, even though there were several treatment programs offered. The issue of exorbitant residential fees in private rehabilitation facilities was also highlighted by the data collected. The research concluded by suggesting several recommendations such as research to improve policy for substance use with a focus on the human rights approach to the drug problem. Recommendations to the Department of Social Development which is responsible for the rehabilitation centres in South Africa. To ensure that all centres that are registered for offering treatment for substance use disorder be mandated to use a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, diversifying and individualizing treatments for better outcomes. Lastly, recommendations were suggested to the social work practice, to support rehabilitation facilities by providing continuous specialized training to their social workers. Recommendations to social work training and curriculum to include in-depth substance use disorders during education, training, and field placements, for best practice amongst new social work practitioners placed in rehabilitation centres. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Chatikobo, Nyasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21860 , vital:51833
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the perceived success of selected therapy programs in mitigating the relapse of patients with substance use disorders at two selected rehabilitation centres in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The methodology used for this study was a mixed-method approach, although more emphasis was on qualitative methods. The qualitative data was collected from four focus groups, and 6 in-depth interviews from key informants. The quantitative data was collected using questionnaires that were completed by 100 primary carers of discharged patients from the selected drug treatment centres. The main findings of the study showed that substance use disorder is a complex disease that requires several factors to be considered to avoid any relapses. The study showed that rehabilitation centres are hugely contributing to efforts of solving substance use in Gauteng and South Africa as a whole. These rehabilitation centres offered various treatment programs to individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. The findings also indicated that the selected therapy programmes at the rehabilitation centres met their objectives. However, some of the programmes were successful in mitigating the relapses of patients recovering from addiction to a lesser extent. The study also found out that the number of individuals who relapse is relatively high, however, the study did not dive into the depth of the causing factors. This may be room for future studies. Findings further indicated that the rehabilitation centres lacked in the application of a holistic approach to addiction treatment, even though there were several treatment programs offered. The issue of exorbitant residential fees in private rehabilitation facilities was also highlighted by the data collected. The research concluded by suggesting several recommendations such as research to improve policy for substance use with a focus on the human rights approach to the drug problem. Recommendations to the Department of Social Development which is responsible for the rehabilitation centres in South Africa. To ensure that all centres that are registered for offering treatment for substance use disorder be mandated to use a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, diversifying and individualizing treatments for better outcomes. Lastly, recommendations were suggested to the social work practice, to support rehabilitation facilities by providing continuous specialized training to their social workers. Recommendations to social work training and curriculum to include in-depth substance use disorders during education, training, and field placements, for best practice amongst new social work practitioners placed in rehabilitation centres. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention in Africa: an examination of South Africa’s role in conflict resolution in the Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Authors: Mandela, Siyabulela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54471 , vital:46584
- Description: The Agenda 2063 tabled a blueprint of seven aspirations, for the Africa we want and one which was critical to this study being a peaceful and secure Africa. As postulated in this aspiration, by Agenda 2063, “Africa shall be free from armed conflict, terrorism, extremism, intolerance, and gender-based violence, which are major threats to human security, peace and development”. The Assembly of the AU committed in the agenda to fast-track actions to silence the guns by 2020, through enhanced dialogue-centred conflict prevention and resolution. The deadline for silencing guns and ending all wars in Africa was 2020, which has passed and Africa remains characterised by violent conflict and underdevelopment. Violent conflict of different magnitudes continues unabated across different states in Africa and remain insolent to any means towards resolution. The African continent is also a host to the most fragile states in the world, and the governments of these countries are unable to cultivate or facilitate the necessary conditions needed for sustainable peace and development. The conditions of poverty, frustration of basic human needs, maladministration, corruption, mismanagement of diversity and ethnic divisions so prevalent in Africa increase the likelihood of violent conflict. Conflict provention, preventive diplomacy, problem-solving workshops, peacebuilding and peacekeeping are all variants of peace operations deemed crucial in this study for Africa’s stability, peace and development. The advancement of preventive diplomacy and conflict provention as a hybrid framework for the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and promotion of sustainable peace and development in Africa was at the centre of this study. The study adopted John Burton’s basic human needs theory as a theoretical framework to further highlight an urgency by African states to prioritise policies and conflict resolution efforts directed at addressing the underlying issues giving rise to violent conflicts, if sustainable peace and development was to be realised in the continent. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mandela, Siyabulela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54471 , vital:46584
- Description: The Agenda 2063 tabled a blueprint of seven aspirations, for the Africa we want and one which was critical to this study being a peaceful and secure Africa. As postulated in this aspiration, by Agenda 2063, “Africa shall be free from armed conflict, terrorism, extremism, intolerance, and gender-based violence, which are major threats to human security, peace and development”. The Assembly of the AU committed in the agenda to fast-track actions to silence the guns by 2020, through enhanced dialogue-centred conflict prevention and resolution. The deadline for silencing guns and ending all wars in Africa was 2020, which has passed and Africa remains characterised by violent conflict and underdevelopment. Violent conflict of different magnitudes continues unabated across different states in Africa and remain insolent to any means towards resolution. The African continent is also a host to the most fragile states in the world, and the governments of these countries are unable to cultivate or facilitate the necessary conditions needed for sustainable peace and development. The conditions of poverty, frustration of basic human needs, maladministration, corruption, mismanagement of diversity and ethnic divisions so prevalent in Africa increase the likelihood of violent conflict. Conflict provention, preventive diplomacy, problem-solving workshops, peacebuilding and peacekeeping are all variants of peace operations deemed crucial in this study for Africa’s stability, peace and development. The advancement of preventive diplomacy and conflict provention as a hybrid framework for the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and promotion of sustainable peace and development in Africa was at the centre of this study. The study adopted John Burton’s basic human needs theory as a theoretical framework to further highlight an urgency by African states to prioritise policies and conflict resolution efforts directed at addressing the underlying issues giving rise to violent conflicts, if sustainable peace and development was to be realised in the continent. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress levels in doctors and nurses at a South African health facility
- Authors: Finger-Motsepe, Kelebogile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27920 , vital:70880
- Description: Introduction: The emergence of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19) has wrought profound and enduring transformations in global health, economic dynamics, and social interactions. However, the comprehensive quantification of the psychological repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic remains elusive and is poised to compound the preexisting burden of mental health disorders within the general populace. Elevated transmission rates, rapid disease progression within vulnerable demographics, and the absence of definitive curative or preventive measures have collectively contributed to a heightened worldwide state of stress and anxiety. Extensive research has demonstrated that the apprehension and stress associated with Covid-19 are markedly pronounced among healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as front-line workers, in comparison to the general population. The Covid-19-related psychological distress is anticipated to act as a catalyst, exacerbating mental health conditions within high-risk groups. Aims and Objectives: This study endeavours to ascertain the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical doctors and nurses employed at a regional hospital in South Africa. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to evaluate the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among medical doctors and nurses working at a Regional Hospital situated in the Free State Province of South Africa. A purposive sample of 200 participants, comprising all willing doctors and nurses employed at the study site, was enrolled in the study. Findings: The participants exhibited an average age of 42 years and an average tenure of approximately 72 months at the hospital. The majority of participants were of African descent, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.3. Female healthcare workers reported significantly higher instances of PTSD than their male counterparts. In the aggregate, 71.4percent of doctors reported symptoms indicative of depression, 73.2percent reported anxiety-related symptoms, and 19.6percent reported PTSD-related symptoms. Among nurses, 72percent displayed clinically significant symptoms of depression, 81percent exhibited anxiety-related symptoms, and 27.7percent manifested symptoms suggestive of PTSD. A moderately robust positive correlation was discerned between PTSD and Anxiety (p = .000; r = .466) as well as PTSD and Depression (p = .000; r = .315). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was identified between Anxiety and Depression (p = .000; r = .631). A statistically significant disparity (p = .030) in anxiety levels was observed among workers in different risk-prone areas. Nurses reported substantially higher levels of anxiety (p = .039; M = 10.63, sd = 4.03) compared to doctors (M = 9.01, sd = 3.80) and administrators (M = 10.50, sd = 4.32). Moreover, both nurses (M = 27.06, sd = 13.61) and administrators (M = 33.33, sd = 14.44) exhibited significantly higher instances of PTSD (p = .003) than doctors (M = 19.96, sd = 15.03). Conclusions: The healthcare workers under scrutiny reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms was comparatively lower within the hospital setting. Furthermore, this study illuminates that depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were more prevalent among nurses than doctors. Additionally, healthcare professionals operating in high-risk Covid-19 environments, such as the Covid-19 ward, demonstrated heightened levels of anxiety when juxtaposed with their counterparts stationed in low-risk Covid-19 areas within the healthcare facility. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Finger-Motsepe, Kelebogile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27920 , vital:70880
- Description: Introduction: The emergence of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19) has wrought profound and enduring transformations in global health, economic dynamics, and social interactions. However, the comprehensive quantification of the psychological repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic remains elusive and is poised to compound the preexisting burden of mental health disorders within the general populace. Elevated transmission rates, rapid disease progression within vulnerable demographics, and the absence of definitive curative or preventive measures have collectively contributed to a heightened worldwide state of stress and anxiety. Extensive research has demonstrated that the apprehension and stress associated with Covid-19 are markedly pronounced among healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as front-line workers, in comparison to the general population. The Covid-19-related psychological distress is anticipated to act as a catalyst, exacerbating mental health conditions within high-risk groups. Aims and Objectives: This study endeavours to ascertain the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical doctors and nurses employed at a regional hospital in South Africa. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to evaluate the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among medical doctors and nurses working at a Regional Hospital situated in the Free State Province of South Africa. A purposive sample of 200 participants, comprising all willing doctors and nurses employed at the study site, was enrolled in the study. Findings: The participants exhibited an average age of 42 years and an average tenure of approximately 72 months at the hospital. The majority of participants were of African descent, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.3. Female healthcare workers reported significantly higher instances of PTSD than their male counterparts. In the aggregate, 71.4percent of doctors reported symptoms indicative of depression, 73.2percent reported anxiety-related symptoms, and 19.6percent reported PTSD-related symptoms. Among nurses, 72percent displayed clinically significant symptoms of depression, 81percent exhibited anxiety-related symptoms, and 27.7percent manifested symptoms suggestive of PTSD. A moderately robust positive correlation was discerned between PTSD and Anxiety (p = .000; r = .466) as well as PTSD and Depression (p = .000; r = .315). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was identified between Anxiety and Depression (p = .000; r = .631). A statistically significant disparity (p = .030) in anxiety levels was observed among workers in different risk-prone areas. Nurses reported substantially higher levels of anxiety (p = .039; M = 10.63, sd = 4.03) compared to doctors (M = 9.01, sd = 3.80) and administrators (M = 10.50, sd = 4.32). Moreover, both nurses (M = 27.06, sd = 13.61) and administrators (M = 33.33, sd = 14.44) exhibited significantly higher instances of PTSD (p = .003) than doctors (M = 19.96, sd = 15.03). Conclusions: The healthcare workers under scrutiny reported elevated levels of anxiety and depression attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms was comparatively lower within the hospital setting. Furthermore, this study illuminates that depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were more prevalent among nurses than doctors. Additionally, healthcare professionals operating in high-risk Covid-19 environments, such as the Covid-19 ward, demonstrated heightened levels of anxiety when juxtaposed with their counterparts stationed in low-risk Covid-19 areas within the healthcare facility. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Ureaplasma species in the placenta and histopathology associated with preterm birth
- Authors: Sprong, Kaitlin Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54128 , vital:46310
- Description: The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasma spp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvumand Mycoplasma hominisin the placenta and its role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasma spp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasma spp. in the placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. iiiABSTRACTBackground The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasmaspp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalenceof Ureaplasmaurealyticum,UreaplasmaparvumandMycoplasmahominisin the placenta andits role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasmaspp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasmaspp. inthe placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. MethodsPlacentas were collected from patients presenting with preterm birth (n=100; 28-34 weeks gestational age) and term birth (n=20; >38 weeks) regardless of the APGAR score. Placentas were submitted for histopathology and used for detection of Ureaplasmaspp. by culture (U9 broth, MycoDuo kits;BioRad) and PCR (DNA was extracted from culture and homogenized placental tissue). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp isolates were determined by the SIR Antibiogram kit (BioRad) and microbroth dilution method. Molecular mechanisms of resistance were ascertained by PCR amplification of target genes. Placentas were sent to National Health Laboratory Servicesfor routine histopathology. Next generation sequencing was performed on 16S rRNA amplicons from placental DNA for analysis of microbial diversity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Sprong, Kaitlin Elizabeth
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54128 , vital:46310
- Description: The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasma spp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvumand Mycoplasma hominisin the placenta and its role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasma spp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasma spp. in the placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. iiiABSTRACTBackground The Eastern Cape province is known for its high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. Studies from other countries indicate that Ureaplasmaspp. have been associated with clinical chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The prevalenceof Ureaplasmaurealyticum,UreaplasmaparvumandMycoplasmahominisin the placenta andits role in preterm birth is unknown in South Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyze placental histology, maternal and neonatal outcomes and clinical presentation of preterm birth, (ii) detect Ureaplasmaspp. and M. hominisin the placenta from cases of preterm birth, (iii) determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp. isolates and investigate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, (iv) characterize the microbial diversity in the placenta using 16S rRNA next generation sequencing and(v) review pathologies to ascertain whether there is any association between Ureaplasmaspp. inthe placenta and adverse maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. MethodsPlacentas were collected from patients presenting with preterm birth (n=100; 28-34 weeks gestational age) and term birth (n=20; >38 weeks) regardless of the APGAR score. Placentas were submitted for histopathology and used for detection of Ureaplasmaspp. by culture (U9 broth, MycoDuo kits;BioRad) and PCR (DNA was extracted from culture and homogenized placental tissue). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Ureaplasmaspp isolates were determined by the SIR Antibiogram kit (BioRad) and microbroth dilution method. Molecular mechanisms of resistance were ascertained by PCR amplification of target genes. Placentas were sent to National Health Laboratory Servicesfor routine histopathology. Next generation sequencing was performed on 16S rRNA amplicons from placental DNA for analysis of microbial diversity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Customer experience value, satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana
- Authors: Turkson, Patrick Joel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Shopping malls -- Ghana , Consumer satisfaction -- Ghana , Consumer behavior -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54706 , vital:47525
- Description: A key function of shopping malls is still to facilitate retail shopping experiences. Globally, shopping malls have assumed great importance in economies as they generate revenues to governments and contribute immensely to economic development, and Ghana is no exception to the benefits of shopping malls. As more shoppers shop in shopping malls, managers of malls are aggressively intensifying their marketing efforts in order to deliver value to customers, while taking into account contemporary changes in consumer preferences. Since the 1950s, customers have been seeking value through products and services, and now customers are seeking value through experiences. For several reasons such as customer preferences and lifestyles, the notion of creating experience value for customers has emerged as an important topic in contemporary marketing literature. The main interest of shopping mall managers is profit maximisation. However, shopping malls in Ghana are relatively new, face stiff competition from the informal retail sector, and are perceived as charging higher prices compared with the informal sector. Therefore, it is argued that providing positive customer experience value, prioritising customers’ satisfaction, and ensuring positive behavioural intentions can assist shopping mall managers in Ghana to be sustainable and remain competitive in the retail industry. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the factors that influence customer experience value, and assess the influence of customer experience value on customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana. In addition, the study investigates the influence of customer satisfaction on behavioural intentions and the mediating role that customer satisfaction plays in the relationship between customer experience value and behavioural intentions. This study is expected to provide shopping mall managers in Ghana with information that might support them in their decision making concerning the shopping experience value activities that they offer to their customers. Three core concepts, namely customer experience value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions, formed the basis of this study. Also, the relationship between experience value, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions were examined. The study identified customer experience value as a multidimensional construct which comprises of four factors, namely service encounter (efficiency, service excellence and playfulness), experience realms (education, entertainment, escapism and esthetics), utilitarian value (monetary savings, selection and convenience) and hedonic value (exploration, place attachment and social status) as prospective factors contributing to customer experience value within the shopping mall context. Also, the study identified three attributional factors to measure customer satisfaction, namely the basic factors, performance factors, and excitement factors. Three outcomes of behavioural intentions, namely customer loyalty, word of mouth communication and revisit intentions were also identified to measure behavioural intentions of shoppers within the shopping mall context in Ghana. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to identify the potential respondents and the quantitative research methodology for analysis of the data of the study. Primary data was collected through a survey utilising self-administered structured questionnaires in the four key selected shopping malls in Ghana. Within the scope of the research, five hundred (500) useable questionnaires were received. The target population of the research included shoppers who have frequented the selected shopping malls in Ghana. The IBM SPSS (version 26) and AMOS computer software were used to perform the statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between all factors (service encounter, experience realms, utilitarian value, hedonic value) measuring customer experience value (EV), customer satisfaction (CS) and behavioural intentions (BI). The empirical results also show that there is a significant relationship between experience value as an independent variable and customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The results further revealed that experience value has a significant relationship with behavioural intentions. However, the results indicate that the relationship between the mediating variable (customer satisfaction) and the dependent variable (behavioural intentions) is insignificant. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Turkson, Patrick Joel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Shopping malls -- Ghana , Consumer satisfaction -- Ghana , Consumer behavior -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54706 , vital:47525
- Description: A key function of shopping malls is still to facilitate retail shopping experiences. Globally, shopping malls have assumed great importance in economies as they generate revenues to governments and contribute immensely to economic development, and Ghana is no exception to the benefits of shopping malls. As more shoppers shop in shopping malls, managers of malls are aggressively intensifying their marketing efforts in order to deliver value to customers, while taking into account contemporary changes in consumer preferences. Since the 1950s, customers have been seeking value through products and services, and now customers are seeking value through experiences. For several reasons such as customer preferences and lifestyles, the notion of creating experience value for customers has emerged as an important topic in contemporary marketing literature. The main interest of shopping mall managers is profit maximisation. However, shopping malls in Ghana are relatively new, face stiff competition from the informal retail sector, and are perceived as charging higher prices compared with the informal sector. Therefore, it is argued that providing positive customer experience value, prioritising customers’ satisfaction, and ensuring positive behavioural intentions can assist shopping mall managers in Ghana to be sustainable and remain competitive in the retail industry. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the factors that influence customer experience value, and assess the influence of customer experience value on customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana. In addition, the study investigates the influence of customer satisfaction on behavioural intentions and the mediating role that customer satisfaction plays in the relationship between customer experience value and behavioural intentions. This study is expected to provide shopping mall managers in Ghana with information that might support them in their decision making concerning the shopping experience value activities that they offer to their customers. Three core concepts, namely customer experience value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions, formed the basis of this study. Also, the relationship between experience value, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions were examined. The study identified customer experience value as a multidimensional construct which comprises of four factors, namely service encounter (efficiency, service excellence and playfulness), experience realms (education, entertainment, escapism and esthetics), utilitarian value (monetary savings, selection and convenience) and hedonic value (exploration, place attachment and social status) as prospective factors contributing to customer experience value within the shopping mall context. Also, the study identified three attributional factors to measure customer satisfaction, namely the basic factors, performance factors, and excitement factors. Three outcomes of behavioural intentions, namely customer loyalty, word of mouth communication and revisit intentions were also identified to measure behavioural intentions of shoppers within the shopping mall context in Ghana. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to identify the potential respondents and the quantitative research methodology for analysis of the data of the study. Primary data was collected through a survey utilising self-administered structured questionnaires in the four key selected shopping malls in Ghana. Within the scope of the research, five hundred (500) useable questionnaires were received. The target population of the research included shoppers who have frequented the selected shopping malls in Ghana. The IBM SPSS (version 26) and AMOS computer software were used to perform the statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between all factors (service encounter, experience realms, utilitarian value, hedonic value) measuring customer experience value (EV), customer satisfaction (CS) and behavioural intentions (BI). The empirical results also show that there is a significant relationship between experience value as an independent variable and customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The results further revealed that experience value has a significant relationship with behavioural intentions. However, the results indicate that the relationship between the mediating variable (customer satisfaction) and the dependent variable (behavioural intentions) is insignificant. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The technical efficiency of SACU Ports: a data envelopment analysis approach
- Authors: Bekebu, Siyanda
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Free ports and zones -- Africa, Southern , Harbors -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53813 , vital:45982
- Description: There ever growing international trade and increasing congestion of ports led to an increased focus attention on technical efficiency. Seaports are a central and necessary component in facilitating international trade. Yet, there is only limited comprehensive information available on the technical efficiency of African ports. The study investigated the technical efficiency of the SACU ports during the period 2014-2019 using DEA model. The DEA model is effective in resolving the measurement of port efficiency since the calculations are nonparametric and do not need definition or knowledge of a priori weights for the inputs or outputs, as is necessary for estimate of efficiency using production functions. To identify the roots of the technical inefficiency of the SACU ports, the study subdivided technical efficiency into pure technical and scale efficiency. The model used cargo handled, container throughput, ship calls as output variables. Whilst, quay cranes, number of tugboats, draft, quay length and number of quays were used as input variables. The study used the scores of DEA-BCC model as explanatory variables in Tobit model. The results showed that quay cranes and quay length are the cause of technical inefficiencies in the ports. , Thesis (MCom (Economics)) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Bekebu, Siyanda
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Free ports and zones -- Africa, Southern , Harbors -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53813 , vital:45982
- Description: There ever growing international trade and increasing congestion of ports led to an increased focus attention on technical efficiency. Seaports are a central and necessary component in facilitating international trade. Yet, there is only limited comprehensive information available on the technical efficiency of African ports. The study investigated the technical efficiency of the SACU ports during the period 2014-2019 using DEA model. The DEA model is effective in resolving the measurement of port efficiency since the calculations are nonparametric and do not need definition or knowledge of a priori weights for the inputs or outputs, as is necessary for estimate of efficiency using production functions. To identify the roots of the technical inefficiency of the SACU ports, the study subdivided technical efficiency into pure technical and scale efficiency. The model used cargo handled, container throughput, ship calls as output variables. Whilst, quay cranes, number of tugboats, draft, quay length and number of quays were used as input variables. The study used the scores of DEA-BCC model as explanatory variables in Tobit model. The results showed that quay cranes and quay length are the cause of technical inefficiencies in the ports. , Thesis (MCom (Economics)) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A data-driven decision-making model for the third-party logistics industry in Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Faith
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53875 , vital:46022
- Description: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers have continued to be key players in the supply chain network and have witnessed a growth in the usage of information technology. This growth has enhanced the volume of structured and unstructured data that is collected at a high velocity, and is of rich variety, sometimes described as “Big Data”. Leaders in the 3PL industry are constantly seeking to effectively and efficiently mature their abilities to exploit this data to gain business value through data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM helps the leaders to reduce the reliance they place on observations and intuition to make crucial business decisions in a volatile business environment. The aim of this research was to develop a prescriptive model for DDDM in 3PLs. The model consists of iterative elements that prescribe guidelines to decision-makers in the 3PL industry on how to adopt DDDM. A literature review of existing theoretical frameworks and models for DDDM was conducted to determine the extent to which they contribute towards DDDM for 3PLs. The Design-Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was followed to address the aim of the research and applied to pragmatically and iteratively develop and evaluate the artefact (the model for DDDM) in the real-world context of a 3PL. The literature findings revealed that the challenges with DDDM in organisations include three main categories of challenges related to data quality, data management, vision and capabilities. Once the challenges with DDDM were established, a prescriptive model was designed and developed for DDDM in 3PLs. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of the problems and possible solutions in the real-world context of 3PLs. An As-Is Analysis in the real-world case 3PL company confirmed the challenges identified in literature, and that data is still used in the 3PL company for descriptive and diagnostic analytics to aid with the decision-making processes. This highlights that there is still room for maturity into using data for predictive and prescriptive analytics that will, in turn, improve the decision-making process. An improved second version of the model was demonstrated to the participants (the targeted users), who had the opportunity to evaluate the model. The findings revealed that the model provided clear guidelines on how to make data-driven decisions and that the feedback loop and the data culture aspects highlighted in the design were some of the important features of the model. Some improvements were suggested by participants. A field study of three data analytics tools was conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as to highlight the status of DDDM at the real-world case 3PL. The limitations of the second version of the model, together with the recommendations from the participants were used to inform the improved and revised third version of the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Moyo, Faith
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53875 , vital:46022
- Description: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers have continued to be key players in the supply chain network and have witnessed a growth in the usage of information technology. This growth has enhanced the volume of structured and unstructured data that is collected at a high velocity, and is of rich variety, sometimes described as “Big Data”. Leaders in the 3PL industry are constantly seeking to effectively and efficiently mature their abilities to exploit this data to gain business value through data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM helps the leaders to reduce the reliance they place on observations and intuition to make crucial business decisions in a volatile business environment. The aim of this research was to develop a prescriptive model for DDDM in 3PLs. The model consists of iterative elements that prescribe guidelines to decision-makers in the 3PL industry on how to adopt DDDM. A literature review of existing theoretical frameworks and models for DDDM was conducted to determine the extent to which they contribute towards DDDM for 3PLs. The Design-Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was followed to address the aim of the research and applied to pragmatically and iteratively develop and evaluate the artefact (the model for DDDM) in the real-world context of a 3PL. The literature findings revealed that the challenges with DDDM in organisations include three main categories of challenges related to data quality, data management, vision and capabilities. Once the challenges with DDDM were established, a prescriptive model was designed and developed for DDDM in 3PLs. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of the problems and possible solutions in the real-world context of 3PLs. An As-Is Analysis in the real-world case 3PL company confirmed the challenges identified in literature, and that data is still used in the 3PL company for descriptive and diagnostic analytics to aid with the decision-making processes. This highlights that there is still room for maturity into using data for predictive and prescriptive analytics that will, in turn, improve the decision-making process. An improved second version of the model was demonstrated to the participants (the targeted users), who had the opportunity to evaluate the model. The findings revealed that the model provided clear guidelines on how to make data-driven decisions and that the feedback loop and the data culture aspects highlighted in the design were some of the important features of the model. Some improvements were suggested by participants. A field study of three data analytics tools was conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as to highlight the status of DDDM at the real-world case 3PL. The limitations of the second version of the model, together with the recommendations from the participants were used to inform the improved and revised third version of the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Investigating customary marriage conflict among the Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo Province
- Authors: Msiza, Dina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54504 , vital:46618
- Description: Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 in South Africa remains one of the greatest initiatives towards equality amongst spouses. However, even with the RCMA of 1998 that is set to regulate customary marriages, customary marriage conflict remains rife across various ethnic groups in South Africa. The RCMA of 1998 leaves a lot of room for interpretation by different cultures and some elements that certain ethnic groups consider as crucial in fulfilling customary marriages are excluded. So, to contribute to Conflict Studies with reference to customary marriage conflict, this study investigated customary marriage conflict among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of customary marriage among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis, coding, and thematic analysis. During the interviews, non-participant observation was used. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. In the final analysis, this study provides some recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges that were identified. Some of the recommendations include that there is a need to rethink the process of customary marriage in relation to the payment of lobola. Further, there is a need for an in-depth research going forward. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Msiza, Dina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54504 , vital:46618
- Description: Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 in South Africa remains one of the greatest initiatives towards equality amongst spouses. However, even with the RCMA of 1998 that is set to regulate customary marriages, customary marriage conflict remains rife across various ethnic groups in South Africa. The RCMA of 1998 leaves a lot of room for interpretation by different cultures and some elements that certain ethnic groups consider as crucial in fulfilling customary marriages are excluded. So, to contribute to Conflict Studies with reference to customary marriage conflict, this study investigated customary marriage conflict among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of customary marriage among Ndebele speaking people in Mathula Village in Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis, coding, and thematic analysis. During the interviews, non-participant observation was used. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. In the final analysis, this study provides some recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges that were identified. Some of the recommendations include that there is a need to rethink the process of customary marriage in relation to the payment of lobola. Further, there is a need for an in-depth research going forward. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Language Learning Anxiety: a bometric investigation of stress and language learning using wearable devices
- Authors: MacDonald, William Tait
- Date: 2022-10-04
- Subjects: Language and languages Study and teaching Psychological aspects , Wearable technology , Heart rate monitoring , Stress (Psychology) Testing , Anxiety Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/327133 , vital:61084 , DOI 10.21504/10962/327133
- Description: As Sapolsky (2015) notes, stress research has long been characterised by definitional debates that gave rise to a lack of agreement between theorists. An example of this definitional confusion can be seen in the area of Language Learning Anxiety, where there appears to be confusion in the literature over terms such as anxiety and stress. This study investigated the link between stress and language learning using wearable devices measuring heart rate variance, as a means of establishing the feasibility of using this new technology in stress research. The results indicate that the contextualised longitudinal data delivered by wearable devices mitigates against the current dominant paradigm in Language Learning Anxiety, which postulates a straight-line negative correlation between stress and learning. Instead, the inverted U stress relationship proposed by theorists such as Hebb (1955) seem to be a better fit for the data. The nature of the contextualised data generated in this study allowed for comparisons between participants’ stress readings in academic contexts, such as language and non-language classes, and their free time. The findings suggest that certain long-held assumptions about heightened stress in academic contexts may not hold true. While the findings of this study did not reach the levels of statistical significance, they constitute proof of concept that the type of contextualised data delivered by wearable devices may allow for a new type of stress research that incorporates contextualising longitudinal perspectives on participants’ stress levels. In this study the inclusion of contextualising data led to fundamentally different conclusions about the relationship between stress and language learning. The same may be true of many areas of stress research. The findings presented in this study have broader paradigm-altering implications not only for educational policy, but also for stress research in general. Perhaps equally important was that the type of data delivered by wearable devices was qualitatively different from that normally associated with quantitative studies. This presented challenges in data analysis in this study, but also opens intriguing possibilities regarding a means of reconciling the qualitative and quantitative split in research modalities. The use of wearable devices is not without issues, and some of the issues, ranging from practical considerations to ethical conundrums, are presented for the reader’s consideration and to inform future researchers regarding potential pitfalls. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-04
- Authors: MacDonald, William Tait
- Date: 2022-10-04
- Subjects: Language and languages Study and teaching Psychological aspects , Wearable technology , Heart rate monitoring , Stress (Psychology) Testing , Anxiety Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/327133 , vital:61084 , DOI 10.21504/10962/327133
- Description: As Sapolsky (2015) notes, stress research has long been characterised by definitional debates that gave rise to a lack of agreement between theorists. An example of this definitional confusion can be seen in the area of Language Learning Anxiety, where there appears to be confusion in the literature over terms such as anxiety and stress. This study investigated the link between stress and language learning using wearable devices measuring heart rate variance, as a means of establishing the feasibility of using this new technology in stress research. The results indicate that the contextualised longitudinal data delivered by wearable devices mitigates against the current dominant paradigm in Language Learning Anxiety, which postulates a straight-line negative correlation between stress and learning. Instead, the inverted U stress relationship proposed by theorists such as Hebb (1955) seem to be a better fit for the data. The nature of the contextualised data generated in this study allowed for comparisons between participants’ stress readings in academic contexts, such as language and non-language classes, and their free time. The findings suggest that certain long-held assumptions about heightened stress in academic contexts may not hold true. While the findings of this study did not reach the levels of statistical significance, they constitute proof of concept that the type of contextualised data delivered by wearable devices may allow for a new type of stress research that incorporates contextualising longitudinal perspectives on participants’ stress levels. In this study the inclusion of contextualising data led to fundamentally different conclusions about the relationship between stress and language learning. The same may be true of many areas of stress research. The findings presented in this study have broader paradigm-altering implications not only for educational policy, but also for stress research in general. Perhaps equally important was that the type of data delivered by wearable devices was qualitatively different from that normally associated with quantitative studies. This presented challenges in data analysis in this study, but also opens intriguing possibilities regarding a means of reconciling the qualitative and quantitative split in research modalities. The use of wearable devices is not without issues, and some of the issues, ranging from practical considerations to ethical conundrums, are presented for the reader’s consideration and to inform future researchers regarding potential pitfalls. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-04
The self and the impossible pursuit of justice in J.M. Coetzee’s "Waiting for the barbarians, disgrace and foe”
- Authors: Swanepoel, Elbie
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Coetzee, J M, 1940- Criticism and interpretation , Coetzee, J M, 1940- Waiting for the barbarians , Coetzee, J M, 1940- Disgrace , Coetzee, J M, 1940- Foe , Ethics in literature , Deconstruction , Postmodernism (Literature) , Justice in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232294 , vital:49979
- Description: In its engagement with J.M. Coetzee’s Waiting for the Barbarians, Disgrace and Foe, this thesis explores how the philosophies of Emmanuel Levinas and Jacques Derrida can be used as a framework for understanding the self’s relationship with the other. In contrast to postcolonial readings of these texts, this thesis does not consider the separation between the self and the other in terms of social or cultural differences but rather the radical alterity of the other that is perceived in the face-to-face encounter. This study aims to illustrate how the engagement with alterity exposes the instability of the self’s structures of knowledge that, in these instances, are grounded in the Western metaphysical tradition. The effects of the self’s encounter with the other are seen in the personal transformation of Coetzee’s protagonists whose initial flaws and problematic worldviews are revealed in the context of the injustices done to the other. Furthermore, the study examines the extent to which the self is complicit in the suffering of the other and how this ultimately complicates their pursuit of justice for them. While the focus of this thesis is primarily on the characters, it also shows how the writer’s careful treatment of otherness functions to confront and engage the reader with the alterity of the other and the ethical dilemmas inherent in attempting to conceptualise it. The study concludes that the protagonists’ engagement with others and their subsequent confrontation with themselves lead them to consider what an ethical response to the other might be. This ethical turn results in positive change, however ambiguously, in their thoughts about and behaviours toward other beings. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, English Language and Linguistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
- Authors: Swanepoel, Elbie
- Date: 2022-04-07
- Subjects: Coetzee, J M, 1940- Criticism and interpretation , Coetzee, J M, 1940- Waiting for the barbarians , Coetzee, J M, 1940- Disgrace , Coetzee, J M, 1940- Foe , Ethics in literature , Deconstruction , Postmodernism (Literature) , Justice in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232294 , vital:49979
- Description: In its engagement with J.M. Coetzee’s Waiting for the Barbarians, Disgrace and Foe, this thesis explores how the philosophies of Emmanuel Levinas and Jacques Derrida can be used as a framework for understanding the self’s relationship with the other. In contrast to postcolonial readings of these texts, this thesis does not consider the separation between the self and the other in terms of social or cultural differences but rather the radical alterity of the other that is perceived in the face-to-face encounter. This study aims to illustrate how the engagement with alterity exposes the instability of the self’s structures of knowledge that, in these instances, are grounded in the Western metaphysical tradition. The effects of the self’s encounter with the other are seen in the personal transformation of Coetzee’s protagonists whose initial flaws and problematic worldviews are revealed in the context of the injustices done to the other. Furthermore, the study examines the extent to which the self is complicit in the suffering of the other and how this ultimately complicates their pursuit of justice for them. While the focus of this thesis is primarily on the characters, it also shows how the writer’s careful treatment of otherness functions to confront and engage the reader with the alterity of the other and the ethical dilemmas inherent in attempting to conceptualise it. The study concludes that the protagonists’ engagement with others and their subsequent confrontation with themselves lead them to consider what an ethical response to the other might be. This ethical turn results in positive change, however ambiguously, in their thoughts about and behaviours toward other beings. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, English Language and Linguistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-07
The diversity and dry season habitat associations of fish communities in the Kabompo River Basin, Upper Zambezi, Zambia
- Authors: Rennie, Craig Lawrence
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Biodiversity Zambia Kabompo District , Ecology Zambia Kabompo District , Fish communities Zambia Kabompo District , Fishes Ecology Zambia Kabompo District , Freshwater habitats Zambia Kabompo District , Fishes Effect of human beings on Zambia Kabompo District , Fishes Climatic factors Zambia Kabompo District , Mesohabitat
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232261 , vital:49976
- Description: The Zambezian headwaters contain diverse fish communities which support thriving fisheries. This region and its fishes are under pressure from multiple anthropogenic threats, including overexploitation and large-scale developments with potential knock-on effects for the riparian communities. Previous studies have focused on known fisheries areas and the mainstem Zambezi River, neglecting large tributaries such as the Kabompo River. Consequently, little literature is available on the diversity and ecology of the fishes that inhabit these large tributaries, hindering the effective management and protection of biodiversity. This study aimed to fill the current knowledge gaps in the diversity and habitat associations of fish communities in the Upper Zambezi, using the Kabompo River as a case study. The first objective was to provide an updated checklist of the fishes of the Kabompo River basin using a compilation of historical data and field surveys. This study detailed the occurrence and distribution of 83 fish species within the Kabompo River basin. All these species have been recorded in the Upper Zambezi, with some of their ranges extending into the Middle (29 species) and Lower Zambezi (23 species) while others have more restricted distributions. The most diverse families were the Cyprinidae (26 species) and the Cichlidae (15 species). A number of potential undescribed species, whose taxonomic distinctiveness need further investigation were also collected. Taxonomic conflicts are also highlighted for some of the taxa that were previously considered to have broad geographic ranges or disjunct distributions. Consistent with findings from other studies within the region, the current taxonomy underestimates the diversity of fishes in the Kabompo River and Upper Zambezi. The second objective was to assess the habitat use of small-bodied fish communities during the low-flow period in 2019. Reconnaissance trips identified dominant mesohabitats along the middle Kabompo River around Jivundu. A total of 139 mesohabitats were sampled across the five dominant mesohabitats identified; Phragmites mauritianus, wood, rock, Vallisneria aethiopica and bare substrate. Catch per unit effort, species richness, Shannon diversity and Pielou’s evenness differed significantly between these mesohabitats. Twenty-six species showed significant associations (p < 0.05) with a specific mesohabitat type or environmental variable (current velocity or depth). Eight species were associated with the woody habitat, with three of these, E. radiatus, E. unitaeniatus, and P. ngamensis being almost exclusively associated with this habitat. Enteromius kerstenii, E. lineomaculatus and S. depressirostris were almost exclusively associated with P. mauritianus and represent potential indicator species for this habitat. A number of species were also with both P. mauritianus and woody habitats. Nine species showed statistically significant associations with the rocky mesohabitat, with Amphilius uranoscopus and Petrocephalus longicapitis, being almost exclusive to rocky sections of the river. Therefore, species such as A. uranoscopus are potential indicators for monitoring the integrity of rocky habitats under threat from sedimentation. The strong associations indicate that this comprehensive baseline may be valuable indicators/ proxies for identifying anthropogenic induced change in the Kabompo basin. This would provide a basis to determine fish responses to regional environmental changes associated with human activities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Rennie, Craig Lawrence
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Biodiversity Zambia Kabompo District , Ecology Zambia Kabompo District , Fish communities Zambia Kabompo District , Fishes Ecology Zambia Kabompo District , Freshwater habitats Zambia Kabompo District , Fishes Effect of human beings on Zambia Kabompo District , Fishes Climatic factors Zambia Kabompo District , Mesohabitat
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232261 , vital:49976
- Description: The Zambezian headwaters contain diverse fish communities which support thriving fisheries. This region and its fishes are under pressure from multiple anthropogenic threats, including overexploitation and large-scale developments with potential knock-on effects for the riparian communities. Previous studies have focused on known fisheries areas and the mainstem Zambezi River, neglecting large tributaries such as the Kabompo River. Consequently, little literature is available on the diversity and ecology of the fishes that inhabit these large tributaries, hindering the effective management and protection of biodiversity. This study aimed to fill the current knowledge gaps in the diversity and habitat associations of fish communities in the Upper Zambezi, using the Kabompo River as a case study. The first objective was to provide an updated checklist of the fishes of the Kabompo River basin using a compilation of historical data and field surveys. This study detailed the occurrence and distribution of 83 fish species within the Kabompo River basin. All these species have been recorded in the Upper Zambezi, with some of their ranges extending into the Middle (29 species) and Lower Zambezi (23 species) while others have more restricted distributions. The most diverse families were the Cyprinidae (26 species) and the Cichlidae (15 species). A number of potential undescribed species, whose taxonomic distinctiveness need further investigation were also collected. Taxonomic conflicts are also highlighted for some of the taxa that were previously considered to have broad geographic ranges or disjunct distributions. Consistent with findings from other studies within the region, the current taxonomy underestimates the diversity of fishes in the Kabompo River and Upper Zambezi. The second objective was to assess the habitat use of small-bodied fish communities during the low-flow period in 2019. Reconnaissance trips identified dominant mesohabitats along the middle Kabompo River around Jivundu. A total of 139 mesohabitats were sampled across the five dominant mesohabitats identified; Phragmites mauritianus, wood, rock, Vallisneria aethiopica and bare substrate. Catch per unit effort, species richness, Shannon diversity and Pielou’s evenness differed significantly between these mesohabitats. Twenty-six species showed significant associations (p < 0.05) with a specific mesohabitat type or environmental variable (current velocity or depth). Eight species were associated with the woody habitat, with three of these, E. radiatus, E. unitaeniatus, and P. ngamensis being almost exclusively associated with this habitat. Enteromius kerstenii, E. lineomaculatus and S. depressirostris were almost exclusively associated with P. mauritianus and represent potential indicator species for this habitat. A number of species were also with both P. mauritianus and woody habitats. Nine species showed statistically significant associations with the rocky mesohabitat, with Amphilius uranoscopus and Petrocephalus longicapitis, being almost exclusive to rocky sections of the river. Therefore, species such as A. uranoscopus are potential indicators for monitoring the integrity of rocky habitats under threat from sedimentation. The strong associations indicate that this comprehensive baseline may be valuable indicators/ proxies for identifying anthropogenic induced change in the Kabompo basin. This would provide a basis to determine fish responses to regional environmental changes associated with human activities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Virtual currency readiness in South Africa
- Authors: Tiervlei, Renee
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Digital currency -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54717 , vital:47530
- Description: The rapid growth of technology in the twenty first century has seen the increased use of the internet and its resources and with this a change in the way people see money. Buying goods and services online and paying with credit cards is a transformational advantage to the way transactions are done. Ten years ago, this was not possible and paper money was predominantly used to pay for goods, or the buyer had to go into a bank to deposit the payment into the seller’s bank account. Virtual currency is a topic that needs attention due to its increased popularity and from the South African perspective, more so. Virtual currencies, like cryptocurrencies and its blockchain technology, has a wide range of uses that could benefit the world as well as South Africa but there is also a downside or risks associated with the use of these currencies and many other virtual currencies. Risks include and are not limited to the regulation, or a lack of regulation of cryptocurrencies, the laundering of money and illegal activities. One advantage though is that the blockchain technology ensures that all transactions are recorded in the ledger and can never be deleted or erased. The study analyses virtual currency readiness in South Africa by looking at the factors influencing this by studying cryptocurrencies and the South African people’s reaction to the use of this currency and how it is perceived. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Tiervlei, Renee
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Digital currency -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54717 , vital:47530
- Description: The rapid growth of technology in the twenty first century has seen the increased use of the internet and its resources and with this a change in the way people see money. Buying goods and services online and paying with credit cards is a transformational advantage to the way transactions are done. Ten years ago, this was not possible and paper money was predominantly used to pay for goods, or the buyer had to go into a bank to deposit the payment into the seller’s bank account. Virtual currency is a topic that needs attention due to its increased popularity and from the South African perspective, more so. Virtual currencies, like cryptocurrencies and its blockchain technology, has a wide range of uses that could benefit the world as well as South Africa but there is also a downside or risks associated with the use of these currencies and many other virtual currencies. Risks include and are not limited to the regulation, or a lack of regulation of cryptocurrencies, the laundering of money and illegal activities. One advantage though is that the blockchain technology ensures that all transactions are recorded in the ledger and can never be deleted or erased. The study analyses virtual currency readiness in South Africa by looking at the factors influencing this by studying cryptocurrencies and the South African people’s reaction to the use of this currency and how it is perceived. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The use of photography to visualise abstracted narratives of emotions associated with trauma
- Authors: Warner, Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54585 , vital:46726
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative research study is to comment on the use of photography to visualise abstracted narratives of the emotions associated with trauma. This is a practicebased study developed on the interweaving of theoretical and practical output. The practical output produced a photographic body of work which argues in favour of an abstracted narrative for the visualisation of trauma by engaging with visualised emotions associated with trauma. The theoretical output of the study relates to three visual themes: firstly, the direct or actual moment of trauma; secondly, the triggering of the traumatic experience and lastly, the abstracted narrative of emotions associated with trauma. Photographing a traumatic event freezes a moment in which the subjects are continually engaging in the traumatic experience. Sontag (2003: 93) asserts that this type of direct photographic representation should be discouraged for fear of aestheticising pain and desensitising the viewer to horror. The study aims not to visualise actual traumatic events, but rather to engage with abstracted narratives of emotions associated with trauma experienced or felt, both directly and indirectly. This is achieved by firstly, providing a context on how the role of photography dealing with trauma has evolved to move beyond the depiction of an actual traumatic experience. Secondly, Gillian Rose’s (2016) Visual Methodologies Framework is introduced and photographers Roger Ballen’s Cut Loose (2015) and Jo Ractliffe’s 1999 work entitled Vlakplaas: 2 June 1999 (Drive-by Shooting) analysed as visual expressions of trauma. Similarly, photographers Robert Frank’s 1978 work entitled Sick of goodby’s and Manuela Thames’s 2019 work entitled Trauma are analysed to reflect on the use of abstracted narratives as they comment on personal traumatic experiences. Lastly, the body of work produced in the practice-based output of the study, Public Places: Private Spaces, are analysed as a vehicle through which emotions are associated with trauma. These traumatic experiences are visually expressed using abstracted images in triptych narratives. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by critically addressing ways of thinking about the visualisation of trauma. This provides insight into the topic of trauma and the various ways in which it could be visualised without depicting the actual trauma (with the potential of continuously wounding or replaying trauma) and instead engaging with the visualised traumatic experience as an abstracted narrative within a South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Warner, Lauren
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54585 , vital:46726
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative research study is to comment on the use of photography to visualise abstracted narratives of the emotions associated with trauma. This is a practicebased study developed on the interweaving of theoretical and practical output. The practical output produced a photographic body of work which argues in favour of an abstracted narrative for the visualisation of trauma by engaging with visualised emotions associated with trauma. The theoretical output of the study relates to three visual themes: firstly, the direct or actual moment of trauma; secondly, the triggering of the traumatic experience and lastly, the abstracted narrative of emotions associated with trauma. Photographing a traumatic event freezes a moment in which the subjects are continually engaging in the traumatic experience. Sontag (2003: 93) asserts that this type of direct photographic representation should be discouraged for fear of aestheticising pain and desensitising the viewer to horror. The study aims not to visualise actual traumatic events, but rather to engage with abstracted narratives of emotions associated with trauma experienced or felt, both directly and indirectly. This is achieved by firstly, providing a context on how the role of photography dealing with trauma has evolved to move beyond the depiction of an actual traumatic experience. Secondly, Gillian Rose’s (2016) Visual Methodologies Framework is introduced and photographers Roger Ballen’s Cut Loose (2015) and Jo Ractliffe’s 1999 work entitled Vlakplaas: 2 June 1999 (Drive-by Shooting) analysed as visual expressions of trauma. Similarly, photographers Robert Frank’s 1978 work entitled Sick of goodby’s and Manuela Thames’s 2019 work entitled Trauma are analysed to reflect on the use of abstracted narratives as they comment on personal traumatic experiences. Lastly, the body of work produced in the practice-based output of the study, Public Places: Private Spaces, are analysed as a vehicle through which emotions are associated with trauma. These traumatic experiences are visually expressed using abstracted images in triptych narratives. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by critically addressing ways of thinking about the visualisation of trauma. This provides insight into the topic of trauma and the various ways in which it could be visualised without depicting the actual trauma (with the potential of continuously wounding or replaying trauma) and instead engaging with the visualised traumatic experience as an abstracted narrative within a South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An epistemic justice account of students’ experiences of feedback
- Authors: Vilakazi, Bella Phetheni
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Feedback (Psychology) , Experience , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Critical thinking , Caring Moral and ethical aspects , Epistemic access
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232599 , vital:50006 , DOI 10.21504/10962/232599
- Description: I am a storyteller. I believe in the power of stories to share experiences and to elucidate thoughts and ideas and to help us to make sense of complex social practices. This thesis includes the stories of five young women who were learning to become teachers. As they shared their stories with me, I share them with you. This study includes their stories of receiving feedback. These stories are structured within the Narrative Inquiry dimensions of temporality, place and context. These dimensions suggest that stories are historical and move through time, stories are shaped by place and the context in which they unfold (Clandinin, 2013). Furthermore, these stories demonstrate how feedback can serve to give access to powerful knowledge and can serve to recognise who our students are and what they bring to the academy (Hordern, 2018). But feedback can also serve to misrecognise. Much has been written and reported about the barriers preventing students from acting on the feedback on their assignment tasks in higher education. In this study, I argue that feedback is a pedagogic practice that can support students to gain epistemic access. Feedback can only achieve this if it makes the expectations explicit for students to make sense of and make meaning for themselves and if it is offered in a dialogical format which recognises the students, their attempts, their identities, and their knowledge. The research question of this study, ‘How do experiences of forms of feedback affect female undergraduate student teachers’ chances of epistemic access?’, is not unusual. There have been many research projects that have been carried out that examine students’ experiences of feedback (for example, Evans, 2013; Basey, Maines, & Francis, 2014; Nicol et al.; 2014; Carless, 2019; Winstone et al., 2021). But I identified a gap where feedback has not, to my knowledge, been studied directly through the lenses of Epistemic Justice towards Parity of Participation. This study interpreted five undergraduate student teachers’ feedback experiences through these lenses. Narrative inquiry enabled me to design this study in ways that foregrounded experience. Data was collected through multiple conversations during which I organised the participants’ life stories of feedback within the dimensions of temporality, place and context, and sociality. Miranda Fricker’s (2007) theory of Epistemic Justice and Fraser’s norm of Parity of Participation (2000) framed this study. I engaged with Fricker and Fraser’s literature meaningfully as a reader and researcher. I established an understanding of how the lenses offered by Fraser and Fricker allowed me to make sense of the literature more generally, in social life and on the pedagogic practice of feedback. Fricker’s theory of Epistemic Justice considers the epistemically unjust, gendered, raced and classed, experiences of epistemic agents. Fricker (2007) draws on two central concepts to account for epistemic injustices: Testimonial Injustice and Hermeneutical Injustice. Fricker (2007; 2003) explains that testimonial injustice occurs within a testimonial exchange setting, when an epistemic agent as a speaker gives testimony of the epistemic agent’s experiences and knowledge but is not awarded the credibility the speaker deserves (Fricker, 2003). Epistemic agents who participate in a testimonial exchange need to overcome bias and prejudice in order to evaluate testimonies with the degree of fairness the testimony deserves (Fricker, 2013; 2016). Hermeneutical injustice occurs when an epistemic agent is unable to make sense and make meaning of their social experiences. Hermeneutical injustice strengthens when the epistemic agent is prevented from gaining access to resources that might help with sense making and meaning making of these social experiences (Dielman, 2012; Fricker, 2016). To ensure that meaning can be made between people and groups of people, there needs to be some shared understandings of the purpose and process of sense making and meaning-making – or a willingness to co-create such shared understandings. Fraser’s norm of Participatory Parity enabled a consideration of the larger world of political and economic systems that give rise to social injustice. In this study, the theories of Fricker and Fraser are used to illuminate experiences of feedback of the five undergraduate student teachers who are the participants in this study and how these translate to epistemic and social injustice. The norm of Participatory Parity is considered where feedback allowed or restricted participants from participating on an equal footing in the feedback process. Narrative inquiry, a research methodology that is used to study experiences, was used to inform research strategies of this study. Participants’ experiences, data collection and organising the narratives demonstrated the dimensions of temporality and space. The thesis includes biographical vignettes for each of the participants in the study, interspersed with data from across all five participants. The key findings of this study show that feedback generally operates at the surface levels of grammar correction. In light of the theoretical lenses of this study, I argue that the feedback experiences they shared generally did not recognise their attempts and the identities and knowledges they brought to the tasks. Because the focus was on superficial correction of the specific task, the feedback failed to create conditions for the (re)distribution of knowledge. At times the feedback exerted power on participants. Because the feedback was generally in the form of one directional correction (with little space for interaction with the feedback or dialogue with the assessor), this caused status subordination of participants in the epistemic spaces of teaching practice. Lastly, the lack of clarity of feedback was harmful to the potential for dialogical feedback. Such feedback caused participants to experience forms of epistemic injustice in the form of hermeneutical injustice where it failed to create conditions for the distribution of knowledge. Feedback also caused participants to experience testimonial injustice where it failed to create conditions for recognising participants’ processes of sense-making and meaning-making in the various assignment tasks. Participatory Parity could not occur because the processes of recognition and redistribution were constrained. Feedback then created fertile conditions of epistemic injustice to occur, and participants were likely to have failed to gain the much needed epistemic access. This study is not the story of bad, uncaring academics; the study acknowledges the context of large classes and heavy workloads in which feedback is or is not given. Rather, this is the story of five women trying to make their way through the university and out into the world as teachers. The study calls for better theorising of feedback and more support for both academics and students to develop feedback literacy so that feedback might serve as a dialogical pedagogic practice that enables epistemic justice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
- Authors: Vilakazi, Bella Phetheni
- Date: 2022-04-08
- Subjects: Feedback (Psychology) , Experience , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Critical thinking , Caring Moral and ethical aspects , Epistemic access
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232599 , vital:50006 , DOI 10.21504/10962/232599
- Description: I am a storyteller. I believe in the power of stories to share experiences and to elucidate thoughts and ideas and to help us to make sense of complex social practices. This thesis includes the stories of five young women who were learning to become teachers. As they shared their stories with me, I share them with you. This study includes their stories of receiving feedback. These stories are structured within the Narrative Inquiry dimensions of temporality, place and context. These dimensions suggest that stories are historical and move through time, stories are shaped by place and the context in which they unfold (Clandinin, 2013). Furthermore, these stories demonstrate how feedback can serve to give access to powerful knowledge and can serve to recognise who our students are and what they bring to the academy (Hordern, 2018). But feedback can also serve to misrecognise. Much has been written and reported about the barriers preventing students from acting on the feedback on their assignment tasks in higher education. In this study, I argue that feedback is a pedagogic practice that can support students to gain epistemic access. Feedback can only achieve this if it makes the expectations explicit for students to make sense of and make meaning for themselves and if it is offered in a dialogical format which recognises the students, their attempts, their identities, and their knowledge. The research question of this study, ‘How do experiences of forms of feedback affect female undergraduate student teachers’ chances of epistemic access?’, is not unusual. There have been many research projects that have been carried out that examine students’ experiences of feedback (for example, Evans, 2013; Basey, Maines, & Francis, 2014; Nicol et al.; 2014; Carless, 2019; Winstone et al., 2021). But I identified a gap where feedback has not, to my knowledge, been studied directly through the lenses of Epistemic Justice towards Parity of Participation. This study interpreted five undergraduate student teachers’ feedback experiences through these lenses. Narrative inquiry enabled me to design this study in ways that foregrounded experience. Data was collected through multiple conversations during which I organised the participants’ life stories of feedback within the dimensions of temporality, place and context, and sociality. Miranda Fricker’s (2007) theory of Epistemic Justice and Fraser’s norm of Parity of Participation (2000) framed this study. I engaged with Fricker and Fraser’s literature meaningfully as a reader and researcher. I established an understanding of how the lenses offered by Fraser and Fricker allowed me to make sense of the literature more generally, in social life and on the pedagogic practice of feedback. Fricker’s theory of Epistemic Justice considers the epistemically unjust, gendered, raced and classed, experiences of epistemic agents. Fricker (2007) draws on two central concepts to account for epistemic injustices: Testimonial Injustice and Hermeneutical Injustice. Fricker (2007; 2003) explains that testimonial injustice occurs within a testimonial exchange setting, when an epistemic agent as a speaker gives testimony of the epistemic agent’s experiences and knowledge but is not awarded the credibility the speaker deserves (Fricker, 2003). Epistemic agents who participate in a testimonial exchange need to overcome bias and prejudice in order to evaluate testimonies with the degree of fairness the testimony deserves (Fricker, 2013; 2016). Hermeneutical injustice occurs when an epistemic agent is unable to make sense and make meaning of their social experiences. Hermeneutical injustice strengthens when the epistemic agent is prevented from gaining access to resources that might help with sense making and meaning making of these social experiences (Dielman, 2012; Fricker, 2016). To ensure that meaning can be made between people and groups of people, there needs to be some shared understandings of the purpose and process of sense making and meaning-making – or a willingness to co-create such shared understandings. Fraser’s norm of Participatory Parity enabled a consideration of the larger world of political and economic systems that give rise to social injustice. In this study, the theories of Fricker and Fraser are used to illuminate experiences of feedback of the five undergraduate student teachers who are the participants in this study and how these translate to epistemic and social injustice. The norm of Participatory Parity is considered where feedback allowed or restricted participants from participating on an equal footing in the feedback process. Narrative inquiry, a research methodology that is used to study experiences, was used to inform research strategies of this study. Participants’ experiences, data collection and organising the narratives demonstrated the dimensions of temporality and space. The thesis includes biographical vignettes for each of the participants in the study, interspersed with data from across all five participants. The key findings of this study show that feedback generally operates at the surface levels of grammar correction. In light of the theoretical lenses of this study, I argue that the feedback experiences they shared generally did not recognise their attempts and the identities and knowledges they brought to the tasks. Because the focus was on superficial correction of the specific task, the feedback failed to create conditions for the (re)distribution of knowledge. At times the feedback exerted power on participants. Because the feedback was generally in the form of one directional correction (with little space for interaction with the feedback or dialogue with the assessor), this caused status subordination of participants in the epistemic spaces of teaching practice. Lastly, the lack of clarity of feedback was harmful to the potential for dialogical feedback. Such feedback caused participants to experience forms of epistemic injustice in the form of hermeneutical injustice where it failed to create conditions for the distribution of knowledge. Feedback also caused participants to experience testimonial injustice where it failed to create conditions for recognising participants’ processes of sense-making and meaning-making in the various assignment tasks. Participatory Parity could not occur because the processes of recognition and redistribution were constrained. Feedback then created fertile conditions of epistemic injustice to occur, and participants were likely to have failed to gain the much needed epistemic access. This study is not the story of bad, uncaring academics; the study acknowledges the context of large classes and heavy workloads in which feedback is or is not given. Rather, this is the story of five women trying to make their way through the university and out into the world as teachers. The study calls for better theorising of feedback and more support for both academics and students to develop feedback literacy so that feedback might serve as a dialogical pedagogic practice that enables epistemic justice. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-08
Emotional Intelligence as a strategy to enhance leadership
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Thicket expansion in a vachellia karroo-dominated landscape and its effect on herbaceous communities
- Authors: Khoza, Marina Rindzani
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Savanna ecology South Africa , Forbs South Africa , Grasslands South Africa , Herbaceous plants South Africa , Vegetation dynamics South Africa , Forest canopies South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291015 , vital:56808
- Description: Grass and forb species found in savannas are highly diverse, contributing to the structure and function of the savanna system. Where mean annual rainfall is seasonal and high enough to support closed canopy vegetation such as forests or thickets, savannas can exist as an alternative stable state maintained by disturbances such as fire and browsing. Biotic and abiotic processes act on savanna and forest (or thicket) systems maintaining both their tree and herbaceous cover at levels that ensure their persistence in those states. Studies have shown that many semi-arid rangelands in South Africa have undergone a rapid increase in tree cover (of both native and non-native species) over the past several decades. This process of increasing tree cover in semi-arid savannas, termed bush encroachment, results in a biome shift, changing landscapes that were once grasslands with few trees to ones dominated by broad-leaved trees with fewer sun-adapted forbs and grasses. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of changing woody cover and its associated changes in tree composition, tree canopy structure, light dynamics in the understory and herbaceous community composition on Endwell farm in the Eastern Cape. Canopy cover changes between the years 1949 and 2019 were analysed at 51 sites on the farm and related to historical rainfall patterns. There had been a general increase in tree cover over the past several decades on the farm, and many sites showed a change from open (0-15%) in 1949 to low (1635%), moderate (36-50%) and high (51-100%) canopy cover in 2019. In earlier years most sites had a canopy cover below 50%, and the higher canopy cover values (>65%) occurred in more recent decades. Canopy cover of ~ 50% was found to be rare in each decade. This suggests that ~50% canopy cover maybe a transient, unstable state. The period with the highest rate of canopy cover increase was 2002-2013, and this increase coincided with a high mean annual rainfall 10 years prior to 2002 and a high mean annual rainfall in most years between the 20022013 period. The period between 2002 and 2013 also had the highest number of sites transitioning from lower to higher tree canopy cover classes, indicating that rainfall may have been a factor driving bush encroachment during the past several decades. An increase in canopy cover (a decrease in light transmittance) was accompanied by changes in woody species composition during thicket formation. The low canopy cover (high light transmittance) sites were dominated by Vachellia karroo and Scutia myrtina trees, while high tree cover sites had fewer V. karroo and S. myrtina trees and were rather characterised by an abundance of thicket tree species. Species proportion, NMDS and dendrogram plots indicated that sites with a light transmittance range between 50-100% had similar tree species compositions, different from sites with light transmittances <50%. An increase in tree density was strongly correlated to an increase in canopy cover (from 2019 satellite imagery), density of trees > 3m, maximum height reached by trees, diversity of trees, total canopy volume, total canopy area and leaf area index (LAI), and a decrease in light transmittance. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore the relationships between canopy characteristics (maximum canopy area, canopy volume, tree diversity, density of trees, density of trees >3m, individual trees and maximum canopy height), aerial canopy cover in 2019, and light transmittance. The model explained 73% of the variation in light transmittance, mostly via the direct effect of canopy characteristics. Canopy characteristics had a strong influence on both aerial cover in 2019 and directly on light transmittance, but canopy cover in 2019 had a weak influence on light transmittance. The herbaceous layer was rich and dominated by C4 grasses such as Eragrostis plana, Sporobolus fimbriatus, Themeda triandra and Digitaria eriantha) and forbs including Hibiscus aethiopicus, Helichrysum dregeanum, Helichrysum nudifolium and Gerbera viridifolia at low canopy cover sites with high light transmittance. In contrast, high tree cover sites had fewer herbaceous species in general. Grass and forb species characteristic of these sites high canopy cover sites were Panicum maximum, Loudetia flavida, Pellaea viridis and Cyperus spp. Different sites with low light transmittance (<50%) had similar herbaceous species composition. Basal cover, richness, abundance and diversity of herbaceous plants decreased significantly with an increase in tree density, density of trees >3 m, canopy volume, canopy area, canopy cover, LAI, and increased significantly with increasing light transmittance. Most grasses had their highest densities at LAI <0.5, which was estimated to correspond to ~75% light transmittance and ~38% canopy cover and then started to decline thereafter. Herbaceous species basal cover was also highest at LAI <0.5. An SEM model indicated that herbaceous diversity, basal cover and richness responded both to light availability and to the structure of the woody vegetation directly (R2 = 0.53). While the effect of light transmittance on herbaceous communities was strong (0.41), there was little difference between the effect of light transmittance and canopy characteristics (-0.35) on herbaceous communities. Two possible threshold points, relating to two types of transitions in vegetation structure, could be deduced from this study. The first threshold occurred at canopy cover ~ 40% (LAI < ~ 0.5, light transmittance ~ 75%), at which point many of the common herbaceous species, including the dominant C4 grasses, began to decline in abundance while the composition remained characteristic of the savanna state. A canopy cover of less than ~ 40% at a site provides a suitable state for a high abundance of grass and forb species which help maintain an open system by facilitating fires. The second threshold marked a compositional shift between savanna and closed-canopy vegetation states. Savanna species (trees, grasses and forbs) dominated at high light transmittances (>50%) and were significantly reduced at low light transmittances (< 50%), indicating a possible species composition threshold at ~50% light transmittance at which a savanna state switches to a thicket (LAI ~ 1 and canopy cover ~70%). This point indicated the point where there was a significant difference in both tree and herbaceous plant compositions, with a marked reduction in the occurrence of C4 grasses at light transmittance <50%. Fire is supressed when the C4 grass layer is lost, and further thicket encroachment will take place causing complete canopy closure. Land managers in this system should start becoming concerned about a reduction in grass biomass when canopy cover reaches about 40% and would have to reduce tree cover before the threshold of 50% light transmittance (70% canopy cover from aerial photos) is reached to maintain a savanna system. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Thicket expansion in a vachellia karroo-dominated landscape and its effect on herbaceous communities
- Authors: Khoza, Marina Rindzani
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Savanna ecology South Africa , Forbs South Africa , Grasslands South Africa , Herbaceous plants South Africa , Vegetation dynamics South Africa , Forest canopies South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/291015 , vital:56808
- Description: Grass and forb species found in savannas are highly diverse, contributing to the structure and function of the savanna system. Where mean annual rainfall is seasonal and high enough to support closed canopy vegetation such as forests or thickets, savannas can exist as an alternative stable state maintained by disturbances such as fire and browsing. Biotic and abiotic processes act on savanna and forest (or thicket) systems maintaining both their tree and herbaceous cover at levels that ensure their persistence in those states. Studies have shown that many semi-arid rangelands in South Africa have undergone a rapid increase in tree cover (of both native and non-native species) over the past several decades. This process of increasing tree cover in semi-arid savannas, termed bush encroachment, results in a biome shift, changing landscapes that were once grasslands with few trees to ones dominated by broad-leaved trees with fewer sun-adapted forbs and grasses. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of changing woody cover and its associated changes in tree composition, tree canopy structure, light dynamics in the understory and herbaceous community composition on Endwell farm in the Eastern Cape. Canopy cover changes between the years 1949 and 2019 were analysed at 51 sites on the farm and related to historical rainfall patterns. There had been a general increase in tree cover over the past several decades on the farm, and many sites showed a change from open (0-15%) in 1949 to low (1635%), moderate (36-50%) and high (51-100%) canopy cover in 2019. In earlier years most sites had a canopy cover below 50%, and the higher canopy cover values (>65%) occurred in more recent decades. Canopy cover of ~ 50% was found to be rare in each decade. This suggests that ~50% canopy cover maybe a transient, unstable state. The period with the highest rate of canopy cover increase was 2002-2013, and this increase coincided with a high mean annual rainfall 10 years prior to 2002 and a high mean annual rainfall in most years between the 20022013 period. The period between 2002 and 2013 also had the highest number of sites transitioning from lower to higher tree canopy cover classes, indicating that rainfall may have been a factor driving bush encroachment during the past several decades. An increase in canopy cover (a decrease in light transmittance) was accompanied by changes in woody species composition during thicket formation. The low canopy cover (high light transmittance) sites were dominated by Vachellia karroo and Scutia myrtina trees, while high tree cover sites had fewer V. karroo and S. myrtina trees and were rather characterised by an abundance of thicket tree species. Species proportion, NMDS and dendrogram plots indicated that sites with a light transmittance range between 50-100% had similar tree species compositions, different from sites with light transmittances <50%. An increase in tree density was strongly correlated to an increase in canopy cover (from 2019 satellite imagery), density of trees > 3m, maximum height reached by trees, diversity of trees, total canopy volume, total canopy area and leaf area index (LAI), and a decrease in light transmittance. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore the relationships between canopy characteristics (maximum canopy area, canopy volume, tree diversity, density of trees, density of trees >3m, individual trees and maximum canopy height), aerial canopy cover in 2019, and light transmittance. The model explained 73% of the variation in light transmittance, mostly via the direct effect of canopy characteristics. Canopy characteristics had a strong influence on both aerial cover in 2019 and directly on light transmittance, but canopy cover in 2019 had a weak influence on light transmittance. The herbaceous layer was rich and dominated by C4 grasses such as Eragrostis plana, Sporobolus fimbriatus, Themeda triandra and Digitaria eriantha) and forbs including Hibiscus aethiopicus, Helichrysum dregeanum, Helichrysum nudifolium and Gerbera viridifolia at low canopy cover sites with high light transmittance. In contrast, high tree cover sites had fewer herbaceous species in general. Grass and forb species characteristic of these sites high canopy cover sites were Panicum maximum, Loudetia flavida, Pellaea viridis and Cyperus spp. Different sites with low light transmittance (<50%) had similar herbaceous species composition. Basal cover, richness, abundance and diversity of herbaceous plants decreased significantly with an increase in tree density, density of trees >3 m, canopy volume, canopy area, canopy cover, LAI, and increased significantly with increasing light transmittance. Most grasses had their highest densities at LAI <0.5, which was estimated to correspond to ~75% light transmittance and ~38% canopy cover and then started to decline thereafter. Herbaceous species basal cover was also highest at LAI <0.5. An SEM model indicated that herbaceous diversity, basal cover and richness responded both to light availability and to the structure of the woody vegetation directly (R2 = 0.53). While the effect of light transmittance on herbaceous communities was strong (0.41), there was little difference between the effect of light transmittance and canopy characteristics (-0.35) on herbaceous communities. Two possible threshold points, relating to two types of transitions in vegetation structure, could be deduced from this study. The first threshold occurred at canopy cover ~ 40% (LAI < ~ 0.5, light transmittance ~ 75%), at which point many of the common herbaceous species, including the dominant C4 grasses, began to decline in abundance while the composition remained characteristic of the savanna state. A canopy cover of less than ~ 40% at a site provides a suitable state for a high abundance of grass and forb species which help maintain an open system by facilitating fires. The second threshold marked a compositional shift between savanna and closed-canopy vegetation states. Savanna species (trees, grasses and forbs) dominated at high light transmittances (>50%) and were significantly reduced at low light transmittances (< 50%), indicating a possible species composition threshold at ~50% light transmittance at which a savanna state switches to a thicket (LAI ~ 1 and canopy cover ~70%). This point indicated the point where there was a significant difference in both tree and herbaceous plant compositions, with a marked reduction in the occurrence of C4 grasses at light transmittance <50%. Fire is supressed when the C4 grass layer is lost, and further thicket encroachment will take place causing complete canopy closure. Land managers in this system should start becoming concerned about a reduction in grass biomass when canopy cover reaches about 40% and would have to reduce tree cover before the threshold of 50% light transmittance (70% canopy cover from aerial photos) is reached to maintain a savanna system. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
A corporate strategy framework to increase financial performance in Zimbabwean firms
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The design of a football Academy in Gelvandale, Gqeberha: Sports as a tool for social intergration
- Authors: Sauls,Eldridge
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Sports facilities --South Africa-- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , City planning--South Africa --Port Elizabeth -- Gelvandale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58628 , vital:59969
- Description: In South African townships, youth from disadvantaged groups, lack suf ficient social and sporting facilities to spend their time. This situation exists in the Gelvandale township of Gqeberha. This treatise unfolds through the author’s interest in Gelvandale out of concern for how poorly the sense of urban space is, within the township context. The treatise will explore the nature of Gelvandale from a macro scale towards a precinct scale regarding connectivity, location, spatial organi sation, activities, the built fabric, and socio-economic conditions. Through exploration, it was identified that Gelvandale functions as an enclaved system within the context of Gqeberha. The issues affecting Gelvandale were identified as the dispersal of activities, urban sprawl, fragmentation, and lack of urban legibility. It was identified that dispersed activities are one of the major contribu tors to the poor urban environment. This treatise investigates the significance of a football academy in Gel vandale, and how it could have an influence on society and the built form. Addressing this issue will be an effective way to improve the ur ban environment, to provide an urban and architectural response in an attempt to reduce the dispersal activities in Gelvandale. Through the exploration of the nature of dispersed activities in Gelvandale, it was observed that most activities are dispersed throughout Gelvandale, indicating that there are areas with a higher cluster of certain activities. In response, a pro posed strategy had been conceptualised to propose the consolidation of activities that are connected through pedestrian movement paths. Gelvandale had been identified as having a high intensity of sporting facilities and is therefore been proposed as a concentrated facility for recreational and sporting activities. An appropriate site was then selected for the proposed devel opment. The resultant outcome of the program was a Football Academy. The conclusion was based on the conceptual urban strategy and the needs of the community. It was established that the facility should function as a major structural element in Gelvandale, leading to the investigation of positive urban spaces through the in terrogation of precedents. The cues from the interrogation were used to assist in structuring the nature of the proposed facility responding to the public realm and its urban and architectural issues. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Sauls,Eldridge
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Sports facilities --South Africa-- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , City planning--South Africa --Port Elizabeth -- Gelvandale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58628 , vital:59969
- Description: In South African townships, youth from disadvantaged groups, lack suf ficient social and sporting facilities to spend their time. This situation exists in the Gelvandale township of Gqeberha. This treatise unfolds through the author’s interest in Gelvandale out of concern for how poorly the sense of urban space is, within the township context. The treatise will explore the nature of Gelvandale from a macro scale towards a precinct scale regarding connectivity, location, spatial organi sation, activities, the built fabric, and socio-economic conditions. Through exploration, it was identified that Gelvandale functions as an enclaved system within the context of Gqeberha. The issues affecting Gelvandale were identified as the dispersal of activities, urban sprawl, fragmentation, and lack of urban legibility. It was identified that dispersed activities are one of the major contribu tors to the poor urban environment. This treatise investigates the significance of a football academy in Gel vandale, and how it could have an influence on society and the built form. Addressing this issue will be an effective way to improve the ur ban environment, to provide an urban and architectural response in an attempt to reduce the dispersal activities in Gelvandale. Through the exploration of the nature of dispersed activities in Gelvandale, it was observed that most activities are dispersed throughout Gelvandale, indicating that there are areas with a higher cluster of certain activities. In response, a pro posed strategy had been conceptualised to propose the consolidation of activities that are connected through pedestrian movement paths. Gelvandale had been identified as having a high intensity of sporting facilities and is therefore been proposed as a concentrated facility for recreational and sporting activities. An appropriate site was then selected for the proposed devel opment. The resultant outcome of the program was a Football Academy. The conclusion was based on the conceptual urban strategy and the needs of the community. It was established that the facility should function as a major structural element in Gelvandale, leading to the investigation of positive urban spaces through the in terrogation of precedents. The cues from the interrogation were used to assist in structuring the nature of the proposed facility responding to the public realm and its urban and architectural issues. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12