Research Publications (Management Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217
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Item Evaluation of managerial tools for preventing and controlling cyber-loafing among administrative staff : a case study of a selected municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa(Durban University of Technology, 2024) Mkhize, Nonhlanhla Beata; Nyide, Celani John; Mthalane, Peggy PinkyOrganizations have implemented systems to address cyber-loafing, but these measures are often insufficient to completely prevent employees from engaging in such activities. Consequently, the role of managers in mitigating cyber-loafing becomes crucial. However, the specific strategies employed by managers to reduce and control cyber-loafing remain unclear. This paper aims to evaluate the tools used by managers to prevent and control cyber-loafing among administrative staff in the workplace. The paper proposes effective measures to mitigate this phenomenon. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Purposive sampling was utilized, with a sample size of 156 administrative staff for the quantitative study and 11 managers and supervisors for the qualitative segment. The quantitative data revealed that administrative staff use company internet and computers to perform cyber-loafing activities. Managers and supervisors can apply various tools, including software monitoring systems, internet policies, and employee monitoring, to control cyber-loafing activities. The General Deterrence Theory (GDT) framework was used to explain the tools used to curb cyber-loafing in the study under investigation. Additionally, other deterrent mechanisms and organisational control measures are identified and discussed in specific instances. This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the role of managers in addressing cyber-loafing and proposes practical tools and strategies that can be implemented by organisations to effectively mitigate this phenomenon. By enhancing managerial approaches to cyber-loafing, organisations can improve productivity and ensure a secure work environment.Item Curbing social impediments for educational innovations in the context of higher institute of learning(Primrose Hall Publishing Group, 2022-07-01) Mthalane, Peggy PinkySocial 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.Item Household challenges, family dynamism and online learning under COVID-19 pandemic in a South African University(2021-11-06) Mthalane, Peggy Pinky; Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey; Dlamini, Bongani InnocentPurpose: Reduce the spread of the virus amongst people, especially students and lecturers, thus online learning was introduced in 2020. To find out the effectiveness of online learning and family dynamics posed by this phenomenon Design/methodology/approach: The researchers conducted a research at one of the University of Technology in South Africa, situated in the Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, in Pietermaritzburg. The main aim was to determine the challenges posed by online learning while students were at home, compounded by COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: The results of the analysis showed the connection between family dynamics such as family settings, online learning and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in this regard. It can then be concluded that there is a significant influence between family setting, such as bereavement, divorce, lack of internet connection and overcrowding at home, COVID-19 and the adjustment to online learning. Research limitations/implications: Lack of internet connection and overcrowding at home, COVID-19 and the adjustment to online learning.Item Reflection on students drop-out against the backdrop of COVID-19 in the South African educational context amongst marginalized group of students(CODESRIA, 2021-08) Mthalane, Peggy Pinky; Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey; Dlamini, Bongani InnocentThis paper aims to engage the issue of student drop-out in light of COVID-19 which has disrupted schooling at all levels and impacts heavily on students from deprived background who do not have access to technology that have become the dominant means of teaching. In engaging the issue, the paper reviews the literature on student drop-out generally to highlight the factors that have been shown to be significant in student dropping out of school at primary, secondary and university levels