Justin Davy of Burning Museum: an interview
- Authors: Dantas, Nancy
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147070 , vital:38590 , https://www.on-curating.org/issue-32-reader/justin-davy-of-the-burning-museum.html#.Xs0mCmgzbIU
- Description: The Burning Museum is an arts collective based in Cape Town, South Africa. This interview is the result of a three-part Skype conversation between Justin Davy of the Burning Museum and Nancy Dantas, an independent curator and researcher with an interest in recovering the neglected and overlooked exhibition histories and practices of the south.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dantas, Nancy
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147070 , vital:38590 , https://www.on-curating.org/issue-32-reader/justin-davy-of-the-burning-museum.html#.Xs0mCmgzbIU
- Description: The Burning Museum is an arts collective based in Cape Town, South Africa. This interview is the result of a three-part Skype conversation between Justin Davy of the Burning Museum and Nancy Dantas, an independent curator and researcher with an interest in recovering the neglected and overlooked exhibition histories and practices of the south.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A content analysis on the use of Facebook to engage with selected Gauteng provincial government stakeholders
- Authors: Sibuyi, Tendani Dolly
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Content analysis (Communication) Online social networks.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12122 , vital:27034
- Description: Using qualitative content analysis, this research study explored the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) social media use, with specific reference to Facebook, as a communication tool to engage with stakeholders. The study looked at how Facebook is used to promote two-way communication between the government and citizens, based on the principles of the Excellence Theory, which advocates for communication models developed by Grunt and Hunt (1984). The diagonal principles by Kent and Taylor (1998) used as a strategic framework to facilitate relationship building with the public and the organisations, were also explored. The results indicated that the majority of the departments are active on Facebook, however not at a satisfactory level. The majority of the departments failed to use all the six dialogic principles to leverage two-way communication, in particular creation of the dialogue loop which facilitates the building of ongoing relationships and feedback. Some of the departments have not fully taken the opportunity to increase the engagement and dialogue through posting photos on Facebook walls. The numbers of videos posted were extremely low. The majority of the departments utilised the social media platform, Facebook, as a one-way communication, such as publishing of media statements, announcements, media conferences and interviews among others. Most of the departments use Facebook for information dissemination especially on events and campaigns. The poor use of Facebook can be attributed to the challenges such as a lack of resources, especially a budget, lack of skills on effective use of social media, the continuous use of one-way communication by the government and a lack of budget among others. The findings correlate to the previous studies that found a lack of proper engagement, dialogue and interactivity on government’s Facebook pages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Sibuyi, Tendani Dolly
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Content analysis (Communication) Online social networks.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12122 , vital:27034
- Description: Using qualitative content analysis, this research study explored the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) social media use, with specific reference to Facebook, as a communication tool to engage with stakeholders. The study looked at how Facebook is used to promote two-way communication between the government and citizens, based on the principles of the Excellence Theory, which advocates for communication models developed by Grunt and Hunt (1984). The diagonal principles by Kent and Taylor (1998) used as a strategic framework to facilitate relationship building with the public and the organisations, were also explored. The results indicated that the majority of the departments are active on Facebook, however not at a satisfactory level. The majority of the departments failed to use all the six dialogic principles to leverage two-way communication, in particular creation of the dialogue loop which facilitates the building of ongoing relationships and feedback. Some of the departments have not fully taken the opportunity to increase the engagement and dialogue through posting photos on Facebook walls. The numbers of videos posted were extremely low. The majority of the departments utilised the social media platform, Facebook, as a one-way communication, such as publishing of media statements, announcements, media conferences and interviews among others. Most of the departments use Facebook for information dissemination especially on events and campaigns. The poor use of Facebook can be attributed to the challenges such as a lack of resources, especially a budget, lack of skills on effective use of social media, the continuous use of one-way communication by the government and a lack of budget among others. The findings correlate to the previous studies that found a lack of proper engagement, dialogue and interactivity on government’s Facebook pages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Psychological well-being of institutionalised and non-institutionalised isiXhosa and English ethnic speaking elderly south African residing within the Buffalo City area
- Authors: Ntozini, Anathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Self-actualization (Psychology) in old age Older people -- Institutional care -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6368 , vital:29593
- Description: Background: International research has clearly indicated that the world’s population is ageing: almost all countries in the world are experiencing a significant growth in the proportion of older persons in their population. This is also true for developing countries such as South Africa that are beginning to show signs and symptoms of an ageing population. Among Southern African Development Communities (SADC), South Africa has the highest number of ‘senior citizens’. Population reports indicate that the population of old people rose from paltry 2.8 million in 1996 to more than 4 million in 2011 and this is expected to skyrocket to seven million by 2030. In spite of the increasing number of senior citizens in socio-structural landscapes in South Africa, there is still lack of adequate, workable and effective policy frameworks for the wellbeing of the elderly. There is also paucity of psychological data of the elderly, especially along racial divides to determine whether the after-effects of apartheid still hold sway or not in post-apartheid South Africa. This study was conceived to investigate the psychological well-being of the elderly in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa between two racial-ethnic elderly groups. The specific objectives of the study were to explore the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and psychological well-being of the black (Xhosa) and white (English) elderly in Buffalo City, South Africa and second, to validate the relationship between psychological well-being and physical activity, loneliness, spirituality/religiosity as well as ageism among the sampled population. The set-point theory, selective optimisation compensation theory (SOCT) as well as the continuity theory were employed to guide the conduct of the study. Method: Psychological measuring instruments were deployed to collect data for the study from a total of 301 elderly respondents in retirement and private individual homes (191 isiXhosa and 110 English speaking elderly). Both simple random sampling (SRS) and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the respondents. The measuring instruments included the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Assessment of Spiritual and Religious Sentiments Scale (ASPIRES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, the Palmore Ageism Survey scale and a biographical questionnaire. Data was analysed using MANOVA, One-way variance analysis and regression coefficient. The racial differences logically influenced the selection of the respondents for the study. Results: The study revealed a significant statistical relationship between physical activity (PA) and psychological well-being of the elderly, regardless of the sociodemographic variables. PA showed a significant relationship with psychological wellbeing of the elderly. The study also discovered that loneliness correlates significantly with all four of the psychological well-being scales. It shows that the higher the levels of loneliness experienced by the elderly, socio-demographic variables controlled, the lower the levels of psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. However, with the exception of the relationship between loneliness and purpose in life, ethnic affiliation moderates autonomy, environmental mastery and self-acceptance. English elderly constantly experienced higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly do with an increase in loneliness. The study also found a positive relationship between ageism and psychological well- being. However, with low levels of ageism, the English elderly, in comparison with the isiXhosa elderly, is likely to show higher levels of autonomy. In addition, a significant statistical relationship between ageism and environmental mastery and purpose in life was found among the isiXhosa elderly. Although, with an increase in ageism, there is a slight increase in autonomy in both groups, the English elderly throughout showed higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly showed. The study found a positive relationship between religiosity/spirituality and psychological well-being of the elderly. However, race could moderate the relationship between prayer fulfillment and psychological well-being at all four levels (autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance). With an increase in prayer fulfillment, the autonomy of the English elderly increases fairly quickly, while the autonomy of the isiXhosa elderly decreases slightly. Comparatively, the study found that isiXhosa elderly reported lower levels of psychological well-being than the English elderly. Conclusion/Recommendation: The study concludes that there is the need to develop a solid national data bases on needs and use of services, and process of ageing in order to access research data to assist planning, dissemination, delivery and evaluation of effective service delivery for the elderly population in South Africa, especially along racial divides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntozini, Anathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Self-actualization (Psychology) in old age Older people -- Institutional care -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6368 , vital:29593
- Description: Background: International research has clearly indicated that the world’s population is ageing: almost all countries in the world are experiencing a significant growth in the proportion of older persons in their population. This is also true for developing countries such as South Africa that are beginning to show signs and symptoms of an ageing population. Among Southern African Development Communities (SADC), South Africa has the highest number of ‘senior citizens’. Population reports indicate that the population of old people rose from paltry 2.8 million in 1996 to more than 4 million in 2011 and this is expected to skyrocket to seven million by 2030. In spite of the increasing number of senior citizens in socio-structural landscapes in South Africa, there is still lack of adequate, workable and effective policy frameworks for the wellbeing of the elderly. There is also paucity of psychological data of the elderly, especially along racial divides to determine whether the after-effects of apartheid still hold sway or not in post-apartheid South Africa. This study was conceived to investigate the psychological well-being of the elderly in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa between two racial-ethnic elderly groups. The specific objectives of the study were to explore the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and psychological well-being of the black (Xhosa) and white (English) elderly in Buffalo City, South Africa and second, to validate the relationship between psychological well-being and physical activity, loneliness, spirituality/religiosity as well as ageism among the sampled population. The set-point theory, selective optimisation compensation theory (SOCT) as well as the continuity theory were employed to guide the conduct of the study. Method: Psychological measuring instruments were deployed to collect data for the study from a total of 301 elderly respondents in retirement and private individual homes (191 isiXhosa and 110 English speaking elderly). Both simple random sampling (SRS) and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the respondents. The measuring instruments included the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Assessment of Spiritual and Religious Sentiments Scale (ASPIRES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, the Palmore Ageism Survey scale and a biographical questionnaire. Data was analysed using MANOVA, One-way variance analysis and regression coefficient. The racial differences logically influenced the selection of the respondents for the study. Results: The study revealed a significant statistical relationship between physical activity (PA) and psychological well-being of the elderly, regardless of the sociodemographic variables. PA showed a significant relationship with psychological wellbeing of the elderly. The study also discovered that loneliness correlates significantly with all four of the psychological well-being scales. It shows that the higher the levels of loneliness experienced by the elderly, socio-demographic variables controlled, the lower the levels of psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. However, with the exception of the relationship between loneliness and purpose in life, ethnic affiliation moderates autonomy, environmental mastery and self-acceptance. English elderly constantly experienced higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly do with an increase in loneliness. The study also found a positive relationship between ageism and psychological well- being. However, with low levels of ageism, the English elderly, in comparison with the isiXhosa elderly, is likely to show higher levels of autonomy. In addition, a significant statistical relationship between ageism and environmental mastery and purpose in life was found among the isiXhosa elderly. Although, with an increase in ageism, there is a slight increase in autonomy in both groups, the English elderly throughout showed higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly showed. The study found a positive relationship between religiosity/spirituality and psychological well-being of the elderly. However, race could moderate the relationship between prayer fulfillment and psychological well-being at all four levels (autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance). With an increase in prayer fulfillment, the autonomy of the English elderly increases fairly quickly, while the autonomy of the isiXhosa elderly decreases slightly. Comparatively, the study found that isiXhosa elderly reported lower levels of psychological well-being than the English elderly. Conclusion/Recommendation: The study concludes that there is the need to develop a solid national data bases on needs and use of services, and process of ageing in order to access research data to assist planning, dissemination, delivery and evaluation of effective service delivery for the elderly population in South Africa, especially along racial divides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Investigating sustainable supply chain practices within the luxury brand market
- Authors: Colesky, Yolanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Management Retail trade -- Management , Fashion merchandising Physical distribution of goods -- Management Clothing trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14917 , vital:27902
- Description: Luxury fashion brands seem to contradict sustainability. The values of sustainability are commonly associated with terms such as sharing, collaboration, austerity, and collective thinking. Luxury, however, is associated with excess, self-indulgence, delight and decadence (Kapferer & Bastien, 2012:360). Further paradoxes exist where the apparel of the luxury consumer is often manufactured by labourers in low wage-paying producing countries. High wastage is evident in the seasonality of the fashion industry. However, work opportunities are created by the fickleness of the fashion industry and the constant need to own the most current designs (Black, 2012:8). Owing to the high visibility of luxury fashion and the contractions between one -- on the one hand -- supplying income to families by way of employment and -- on the other hand -- not complying to sustainable international human resource practices, fashion brands are the focus of many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that use the mass media to expose any social wrongdoing in the industry. Luxury fashion brands are constantly in the spotlight, as highlighted in articles posted by the Clean Clothes campaign, a custodian for employees in the global garment industries; Greenpeace; and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). An example of such practices was when Greenpeace reported in 2009 that shoe brands such as Timberland and Clarks were manufactured from leather sourced from the hides of cattle in illegally deforested areas in Brazil. This provided negative publicity for these luxury shoe brands as well as for the Brazilian government that was financing this project (Vurro, Russo & Perrini, 2009:609). The luxury fashion brand industry, as well as the consumers of luxury fashion labels, are accused -- often only for the sake of sensationalism -- of living in the lap of luxury whilst maintaining a supply chain that is riddled with unsustainable practices. The social structure and hierarchy of patrons within a community have, since the Middle Ages, been signalled by the clothes they wore. Social class was a birthright. Today, sporting luxury brands continues to serve as status symbols, but unlike mediaeval times, it is not limited to people with a high social standing at birth as one can work for status, and purchase the items because one deserves them. (Han, Nunes, & Drèze, 2010:15). In 2009, during the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Suzy Menkes, the fashion editor at The Herald, called for “luxury”’ and “fashion” to be separated. Luxury prides itself in its handcrafted garments manufactured by respected tradesmen in the industry. The outcome is that the manufactured goods are made to last a lifetime (Gibson, 2012:23).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Colesky, Yolanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Management Retail trade -- Management , Fashion merchandising Physical distribution of goods -- Management Clothing trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14917 , vital:27902
- Description: Luxury fashion brands seem to contradict sustainability. The values of sustainability are commonly associated with terms such as sharing, collaboration, austerity, and collective thinking. Luxury, however, is associated with excess, self-indulgence, delight and decadence (Kapferer & Bastien, 2012:360). Further paradoxes exist where the apparel of the luxury consumer is often manufactured by labourers in low wage-paying producing countries. High wastage is evident in the seasonality of the fashion industry. However, work opportunities are created by the fickleness of the fashion industry and the constant need to own the most current designs (Black, 2012:8). Owing to the high visibility of luxury fashion and the contractions between one -- on the one hand -- supplying income to families by way of employment and -- on the other hand -- not complying to sustainable international human resource practices, fashion brands are the focus of many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that use the mass media to expose any social wrongdoing in the industry. Luxury fashion brands are constantly in the spotlight, as highlighted in articles posted by the Clean Clothes campaign, a custodian for employees in the global garment industries; Greenpeace; and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). An example of such practices was when Greenpeace reported in 2009 that shoe brands such as Timberland and Clarks were manufactured from leather sourced from the hides of cattle in illegally deforested areas in Brazil. This provided negative publicity for these luxury shoe brands as well as for the Brazilian government that was financing this project (Vurro, Russo & Perrini, 2009:609). The luxury fashion brand industry, as well as the consumers of luxury fashion labels, are accused -- often only for the sake of sensationalism -- of living in the lap of luxury whilst maintaining a supply chain that is riddled with unsustainable practices. The social structure and hierarchy of patrons within a community have, since the Middle Ages, been signalled by the clothes they wore. Social class was a birthright. Today, sporting luxury brands continues to serve as status symbols, but unlike mediaeval times, it is not limited to people with a high social standing at birth as one can work for status, and purchase the items because one deserves them. (Han, Nunes, & Drèze, 2010:15). In 2009, during the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Suzy Menkes, the fashion editor at The Herald, called for “luxury”’ and “fashion” to be separated. Luxury prides itself in its handcrafted garments manufactured by respected tradesmen in the industry. The outcome is that the manufactured goods are made to last a lifetime (Gibson, 2012:23).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Experiences of health care professionals at Mdantsane sub-district primary health care clinics regarding the unavailability of medicines
- Authors: Mpengesi, Luvokazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Physician and patient -- South Africa -- East London Primary care (Medicine) -- South Africa -- East London , Communication in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19619 , vital:28907
- Description: Medicine unavailability, also known as stock-outs is a global problem. South Africa is not exempt from this problem which impacts negatively on the way in which healthcare services are rendered, more especially in the public sector. Communities are complaining about the unavailability of medicines at public health facilities particularly in primary health care clinics. In an effort to address this problem, the Minister of Health has declared medicine availability as one of the six priorities of the Department of Health. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences and perceptions of healthcare professionals practicing at primary healthcare clinics in a peri-urban area of the Eastern Cape regarding the unavailability of medicines. Understanding the experiences and perceptions was expected to assist in addressing the problem at hand and help management in developing ways to address the problem and support the employees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working at primary health care clinics in and around Mdantsane Township in the Eastern Cape. The main findings of the study can be divided into the following topics: perceived causes of medicine stock-outs, the implications of stock shortages, actions taken in the case of stock-outs and the role to play by in mitigating the impact of stock shortages. The limitations of the study include the research sample which was not truly representative of all healthcare professionals working at Mdantsane sub-district primary healthcare clinics. The study recommends various strategies that management should follow to assist in addressing medicine shortages. The researcher recommends further research to describe the experiences of healthcare professional regarding medicine unavailability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mpengesi, Luvokazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Physician and patient -- South Africa -- East London Primary care (Medicine) -- South Africa -- East London , Communication in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19619 , vital:28907
- Description: Medicine unavailability, also known as stock-outs is a global problem. South Africa is not exempt from this problem which impacts negatively on the way in which healthcare services are rendered, more especially in the public sector. Communities are complaining about the unavailability of medicines at public health facilities particularly in primary health care clinics. In an effort to address this problem, the Minister of Health has declared medicine availability as one of the six priorities of the Department of Health. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences and perceptions of healthcare professionals practicing at primary healthcare clinics in a peri-urban area of the Eastern Cape regarding the unavailability of medicines. Understanding the experiences and perceptions was expected to assist in addressing the problem at hand and help management in developing ways to address the problem and support the employees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working at primary health care clinics in and around Mdantsane Township in the Eastern Cape. The main findings of the study can be divided into the following topics: perceived causes of medicine stock-outs, the implications of stock shortages, actions taken in the case of stock-outs and the role to play by in mitigating the impact of stock shortages. The limitations of the study include the research sample which was not truly representative of all healthcare professionals working at Mdantsane sub-district primary healthcare clinics. The study recommends various strategies that management should follow to assist in addressing medicine shortages. The researcher recommends further research to describe the experiences of healthcare professional regarding medicine unavailability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the use of participatory visual methods in teaching sexuality education within the HIV and AIDS education programme in selected Kenyan secondary schools
- Yego, Lily Jerotich, Opata, Violet, Sathorar, Heloise
- Authors: Yego, Lily Jerotich , Opata, Violet , Sathorar, Heloise
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sex instruction -- Kenya , Teaching -- Aids and devices AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Kenya Sex instruction for children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13414 , vital:27183
- Description: The HIV and AIDS prevalence in Kenya is still high and remains a major health concern despite the Kenyan government’s initiatives to create awareness about the epidemic through inclusion of the HIV and AIDS programme in schools. This is because the provision of sexuality, HIV and AIDS education in schools is not effective. Teachers face various challenges in the effective delivery of the subject due to their discomfort related to these sensitive topics. Therefore, learners are left inadequately supported by the teachers. With an immense variety of conflicting information about sexuality availed to young people through the social media and also through their peers, young people are left at risk of exploring their sexualities with inadequate and wrong information, thus exposing them to HIV infections. Since schools have been identified as ideal sites for the effective delivery of sexuality, HIV and AIDS education, teachers are expected to teach the learners using a variety of pedagogical strategies in order to achieve efficacy in the delivery of this subject, hence the need to explore teaching styles that could provide a safe space for the effective delivery of sexuality, HIV and AIDS education. This study sought to explore teachers’ experiences of using participatory visual methods in teaching sexuality education within the HIV and AIDS education programme in selected Kenyan secondary schools, in order to understand how such methods could affect the teaching of Sexuality education. This study employed a phenomenological research design, interpretivist paradigm and a participatory methodology. Memory accounts, reflective journals and focus group discussions were used for data generation with nine secondary school teachers, from three purposively selected schools in Kenya. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory underpinned the study. The findings revealed that teachers are uncomfortable teaching sexuality education because of fear of leading learners astray, fear of victimization and sexualization, and fear of misleading and hurting learners because of lack of knowledge. This resulted in teachers feeling guilty due to ineffective delivery of Sexuality education. The findings also revealed that participatory visual methods were effective for use by the teachers and the learners in the classroom to navigate issues around sexuality, HIV and AIDS. This was because they are learner-centred, thus making learners producers of knowledge while at the same time encouraging optimism in teaching and learning. This study thus recommends pre-service teacher training on participatory methods of teaching. Educational institutions should also arrange for workshops to train in-service teachers on comprehensive sexuality, HIV and AIDS education and how to tackle it in their classrooms. Moreover, curriculum developers should make sexuality, HIV and AIDS education a compulsory subject to give it equal status with other examinable subjects, for it to be taken seriously. It is only through concerted efforts from everyone that Kenya can reach its target of Zero new HIV infections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Yego, Lily Jerotich , Opata, Violet , Sathorar, Heloise
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sex instruction -- Kenya , Teaching -- Aids and devices AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Kenya Sex instruction for children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13414 , vital:27183
- Description: The HIV and AIDS prevalence in Kenya is still high and remains a major health concern despite the Kenyan government’s initiatives to create awareness about the epidemic through inclusion of the HIV and AIDS programme in schools. This is because the provision of sexuality, HIV and AIDS education in schools is not effective. Teachers face various challenges in the effective delivery of the subject due to their discomfort related to these sensitive topics. Therefore, learners are left inadequately supported by the teachers. With an immense variety of conflicting information about sexuality availed to young people through the social media and also through their peers, young people are left at risk of exploring their sexualities with inadequate and wrong information, thus exposing them to HIV infections. Since schools have been identified as ideal sites for the effective delivery of sexuality, HIV and AIDS education, teachers are expected to teach the learners using a variety of pedagogical strategies in order to achieve efficacy in the delivery of this subject, hence the need to explore teaching styles that could provide a safe space for the effective delivery of sexuality, HIV and AIDS education. This study sought to explore teachers’ experiences of using participatory visual methods in teaching sexuality education within the HIV and AIDS education programme in selected Kenyan secondary schools, in order to understand how such methods could affect the teaching of Sexuality education. This study employed a phenomenological research design, interpretivist paradigm and a participatory methodology. Memory accounts, reflective journals and focus group discussions were used for data generation with nine secondary school teachers, from three purposively selected schools in Kenya. Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory underpinned the study. The findings revealed that teachers are uncomfortable teaching sexuality education because of fear of leading learners astray, fear of victimization and sexualization, and fear of misleading and hurting learners because of lack of knowledge. This resulted in teachers feeling guilty due to ineffective delivery of Sexuality education. The findings also revealed that participatory visual methods were effective for use by the teachers and the learners in the classroom to navigate issues around sexuality, HIV and AIDS. This was because they are learner-centred, thus making learners producers of knowledge while at the same time encouraging optimism in teaching and learning. This study thus recommends pre-service teacher training on participatory methods of teaching. Educational institutions should also arrange for workshops to train in-service teachers on comprehensive sexuality, HIV and AIDS education and how to tackle it in their classrooms. Moreover, curriculum developers should make sexuality, HIV and AIDS education a compulsory subject to give it equal status with other examinable subjects, for it to be taken seriously. It is only through concerted efforts from everyone that Kenya can reach its target of Zero new HIV infections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The role of public participation in the integrated development planning process: Chris Hani District Municipality
- Authors: Dywili, Siyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public administration -- Planning Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14983 , vital:28109
- Description: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, in Chapter 7, requires all municipalities to encourage members of the public to participate in the matters of local government. Public participation is the process by which public concerns, needs, and values are integrated into governmental and corporate decision making. The Integrated Development Plan is an example of local government instruments which seek public participation in order to address community needs through service delivery. Consequently, this study was to explore the role of public participation in the Integrated Development Planning process of the Chris Hani District Municipality. The main objectives of this study were to understand the IDP making process, establish the importance of public participation, understand the role played by the municipality to encourage public participation in the IDP processes, understand the influence of IDP in service delivery and to make recommendations based on the findings presented. To conduct this study, qualitative research methodology was employed. The population sample comprised of councillors and municipal officials. Structured interviews were conducted with the councillors, while semi-structured interviews were held with municipal officials. The findings of the study revealed that the Chris Hani District Municipality views public participation as an integral part of the IDP making process. Measures and strategies are taken by the municipality to enhance public involvement in all matters of the municipality, including the IDP process. To achieve this the municipality partners with a number of stakeholders such as the local municipalities, government departments and organised groups. However, this is not enough hence recommendations are presented to improve this situation. Recommendations proposed include introducing capacity building programmes for councillors, establishment of a public participation unit, availing budget for public participation and educating members of the public about public participation and the IDP process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dywili, Siyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public administration -- Planning Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14983 , vital:28109
- Description: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, in Chapter 7, requires all municipalities to encourage members of the public to participate in the matters of local government. Public participation is the process by which public concerns, needs, and values are integrated into governmental and corporate decision making. The Integrated Development Plan is an example of local government instruments which seek public participation in order to address community needs through service delivery. Consequently, this study was to explore the role of public participation in the Integrated Development Planning process of the Chris Hani District Municipality. The main objectives of this study were to understand the IDP making process, establish the importance of public participation, understand the role played by the municipality to encourage public participation in the IDP processes, understand the influence of IDP in service delivery and to make recommendations based on the findings presented. To conduct this study, qualitative research methodology was employed. The population sample comprised of councillors and municipal officials. Structured interviews were conducted with the councillors, while semi-structured interviews were held with municipal officials. The findings of the study revealed that the Chris Hani District Municipality views public participation as an integral part of the IDP making process. Measures and strategies are taken by the municipality to enhance public involvement in all matters of the municipality, including the IDP process. To achieve this the municipality partners with a number of stakeholders such as the local municipalities, government departments and organised groups. However, this is not enough hence recommendations are presented to improve this situation. Recommendations proposed include introducing capacity building programmes for councillors, establishment of a public participation unit, availing budget for public participation and educating members of the public about public participation and the IDP process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues
- Authors: Vasi, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Age and employment -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Management Employee retention -- South Africa Organizational commitment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20066 , vital:29101
- Description: If the early nineties were concerned about a “rapidly changing business environment,” business in the twenty first century should be deeply paranoid about the future of business as we know it (Pieterse et al., 2009, p.1). Both global and national political factors has impacted the economy to epidemic negative heights. For companies to survive, its leadership requires a strand of resilience that sustains operations like never before. This can only be reached through the workforce. The question can thus be asked, how does one optimally use the gifting of each employee to impact the sustained operation of the organisation? The aim of this study is to determine the impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues. The target population for the study consisted of 711 (n) employed South African executive MBA professionals within various industry sectors, namely, Management, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology and Accounting sectors, dispersed at various levels within their respective organisations, representing various Provinces, predominantly from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. 55 percent were male respondents and 45 percent were female respondents. 34% of the respondents’ age group were located in the category Generation-Y (respondents aged 25 – 34 years) and 30% of the respondents’ were located in the category Generation-X (respondents aged 35 – 44 years). The results showed that job insecurity was not statistically significantly related to employee engagement and turnover intention. Leadership empowerment behaviour contributed statistically significantly to employee engagement and low turnover intention. The research populations’ current experience depicts strong opportunities for personal development and work satisfaction, with moderate financial fulfilment. There is furthermore a strong relationship between leadership and retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vasi, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Age and employment -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Management Employee retention -- South Africa Organizational commitment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20066 , vital:29101
- Description: If the early nineties were concerned about a “rapidly changing business environment,” business in the twenty first century should be deeply paranoid about the future of business as we know it (Pieterse et al., 2009, p.1). Both global and national political factors has impacted the economy to epidemic negative heights. For companies to survive, its leadership requires a strand of resilience that sustains operations like never before. This can only be reached through the workforce. The question can thus be asked, how does one optimally use the gifting of each employee to impact the sustained operation of the organisation? The aim of this study is to determine the impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues. The target population for the study consisted of 711 (n) employed South African executive MBA professionals within various industry sectors, namely, Management, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology and Accounting sectors, dispersed at various levels within their respective organisations, representing various Provinces, predominantly from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. 55 percent were male respondents and 45 percent were female respondents. 34% of the respondents’ age group were located in the category Generation-Y (respondents aged 25 – 34 years) and 30% of the respondents’ were located in the category Generation-X (respondents aged 35 – 44 years). The results showed that job insecurity was not statistically significantly related to employee engagement and turnover intention. Leadership empowerment behaviour contributed statistically significantly to employee engagement and low turnover intention. The research populations’ current experience depicts strong opportunities for personal development and work satisfaction, with moderate financial fulfilment. There is furthermore a strong relationship between leadership and retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Conflict between local government and civil society pertaining to sanitation in South Africa
- De Ujfalussy, Andrea Benedicta
- Authors: De Ujfalussy, Andrea Benedicta
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sanitation -- South Africa -- Politics and government Conflict management -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14939 , vital:27911
- Description: This study seeks to determine whether the conflict between the City of Cape Town (CCT) and the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) is resulting in positive or negative outcomes from the perspective of the residents concerned. In principle, engagement, between civil society and local government should lead to an improvement in terms of the meeting of needs or wants for those communities whose interests are being contested, or at the very least an improved understanding of the plans and challenges faced by both. Further, the engagement and/or conflict between local government and civil society, if positive, should ideally lead to greater understanding between all stakeholders and the strengthening of relations between them government, civil society and the relevant community interests. The motivation of this study is to explore the unanswered issues such as, whether the SJC has gone beyond the use of acceptable tactics associated with responsible and effective civil society actors and whether it would be justified if they have; if the SJC’s actions have resulted in an actual improvement in the accelerated realization of the socio-economic rights of the communities whose interests they purport to represent; whether the communities ‘represented’ by the SJC see them as their effective advocate for the interests and concerns ; if the issue of sanitation is the primary issue for the residents concerned as claimed by the SJC; if the residents of the communities concerned feel the same animosity to the CCT that the SJC does.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: De Ujfalussy, Andrea Benedicta
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sanitation -- South Africa -- Politics and government Conflict management -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14939 , vital:27911
- Description: This study seeks to determine whether the conflict between the City of Cape Town (CCT) and the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) is resulting in positive or negative outcomes from the perspective of the residents concerned. In principle, engagement, between civil society and local government should lead to an improvement in terms of the meeting of needs or wants for those communities whose interests are being contested, or at the very least an improved understanding of the plans and challenges faced by both. Further, the engagement and/or conflict between local government and civil society, if positive, should ideally lead to greater understanding between all stakeholders and the strengthening of relations between them government, civil society and the relevant community interests. The motivation of this study is to explore the unanswered issues such as, whether the SJC has gone beyond the use of acceptable tactics associated with responsible and effective civil society actors and whether it would be justified if they have; if the SJC’s actions have resulted in an actual improvement in the accelerated realization of the socio-economic rights of the communities whose interests they purport to represent; whether the communities ‘represented’ by the SJC see them as their effective advocate for the interests and concerns ; if the issue of sanitation is the primary issue for the residents concerned as claimed by the SJC; if the residents of the communities concerned feel the same animosity to the CCT that the SJC does.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Interrogating citizen journalism practices: a case study of Rhodes University’s Lindaba Ziyafika Project
- Nyathi, Sihle, Garman, Anthea
- Authors: Nyathi, Sihle , Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158915 , vital:40240 , https://doi.org/10.1080/23743670.2016.1259740
- Description: Several scholars have noted that citizen journalism in the West is essentially an online phenomenon, driven by the affordability of Internet technologies. In Africa, projects such as Ushahidi in Kenya have been enabled by platforms such as cell phones and social networks. Voices of Africa, based in southern Africa, publishes on the web only. Publishing on the Internet presumes a citizenry which is relatively well educated; has familiarity with, and access to, new media as a form of social communication; and is confident in their right to participate in newly developed public spheres – particularly those online.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyathi, Sihle , Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158915 , vital:40240 , https://doi.org/10.1080/23743670.2016.1259740
- Description: Several scholars have noted that citizen journalism in the West is essentially an online phenomenon, driven by the affordability of Internet technologies. In Africa, projects such as Ushahidi in Kenya have been enabled by platforms such as cell phones and social networks. Voices of Africa, based in southern Africa, publishes on the web only. Publishing on the Internet presumes a citizenry which is relatively well educated; has familiarity with, and access to, new media as a form of social communication; and is confident in their right to participate in newly developed public spheres – particularly those online.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Demobilisation and the civilian reintegration of women ex-combatants in post-apartheid South Africa: the aftermath of transnational guerrilla girls, combative mothers and in- betweeners in the shadows of a late twentieth-century war
- Authors: Magadla, Siphokazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa. National Defence Force , Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) -- Demobilization , Azanian People's Liberation Army -- Demobilization , Amabutho Self-Defence Unit -- Demobilization , South Africa. Army -- Women , Women soldiers -- South Africa , Government, Resistance to -- South Africa -- History , Women veterans -- South Africa -- History , Women veterans -- South Africa -- Interviews
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/41775 , vital:25133
- Description: This study examines the state assisted demobilisation and civilian reintegration of women excombatants in post-apartheid South Africa. The study is based on life history interviews conducted with 36 women who fought for Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA) and Amabutho Self-Defence Unit. There is agreement across the literature that the armed struggle against apartheid falls within the category of guerilla warfare, fought in multiple terrains, that blur conventional distinctions of civilian and combatant, homefront and battlefront, as well as the domestic and transnational. Located within feminist International Relations theory, the study argues that the formal process that led to the integration of statutory and non-statutory forces to form the South African National Defence Force, which facilitated the demobilisation process, was framed in ways that did not reflect the unconventional nature of the armed struggle against apartheid. The few women who participated in this process were the transnationally trained combatants of MK and APLA. The majority of women who participated in the multiple and overlapping sites of the domestic and international apartheid battlefront were left out of this process. It is argued that women’s roles in the armed struggle were shaped by various factors, such as age, space and period of struggle. Three categories, guerilla girls, combative mothers and the in-betweeners, are introduced in order to demonstrate the different spaces from within which women fought, and the methods they used, all of which were central to the success of the People’s War strategy. In this regard, the venerated transnationally trained woman combatant, like their male counterpart, is argued to be an exception, as the majority of women were thrust into the armed struggle without military training. Furthermore, it is argued that conservative feminist readings of black women’s relationship with nationalism in the anti-apartheid struggle have misrecognised and undermined women’s combatant contributions, by inscribing their forms of resistance as maternal, and outside the war effort. The study shows that the majority of women combatants have transitioned to civilian life without formal state recognition and assistance. The erasure of women’s role as combatants also means that they are excluded from the current legislative framework facilitated by the Department of Military Veterans to support the welfare of former combatants. As such, the study builds on Jacklyn Cock’s (1991) pioneering study on war and gender in South Africa; it is the first study that exclusively focuses on women ex-combatants’ experiences in postapartheid South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Magadla, Siphokazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa. National Defence Force , Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) -- Demobilization , Azanian People's Liberation Army -- Demobilization , Amabutho Self-Defence Unit -- Demobilization , South Africa. Army -- Women , Women soldiers -- South Africa , Government, Resistance to -- South Africa -- History , Women veterans -- South Africa -- History , Women veterans -- South Africa -- Interviews
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/41775 , vital:25133
- Description: This study examines the state assisted demobilisation and civilian reintegration of women excombatants in post-apartheid South Africa. The study is based on life history interviews conducted with 36 women who fought for Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA) and Amabutho Self-Defence Unit. There is agreement across the literature that the armed struggle against apartheid falls within the category of guerilla warfare, fought in multiple terrains, that blur conventional distinctions of civilian and combatant, homefront and battlefront, as well as the domestic and transnational. Located within feminist International Relations theory, the study argues that the formal process that led to the integration of statutory and non-statutory forces to form the South African National Defence Force, which facilitated the demobilisation process, was framed in ways that did not reflect the unconventional nature of the armed struggle against apartheid. The few women who participated in this process were the transnationally trained combatants of MK and APLA. The majority of women who participated in the multiple and overlapping sites of the domestic and international apartheid battlefront were left out of this process. It is argued that women’s roles in the armed struggle were shaped by various factors, such as age, space and period of struggle. Three categories, guerilla girls, combative mothers and the in-betweeners, are introduced in order to demonstrate the different spaces from within which women fought, and the methods they used, all of which were central to the success of the People’s War strategy. In this regard, the venerated transnationally trained woman combatant, like their male counterpart, is argued to be an exception, as the majority of women were thrust into the armed struggle without military training. Furthermore, it is argued that conservative feminist readings of black women’s relationship with nationalism in the anti-apartheid struggle have misrecognised and undermined women’s combatant contributions, by inscribing their forms of resistance as maternal, and outside the war effort. The study shows that the majority of women combatants have transitioned to civilian life without formal state recognition and assistance. The erasure of women’s role as combatants also means that they are excluded from the current legislative framework facilitated by the Department of Military Veterans to support the welfare of former combatants. As such, the study builds on Jacklyn Cock’s (1991) pioneering study on war and gender in South Africa; it is the first study that exclusively focuses on women ex-combatants’ experiences in postapartheid South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Stochastic models in finance
- Authors: Mazengera, Hassan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Finance -- Mathematical models , C++ (Computer program language) , GARCH model , Lebesgue-Radon-Nikodym theorems , Radon measures , Stochastic models , Stochastic processes , Stochastic processes -- Computer programs , Martingales (Mathematics) , Pricing -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162724 , vital:40976
- Description: Stochastic models for pricing financial securities are developed. First, we consider the Black Scholes model, which is a classic example of a complete market model and finally focus on Lévy driven models. Jumps may render the market incomplete and are induced in a model by inclusion of a Poisson process. Lévy driven models are more realistic in modelling of asset price dynamics than the Black Scholes model. Martingales are central in pricing, especially of derivatives and we give them the desired attention in the context of pricing. There are an increasing number of important pricing models where analytical solutions are not available hence computational methods come in handy, see Broadie and Glasserman (1997). It is also important to note that computational methods are also applicable to models with analytical solutions. We computationally value selected stochastic financial models using C++. Computational methods are also used to value or price complex financial instruments such as path dependent derivatives. This pricing procedure is applied in the computational valuation of a stochastic (revenue based) loan contract. Derivatives with simple pay of functions and models with analytical solutions are considered for illustrative purposes. The Black-Scholes P.D.E is complex to solve analytically and finite difference methods are widely used. Explicit finite difference scheme is considered in this thesis for computational valuation of derivatives that are modelled by the Black-Scholes P.D.E. Stochastic modelling of asset prices is important for the valuation of derivatives: Gaussian, exponential and gamma variates are simulated for the valuation purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mazengera, Hassan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Finance -- Mathematical models , C++ (Computer program language) , GARCH model , Lebesgue-Radon-Nikodym theorems , Radon measures , Stochastic models , Stochastic processes , Stochastic processes -- Computer programs , Martingales (Mathematics) , Pricing -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162724 , vital:40976
- Description: Stochastic models for pricing financial securities are developed. First, we consider the Black Scholes model, which is a classic example of a complete market model and finally focus on Lévy driven models. Jumps may render the market incomplete and are induced in a model by inclusion of a Poisson process. Lévy driven models are more realistic in modelling of asset price dynamics than the Black Scholes model. Martingales are central in pricing, especially of derivatives and we give them the desired attention in the context of pricing. There are an increasing number of important pricing models where analytical solutions are not available hence computational methods come in handy, see Broadie and Glasserman (1997). It is also important to note that computational methods are also applicable to models with analytical solutions. We computationally value selected stochastic financial models using C++. Computational methods are also used to value or price complex financial instruments such as path dependent derivatives. This pricing procedure is applied in the computational valuation of a stochastic (revenue based) loan contract. Derivatives with simple pay of functions and models with analytical solutions are considered for illustrative purposes. The Black-Scholes P.D.E is complex to solve analytically and finite difference methods are widely used. Explicit finite difference scheme is considered in this thesis for computational valuation of derivatives that are modelled by the Black-Scholes P.D.E. Stochastic modelling of asset prices is important for the valuation of derivatives: Gaussian, exponential and gamma variates are simulated for the valuation purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation of how Visual Technology for the Autonomous Learning of Mathematics (VITALmaths) video clips on mobile phones can be used by student teachers as a visualisation tool in the teaching of Number Sense: a case study
- Authors: Kangwa, Lemmy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Case studies , Visualization , Number concept , Mobile communication systems in education , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Software , Telecommunications in education , Educational innovations , VITALmaths
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6930 , vital:21201
- Description: Visualisation is increasingly being recognised as having a significant role in the learning of mathematics especially when students are solving mathematical problems (Thornton, 2001). It is argued that visualisation is a powerful tool for learners to construct mental and physical representations that correctly mirror mathematical relationships and concepts. To gain a thorough understanding of the scope of visualisation, three Visual Technology for Autonomous Learning of Mathematics (VITALmaths) (www.vitalmaths.com) video clips were uploaded on mobile phones of each of the eleven participating student teachers who used them in their teaching practice. This is in cognisance of the educational potential offered by mobile phones and their current pervasiveness in the daily lives of both teachers and learners in Zambia (Zambia. Ministry of Education [M.O.E], 2013]). This study sought to investigate how VITALmaths video clips on mobile phones could be used by student teachers as a visualisation tool in the teaching of Number Sense. The videos of the lessons formed the core of my analysis. The study was conducted at four primary schools by eleven student teachers of a public university in Zambia. The study is framed as a case study and is grounded within the interpretive paradigm. The findings revealed that the student teachers’ use of the video clips in the classrooms for teaching was generally approached from two perspectives: at the beginning of the lesson or at the end. The videos were used at the beginning of the lesson as a means to introduce a topic or an idea, and at the end of the lesson to consolidate what was taught. The videos were also used to enhance the conceptual understanding of Number Sense. The findings also revealed that students encountered both enabling and constraining factors in their use of mobile phones to teach number sense. The overall findings revealed that, if well utilised, mobile phones as visualisation tools had the potential to enhance the teaching of Mathematics in general and Number Sense in particular, and therefore teachers should be encouraged to use them in their teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kangwa, Lemmy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Case studies , Visualization , Number concept , Mobile communication systems in education , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Software , Telecommunications in education , Educational innovations , VITALmaths
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6930 , vital:21201
- Description: Visualisation is increasingly being recognised as having a significant role in the learning of mathematics especially when students are solving mathematical problems (Thornton, 2001). It is argued that visualisation is a powerful tool for learners to construct mental and physical representations that correctly mirror mathematical relationships and concepts. To gain a thorough understanding of the scope of visualisation, three Visual Technology for Autonomous Learning of Mathematics (VITALmaths) (www.vitalmaths.com) video clips were uploaded on mobile phones of each of the eleven participating student teachers who used them in their teaching practice. This is in cognisance of the educational potential offered by mobile phones and their current pervasiveness in the daily lives of both teachers and learners in Zambia (Zambia. Ministry of Education [M.O.E], 2013]). This study sought to investigate how VITALmaths video clips on mobile phones could be used by student teachers as a visualisation tool in the teaching of Number Sense. The videos of the lessons formed the core of my analysis. The study was conducted at four primary schools by eleven student teachers of a public university in Zambia. The study is framed as a case study and is grounded within the interpretive paradigm. The findings revealed that the student teachers’ use of the video clips in the classrooms for teaching was generally approached from two perspectives: at the beginning of the lesson or at the end. The videos were used at the beginning of the lesson as a means to introduce a topic or an idea, and at the end of the lesson to consolidate what was taught. The videos were also used to enhance the conceptual understanding of Number Sense. The findings also revealed that students encountered both enabling and constraining factors in their use of mobile phones to teach number sense. The overall findings revealed that, if well utilised, mobile phones as visualisation tools had the potential to enhance the teaching of Mathematics in general and Number Sense in particular, and therefore teachers should be encouraged to use them in their teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Colonised minds?: post-development theory and the desirability of development in Africa
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142213 , vital:38059 , DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2017.1279540
- Description: While post-development theory is very concerned with the ways in which development has impacted upon the countries of the Global South, there has been relatively little written on post-development theory from an African perspective. This paper identifies some of the ways in which post-development theory fails to adequately understand the African experience of development. In particular, I explore the difficulty that post-development theory confronts when faced with the continued desire on the part of many people in Africa for development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142213 , vital:38059 , DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2017.1279540
- Description: While post-development theory is very concerned with the ways in which development has impacted upon the countries of the Global South, there has been relatively little written on post-development theory from an African perspective. This paper identifies some of the ways in which post-development theory fails to adequately understand the African experience of development. In particular, I explore the difficulty that post-development theory confronts when faced with the continued desire on the part of many people in Africa for development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Local versus international celebrity endorsement credibility and consumer purchase intentions in the cosmetic industry
- Authors: Nyamakanga,Nyarai Faith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Purchasing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13891 , vital:39724
- Description: In order for a firm to create and improve the image of its product or services, celebrity endorsement is considered to be a highly effective tool which can influence consumer behaviour. This is evident in the increasing number of marketers who are harnessing the power of celebrities to endorse their products. However, for endorsement to be successful the celebrity endorsers must be viewed as credible by consumers. It has been shown that there are three dimensions that determine the level of credibility in celebrity endorsements: trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of the credibility of local versus international celebrity endorsement in advertising on consumers’ intention to purchase cosmetic products in a South African (SA) context. This study focused on the cosmetic industry as it is an industry that relies heavily on endorsement to advertise and attract consumers to purchase products. Firms in this industry need to be aware of the criteria when selecting celebrity endorsers such as whether to hire an international or local celebrity as brand representatives. Thus, the researcher aimed to determine whether there is a difference in terms of credibility between local and international celebrity endorsers as viewed by SA consumers with respect to the cosmetic industry. The credibility of the celebrities was rated using the credibility scale developed by Ohanian (1990). The credibility scale rates the credibility of celebrities using the three factors of attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise. Two models were proposed for the study, one testing the credibility of local endorsers whilst the other testing the credibility of international endorsers. These dimensions were hypothetically by the researcher to determine their effect on consumer purchase intention. To hypothetically test the dimensions, a quantitative approach and design were used as methods of gathering and analysing data. A total of 237 selfadministered questionnaires were distributed at a University in the Eastern Cape (EC). Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using the descriptive statistical measures with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The inferential statistics were analysed using the multiple regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the statistical significance of the model, which was found to be statistically significant for both models. The regression coefficients where then used to determine the strength of the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable for each model. iii The study concluded that consumers perceive both local and international celebrity endorsers as credible and are influenced to purchase cosmetics products because of perceived credibility. The data analysis showed that local celebrity endorsers are perceived as more credible than international celebrity endorsers within the context of marketing cosmetic products in the South African industry. This means that consumers can be easily persuaded to purchase cosmetics products when marketed using locally based celebrity endorsers. The outcome of the research informatively helps managers to carefully select the endorser that will be able to create awareness, attract and retain loyal consumers through the advertisement. Inasmuch as marketers have to endorse local celebrities, it is also safe for them to consider international celebrity endorsers as their credibility to a lesser extent influences consumers to purchase products. However, marketers need to define and determine the target market, and select an endorser that aligns with the characteristics of the market. One of the study’s objectives was to test which of the three dimensions mentioned earlier had a stronger impact on consumer’s intention to purchase for both local and international endorsers. The attractiveness dimension indicated a much stronger influence on consumer purchase intention in comparison to the other dimensions for local celebrities and was found to be statistically significant. As the cosmetic industry is a beauty industry, it is recommended that firms in the industry use local attractive endorsers to market the cosmetic products. However, the endorser must also be trustworthy as it ranks second in terms of influence to intention to purchase. On the other hand the expertise dimension in international celebrities had the highest coefficient score indicating a greater strength and influence on consumer purchase intention and was the only dimension statistically significant. It is recommended that marketers in the cosmetic industry could employ international celebrities as endorsers by considering their level of expertise and experience in the cosmetics and other industries such the fashion industry, as well as previous advertisements they would have endorsed. The trend is often for marketers to consider, select and endorse the most attractive celebrities especially in the cosmetic industry, but this research has indicated that attractiveness is not the most important dimension that marketers should be using in selecting international celebrity endorsers. If marketers within a firm have adopted international celebrity endorsement, it is recommended they use it within a target market that is less price-sensitive whereby the high prices charged can cover the endorsement costs. It was also suggested that marketers can use international celebrity endorsers with expertise when introducing new products as consumers would need a iv lot of information on the product. Local celebrity endorsers would then be used when the product has been established
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyamakanga,Nyarai Faith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Purchasing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13891 , vital:39724
- Description: In order for a firm to create and improve the image of its product or services, celebrity endorsement is considered to be a highly effective tool which can influence consumer behaviour. This is evident in the increasing number of marketers who are harnessing the power of celebrities to endorse their products. However, for endorsement to be successful the celebrity endorsers must be viewed as credible by consumers. It has been shown that there are three dimensions that determine the level of credibility in celebrity endorsements: trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of the credibility of local versus international celebrity endorsement in advertising on consumers’ intention to purchase cosmetic products in a South African (SA) context. This study focused on the cosmetic industry as it is an industry that relies heavily on endorsement to advertise and attract consumers to purchase products. Firms in this industry need to be aware of the criteria when selecting celebrity endorsers such as whether to hire an international or local celebrity as brand representatives. Thus, the researcher aimed to determine whether there is a difference in terms of credibility between local and international celebrity endorsers as viewed by SA consumers with respect to the cosmetic industry. The credibility of the celebrities was rated using the credibility scale developed by Ohanian (1990). The credibility scale rates the credibility of celebrities using the three factors of attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise. Two models were proposed for the study, one testing the credibility of local endorsers whilst the other testing the credibility of international endorsers. These dimensions were hypothetically by the researcher to determine their effect on consumer purchase intention. To hypothetically test the dimensions, a quantitative approach and design were used as methods of gathering and analysing data. A total of 237 selfadministered questionnaires were distributed at a University in the Eastern Cape (EC). Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using the descriptive statistical measures with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The inferential statistics were analysed using the multiple regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the statistical significance of the model, which was found to be statistically significant for both models. The regression coefficients where then used to determine the strength of the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable for each model. iii The study concluded that consumers perceive both local and international celebrity endorsers as credible and are influenced to purchase cosmetics products because of perceived credibility. The data analysis showed that local celebrity endorsers are perceived as more credible than international celebrity endorsers within the context of marketing cosmetic products in the South African industry. This means that consumers can be easily persuaded to purchase cosmetics products when marketed using locally based celebrity endorsers. The outcome of the research informatively helps managers to carefully select the endorser that will be able to create awareness, attract and retain loyal consumers through the advertisement. Inasmuch as marketers have to endorse local celebrities, it is also safe for them to consider international celebrity endorsers as their credibility to a lesser extent influences consumers to purchase products. However, marketers need to define and determine the target market, and select an endorser that aligns with the characteristics of the market. One of the study’s objectives was to test which of the three dimensions mentioned earlier had a stronger impact on consumer’s intention to purchase for both local and international endorsers. The attractiveness dimension indicated a much stronger influence on consumer purchase intention in comparison to the other dimensions for local celebrities and was found to be statistically significant. As the cosmetic industry is a beauty industry, it is recommended that firms in the industry use local attractive endorsers to market the cosmetic products. However, the endorser must also be trustworthy as it ranks second in terms of influence to intention to purchase. On the other hand the expertise dimension in international celebrities had the highest coefficient score indicating a greater strength and influence on consumer purchase intention and was the only dimension statistically significant. It is recommended that marketers in the cosmetic industry could employ international celebrities as endorsers by considering their level of expertise and experience in the cosmetics and other industries such the fashion industry, as well as previous advertisements they would have endorsed. The trend is often for marketers to consider, select and endorse the most attractive celebrities especially in the cosmetic industry, but this research has indicated that attractiveness is not the most important dimension that marketers should be using in selecting international celebrity endorsers. If marketers within a firm have adopted international celebrity endorsement, it is recommended they use it within a target market that is less price-sensitive whereby the high prices charged can cover the endorsement costs. It was also suggested that marketers can use international celebrity endorsers with expertise when introducing new products as consumers would need a iv lot of information on the product. Local celebrity endorsers would then be used when the product has been established
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring Grade 12 Biology teachers’ conceptions, dispositions and pedagogic strategies when mediating learning of evolution in Namibia
- Authors: Katuuo, Henry U
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biology teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia , Biology teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Evolution -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/13762 , vital:21856
- Description: The Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Examiners’ Reports (2013) shed light on the topics in which learners often perform poorly and evolution is one of such problematic topics. Anecdotal reasons include religious views of teachers, opposition by learners to the topic, and inadequate understanding of the subject content knowledge. I have not come across any literature on evolution in Namibia that formally look closely at this problem. We do not have a clear idea of what is going on in Namibian science classrooms, when evolution is taught. We do not have a clear idea of the factors at play in the teaching of evolution in these classrooms, either when it is done well and completely or when it is not so. It is against this background that I was inspired to engage in this study which examined teachers’ conceptions, dispositions and pedagogical strategies that they use when teaching evolution. The study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, which afforded me an opportunity to understand the teachers’ worldviews in relation to evolution. It also allowed me to gain insight on the pedagogical strategies that teachers use when mediating learning of the topic of evolution and its related concepts. Within the interpretive paradigm, a case study approach was adopted, using a mixed-method design generating both quantitative and qualitative data. Teachers from two regions, namely, the Hardap region and Khomas region, participated in the study. Data were generated using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and lesson observations. Fifteen questionnaires were completed and from those questionnaires, the sample included six teachers (40%) from the Hardap region while nine teachers (60%) were from the Khomas region. For the interview, the sample included two teachers - one from each region. For the observations, I observed five teachers teaching evolution. I presented quantitative data in tables and graphs, whereas the qualitative data was analysed inductively using Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory as a theoretical framework. In addition, I used Ogunniyi’s (2006) Contiguity Argumentative Theory (CAT) as an analytical framework. These theories were used as lenses to interpret and make sense of the qualitative data, which I colour coded to form sub-themes. Thereafter, overlapping sub-themes were combined to form themes, which were linked to the research questions and in relation to literature/theory. Similarly, overlapping themes were combined to form analytical statements. It emerged from the study that religious views did not play a large role in most teachers’ views and attitudes towards the teaching of evolution. Instead, it emerged that lack of content knowledge on evolution is the main factor that influences teachers’ views and attitudes towards teaching evolution in schools. This is quite profound, as the assumption is that when teachers are religious, the likelihood is that they would object to the teaching of evolution. In light of this, the study recommends that there is a need for professional development and support of science teachers, so that they are able to properly mediate the learning of evolution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Katuuo, Henry U
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biology teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia , Biology teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Evolution -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/13762 , vital:21856
- Description: The Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Examiners’ Reports (2013) shed light on the topics in which learners often perform poorly and evolution is one of such problematic topics. Anecdotal reasons include religious views of teachers, opposition by learners to the topic, and inadequate understanding of the subject content knowledge. I have not come across any literature on evolution in Namibia that formally look closely at this problem. We do not have a clear idea of what is going on in Namibian science classrooms, when evolution is taught. We do not have a clear idea of the factors at play in the teaching of evolution in these classrooms, either when it is done well and completely or when it is not so. It is against this background that I was inspired to engage in this study which examined teachers’ conceptions, dispositions and pedagogical strategies that they use when teaching evolution. The study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, which afforded me an opportunity to understand the teachers’ worldviews in relation to evolution. It also allowed me to gain insight on the pedagogical strategies that teachers use when mediating learning of the topic of evolution and its related concepts. Within the interpretive paradigm, a case study approach was adopted, using a mixed-method design generating both quantitative and qualitative data. Teachers from two regions, namely, the Hardap region and Khomas region, participated in the study. Data were generated using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and lesson observations. Fifteen questionnaires were completed and from those questionnaires, the sample included six teachers (40%) from the Hardap region while nine teachers (60%) were from the Khomas region. For the interview, the sample included two teachers - one from each region. For the observations, I observed five teachers teaching evolution. I presented quantitative data in tables and graphs, whereas the qualitative data was analysed inductively using Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory as a theoretical framework. In addition, I used Ogunniyi’s (2006) Contiguity Argumentative Theory (CAT) as an analytical framework. These theories were used as lenses to interpret and make sense of the qualitative data, which I colour coded to form sub-themes. Thereafter, overlapping sub-themes were combined to form themes, which were linked to the research questions and in relation to literature/theory. Similarly, overlapping themes were combined to form analytical statements. It emerged from the study that religious views did not play a large role in most teachers’ views and attitudes towards the teaching of evolution. Instead, it emerged that lack of content knowledge on evolution is the main factor that influences teachers’ views and attitudes towards teaching evolution in schools. This is quite profound, as the assumption is that when teachers are religious, the likelihood is that they would object to the teaching of evolution. In light of this, the study recommends that there is a need for professional development and support of science teachers, so that they are able to properly mediate the learning of evolution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Empowerment of women victicms of domestic violence in Ntabethemba ,Tsolwana Municipality:an ecclesiastical function of Evangelical Presbyterian church of South Africa
- Authors: Mraji, Thomakazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Church work with abused women - - South Africa Abused women -- Pastoral counseling of Family violence -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10382 , vital:35443
- Description: This research study investigated the empowerment of women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba, Tsolwana Municipality: An Ecclesiastical Function of Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) to examine the intervention and involvement of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa in social development of women victims of domestic violence; and (ii) to investigate whether there are any available programs within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa to empower women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba. This study used a qualitative paradigm and an exploratory research approach. It also employed in-depth one-on-one interviews complemented by focus group discussions as a method of data collection. The study used non-probability sampling, specifically purposive sampling technique. 32 participants were sampled, including: participants from Focus Group Discussions, which consisted of 7 clergy members, 7 members of Association of Presbyterian Women Executive Committee, 6 members of Men’s Christian Guild Executive Committee, 7 members of Imanyano Yee-Ntombi ZamaRabe Avangelayo Executive Committee, 5 members of Presbytery Council and 65 participants from Focused Group Discussions. These 65 participants derive from four congregations, namely; Trinity congregation, St. James congregation, St. Phillips congregation and Calvin congregation and from three associations, namely; APW, IYZA and MCG. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis which used the interpretative approach and textual presentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mraji, Thomakazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Church work with abused women - - South Africa Abused women -- Pastoral counseling of Family violence -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10382 , vital:35443
- Description: This research study investigated the empowerment of women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba, Tsolwana Municipality: An Ecclesiastical Function of Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) to examine the intervention and involvement of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa in social development of women victims of domestic violence; and (ii) to investigate whether there are any available programs within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa to empower women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba. This study used a qualitative paradigm and an exploratory research approach. It also employed in-depth one-on-one interviews complemented by focus group discussions as a method of data collection. The study used non-probability sampling, specifically purposive sampling technique. 32 participants were sampled, including: participants from Focus Group Discussions, which consisted of 7 clergy members, 7 members of Association of Presbyterian Women Executive Committee, 6 members of Men’s Christian Guild Executive Committee, 7 members of Imanyano Yee-Ntombi ZamaRabe Avangelayo Executive Committee, 5 members of Presbytery Council and 65 participants from Focused Group Discussions. These 65 participants derive from four congregations, namely; Trinity congregation, St. James congregation, St. Phillips congregation and Calvin congregation and from three associations, namely; APW, IYZA and MCG. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis which used the interpretative approach and textual presentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Improved nonlinear optical behaviour of ball type indium (III) phthalocyanine linked to glutathione capped nanoparticles
- Nwaji, Njemuwa, Oluwole, David O, Mack, John, Louzada, Marcel, Khene, Samson M, Britton, Jonathan, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Oluwole, David O , Mack, John , Louzada, Marcel , Khene, Samson M , Britton, Jonathan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239654 , vital:50752 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.01.066"
- Description: The synthesis of ball–type indium phthalocyanine (complex 4) and its covalent attachment to glutathione (GSH–) capped (Ag, Au, CdTeSe, CdTeSe/ZnO) nanoparticles are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical and nonlinear optical behaviour were investigated. We observed a decrease in the fluorescence quantum yield with corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yield of the nanoconjugates in comparison to complex 4 alone. The reverse saturable absorption was found to be dependent on excited state absorption. The optical limiting threshold ranges from 0.40–0.78 (J/cm2). The nanoconjugate of the complex 4 with GSH–CdTeSe/ZnO (QD1) accounted for the most improved triplet state parameters and nonlinear optical behaviour in comparison to complex 4 and the other nanoconjugates studied in this work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Oluwole, David O , Mack, John , Louzada, Marcel , Khene, Samson M , Britton, Jonathan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239654 , vital:50752 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.01.066"
- Description: The synthesis of ball–type indium phthalocyanine (complex 4) and its covalent attachment to glutathione (GSH–) capped (Ag, Au, CdTeSe, CdTeSe/ZnO) nanoparticles are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical and nonlinear optical behaviour were investigated. We observed a decrease in the fluorescence quantum yield with corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yield of the nanoconjugates in comparison to complex 4 alone. The reverse saturable absorption was found to be dependent on excited state absorption. The optical limiting threshold ranges from 0.40–0.78 (J/cm2). The nanoconjugate of the complex 4 with GSH–CdTeSe/ZnO (QD1) accounted for the most improved triplet state parameters and nonlinear optical behaviour in comparison to complex 4 and the other nanoconjugates studied in this work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A Critical analysis of trade facilitation practices of Zimbabwe customs administration
- Authors: Ntuli, Ferdinand Everest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Trade blocs International economic integration Border stations -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10636 , vital:35648
- Description: Trade facilitation practices are an attempt to eradicate non-tariff barriers. Barriers to trade may be encountered before goods reach the border, at the border or after goods reach the border. This study is concerned with processes that occur at the border. This suggests that trade facilitation is viewed within the context of customs procedures and operations at the border posts that have been identified. This study undertakes an analysis of trade facilitation practices in the Zimbabwe customs administration. The study endeavours to identify bottlenecks in the movement of goods across borders. The study tries to establish the extent to which trade facilitation practices in Zimbabwe conform to international best practice. The study also attempts to establish opportunities and threats for trade facilitation in the current arrangements. The researcher establishes that the following areas require improvement through further study; simplicity of procedures, transparency of processes, cooperation of stakeholders, standardisation of processes harmonisation of processes and predictability of processes .The research problem lies in the delays and increased trade transaction costs that have been reported by traders. This ultimately leads to traders who are not competitive on the international scene. It also makes it difficult for small to medium enterprises since they are affected more by high trade transaction costs due to lower profits and turnover. The Zimbabwean economy is dominated by small to medium enterprises which contribute significantly to the economy. The assumption of the study is that if trade facilitation practices are implemented trade volumes will increase leading to a vibrant national economy. The research problem is examined through an assessment of the perception of traders, clearing agents and customs officials on the effectiveness of trade facilitation practices that are currently in place. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used. The major tool used was a self-administered questionnaire issued to traders. Focus group discussions and secondary data from documents were important, especially for qualitative data. The conclusions of the research are premised on the responses by the respondents. The study takes a particular interest in trade facilitation measures prescribed by regional, multilateral and plurilateral organisations. The study examines the extent of conformity to trade facilitation measures prescribed by international organisations. The recommendations presented in the study are derived from the input and responses provided by the participants. Recommendations presented are aimed at bringing about solutions to the shortcomings in trade facilitation practices. The study has identified areas that need to be addressed so as to ensure facilitation of trade. However there are still some areas that require further studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntuli, Ferdinand Everest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Trade blocs International economic integration Border stations -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10636 , vital:35648
- Description: Trade facilitation practices are an attempt to eradicate non-tariff barriers. Barriers to trade may be encountered before goods reach the border, at the border or after goods reach the border. This study is concerned with processes that occur at the border. This suggests that trade facilitation is viewed within the context of customs procedures and operations at the border posts that have been identified. This study undertakes an analysis of trade facilitation practices in the Zimbabwe customs administration. The study endeavours to identify bottlenecks in the movement of goods across borders. The study tries to establish the extent to which trade facilitation practices in Zimbabwe conform to international best practice. The study also attempts to establish opportunities and threats for trade facilitation in the current arrangements. The researcher establishes that the following areas require improvement through further study; simplicity of procedures, transparency of processes, cooperation of stakeholders, standardisation of processes harmonisation of processes and predictability of processes .The research problem lies in the delays and increased trade transaction costs that have been reported by traders. This ultimately leads to traders who are not competitive on the international scene. It also makes it difficult for small to medium enterprises since they are affected more by high trade transaction costs due to lower profits and turnover. The Zimbabwean economy is dominated by small to medium enterprises which contribute significantly to the economy. The assumption of the study is that if trade facilitation practices are implemented trade volumes will increase leading to a vibrant national economy. The research problem is examined through an assessment of the perception of traders, clearing agents and customs officials on the effectiveness of trade facilitation practices that are currently in place. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used. The major tool used was a self-administered questionnaire issued to traders. Focus group discussions and secondary data from documents were important, especially for qualitative data. The conclusions of the research are premised on the responses by the respondents. The study takes a particular interest in trade facilitation measures prescribed by regional, multilateral and plurilateral organisations. The study examines the extent of conformity to trade facilitation measures prescribed by international organisations. The recommendations presented in the study are derived from the input and responses provided by the participants. Recommendations presented are aimed at bringing about solutions to the shortcomings in trade facilitation practices. The study has identified areas that need to be addressed so as to ensure facilitation of trade. However there are still some areas that require further studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Employee engagement in small medium micro enterprise in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Mlakalaka, Bulelwa Ndileka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18959 , vital:28760
- Description: The purpose of the study was to identify the factors that affect the engagement of the employees in Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Buffalo City. The quantitative data gathering was conducted in the form of questionnaires accompanied by a covering letter and was distributed amongst the SMMEs in the Buffalo City Area. The companies selected were those that had been operational for longer than four years with an employee complement of more than five. Employee engagement is given different definitions by different authors. The Kenexa Work Trends Report, (2012 cited by Bhuvanaiah and Raya) explain employee engagement as the extent to which employees are motivated to contribute to organisational success and are willingly applying their efforts to accomplish the organisational goals (Bhuvanaiah and Raya 2014:65). Dubrin says that engagement is the employee’s commitment and willingness to stay in the company they work for and to deliver beyond what is expected of them (Dubrin 2013: 205). The variables identified in literature that affect employee engagement are: Nature of continuous learning, Revenue transparency, Employee value proposition, Job satisfaction, Leadership style, Equitable rewards, Supportive colleagues, Supportive working conditions, Compensation and job security and Policies and procedures. The study proved that different variables cannot be looked at in isolation by the SMMEs. This is because the study showed some form of dependency, which was weak, moderate or strong, that existed in these variables. The research proved a weak relationship exists between working conditions and leadership management. A moderate relationship existed between: Continuous learning and Leadership style, Leadership style and Revenue transparency, Working conditions and Continuous improvement, Job security and Leadership style, Leader and Management, Working conditions and Revenue transparency A strong relationship was seen to exist between Continuous learning and Revenue Transparency. A strong relationship also exists between Continuous learning and Management innovation and leadership and revenue transparency. The final recommendations provide the SMMEs in the Buffalo City Municipality with the opportunity to take their businesses from good to great.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mlakalaka, Bulelwa Ndileka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18959 , vital:28760
- Description: The purpose of the study was to identify the factors that affect the engagement of the employees in Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Buffalo City. The quantitative data gathering was conducted in the form of questionnaires accompanied by a covering letter and was distributed amongst the SMMEs in the Buffalo City Area. The companies selected were those that had been operational for longer than four years with an employee complement of more than five. Employee engagement is given different definitions by different authors. The Kenexa Work Trends Report, (2012 cited by Bhuvanaiah and Raya) explain employee engagement as the extent to which employees are motivated to contribute to organisational success and are willingly applying their efforts to accomplish the organisational goals (Bhuvanaiah and Raya 2014:65). Dubrin says that engagement is the employee’s commitment and willingness to stay in the company they work for and to deliver beyond what is expected of them (Dubrin 2013: 205). The variables identified in literature that affect employee engagement are: Nature of continuous learning, Revenue transparency, Employee value proposition, Job satisfaction, Leadership style, Equitable rewards, Supportive colleagues, Supportive working conditions, Compensation and job security and Policies and procedures. The study proved that different variables cannot be looked at in isolation by the SMMEs. This is because the study showed some form of dependency, which was weak, moderate or strong, that existed in these variables. The research proved a weak relationship exists between working conditions and leadership management. A moderate relationship existed between: Continuous learning and Leadership style, Leadership style and Revenue transparency, Working conditions and Continuous improvement, Job security and Leadership style, Leader and Management, Working conditions and Revenue transparency A strong relationship was seen to exist between Continuous learning and Revenue Transparency. A strong relationship also exists between Continuous learning and Management innovation and leadership and revenue transparency. The final recommendations provide the SMMEs in the Buffalo City Municipality with the opportunity to take their businesses from good to great.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017