Research Publications (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217

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Addressing student dropout rates at South African universities
(DHET, 2015) Moodley, Padhma; Singh, Rachael Jesika
The excitement of a South African University acceptance is shortlived, for many students, as the challenges faced is often overwhelming, resulting in many dropping out in their first year of study. This has negatively impacted on the desired national norm of an 80% success rate targeted by the Department of Higher Education and Training. This study aims to explore ways in which the dropout rates can be reduced thereby increasing the throughput levels of universities in South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted to identify the challenges students encounter that lead to the high dropout rates. Students who had previously dropped out from universities in South Africa were interviewed in order to examine their perceptions of how dropping out of university could have been avoided. Snowball sampling, a type of purposive sampling was used in this study. The findings indicate incorrect career choice, inadequate academic support and insufficient funding as being primary factors that led to the drop out of students. One of the recommendations this study makes is that university departments must align their support programmes with modules that have a high failure rate to help students cope.
Adjustment experiences of first-year students in South Africa
(2020) Dlamini, Bongani Innocent; Tom, Reyagalaletsa Felicity; Nel, Kathryn Anne; Zogli, Luther-King Junior
Background and Objective: For most students, adjusting to both social and academic life entails engenders a modicum of stress and emotional challenges for most students, resulting in risks of students drop-out. The current study sought insight and understanding into the adjustment experiences of first-year students at a previously disadvantaged tertiary institution of Higher learning in South Africa. Materials and Method: Qualitative research was conducted to establish the lived experiences of the participants. Four focus with eighteen first-year participants from different departments were utilised for data collection. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews, which allowed probing. Thematic Content Analysis was employed to gather themes from the data. Results: The main results indicated that first-year students found life was different, many old familiar and predictable relationships disintegrating. However, they also found independence and the resilience to adapt to change. Positive adjustment experiences and coping mechanisms included working hard, interacting with lecturing staff and attending religious events, while negative ones included drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. Conclusions: The study recommended that orientation for first-year students is imperative and should incorporate a programme that helped first-year students understand the challenges they are likely to face in this new phase of their academic and social development.
The adoption of innovative approach in research proposal development in the Management Sciences of the Higher Education sector
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Several innovative factors transforming higher education provide opportunities of changing its context. This influence the sector to continuously learn new ways of conducting business and introduce innovative methods in its post- graduate research-based teaching. Thus, the future of academia in Higher Education lies in the continuous search for innovative methods of evaluating students’ research proposal. This sentiment underpins the significance of the Research Proposal Evaluation Tool (REPRET). REPRET is a computer-based innovative tool that assists emerging research supervisors (or promoters) in the management sciences in evaluating students’ research proposals effectively. It has built-in functions that provide technical and methodological guides regarding students’ proposals. It assists students in improving the quality of their research proposals, the efficiency of research proposal development, as well as throughput. It is a Microsoft Excel-based tool managed by the research supervisor (or promoter), covers various sections of the research proposal and is compatible with quantitative, qualitative and mixed paradigms. The contribution of REPRET as an innovative tool relies on higher education’s ability to adapt to new processes. REPRET represents an innovative practice in education. It helps the higher educational sector, particularly the management sciences, to achieve competitive advantage and higher performance.
Are higher education institutions positioned to reap the dividends of open education resources? : the case of Durban University of Technology
(The Clute Institute, 2013-09) Van der Merwe, Alexander Dawid
The potential benefits of open education resources (OERs) are well documented in the literature. These include cheaper education, improved equity in respect of educational prospects, greater access to higher education opportunities for non-traditional learners, encouraging new modes of collaborative learning and leveraging public funds by sharing knowledge. So compelling are these advantages that leading universities globally are currently experimenting with new business models calibrated to extract value from educational offerings that, increasingly, will be expected to include free content. In spite of the obvious merits of OERs, the open education movement faces challenges which are rooted significantly in educators' perceptions of these resources. This descriptive case study sought to examine the attitudes Durban University of Technology (DUT) faculty have towards OERs with the aim of gauging their capacity to be actively involved as developers and users of these materials. The study found that in spite of respondents' recognition of the advantages of OERs and even a degree of superficial employment of these instructional aids, there appears to be no real open education ethos at the institution. Evidence of this includes the relatively low level of sharing of content amongst faculty an d the consensus of respondents that there is no institutional support for OER initiatives. The study concludes that for the university to retain its relevance in an evolving educational landscape, it should create a framework that will not only create space for OER projects but should also address the very human need for recognition and acknowledgement that developers of free and open content have.
Awareness of the space industry as a career opportunity in South Africa
(IGI Global, 2019) Zuma, Khanya Philani; Mason, Roger Bruce; Maharaj, Mandusha
The South African space industry is not seen by young learners as a potential career. The objectives of this study were to identify: high school students’ awareness of the industry, their perceptions of employment opportunities, and their knowledge of the industry’s educational requirements. A quantitative, descriptive survey with structured questionnaires was administered to 171 respondents. Purposive and quota sampling selected grade 10-11 students in rural, urban and suburban schools. Most respondents had some awareness of the industry, but had limited knowledge about career opportunities, especially in rural schools. Respondents were unclear about how and where to apply for space-related education. The space industry inadequately markets itself to students, so more outreach programs, sponsoring of science and technological projects, more scholarships, and encouragement of the Department of Higher Education to provide information about, and improve career guidance officers’ knowledge of, the space industry are recommended.
Better resource management : a qualitative investigation of environmental management accounting practices used by the South African hotel sector
(AfricaJournals, 2019-08-26) Nyide, Celani John
The successful management of environmental impacts and environmental costs depends on the implementation of the appropriate Environmental Management Accounting practices (EMAPs). EMAPs provides a pragmatic response to the widely reported criticisms of conventional management accounting practices. This paper reports on the EMAPs evident from the hotel sector in South African, used in order to optimise of environmental costs. Purposive sampling was used to select the hotel group that met the discriminatory criterion. Considering that this study was exploratory in nature, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 respondents after having obtained saturation. Cross-case syntheses were used to analyse data after thematic coding was performed to categorise findings from hotels under investigation. The study found that the implementation EMAPs is limited in the South African hotel sector. This is due to the fact that the implementation of these practices is voluntary at this stage and there is no awareness by the hotels of the existing framework that they can use. Moreover, there is negligible pressure from the government for the hotels to see a need to reduce their environmental impacts. Results show that hotels focus on the allocation of environmental costs to activities with the aim of determining costs created and costs avoided by the hotels' operations. In addition, the investigated hotels have developed technologies such as BMS and GEPA, not only to allocate environmental costs to activities but also to trace and record flows of energy and water. Therefore, Environmental Cost Accounting (ECA) and Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) are prominently used by the investigated hotels as EMAPs. These are used for the optimisation of environmental costs and to improve the environmental performance. However, the development and implementation of new technologies that complement EMAPs were found to be a challenge because of the shortage of skilled personnel and massive investments requirement for these to be implemented.
Brand preference and brand rhetoric for mobile phones among students at a higher education institution
(African Association for Rhetoric, 2019) Ndadziyira, Tafadzwa; Govender, Jeevarathnam P.
It is evident that the mobile phone industry is facing significant growth. The introduction of cheaper mobile phones in South Africa has intensified competition between mobile companies. A number of studies have been conducted in other countries on brand preference for mobile phones, but there remains a gap in knowledge with regard to the South African market. It is important to academically research factors influencing consumer brand preferences and its rhetorical implications when purchasing mobile phones, to understand these preferences, and what consumers consider when making such purchases. The rationale for the study was to provide insights for local marketers into the factors consumers consider most when looking at mobile phone brands. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to understand brand preferences for mobile phones amongst students at a selected higher educational institution in South Africa. The study adopts a quantitative research approach and is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. The research population was made up of students studying at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where convenience sampling was used on a target population of 378 students. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.0 software. The findings show that brand popularity, prices, product attributes rhetorically affect mobile phone brand preferences amongst students. The results also showed that there were some product attributes that did not influence these preferences.
Building ethical leadership through training and development approach at a higher education institution in South Africa
(LLC CPC Business Perspectives, 2020-04-06) Bhana, Anrusha; Suknunan, Sachin
The research has shown that many leaders lack ethical practice, but training and development geared towards ethical leadership can serve to bridge this gap in theory and practice. This paper focuses primarily on the key aspect of training and development to promote more ethical leadership within a higher education institution setting. The data were drawn from a mixed-method study adopting both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Simple random sampling constituted a sample of 312 academic and administrative staff members at the institution. The purposeful sampling for the qualitative component was a realized sample of 3 executive management leadership and 9 line management leadership participants, indicating a total response rate of 67%. The results for executive management leadership reflect poor leadership style from the employees’ perspective in relation to respect and fairness, transparency, behavior, and other ethical leadership-related items (of M = 2.74, SD = 0.033). In addition, there was a clear need for leadership to attend ongoing training courses (M = 4.20, SD = 0.904). From the qualitative perspective, more than 50% of the leadership respondents indicated no appropriate university leadership programmes or ethical leadership programs. Therefore, the investment in training and development can promote more ethical leadership style, which in turn can have a positive impact on employees (M = 4.43, SD = 0.740). In light of this, the results provide a strong inclination towards more training and development programs to ensure that leaders develop ethical considerations in their role as leaders.
Career development for female academics in Australian and South African universities: an integrative review
(Beykent University, 2022-02-15) Kanyumba, Blessing; Lourens, Melanie
South African and Australian higher education sector is facing challenges of fewer females in leadership positions despite policies in place in both countries. The main purpose of this integrative literature was to analyse and compare journal articles related to career development for female academics in South African and Australian higher education institutions to ascertain the challenges faced by women in both countries. South Africa and Australia was chosen for this study due to the differences in cultural background and legislation. Females are still underrepresented in the leadership positions both in Australia and South Africa, hence this study investigated the reasons and provided recommendations to improve female academics representation in higher education institutions. A literature review of 15 research papers and journals articles published from 2010-2020 was conducted. The key words “career development for female academics” were searched in three databases namely, Google Scholar, Ebsco-host and Emerald. The results from the literature showed that female career development in Australia is moving at a faster pace than in South Africa. The results also show that in both countries glass ceiling and limited female representation in leadership positions is rife in both countries. Female only career development programmes are essential to promote female development in higher education. As this study is focusing on two different countries in different continents, both countries have a lot to learn from each other in terms of policy implementations to enhance female career development. This article provides an analysis of the trends of female career development in South Africa and Australia. Therefore, from the existing literature for a period of 10 years, a conceptual career development model was developed.
Career support needs of learners with historical disadvantage: an exploratory study
(Taylor and Francis Online, 2015) Tebele, Cebile; Nel, Kathryn Anne; Dlamini, Bongani
This study explored the career support needs of learners from a historically disadvantaged rural South African school setting. Participants were a convenience sample of 20 high school learners (females=60%; males=40%; age range 15–17 years; schools grades 9–10). They completed focus group interviews relating to their career awareness and needs. The data were thematically analysed. The results suggested learners have significant in-school career awareness and support needs. The learners accessed career related information informally from social networks they were using out of school rather than in the educational setting.
Challenges for quality primary education in Papua, New Guinea : a case study
(Hindawi Limited, 2011) Rena, Ravinder
There is an urgent need to reform the educational system to achieve universal primary education in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Even after 35 years of independence, PNG has been struggling to educate an estimated 2 million elementary- and primary-aged children and faces numerous challenges in providing Education for All (EFA). This study was conducted in four primary schools of Buma Yong area of Lae district of Morobe Province, PNG. The study revealed that the quality of education has been deteriorated over the past few decades. Many schools in PNG do not have classrooms, teachers, and basic facilities. As a result, the children are losing interest in going to school. The children dropped out of school so as to assist their families in the household and agricultural activities. It also reveals that the dropout rate of girls is more than that of the boys due to the gender disparity in the country. The study recommended that budgetary allocations should be increased so as to improve the infrastructural facilities and encourage the children to attend primary school and thus achieve the Millennium Development Goal/Education For All in PNG.
Challenges of ICT adoption and utilisation in small rural restaurants : a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
(AJHTL, 2016) Nkosana, Tenson; Skinner, Jane Phyllida
Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an essential element in the hospitality industry around the world over the past few decades, with particular benefits accruing to restaurant owners. Restaurants within poorer areas, however, often struggle to access the relevant technologies. This article investigates the challenges confronting ICT adoption and utilisation in restaurants in a rural setting. Twelve small restaurants in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were investigated. The findings indicate large discrepancies between three groups: the top two thriving businesses; the majority group of middle-level enterprises, which exhibited varying levels of success; and the remaining two restaurants, which were clearly struggling to survive. Their success in adoption of ICT corresponded closely in nearly all instances with these success levels. The challenges to adoption and utilisation of ICT were found to centre on cost, owners’ lack of familiarity with ICTs, and a corresponding lack of ICT skills amongst staff. The inability of imported software packages to suit local needs also emerged as a significant issue.
Challenges of reintegrating self-demobilised child soldiers in North Kivu Province: prospects for accountability and reconciliation via Restorative Justice Peacemaking circles
(Springer Verlag, 2015-04-09) Kiyala, Kimbuku Jean Chrysostome
Social reintegration of self-demobilised child combatants can be seriously imperilled by the lack of accountability for human rights violations allegedly carried out during their soldiering life and the failure to pursue reconciliation with their respective communities. This paper examines the circumstances leading young soldiers to voluntarily exit armed groups and militias and the extent to which resettling in the community can be facilitated by restorative justice mechanisms. The findings suggest a large support by war-affected communities for restorative justice peacemaking circles as potential accountability and reconciliation measures to help reintegrate self-demobilised soldiers into society. These results were obtained from interviews, focus group discussions and descriptive statistics in which 1447 respondents participated. These included young ex-soldiers, students, educators, government official, members on NGOs, traditional leaders and councils, Security Services, and the Police. The inquiry was conducted between 3 May and 17 December 2014 in North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Change management in the higher education landscape: a case of the transition process at a South African University
(Virtus Interpress, 2016) Govender, Vaneshree; Rampersad, Renitha
The South African Higher Education system in the post-apartheid period had to respond to the various discriminatory practices that existed during the apartheid era. This entailed responding to inequalities in the education system at various levels. With respect to Higher Education there was an imperative to serve society that was based on the principles of equality, equity and inclusivity. One such response was to merge higher education institutions such as ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal to form the Durban Institute of Technology now referred to as the Durban University of Technology (DUT). This paper is concerned with the process of change in the Higher Education context and examines a South African case study. The study was conducted within a quantitative paradigm and the sample population was 400 administrative and academic staff from across the seven campuses. In order to satisfy the research objectives of the study, a self-administered location based survey was distributed and data was analyzed using SPSS. The study revealed that living and coping with change in the work environment is a fact of life for organisations and individuals. The success of any change programme depends on the organisation’s ability to communicate effectively with its employees; therefore internal communication plays a pivotal role in any change programme.
The choice of public universities in a restructured and transforming Higher Education landscape : a student perspective
(Business Perspectives, 2016) Penceliah, Soobramoney; Konyana, Samkele Vuyokazi Mizpha; Maharaj, Mandusha
The central tenet of the new Constitution of South Africa is to create equal and socially just economic order. This resulted in the higher education sector being restructured through incorporations and mergers. The limited financial resources, forces universities to evaluate and review their marketing strategies in order to attract suitably prepared and qualified students. The universities have not fully explored the role played by choice factors in influencing the students’ decision of enrolling at a particular university. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that may influence students in their choice of selecting a public university in the Tshwane Metropolitan Region, South Africa. An empirical study was conducted amongst first year students at two public universities in the Tshwane Metropolitan Region, Pretoria. The study design was quantitative in nature, using a descriptive technique, cross sectional and collected data through the application of a non-probability sampling being utilized to obtain data from a sample of 216 respondents. The results of this study suggest that South African education landscape has evolved towards a market-orientated system in which Higher Education Institutions operate as businesses with marketing challenges. The results provide HEIs a guide to identify the key factors that influence students in the selection of a university in a developing country. University management should take cognizance of the gaps and position the university as an institution of first choice in South Africa.
Comparing a hybrid mathematics course with a conventional mathematics course : a case study at a University of Technology
(Kamla-Raj, 2016) Naidoo, Kristie; Naidoo, Richard; Ramdass, K.
This study compares student performance in an undergraduate mathematics education course using a Traditional Learning Model and a Blended Learning Model at the University of Technology. The control and experimental groups consisted of 150 students in each group. Student examination scores from both groups were analyzed quantitatively. A random sample consisting of 40 students, from the Blended Learning Model group, was clinically interviewed and a qualitative analysis was performed. The Theory of Connectivism informed the method used to analyze the data. The quantitative analysis indicates that the students performed better using blended learning. The qualitative analysis indicated that the students preferred the blended learning in terms of resources, communication and collaboration. The study has implications for both curriculum development and pedagogical considerations for the training of pre-service secondary school mathematic teachers in a 21st century undergraduate course at a University of Technology.
Conceptualizing transformation in the post-merger and incorporation environment era: A case of the Durban University of Technology
(Emerald Group Publishing, 2016) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gauge the knowledge of the university leaders at the Durban University of Technology on transformation. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches guided by a structured survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews with the university leaders. The questionnaires generated the reliability coefficient α of 0.947, indicating a high degree of acceptance and consistency of the results. Findings – The study findings reveal the highest percentage of 70 per cent regarding the belief that transformation refers to restructuring the institution more than commonly anticipated variables such as race (56 per cent) and redressing the past injustices (59 per cent). Research limitations/implications – The limitation of the study was the scarcity of published material on the sub-dimensions of the study of transformation (transformation as referring to attracting qualified employees). Another limitation which was observed included the paucity of data regarding discipline and knowledge of transformation variables. Practical implications – This study suggests transformation in higher education institutions is defined through internal (operational and core) and external factors with a direct influence. Originality/value – This paper could potentially enrich the meaning of transformation, derived from the context and experience of South Africa.
Contributing elements and issues to strategic management in the construction industry among small and medium enterprises : a case study in South Africa's eThekwini region
(University of Cape Town, 2022) Rambaruth, Amit; Adam, Jamila Khatoon; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the economy and have helped it grow, but they still have a high failure rate. Many businesses fail within the first few months of operation due to a lack of strategic planning. This study aimed to identify persuading factors that contribute to strategic management to improve performance and categorise challenges faced by SMEs in implementing a strategic plan in the eThekwini region of South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, and the population of interest for the research includes small and medium construction companies, which were sourced via the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) registry. An online survey tool was used to distribute the questionnaire to 145 small and medium businesses. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The study's findings reveal that most eThekwini-based SMEs in the construction industry use strategic management practices to improve their business performance. The key factors for strategic management in SMEs, such as improving decision-making processes, increasing productivity, and gaining a competitive advantage, demonstrated high levels of agreement among participants regarding improving business performance. This study also found widespread agreement on the challenges of implementing a strategic plan in an organisation. Therefore, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must develop procedures and policies to deal with the difficulties that arise when drafting a strategic plan. This will ensure that strategic planning works in their operations. This can be accomplished by implementing strategic management into SMEs training programs offered by government and tertiary institutions that support SMEs. The government should also improve education and broaden its business skills curriculum. Keywords: Business, Construction, Performance, Planning, Strategy, South Africa.
Curbing social impediments for educational innovations in the context of higher institute of learning
(Primrose Hall Publishing Group, 2022-07-01) Mthalane, Peggy Pinky
Social impediments are the greatest threats to higher institutions of learning in developing countries. The influence of social ills is felt as attendance in learning institutions continue to dwindle and result to growing students drop-out rates. Curbing and incorporating social impediments in the higher education system can enhance innovative collaborative skills to solve global problems thus providing adequate opportunities for students to experience real-life learning experiences in different fields of the job market. For the purpose of this study, the scoping review aided by qualitative approach were used to plot extant evidence for insights into social impediments in the context of higher institutions of higher learning. Primary data based on interviews was extracted through thematic technique supported by quotations and narrative summaries from forty-five (45) participants. The final outcomes show increasing interest by learning institutions to try and curtail social impediments. In addition, it was revealed that curbing social ills, more educational institutions should include social issues as part of their core curricula to shape students’ future for specialized innovative skills.
Decision rules and decision analysis in maintaining implementation of communication technology in organisations
(Kalahari Journals, 2022-01-01) Lourens, Melanie Elizabeth
This research aims to create a development perspective for decision theory application for organisational decision making regarding intelligent technology enabling practices. Organisations and individual flexibility are needed to dissolve behaviour issues of employees causing hindrance in strategic decision-making. In this regard, a comparative analysis of nine research articles has been performed within the very specific scope of systematic review based on South Africa and other European countries. South African public and private sector organisations promote digital literacy and Business Intelligence (BI) technology adoption. Hence, education around self-management and sentiment classification are analysed through primary studies on algorithm-based cross-domain classification and classification of modifiers. Similarly, secondary qualitative analysis on the research articles has supported this entire paper through narrative analysis. Finally, thematic analysis justified that ImbTreeEntropy and Z-VIKOR are reliable tools to analyse decisions regarding the execution of a communication technology tool) in an organisation.