Theses and dissertations (Arts and Design)

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Credibility of the photographic image : a study in photojournalism, seeing and believing
(1988) Lyle, Malcolm Leonard; Butler-Adam, John
An analysis of some problem areas facing first year typing technology students at technikons, with particular reference to Technikon Mangosuthu, and suggestions for their resolution
(1993) Botha, Martina Alfreda; Dobie, B. A.; Naude, V. J.
Secretaries form a very important component of the labour market in South Africa, therefore appropriate education and training in this field is essential. It is only in the last decade that young black people have entered this career path. ~ ';4~ ,':'l.!. To meet the needs of employers, Technikon Mangosuthu introduced National secretarial courses in 1982. Of the first twenty students ~ho enrolled, only six were successful in completing the course. They were eagerly snapped up by employers who expressed great satisfaction with their work. It became clear during the course of training the students, that they had numerous problems which hampered their progress. Their English ability was not up to the standard required for this level of study. Students had serious difficulties in adapting to the use of electronic office equipment. Socio-economic problems also contributed to the students' inability to succeed in their studies. The problems seemed insurmountable. It was clear that positive steps needed to be taken to improve the situation. This dissertation is concerned with the education of secretarial students at Technikon Mangosuthu and investigates the backgrounds of students at six technikons in an attempt to identify problems and their causes with the aim of alleviating these problems and providing the labour market with well trained, efficient secretaries. Typing Technology is a major subject in the three year National Secretarial Diploma. This subject, in keeping with the development of modern technology, comprises three components: Typing Techniques, Word Processing and Audio Typing. To pass this subject, a high level of proficiency is required. The students at Technikon Mangosuthu come from a non-technological and socially disadvantaged background and the initial introduction to office technology comes as a cultural shock to them. Lecturers need to assist students in making the transition as quickly and easily as possible by identifying problems and adapting methods of teaching to help students overcome the problems.
The development, use and evaluation of self instruction material for the numerical methods section of Mathematics II as taught to Technikon students
(1993) Hunter, William Gerard; Dobie, B. A.
Die voorbereiding van hierdie tesis behels die inagneming van algemene en spesifieke faktore (Hoofstuk 1) wat gelei het tot navorsing in self-onderrig in 'n komponent van technikon wiskunde II asook 'n ondersoek van vier algemene doelwitte, naamlik
The development and evaluation of a manual on tailoring for the clothing design and clothing management programmes based on the clothing industry's needs
(1995) Vorster, George; Coertze, Dirk J.; Ellis, R.
This study evaluated the programme content on tailoring of the National Diploma: Clothing Design and National Diploma: Clothing Management in terms of the needs of the clothing industry. The objective was to identify the critical factors needed for producing a manual on tailoring which could be used in a teaching environment.
The development of slide and sound training-programme production skills in second year students of the National Diploma Personnel Management : an evaluation of the effectiveness of an andragogical model of instruction as opposed to a pedagogical model of instruction in acquiring knowledge of, and competence in, such skills
(1996) Nellmapius, Ernest Peter; Gardner, John Murray
This research examined whether an andragogical model of instruction is preferable to a pedagogical model for adult learners in a technikon context.
An evaluation of the suitability of the course Communication Skills 1, for engineering students at technikons in Natal
(1997) Narsee, Sheila Devkaran; Dobie, B. A.
The title of this research dissertation includes the appellation 'Natal'. Since the work began in 1989, the name of that province has officially become 'KwaZulu-Natal'. However, the previous designation has largely been used interchangeably with the present one, mainly because the course evaluated was and has been identified with Natal. This research was inspired by the assumption that the Communication Skills I course presently being offered to engineering students at technikons in South Africa did not appear to satisfy the workplace needs (in terms of content and time) of the engineering industry. This assumption arose out of a pilot study undertaken by the writer in 1989. In this pilot study, engineering companies were visited, and interviews were held with managers/directors/training managers, to ascertain the communication skills requirements of engineering technicians in the workplace. Many criticisms were made regarding the communication competency of engineering technicians in the workplace. According to the findings of the pilot study, engineering practitioners hold the view that the literacy skill demands of jobs are increasing while the basic skills of the available workforce, eg. reading, writing and speaking are decreasing. Employers expressed concern with the large numbers of workers who lack such skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and thinking, and believe that this limits their chances of upward mobility in the workplace as well as their ability to adapt to workplace changes. All these factors, according to employers, have a negative impact on productivity levels. It was, as a result of the pilot study, suggested that engineering curricula, specifically the Communication Skills I course, should be fully evaluated to see to what extent they meet the workplace requirements of industry. What seems important is that the engineering technician should practise what has been learned and for the lecturer/instructor to bring practitioners and the workplace experiences into the classroom.
An investigation into the exercise of male power in middle management in Technikons in KwaZulu-Natal, with particular reference to verbal communication
(1998) Turnbull-Jackson, Carolyn Jeannette Anne; Prosser, Julia Judith
This study focused on the exercise of male power in middle management in technikons in KwaZulu-Natal, with particular reference to verbal communication. The glass ceiling, blocking promotions to senior positions, is a reality for women in technikons and the researcher explored the ways in which exploitation and marginalisation occur when sexism and power is wielded by males through verbal communication.
The FLAT Gallery : a documentation and critical examination of an informal art organisation in Durban
(1999) Allen, Siemon D.; Wafer, J.
In this research paper I will examine the Durban based 'alternative/informal' art space, the FLAT Gallery, which operated from October 1993 to January 1995. I will begin by first defining what is meant by an 'alternative space' and by looking at the historical development of such spaces both in South Africa and the United States of America. This will include an investigation into the ideological motivations and socio-political influences behind such spaces, as well as an exploration of what is meant by 'alternative practice', which I will show as being inseparable from the mission of the 'alternative space.' This will by no means be a comprehensive survey of alternative spaces in South Africa or the United States, but rather a tracing of the phenomenon with relevant examples. Here, I will explore the similarities that existed between the FLAT and other contemporary artist initiatives in South Africa and the United States, drawing comparisons between the FLAT and other similar venues. I will examine the particular circumstances that catalyzed the FLAT Gallery in the specific cultural and historical context of Durban, South Africa in 1993 and 1994. I will then construct a chronological documentation of the FLAT Gallery' s programme including interviews and extensive visual and audio archives. With this archival information and with detailed descriptions of each event, exhibition or performance, I will create a comprehensive record of the FLAT Gallery's activities. This will include an investigation into the historical influences, with specific examples of linkages to other artist-motivated projects in the past. In this way, I will both identify important precedents for many of the FLAT projects. I will conclude with those 'FLAT activities' that continued beyond the operation of the 'alternative/informal' space. It is my intention to create a document that not only offers a comprehensive study of the FLAT Gallery's programme, but also offers students, recent graduates and emerging artists useful practical information. This document is an affirmation of the possibilities for working and exhibiting once one has left the 'comforts' of faculty guidance, peer support, studio facilities and venues for showing work that the institutional environment provides. My claim is that there rests in the artist the responsibility to actively build a place where his/her development as a creative individual can flourish; that one must not wait for 'permission' or for 'someone' to offer validation of one's work. With this document I intend to demonstrate that it is indeed possible here in Durban to do Something!.
Notions of community in South African television advertising : a study in communication and the pursuit of community in South Africa as revealed through interviews about selected television advertising
(1999) Andrew, Richard Charles; Starkey, Anthony Roland
The self-creation demanded of us by our national realities is no different from that which similar realities are demanding of others. The past has left us orphans, as it has the rest of the planet, and we must join together in inventing our common future. World history has become everyone's task,and our own labyrinth is the labyrinth of all mankind.
The use of abstraction by Bill Ainslie and David Koloane
(1999) Anderson, Vanessa; Starkey, Anthony Roland
The financial assistance of the Centre for Science Development (HSRC, South Africa) towards this research is hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at, are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the Centre for Science Development.
An investigation of the role of practical laboratory work in bridging programmes for chemical technicians in technikons in South Africa, with particular reference to Mangosuthu Technikon
(1999) Lafferty, Janice Theresa; Gardner, John Murray
TOPIC: An investigation of the role of practical laboratory work in bridging programmes forchemical technicians in technikons in South Africa, with particular reference to Mangosuthu Technikon. This research considers the role of introductory practical laboratory work, in a bridging course, in the success or otherwise of vocationally orientated students at technikons in South Africa. Mangosuthu Technikon, on which the study focuses, provides mainlyfor students whose educational background has ill-prepared them for the demands of tertiary studies. Besides the disadvantage of studying through the medium of English, students in the Engineering Schools are further hampered in their studies by having inadequate practical skills for laboratory work. The need to redress the problem of access to tertiary education has resulted in the introduction and continued use of bridging courses for educationally disadvantaged students. Since the secondary education system does not appear to be improving substantially, it would appear that the bridging courses will remain a necessity for some time. InitiallyMangosuthu Technikon offered a school/discipline bridging programme (Pre- Technican Course) for aspirant Engineering students, which allowed disadvantaged applicants a second chance to access tertiary education. It was an intensive six months' course, comprising experiential learning in the integrated components of Mathematics, Communication, Physics and Chemistry. The latter two subjects incorporated a substantial practical component. In the interests of rationalisation, a general Access Course replaced the former course in 1994. The emphasis became largely focussed on theoretical rather than practical work. After initial research indicated that the role of practical laboratorywork inthe trainingof chemicaltechniciansintechnikonsin South Africawas of consequence, a practically orientated bridging course was reintroduced in 1995. This dissertation shows that an educationally disadvantaged student who aspires to becoming a chemical technician requires an holistic education, at the Mangosuthu Technikon bridging course level, which incorporates relevant theoretical and practical components, in order to procure, and succeed in, tertiary education. Such practical work is a prerequisite for aspirant chemical technicians ifthey are to satisfy the needs of tertiary programmes and the demands of their future employers. Findings throughout the dissertation show that practical work is of consequence. Technikon and Industry representatives confirm their commitment to the inclusion of practical work in bridging courses. The implementation and administration of practical bridging courses also play important roles in ensuring that disadvantaged students gain access to tertiary education. This study evaluates Mangosuthu Technikon's original Pre-Technician Course, its 1994 general Access Course and its subsequent Pre-Technician Courses, and finds that Pre-Technician Course (1989/1990) students performed well and that the majority of them were able to access tertiary education and cope with its demands reasonably well. The Access Course (1994) students, by comparison, performed dismally. Years subsequent to 1994 have seen an improvement in the pass rates, but not to the levelofl989/1990. The study, thus, concludes that practically orientated bridging courses impact significantly on successful performance in formal courses for technicians.
An investigation into management skills required by junior primary school principals of the Amanzimtoti district in the implementation of curriculum 2005
(1999) Made, Ntokozo Harriet Beryl; Prosser, Julia Judith
In 1992 the National Education Co-ordinating Committee published a National Education Policy Investigation (NEPI) report in which emerging curriculum alternatives for South Africa were discussed. In 1994 the National Department of Education sponsored discussions which led to the introduction of Curriculum 2005, a curriculum based on outcomes (OBE). OBE represents a paradigm shift from a system emphasising syllabus and content to one where prescribed outcomes are of critical importance. Workshops were conducted by the National and Provincial Departments of Education and NGOs to introduce and train Grade 1 teachers in OBE. Some principals reported that they were invited to one-day workshops on OBE. This study is an investigation into the management skills required by Junior Primary school (Foundation Phase) principals in the Amanzimtoti District in the implementation of Curriculum 2005. This is an exploratory study of the role of the principal in the implementation of
The development of a model for transformation in the faculty of commerce at a technikon : with special reference to curriculum, student services and gender
(2000) Mohun, Dhanishwar; Prosser, Julia Judith
South Africa's apartheid policy under the previous Government entrenched a system of education that favoured the White minority at the expense of the other race groups, particularly Africans. African education was based on the ideology that Africans must be trained to serve their own community. Gross underfunding of African education resulted in underqualified educators, high leamer-educator ratios, low pass rates and lack of facilities
Student evaluations of teaching as a tool for making summative personnel decisions at a tertiary institution
(2000) Harrison, Janet Elizabeth; Prosser, Julia Judith
A random sample of learners and educators, at a Technikon, was surveyed with regard to the teaching behaviours that most contributed to effective learning. Variables included in the survey were identified by a focus group of educators and learners who negotiated the content of the survey questionnaire over a six-week period. This methodology ensured that learners were able to voice their interests in what should be assessed in a summative learner evaluation of teaching. Educator opinion on what feedback they would be prepared to receive from learners was a necessary touchstone to ensure compliance with legislative and administrative requirements for good practice in performance appraisal. Educators and learners agreed on thirteen of fourteen significant educator behaviours which learners felt contributed to effective learning. These findings suggest that a) learners and educators may not be as dissimilar in their teaching and learning agendas as previously thought and b) that participant meanings regarding teaching and learning practice may playa large role in defining teaching competence. Supervisor: MRS J. PROSSER Department of Education
Conflict resolution in secondary schools in the Phoenix area : management training strategies
(2000) Biputh, Barathwanth; Prosser, Julia Judith; Sioux McKenna
This study focused on conflict resolution in multi-racial , co-educational schools in the Phoenix region and the development of strategies for the training of management and staff to resolve conflict. It has been observed that principals in the Phoenix region frequently seek the intervention of third party adjudicators to resolve conflicts experienced at schools . This often prevents the timeous and expeditious resolution of conflicts . The inability to resolve conflict judiciously impinges on job satisfaction, productivity and human relationships in schools. A literature survey of conflict revealed that conflict in organisations is endemic and inevitable . Conflicts at work, when dealt with systematically , can have positive rather than destructive effects. It is the writer's belief that conflict can be reduced or eliminated if there is a conflict resolution programme in schools which is designed to train both management and staff in conflict resolution. The writer provided a theoretical understanding of conflict through an analysis of the underlying dynamics of conflict , the effects of organisational conflict and the conflict process. The various levels and areas of conflict in schools were examined. The research examined three approaches to conflict management , evaluated the various conflict handling styles and applied these strategies to conflict situations experienced at schools.
Arts and censorship in South Africa 1948-2000
(2000) Allard, Raymond H.
This dissertation is concerned with the effects of censorship on the arts community during the apartheid era in South Africa, and in the post apartheid era that followed. Through interviews and various sources, a picture will be presented that examines the contrasts and similarities of the two eras. Chapter One will present an overview of South African history, from its beginnings in 1653 to the first popular election in 1994. It will show how the religious beliefs and accompanying attitudes of the in-coming colonialists created a social atmosphere in which the system of apartheid was able to flourish and grow. It will also show how apartheid ultimately crumbled under pressure from growing resistance and violence among the people it sought to control. Chapter Two is comprised primarily of the results of several interviews with selected artists, showing how the various individuals thought about censorship, how they dealt with all the restrictive laws, and how they were able to pursue their art making under these conditions. Personal experiences illuminate the effects of such censorship, and opinions about the value and necessity of censorship are summarized. Various of the interviewees talk specifically about what actions they took under the apartheid regime, and how they viewed, and continue to view, the role of the artist in society. Chapter Three uses several case studies to illustrate what is currently happening concerning censorship and art in the post-apartheid era. Opinions and reactions to current conditions will be presented, and specific instances of censorship or attempted censorship will offer a comparison with the previous era. This will illustrate how much liberty artists today enjoy in South Africa. Several significant issues are raised by such examples; Issues of potency and importance to any culture. Finally, the artists themselves look ahead, and provide a picture of the future for arts in this society .
An investigation into the problems experienced by female heads of department as a result of prejudice against women in promotion posts : with reference to primary schools in the Isipingo area
(2000) Singh, Neermala; Prosser, Julia Judith
This research focused on an investigation into the problems female heads of department experienced with reference to the primary schools in the Isipingo area. For a successful and a balanced education on a global basis, women must be seen to be equally capable of becoming leaders of educational institutions. The purpose of this research was to ascertain how educators react to the leadership of female heads of department in primary schools. More specifically, the objective of this research was to investigate the problems that heads of department experience, mainly because they were women. A literature survey of the functions of the head of department enabled the researcher to focus on the areas that the head of department had to give her attention to in order to develop an effective team. Focus was on organizational, administrative and professional matters determining the level of similarities between the English, American and South African education systems. Research was conducted by means of a questionnaire applied to a representative sample of educators from all levels of the hierarchy of educators. The qualitative method provided a systematic investigation of the topic. The research sought to understand behaviour from the 'action' point of view where the objective was to discover the specific experiences of the respondents.
The role of governors and teachers' unions in the promotion of senior management in public schools in the City of Durban district, 1997-2000
(2000) Rangraje, Ismail; Prosser, Julia Judith
This research investigates the role of school governors and teachers' unions in the management of the promotion process for principal and deputy principal posts in selected public primary and secondary schools in the City of Durban District during the period 1997 to 2000. The. study is concerned with exposing the problems in the present selection procedure by evaluating it and seeking ways to improve its implementation and thereby strengthening the role of school governors and teachers' unions in the process. It is the function of the governing body of a public school to appoint a promotions committee which selects personnel for promotion posts at schools. The selection process is fraught with many difficulties such as the lack of proper training for selectors, illiterate selectors, nepotism, bias and intimidation by selectors. This research investigates the inadequacies, which exist in the selection process. The issues investigated include the process of selection of staff for promotion posts, the competence of the selectors, the criteria used for selecting and the problems experienced by the selectors. The investigation is executed using the qualitative research method. The instruments used in this investigation are observation, a review of related literature and structured interviews with different members of the promotions committee. In South Africa there is very little theoretical research available on the topic. The researcher has had to draw on literature concerning the promotion of teachers in Local Education Authority (LEA) schools in England and Wales. Recommendations for improvement include adequate training of selectors, greater involvement by officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture to keep nepotism in check, more realistic time frames for shortlisting and interviewing, gradual progression of candidates from Level One to Level Four, verification of information supplied on the curricula vitae of the candidates prior to the interviews, competent people serving on the selection panels and more stringent minimum criteria for eligibility for senior posts.een conducted.
An investigation into the problems experienced by parents in democratising school governing bodies in the Trenance Park Region of the Verulam area
(2001) Maharaj, Purnachandra; Prosser, Julia Judith
This study focussed on the problems experienced by parents in the democratisation process of school governing bodies in the Trenance Park area. The desegregation of public schools has led to increased enrolment of African learners at the three schools in the Trenance Park area. School governing bodies, consisting of only Indian parent governors at these schools, have continued to function as they did in the past. Parent governors are incapable of handling culturally diverse issues and they also lack the expertise to manage school finances to accommodate the needs of all learners. The researcher explored possible reasons for the lack of African parental involvement. The absence of African parents on school governing bodies adversely affects schools when resolving issues of a cultural or racial nature. In fact the increase of racial incidents at schools has created a tense situation for both learners and educators. A literature survey of governance structures exposed the need for a training programme for governors. Previous governance structures had advisory powers but the Department of Education was responsible for a large majority of their functions. The South African Schools Act of 1996 accorded school governing bodies duties and functions for which they were not trained. Moreover the lack of a training programme created confusion amongst governors and the principal relating to their respective role functions. III Research for this dissertation was conducted by means of structured interviews directed at the chairperson of governing bodies and school principals in the Trenance Park area.
The problem of communication between educators, learners and parents in multicultural secondary schools in the Durban-south region of Kwazulu-Natal : some management solutions
(2001) Bobbychun, Rajan.; Prosser, Julia Judith
This study filled a void in the existing educational management literature and highlighted the communication problems that exist between the educators, learners, and parents in multicultural secondary schools, especially when the educator, learner and the parent belong to different cultural groups. The communication problems between educators, learners and parents pose a serious challenge to management as they impede the progress of teaching and learning in the classrooms. The thorny issue of language in education in South African schools has not been given much emphasis. Neither have educationists and policy makers given much attention to the problem of communication in multicultural schools. Opening schools to all cultures did not solve the communication problems, but created new ones. The main method used in this investigation was the literature study. Using the investigative methods associated with qualitative studies, the researcher attempted to investigate data collected from a number of sources. Research on co-operation in the multi-ethnic classroom revealed that pupils of different ethnic groups preferred to socialize in their own language groups. This study confirmed that culture and language influenced not only which peers pupils choose to play with, but also who they deliberately excluded from their games. In many schools, there are few systematic attempts to enhance pupils' cross-ethnic friendships and this may work to consolidate the evident 'own race and language preference' of a large portion of pupils. Thus there is a need for communication to enhance cross-cultural friendships. There is an increasing need for educators to encourage intercultural communication. Educators should use the language of instruction to learn about each others' culture and language so that there are mutual respect and tolerance. Teaching in multicultural classrooms demands a high level of expertise among educators. Culturally diverse learners may have prior learning experiences that predispose them to learn in ways that may not be compatible with some methods of instruction in common use in many classrooms. Therefore, educators need to adopt an inclusive and flexible approach to instruction, observing their pupil's responses and adjusting instructions to meet the needs of individuals and groups in the classroom. It is now becoming clear that even educators and school managers need guidance and assistance in coping with communication in the multicultural school. The more people of different cultures communicate with each other, the more they discover how similar they are. This study examined some of the communication problems present in multicultural schools, the possible causes of the problems and management solutions to some of the problems.