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Research Publications (Management Sciences)

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

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Start date: 2010Has files: No

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 30
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    Towards an e-Learning support strategy for the retail sector in South Africa
    (IGI Global, 2020-07) Aspeling, Jonathan M.; Mason, Roger Bruce
    E-learning is of increasing importance in delivering flexible and distributed programmes for workforce skill development such as induction, product knowledge, systems compliance, and customer service. This research consists of a desktop exploratory review of e-learning concepts, policies, surveys, and a set of proposals and recommendations from research into e-learning in the retail sector. The article presents international and local experience, relevant post-school education and training policies and key variables and themes that impact on e-learning. Institutional approaches in supporting e-learning within different countries are also contrasted. The outcomes are general recommendations regarding the focus, alignment and integration of e-learning for the retail sector, with activities proposed to support e-learning.
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    Perceptions of service provided by South African police service community service centres
    (Informa UK Limited, 2019-07-25) Mason, Roger Bruce; Ngobese, Ndabazinhle; Maharaj, Mandusha
    This study investigated citizens’ perceptions of the service experienced when visiting Community Service Centres (CSC) of the South African Police Service (previously known as ‘police stations’ or ‘charge offices’). The study focuses on factors leading up to the visit and to the service experience as perceived by the visitors, and whether these perceptions differed according to various demographic factors. A survey of 400 respondents at three CSCs measured how and why the CSC was visited, overall satisfaction and respondents’ perceptions of the visit experience (measured via the service quality dimensions). The results indicate that overall satisfaction does not differ significantly according to demo-graphics, but that there are some differences in the lead-up factors and the experience according to education and income. Actions needed to improve the visit experience for citizens include customer service train-ing, regular assessment and monitoring of clients’ experiences, as well as CSC employees’ behaviour.
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    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.
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    Factors that influence perceptions and purchasing of organic produce by South African Consumers : a literature review
    (IGI Global, 2019) Fynn-Green, Geraldine; Mason, Roger Bruce; Giampiccoli, Andrea
    This article provides insight into the literature on consumer perceptions towards organic fruit and vegetables, attempting to identify factors that influence purchasing practices. Several supermarkets and fresh food markets in South Africa are now selling organically produced food items and consequently provide consumers with an alternative to conventionally grown food. However, limited research has been conducted in South Africa regarding consumer awareness and knowledge pertaining to organic produce and how consumer perceptions affect their purchasing practices. This article therefore provides a background to the organic food market in South Africa. From available literature, the article then goes on to explain the consumer behavior related to purchasing organic food produce, specifically with regard to socio-economic demographics and factors influencing willingness to pay a premium for organic produce. The article culminates in suggestions for further research to improve knowledge and understanding of the organic produce consumer in South Africa.
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    E-learning : a means to increase learner involvement in research
    (IGI Global, 2014) De Beer, Marie; Mason, Roger Bruce
    This paper investigates a method for increasing the involvement of marketing fourth year learners in academic research, by encouraging greater participation in, and commitment to, their research project in the Applied Marketing IV subject. It is assumed that greater involvement will result in a greater pass rate. The main rea- sons for this lack of interest were found to be a sense of incompetence and a lack of resources which were the main objectives of a research project. These objectives were addressed by using learner centered methodolo- gies with the research method Action Research. This research method with the slow resolution of problems was used together with a teaching methodology whose objectives supported the resolution of the learners' inadequacies. Formative assessment was used at the start of the measuring of the learners'progress and was found useful with its quick and positive feedback in supporting the learners' con.ftdence. An eClassroom was structured for the implementation of the Applied Marketing IV course. It was designed in such a way that it facilitated the learners' use of the more commonly used devices such as sur.ftng the web, email and Internet over and above the chosen course material. Although it was not possible to complete the main intervention of the project it was possible to use the participants' experiences in the navigation of the course material in the eClassroom, to further develop future follow-up courses.
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    The impact of poor supervision on postgraduate students
    (Web of Science, 2015-11) Ngcwane, C.N.
    In recent years transformation has encouraged an increase in the number of postgraduate students. There is a growing concern worldwide and in South Africa about the quality of postgraduate supervision in higher education institutions and the length of time it takes postgraduate students to complete their studies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact if poor supervision on postgraduate students in order to recommend necessary interventions and encourage quality supervision which benefit all stakeholders. The paper will answer the following question: What are causes and effects of poor supervision on postgraduate students in universities? Students experience different difficulties when they do their postgraduate studies. They experience traditional model of a single supervisor supervising a full-blown thesis. Some supervisors are inexperienced and others lack research method and technical skills. Students suffer silently as they fear victimisation from their so-called supervisor. Some supervisors only care about research outputs. They don’t supervise but demand that students should write articles and publish them. That benefits a supervisor than a student. All students want is to get a degree. These experiences cripple the progress of students and demotivate them. Hence, while there has been a growth in student numbers enrolling for postgraduate studies and research programmes but there has not been a substantial increase in the output of successful postgraduate students. In order to collect the required data for the study, the survey will be used. It is hoped that the data collected will enable the researcher to address the question raised. In this study, the relevant theory will be used to explain the phenomenon.
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    Communication channels and interpersonal communication between South African and German business partners
    (Virtus Interpress, 2013) Scheming, Oleg; Mason, Roger Bruce
    Good communication skills are vital, especially in business. This study investigated the role of interpersonal communications in managing South African – German business relationships. The objective of the study was to identify which communication channels South African businesses use to communicate with their German business partners, and which are perceived to be the most effective. In order to accomplish the objective, a survey was conducted by means of self-administered e-mail based questionnaires. In addition, a few depth interviews were conducted to help interpret the quantitative results of the study. In both cases, the respondents were purposively selected. Based on the findings, recommendations were provided on how communication can be made more effective to improve South African and German business relationships.
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    Selection of causes according to socio-demographic status in South Africa
    (Taylor and Fancis, 2011-06-21) Corbishley, Karen Margaret; Mason, Roger Bruce
    Cause related marketing links charities to the sales of products, brands, or services. The charity is mentioned in promotional campaigns and a percentage donated to the cause according to unit sales or turnover. This article aims to establish which charities are more popular with South African consumers, and whether different socio-demographic groups (age, gender, income, and education) prefer to support different causes. A quantitative study was conducted in South Africa using a structured questionnaire administered via interviews at shopping malls. Different groups were found to prefer to support considerably different causes and these causes were identified.
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    Evaluating student perceptions on the development management curricula to promote green economy
    (Business Perspectives, 2016) Govender, Ivan Gunass
    The purpose of the paper is to determine the students' perceptions on the development management curricula in relation to education i ngreen economy, as no previous research has been conducted to evaluate the perceptions of the students enrolled for this course. The study seeks to answer the following question: To what extent were students exposed to the skills and conpetencies required for engaging in green economy and its effect on their home and work environment. The study used the quantitative approach where the students were given a questionnaire to cmplete. The findings indicated that the sustainable development attributes were adeuately covered with strong focus on global issues, time management and systems theory and thinking. Personal attribute awareness gained during the course included leadership skills, critical thinking and decision making that could enhance the understanding of the economy and environmental management. The study also highlights the students' perceptions that they could make significant contributions towards the green economy both at work and home. The study recommends that the course be redesigned to include aspects of green economy, the assessment strategies be made more relevant at the program level to include the tenets of engaged scholarship. The study is important for curriculum developers and higher educatoin policy developers to ensure that the course content is relevant to addressing economic relations in the area of environmental management.
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    Towards inclusive education for environmental sustainability at a University of Technology
    (Business Perspectives, 2016) Govender, Ivan Gunass
    The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efforts of Durban University of Technology to provide a more inclusive education for the transition towards an economic and sustainable environment. The paper is centred on assessing the current general education programme implemented by Durban University of Technology by exploring the general education environmental knowledge domains. In 2009, the Durban University of Technology Senate accepted the general education guidelines for curriculum renewal and stipulated the aims of general education as building a student-centeredness experience, preparing students for the complex and changing globalized environment and to cultivate responsible citizenship. Documentary analysis was undertaken to assess the graduate attributes and its incorporation into the general education modules. The general education policy documents, thematic clustering, module descriptors and study guides were inspected to establish the scope of the knowledge that would aid students to engage in a transitional and transformational world. The study findings highlighted that while the general education modules related to environmental sustainability, there was little evidence of the green economy being included in the general education curricula. DUT needs to progress towards becoming a sustainable university to enrich the students' experiences in education in sustainable development (ESD) through committed leadership, being lecturer focused and developing a participatory monitoring and evaluation system for ESD. The study is of value to higher education and governmental institutions engaged in transformative learning and education policy development in environmental management and green economy.