Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 104

Academics perceptions of community engagement at a selected University of Technology in South Africa
(2021-09) Patchappan, Terslina; Govender, Ivan Gunass
The South African society is unambiguously in a flux, plagued with wicked challenges such as increased levels of poverty, youth unemployment and an extensive public health crisis, which have become the societal norm. Increased prominence exists for university programmes to alleviate these challenges and sustain the South African landscape. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of community engagement amongst academics at a selected University of Technology, namely the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Academics’ perceptions towards community engagement are significant for the institutionalisation of engagement at the university. Against this backdrop, the main objectives of this study were to evaluate academics’ understanding of community engagement; assess the extent of their initiatives; determine their enablers and constraints to undertake such initiatives; and recommend strategies that could lead to an improved community engagement experience. The research design adopted was the quantitative paradigm, which entailed the distribution of a structured open and closed-ended questionnaire to the respondents. Against a Five-Point Likert Scale, the questionnaire comprised of six sections, each under a specific main theme related to the research topic. The simple random sampling technique achieved a sample size of 80 respondents from a target population of 102 academics. The sample respondents returned seventy-four questionnaires. This represented a high response rate of 93%, through the attribution of a personal method of data collection. Furthermore, the data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.0 for Windows. Upon completion, the entire dissertation was verified against plagiarism through the Turnitin programme and achieved a 10% rating. The study found that workload demand and time are main inhibitors of community engagement. The researcher recommended that DUT should consider offering rigid empowerment and support structures for academics. Lastly, the research project concluded with directions for future research based on the insights of academics into community engagement in South African higher education.
Addressing gender-based violence in Umlazi, Ward 83 Durban
(2023) Khuzwayo, Zanele Maureen; Hamlall, Vijay
Extensive research has pointed to ongoing and increasing gender-based violence internationally and in South Africa. The rampant escalation of gender-based violence in many South African townships is of particular concern. The main focus of this study was to investigate the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding gender-based violence of a sample of men and women living in Ward 83 in the township of Umlazi, in KwaZulu-Natal. This study looked beyond the dichotomy of women as victims and men as perpetrators, with a focus on understanding how society constrains and enables individual agency around gender-based violence and decision-making and how behaviour is affected by social norms and expectations. This study identified the sources of the attitudes and beliefs expressed by the chosen sample of community members in Umlazi using a participatory action research approach and implemented a programme of action aimed at preventing and reducing the prevalence of gender-based violence in the township through behaviour and attitudinal change. Men play an active role in shaping women's identities and controlling their behaviour. For this reason, the study included men living in the area. This study is situated in the social constructionist framework since the researcher was interested in understanding the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of a sample of men and women as described by them. This framework allows for the interpretation of gender, culture and social factors that shape identities and actions. The choice of a small sample is based on the intention to produce rich, in-depth qualitative data. The participants consisted of seven females and five males ranging in age from twentyone to fifty years old, since this study focused on the experiences of the adult community of Umlazi. The two main research methods employed were individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The results were interpreted and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that gender-based violence in this community manifested itself in various forms. However, I classified the consequences of gender based violence into two broad categories: physical and psychological. Scholars of gender and violence argue that there is no single factor that causes gender-based violence but rather an array of factors that raises the likelihood that a man in a particular setting may act violently towards a woman. Significantly, it emerged in this study that the main causes of gendered violent behaviour were associated with social norms, substance abuse and constructions of masculinity. The effects of gender-based violence were acute and immediate physical injuries and psychological trauma. The women mentioned feelings of depression and anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The abuse also impacted their self-worth and self-esteem. This study recommends an integrated comprehensive approach of all stakeholders in the form of community based intervention programmes towards the eradication gender-based violence.
Analysing the influence of operations management as an approach to sustaining effective corporate governance in the public health sector : a case study of the provincial department of health
(2023-05) Mthembu, Nozipho Elsie; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent
Operations management has gained considerable attention in the corporate world and establishment due to its perceived benefits. It assists in the effective management function of controlling and supervising of services and people. With efficient operations management, people such as nurses, physicians and other healthcare personnel can provide attentive services. In light of the effect of operations management, the objectives of the study were to determine whether executives and health representatives can engage in planning that creates the highest level of efficiency within the organisation; establish if the management exercises control that can promote rational decisions; determine whether, through the operational skills and exposure, the management can direct operational resources towards achieving the best efficiency; establish whether the executives and their subordinates can recognise the factors hampering OM and their method of corporate governance, and assess the extent to which health representatives can expedite the efforts of OM to implement effective corporate governance. For this study, simple random sampling was applied to select required respondents from the KwaZulu-Natal health care units and centres. The 259 responses received were accepted as the sample size of this study. Data collected were captured and analysed on Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) v26.0 to yield descriptive and inferential statistics. The most important outcome of the study was that the healthcare workers referred to the fact that the management function of planning, organising, controlling, supervising, staffing, coordinating and leading were all very valuable in setting up and operating a successful business. The issue that surfaced from the respondents was that the operatives were not committed to the ethical code that direct their operations, even though some of them did endeavour to embrace transparency, accountability, fairness, teamwork, risk management and integrity in their line operations and mode of governance. The main recommendation that is made here is that healthcare leaders and operatives must be enlightened with the importance of an ethical code to maintain effective corporate governance. This could also be a path for further research.
An analysis of communication tools employed for HIV/AIDS education by student support services at universities in KwaZulu-Natal
(2018) Nchabeleng, Ntheno Lentsu; Rampersad, Renitha; Dorasamy, Nirmala
HIV/AIDS remains a global health crisis. In sub-Saharan Africa, young people continue to be disproportionally affected by HIV/AIDS. While access to antiretroviral (ARVs) is an important factor in the success of HIV/AIDS treatment, socio-cultural factors continue to exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS particularly among young people. This has necessitated the need for comprehensive strategies to be designed in order to address contextual factors that undermine HIV/AIDS prevention efforts for young people. The Higher Education HIV and AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) exists to address HIV/AIDS related challenges and to manage HIV/AIDS programmes in Higher Education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. Despite efforts to mitigate the spread of HIV/ADS among university students, students continue to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Using the Interactive Model of Communication, Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study analysed the communication tools employed for HIV/AIDS education by student services at four public universities in KwaZulu-Natal. A mixed method approach, consisting of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were employed to obtain data from 474 university students and 24 health care providers to assess the communication tools utilised in HIV/AIDS education at HEIs. Findings revealed that university students are well informed about HIV/AIDS; however, students’ health seeking behaviour remains poor. Key findings highlighted that students’ reception and interpretation of HIV/AIDS messages are embedded in their autobiographical and socio-cultural circumstances. Thus, in order for HIV/AIDS communication strategies to be effective in influencing positive sexual behaviour among university students, there is need for an assessment of their autobiographical and socio-cultural circumstances in order to understand how students receive and interpret HIV/AIDS messages.
An analysis of policy impact and stream water quality practices on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour toward stream restoration practices in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
(2022-05) Xaba, Ntokozo Amanda; Mgutshini, Tennyson
Background: Environmental knowledge and environmental policies influence behaviour change towards environmental-policies adherence. Rivers in Umlazi are one of the most polluted rivers in South Africa which results in reports of death resulting from illegal dumping. There is limited understanding of how policy and stream water quality influence people’s environmental knowledge, attitude and behavioural practice. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine policy impact on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour toward stream restoration practices in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Methodology: A sequential mixed method design was used in this study. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from the municipality and community organisations under exploratory design. A survey on community members of Umlazi validates the interview and focus group findings. Results: Altering physical and natural environment as part of Social Ecological Model (SEM) and improving living conditions of the citizens can be conducted by the government to yield better public health outcomes. Beta coefficients (0.168) for policies findings suggest policy impact has biggest influence in predicting behavioural change towards stream restoration and in decision making than attitude and knowledge. Even though there was lack of proper knowledge on stream water quality testing, poor attitude towards stream restoration practice was highlighted throughout the study. Citizens’ behaviour and attitude instead highlighted social disapproval towards clean stream management and 76.3% highlighted concerns of children being more vulnerable to health and safety risks. Key Contributions Made by the Study: The study proposes a model that suggests that sustainable management of river ecosystems requires a stronger inter-disciplinary approach and reclaiming the ‘water sector’ from the margins to the centre of policymaking.
Analysis of the perceptions of crime against tourists in Florida Road, Durban
(2018) Phori, Madiseng Messiah; Mbali, Charlotte
The goal of this study was to investigate the perceptions of crime on tourists eating out at Florida Road in Durban. According to Visser and Rogerson (2004 cited in Goerge and Booyens 2014: 450), although South Africa has been classified as a relatively safe tourist destination, high levels of crime threaten the country’s tourism growth prospects. Crime Stats Simplified (2014) indicates that Durban central is one of the top ten worst precincts in South Africa with high crime rate at 10.9% after Mitchells Plain and Cape Town Central with 17% and 12.2% respectively. Therefore the study focused at the Florida Road since Durban has been a destination of choice for many visitors (Durban Experience 2015), with the aim of analysing the perceptions of crime on tourists eating out at Florida Road. Safety and security are regarded as pillars for tourism growth and destination competitiveness. The main objectives of this research were; to investigate the perceptions of crime on tourists in Florida Road; to determine whether the stakeholders such as police and businesses are doing anything to tackle the issues of crime against tourists; to investigate the stakeholders’ observation about behaviour of tourists in general in relation to safety and security in the area; to what extent does crime affects restaurant businesses that are serving tourists in the area; to make recommendations to what further can be done to prevent crimes against tourists in Florida Road and the province at large. The triangulation methodology was used by employing both quantitative and qualitative methods through descriptive research approach by means of self- administered questionnaires with 42 hospitality workers, UIP security guards & taxi drivers and 10 law-enforcement agencies and interviews and focus group discussions with 5 key informants respectively. The data collected was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] and NVivo software programmes. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and a thematic analysis. There is a perception that the number of tourists has decreased in the last three years due to the crime and the area is currently experiencing high level of theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles. There was a perception of safety and poor visitor experience due to vagrants who poses as car guards to commit crimes. There is a perception that visitors do not make return visits once they become victims of crime and some businesses do closes down or relocate, it is also perceived that businesses experience financial losses due to crime in the study area.
The application of space technology and the challenges of managing water infrastructure in a selected South African municipality
(2023-04) Mokgobu, Matlou Lesley; Mason, Roger Bruce
The installation of water infrastructure in cities poses a challenge to communities, municipalities, and installation contractors. These challenges range from the inaccessibility of streets, the community’s limited access to homes, traffic jams, deep trenches with few or no barricades, leaking water pipes, water supply cut-offs, electricity supply cut-offs, vandalism, and theft of water pipes and accessories. The research problem, therefore, revolves around a better understanding of these water infrastructural problems, how to mitigate such problems caused by inadequate planning, leading, organising, controlling, and coordination by management, arising from various technical aspects of water infrastructure. The need for this study arises from the inconvenience and dangers experienced by communities with heaps of materials lying around causing disturbances to traffic flow, open hazardous trenches becoming dangerous to children playing in their vicinity, vehicle accidents because of the trenches, and damaged kerbs. The study aimed to investigate the challenges of managing water infrastructure in a selected South African municipality to find possible ways to resolve such challenges with the help of space technology. The study achieved the objectives, namely, to identify the challenges experienced by the municipality during and after the installation of water infrastructure; to rank the importance of the experienced challenges; to explore the root causes of the challenges experienced during the installation of water infrastructure; to identify how space technology can help with the management of water infrastructure; to develop a framework of the challenges and the causes; and, to explore water management strategies with the effort of finding possible ways to resolve the challenges. The study was exploratory and applied mixed methods research methodology. Data was collected via a survey (402 City of Tshwane residents), in-depth interviews (20 City of Tshwane managers of the Water Division), and two focus groups (7 participants per group of City of Tshwane contractor managers and contractor employees) through the convergent parallel design method. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 27), and the qualitative data was analysed using NVivo version 27, charts, tables, and themes. The results from the three sets of participants indicated multiple challenges related to skills deficits, management deficits, political interference, and inexperienced staff in the water infrastructure division. The findings indicated knowledge, ability and performance gaps in human resources, management, technical skills, financial management, socio-politics, and legal frameworks. The study contributed new knowledge to systems theory regarding the policies, systems, installation and maintenance of water infrastructure, and communication, and these aspects are supported by the findings. The application of space technology on a large scale can help the City of Tshwane fight criminal acts of vandalism and theft of infrastructure. This study found that space technology is still in its infancy in the city, and that the application of this technology requires an elevated level of education, experience and specialised technical skills to operate. This study recommended extensive investment in space technology. The study further recommended that the City of Tshwane improve human resources, training, culture, finance, operations, and control measures. The study recommended further research on the proper use of funds, the causes of community violence against the contractors doing maintenance, investigation of the delays in the procurement of services, turnaround time for the various water infrastructure activities, relationship management between the city employees and the contractors, the impact of lack of reporting by the managers and employees to the superiors in the water infrastructure division, and clearer definition of roles between municipal employees and politicians. More academic research into water infrastructure, based on the use of and relationship between water infrastructure and space technology, is warranted.
Artificial intelligence–based neural network for the diagnosis of diabetes and COVID
(Universidad Tecnica de Manabi, 2022-07-01) Roland, Gilbert; Kumar, Navin; Gururaj, Bharathi; Richa, Richa; Bobade, Sunil Devidas; Lourens, Melanie Elizabeth
In many nations, the prevalence of diabetes is rising, and its impact on national health cannot be overlooked. Smart medicine is a medical concept in which technology is used to aid in disease detection and treatment. The objective of this study is to take a gander at the information and look at changed diabetic mellitus forecasting algorithms. According to rising dismalness as of late, the quantity of diabetic patients worldwide will arrive at 642 million out of 2040, suggesting that one out of each 10persons would be affected. This worrisome figure, without a question, demands immediate attention. AI has been applied to an assortment of aspects of clinical wellbeing as a result of its rapid progress. To predict diabetes mellitus in this review, we utilized a choice tree, an arbitrary timberland, and a neural organization.
Assessing the implementation of the eThekwini Municipality’s military veterans policy
(2023) Zondi, Philani; Molokwane, Serathi
The study was premised on understanding the implementation of the eThekwini Municipal Military Veteran Policy in 2018. The Military Veterans Policy (MVP) aims to help improve the quality of life of Military Veterans and their dependents so that they may realize socio-economic advances years after their role in fighting for democracy ended. Hence, this study aimed to assess the implementation of the eThekwini Military Veterans Policy within the eThekwini Municipality. A qualitative research design based on an interpretive paradigm has been applied for this study using a Critical Theory approach. Arising from the analysed data, a significant discovery revealed insight into who a military veteran is, as well as insight into the issues affecting the implementation of the eThekwini Military Veterans Policy, including insights into who a military veteran is and furthermore, an understanding of the implementation of the eThekwini Military Veterans Policy in the eThekwini Municipality. Additionally, there has been deliberation on the areas of significant weaknesses and ways the eThekwini Municipality can improve their relationship with military veterans in the area. The study offered informed recommendations, prospects for future research, and some conclusions based on the study objectives.
An assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of Supply Chain Management in the public sector : a case study of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in KwaZulu-Natal region
(2018-09) Nkwanyana, Nontuthuko S'lindile; Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey
The Supply Chain Management (SCM) concept emanated from the old purchasing models i.e. provisioning and procurement. This model, SCM, received a great deal of attention in both private and public sector organizations. The model was believed to conform to international best practice and thus it was believed to hold the promise of a better purchasing system in the public sector. In this context this research seeks to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of SCM in the public sector, with particular reference to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ and CD) in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Region. Research data was obtained by means of quantitative paradigm aided by a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed specific themes pertaining to SCM as well as the objectives of the research project. A total of 129 members of the target population participated in the research. They were selected from various offices in KZN. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select the participants. The researcher was personally involved in the collection of the questionnaires from them. Prior to its administration, the questionnaire was pre-tested for accuracy and clarity. The data collected were analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for Windows, and the research report was evaluated for plagiarism with the use of the computer programme TURNITIN. The research revealed that SCM in the organization under study has contributed significantly to enhancing conformance to the principles of good governance and to service standards. However, challenges associated with capacity deficiencies such as a lack of manpower, information and skills were noted. Finally, in line with the research objectives, the researcher concludes by recommending structural re-engineering, the training and development of employees, supplier education, supply chain planning, and teamwork and partnerships among all stakeholders who contribute to the delivery of goods and services to end customers.
An assessment of the employee assistance programme related to substance abuse : a case study of a selected private hospital in KwaZulu-Natal
(2017) George, Tracy; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
The aim of this study was to assess the employee assistance programme related to substance abuse within a selected private hospital in KwaZulu Natal. A paucity of information within the South African context on how employees with substance abuse problems were being managed within the workplace provided the motivation for this study. The objective of this study was to evaluate existing employee assistance programmes, the line manager model and existing human resource policies and procedures within the selected private hospital. The research design adopted a mixed method approach using a questionnaire, followed by an interview based on findings of the questionnaires. The intended sample size was 185 out of 460 staff and the final return of questionnaires was 219. Of significance is the response rate of over a 40% which implies a margin error of 5%. The data was analysed using the computerised Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0 for Windows). This study concluded with the findings that emerged from the research. The findings suggest that employees with substance abuse problems are not being effectively managed and that there are no awareness models apart from the employee wellness provider. The limit of the employee wellness provider is that it markets “employee wellness” rather than an emphasis on substance abuse. A suggestion is that the human resource department and the wellness provider partner in inspiring a substance abuse prevention and assistance campaign. Another recommendation highlights the training of all line managers in identification of recognising employees with substance abuse problems prior to work performance being affected. The study concluded with suggestions for future research in this field.
An assessment of the impact of supply chain risk management in food-aid distribution in Zimbabwe
(2020-09) Ngarize, Peter; Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni
The present study sought to investigate and interrogate supply chain risks prevalent in the humanitarian sector with reference to food-aid distribution and to also assess the impact of supply chain risk management as a strategy for cost- effective food-aid distribution operations in Zimbabwe. The global increase of disasters and their devastating effects has left communities vulnerable and in need of help from Donors, humanitarian agencies and the host governments. The damage by disasters notably droughts, floods and cyclones have caused various forms of vulnerability on populations living in disaster struck countries, including Zimbabwe. The natural disasters and catastrophes have inadvertently solicited for committed investment by both local and international governments to assist those unfortunate to have been struck by disasters and their impacts. Information on disaster impacts specifically related to food-aid distribution is gathered through an analysis of risks prevalent along the food and humanitarian aid supply chain network. This information will be used by government and various humanitarian stakeholders in the formulation of strategies to mitigate disaster and supply chain risks in humanitarian aid distribution. A mixed-method approach was employed to assess the impact of supply chain risk management in food-aid distribution in Zimbabwe. A sample size of 80 Humanitarian Aid stakeholders from the District Drought Relief Committee completed structured questionnaires. The Cronbach Alpha Test showed high reliability for the scales used in the study. Furthermore, the study used information from key informants, at least fifteen (15) members from the secretariat, namely, the District Administrators, the Social Welfare officers, as well as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) personnel who were readily available at their stations for one-on-one interviews. Five strategies, that include flexibility, collaborative, prepositioning, hedging, and governance were explored and their impact on distribution of food-aid analysed. Quantitative data was analysed using STATA (version 16). Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was used to investigate the nature and magnitude of the relationship between food-aid distribution efficiency and supply chain risk factors, while also controlling for the effect of demographic variables and results were compared with those of the Tobit models as a test for robustness of the results. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis derived from observations and interviews and descriptive statistics presented in tables. This study tested the robustness of the five strategies used in food-aid distribution and noted that the most commonly used strategy is insurance, followed by governance, then collaboration, flexibility, prepositioning, and financing. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY It is expected that the study will assist the Government of Zimbabwe, other governments in Southern Africa, and humanitarian aid stakeholders in the formulation of policies for the humanitarian food and non-food-aid distribution. This will lead to improved efficiency in foodaid distribution. Policy recommendations highlight the need for synergistic relationships between WFP, the Meteorological Department, Department of Social Welfare, and the Civil Protection Department. The Government of Zimbabwe should therefore create an enabling environment for stakeholder partnerships in the Humanitarian Food -Aid supply chain that should cascade to the village and community levels. Disaster interventions should not only come from National Central Government but, where necessary and feasible, should be from local community to National, building a bottom up approach in disaster mitigation strategies.
Barriers to and determinants of funding sustainable development projects in developing countries : a case study of the eThekwini Municipality
(2017) Sangham, Anilrai I.; Msweli, Pumela
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the barriers to and the determinants of funding sustainable development through the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism at the Bisasar Road and Mariannhill landfill sites. The Clean Development Mechanism is an economic construct, arising out of the Kyoto Protocol (UNFCCC 2004:10), and formulated to promote social and economic welfare by transferring technology in such a manner, that it promotes sustainable development and ecological renewal. The stated goal of CDM (UNFCCC: 10) is to reduce harmful emissions and thereafter, to produce sustainable development and ecological renewal. This research utilised the case study methodology as advocated by Eisenhardt (1989:538). The study employed multiple data collection methodologies which included face-face interviews, within case analysis, triangulation, field notes and photographs. An important component of the data collection methodology was to access financial records of revenue flows for the CDM implementation process from January 2009 to December 2015. The research found that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that the Clean Development Mechanism, as implemented at Bisasar Road and Mariannhill, reduced carbon emissions. Further, the study found that the production of clean energy produced financial losses rather than revenues for funding sustainable development. The relevance and value of this research lies in the presentation and formatting of the Systematic Sequential Analysis Model. The purpose of the Systematic Sequential Analysis Model is to introduce a series of financial, macro-economic, micro-economic, and technical sustainability filters for the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism in developing countries.
Brand preference for mobile phones among students at a selected higher education institution
(2017) Ndadziyira, Tafadzwa; Govender, Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
It is widely evident that the mobile phone industry is facing rapid growth, with the increased introduction of cheaper mobile phones in South Africa intensifying competition between such companies. A number of studies have been conducted in other countries on brand preferences, but there remains a gap in knowledge with regard to the South African market. It was therefore warranted to academically research factors influencing consumer brand preferences when purchasing mobile phones, in order to understand these preferences, and what consumers consider when making such purchases. The rationale of the study was to provide new insights for local marketers into the factors consumers consider most when looking at mobile phone brands. The aim of this study was therefore to determine brand preferences for mobile phones amongst students at a selected higher educational institution in South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, where the data obtained was 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 performed on a target population of 378 students. The sample size was selected by giving questionnaires to those students most available to the researcher. The results were then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.0 software. Validity was ensured by conducting a pre-test of the questionnaire, and the study’s reliability was measured using Cronbach’s Co-efficient Alpha test. The study findings showed that brand popularity, prices, product attributes, social influences and marketing communications all affect mobile phone brand preferences amongst students. The study results also showed, however, that there were some product attributes and social influences that did not influence these preferences. Recommendations are given to industry players to increase their knowledge of these important factors, to aid with the improvement of their brands and increasing their market preference in this highly competitive industry.
Bridging work experience with academic qualifications to improve employability of business studies graduates in Gauteng
(2023-02) Nkomo, Vuyokazi; Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey
Unemployment is one of South Africa's biggest challenges. The unemployment rate for graduates and others with university degrees currently exceeds 30 percent. Lack of work experience is cited as one of the main reasons for unemployment. Despite the relevance of work experience, there is insufficient evidence in the literature that it is used as the main criterion for recruitment. Previous research has shown that recruiters make recruiting recommendations based on applicants' work experience, overlooking other factors. This thesis examines the association between employment experience and graduate employability. A quantitative approach was utilised, aided by a questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 265 business graduates from the Gauteng province. The questionnaire yielded 124 responses. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling. The main results showed that work experience had a positive, but statistically insignificant, impact on graduates' employability. These results suggest that work experience alone is not sufficient to make graduates employable. There are other aspects and skill sets such as behavioural skills, technical skills, strategic skills, and functional skills, which have a significant impact on graduate employability. Key stakeholders in higher education and labour markets should form meaningful partnerships in which they identify and prioritise the employability skills needed to seamlessly transition graduates into the industry. It is recommended that all students should be required to complete a workbased learning course or a structured internship as part of their studies, with students being required to work in the industry for a while before employment. In this way, they would be prepared to integrate into the industry after graduation, having already gained experience during work-based learning. A further recommendation is that employer involvement in course design and delivery could have a positive impact on graduate employability.
Building peace through land access and food security in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda
(2017) Turyamureeba, Robert; Kaye, Sylvia; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
This study was conducted between November 2015 and March 2016 in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of the oldest and largest refugee settlements in Africa. The objectives of the study were to determine the forms and causes of land conflicts in the refugee settlement; to establish the relationship between land conflicts and food security in the Settlement; to identify the strategies refugees adopt to cope with land shortage and food insecurity problems in the Settlement; to establish the residents’ perceptions of the effectiveness of interventions aimed at mitigating land conflicts and enhancing food security in the Settlement and its host communities. Interest in the study arose out of the reported persistence of food insecurity and land conflicts despite efforts to ensure food security and restore peace and security in the refugee settlement and the host communities. The study used exploratory, analytical and descriptive research designs to obtain qualitative primary data. Secondary data was obtained through documentary review. Primary data was collected using interviews, focus group discussion and observation. The study found that land conflicts involve the destruction of crops, livestock and even human lives and they sometimes culminate in costly legal battles in courts of law. They pit the Settlement Commandant against Ugandans in the Settlement, pastoralists against cultivators, pastoralists against pastoralists, cultivators against cultivators, refugees against Ugandans and refugees against refugees. The conflicts also oppose host communities against refugees, conservationists against encroachers on protected land and Ugandans in the Settlement against the government. The study also found the causes to be land-grabbing and fraudulent acquisition of, or claims on, land by unscrupulous people, encroachment on others’ land and protected land, high population growth, the presence of vacant land in the Settlement, competition over increasingly scarce land by cultivators and pastoralists, ambiguous settlement boundaries, contested land ownership, jealousy and antipathy. The study further established that there is a strong positive relationship between land conflicts and food insecurity. Violent land conflicts lead to the maiming and death of farmers, destruction of crops and livestock and deterrence of potential agricultural investors from investing in agriculture, thus lowering food production and increasing food insecurity. Land conflicts also render disputed land idle and therefore unproductive, leading to reduced food production; and, within families, land conflicts lead to land fragmentation which leads to reduced food production and increased food scarcity. Regarding refugee coping mechanisms, the study found that refugees in Nakivale resorted to both positive and negative coping mechanisms. Positive coping mechanisms include establishing small businesses, rural-urban migration, farming, education and resettlement, intermarriage, paid employment, and psychosocial support. Others were: borrowing money, casual labour, networking, remittances, spirituality and religion. Negative mechanisms include: cheating the system and self-integration, prostitution, early marriage, drug abuse, theft and robbery. The study also found that interventions in land conflicts in the Settlement were unsuccessful due to corruption and limited involvement of the beneficiaries. The challenges of implementing refugee policy in the Settlement were identified as limited funding, inadequate coordination and consultation between the district and settlement authorities, xenophobia and an increasing refugee population with insatiable demands. The study recommends the following: demarcation of the boundaries of the Settlement; relocation of some refugees to other settlements in the country; housing scheme for both refugees and nationals in the Settlement to enable everyone to live decently; affordable loans for both refugees and Nationals in the Settlement; introduction of plot numbers to resolve land conflicts among refugees; a structural plan for the Settlement; mechanization of agriculture in the Settlement and increased provision of farming inputs, such as fertilisers to all farmers in the Settlement; coordinated and participatory planning between settlement and district authorities, involving refugees and Nationals.
Challenges and best practices in the use of e-learning technologies for teaching and learning at UOTs : a case study of the Durban University of Technology
(2021-12) Ramroop, Navitha; Reddy, Karunanidhi
This study reflected on the current context of the South African higher education landscape by focussing on the role that technology plays in academia for successful teaching and learning, with particular reference to elearning. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are re-designing their curricula to merge existing teaching and learning content with technological practices and applications, with the goal of producing appropriately qualified graduates who will be globally recognised and best suited for industry. Literature on the subject revealed that technology-enhanced learning, or e-learning, has peaked in most parts of the world. However, each educational institution is unique and the challenges and opportunities posed by e-learning differ. The uniqueness differs because the technological metamorphosis evolves around resources, skills sets, infrastructure and the mind-sets of lecturers and students. The common belief is that technology empowers people, enabling them to do what they want to do, promoting creativity and productivity. It was necessary (before researching the technology applicable for teaching and learning) to understand how teaching and learning occurred in HEIs. The findings revealed the learning and teaching processes, as expounded by the Constructivist Theory, as that which not only involves the transmission of information, nor is it deemed only as the acquisition of knowledge. The student is an active participant and the lecturer ensures the facilitation of the learning process. Technology adds a further dimension to teaching and learning practices, justifying e-learning in pedagogies. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the challenges experienced and best-practices adopted in the use of e-learning technologies for teaching and learning at Universities of Technology (UoTs), with specific reference to the Durban University of Technology (DUT). An empirical research approach was adopted, with surveys being conducted with both teaching staff and students at DUT. Apart from determining the challenges and best-practices experienced by lecturers and students at DUT, the study has produced recommendations and intervention strategies to address the challenges of teaching and learning with e-learning. The development of a framework of strategies concluded the study, highlighting the challenges of e-learning while providing recommended intervention strategies, best-practices and a phased implementation plan. However, while this study focussed on the challenges and best-practices for e-learning in HEIs, the driving force in 2020 for institutions of higher learning to embrace technology as a teaching and learning tool was the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was already in progress when it was hindered by the pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic spread at an unfathomable rate, resulting in medical institutions being unable to cope with the increased number of patients and fatalities, while businesses buckled under the strain of an economic downturn. Statistics revealed that as at 25 May 2021, the virus infected 167 million people globally, while claiming the lives of 3,47 million people. In South Africa alone, 55 874 people succumbed to the virus. Lockdown measures were necessary to curtail the spread of the virus. HEIs were also unfortunately forced to close their doors to students. The forced closure of HEIs did not deter lecturers and students from engaging in teaching and learning, but it forced a move away from the traditional teaching and learning practices. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need globally for all educational sectors to invest every effort into moving towards digital curricula. Even without the forceful nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, DUT had already embarked on the use of digital technology to enable teaching and learning. The impact of the global pandemic provided a platform to further highlight the challenges of using technology for teaching and learning, as well as the bestpractices adopted at the institution. Many significant findings arose from analysing the data produced from both the staff and the student surveys. The findings provided a plethora of rich information which aided in the development of the framework addressing the challenges experienced by staff (rigid teaching practices; the lack of access to technology; the lack of skills; poor infrastructure), as well as those experienced by the students (technology is a distraction to weaker students, the lack of concentration in online learning, the lack of human contact, the lack of access to technology). The findings relating to how the lecturers and students perceive the usefulness of technology in teaching and learning, as well as their perceived ease with the use of technological devices, are clearly depicted in the underpinnings of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This is evident from the approach adopted by lecturers and students in the use of technology in higher education. The recommendations made in the study take into account the plight of the “have-nots”. The findings revealed that many students are not equipped to engage in e-learning as access to devices and data, as well as proper networking infrastructure, and a conducive learning environment are challenges. The recommendations suggest that HEIs need to be attentive to students who are less privileged or who emerge from disadvantaged backgrounds and hence need the minimum essentials for e-learning. In seeking solutions to the e-learning challenges in higher education, the Social Justice Theory and principles are of fundamental importance. Any other approach could result in solving technology-related challenges, but would leave those who require the support the most outside the ambit of transformation in higher education. The study has not only produced recommendations for addressing the elearning challenges, but has also developed a phased implementation plan for e-learning implementation at DUT.
The challenges of working and studying at a satellite campus : a case study of the Riverside Campus of the Durban University of Technology
(2014-06-13) Gumede, Dumsile Cynthia; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent; Zondo, Robert Dumisani
Universities are seen to be facing a turbulent storm of challenges, demands, environmental changes, and facilitated thrust in the midst of economic meltdown. The environments in which these institutions are operating are becoming increasingly tempestuous, and competitive which makes leadership crucial as they continuously interface with the local and wider environments. At its best leadership is proximate, contextual and distributed especially in the case of complex organisations like universities. Changes and institutional mergers that took place worldwide two decades ago diffused to the south of Africa as well. These mergers resulted in the formation of mega universities and universities with satellite or branch campuses. If the trend continues with branch campuses spreading even into foreign countries, it will lead to growth and even more leadership complexity. This study was conducted in order to establish the challenges that are faced by staff and students at satellite campuses of universities using the Riverside Campus of the Durban University of Technology as a case study. Literature on leadership and management theories, leadership in higher education and organisational structures was reviewed in order to contextualise the study. A sample of the executive leadership of the university used as a case study was interviewed in order to determine their attitudes towards the current organisational structure. Data was also gathered from the academic and administrative staff at the satellite campus used for the study as well as first and third year students at the same campus using questionnaires. This study is significant because it feeds into the year-long study that was initiated by the Leadership Foundation on Higher Education and conducted from 2010 and finished in July 2011 by the Hull University’s Scarborough Campus that was aimed at determining the most effective relationship between the centre (mother campus) and its satellite campuses, identifying tensions between the strategic and operational levels and making students’ experience consistent. The whole project was undertaken to arrive at a better understanding of the challenges of managing two or more campuses with particular emphasis on strategic matters, organisation, leadership and management structures. The study discovered that there were leadership challenges which were not unique to the university and campus used as a case study, but similar to those identified during literature review. Issues such as lack of leadership and strategic direction, diverse cultures, incomplete merger, isolation, inequitable distribution of resources and lack of development were identified as challenges that needed to be addressed. The study advances as original contribution the ‘Radial Structure’, which was greatly inspired by the natural movement, flow and distribution of energy and information in fractals. This structure ensures equity across all campuses irrespective of size and location. In the radial structure as suggested and implied by the name the corporate division is the source of energy in the form of vision, mission, goals, strategy, and resources which it disburses or radiates equitably across all the campuses. The corporate division is not attached to any campus, but it is a pole that provides an anchor for all the campuses. The energy or feedback is also radiated back to the corporate office from the campuses in the form of student fees, research output from staff and students, pass rates, information to aid decision-making and so on. The relationship that was established between the radial structure and the regression model developed from the responses of the students and theory, was that each campus should be fully-equipped with all the services that the users require for the campus to be fit for purpose. The radial structure would also allow for student services to grow and develop as the campus grows. Like any organisational structure, the radial structure could be adjusted to suit the needs of any university with satellite campuses. The organisational structure would also have to be revisited and adjusted as the needs of the university change. In essence the structure is aimed at ensuring that there is no leadership vacuum at any of the satellite campuses of a university.
Challenges with student’s registration processes at the Durban University of Technology : a case study of Midlands campuses of Riverside and Indumiso
(2022) Nzimande, Emmanuel Thabani; Fagbadebo, Omololu M.; Mthalane, Peggy Pinky
In recent times, student protests over the challenges relating to registration have become rampant in South Africa. Consequently, the development often disrupts academic programmes. The implication of the above is the constant loss of time needed by the students to concentrate on their academic studies and its consequences on the quality of services. The study examined the challenges associated with students’ registration processes and how it moulds the perceptions and expectations of the students in terms of service delivery at the Midlands Campuses of the DUT. This study followed a mixed method for data collection and analysis. The questionnaires were distributed to 360 students and interviews were conducted with four staff members of the Student Administration Department of the Midlands campuses of Indumiso and Riverside. The researcher used descriptive statistics based on data collected by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software (SPSS version 2.0) to analyse the quantitative data. The data that emerged from the interview were deductively coded with the aid of software (NVIVO version 12). The quantitative factor loading reveals a strong loading above the recommended value of 0.5 while the confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed a good fit in the model. However, the findings from the students indicated that Student Administration staff were not exactly meeting the desired and expected registration services. The SERVQUAL dimensions indicated gaps of 0.58 in reliability, responsiveness, and empathy. The qualitative analysis discovered several registration challenges, including NSFAS late payments, which affected late account clearance for registration, incorrect module selection for registration, and incorrect biographical information capturing. It was recommended that the Student Administration Department of Indumiso and Riverside campuses should endeavoured to bridge the gap identified by SERVQUAL dimensions. The department should improve communication services to students. On-time NSFAS payment and student account clearance was recommended to avoid delays and challenges during registration. Proper creation of academic structure from the system was recommended to avoid incorrect module registration. Student biographical information should be always up to date to improve communication with students.
Communication tools used to educate high school learners about HIV/AIDS in the Mthatha area
(2015) Madikizela, Nonceba; Rawjee, Veena P.; Govender, Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
The growing number of HIV/AIDS infections amongst the youth is a cause for concern, particularly with prevention messages being communicated through various media platforms. This signals gaps between the senders and receivers of these messages. Therefore, people are either not learning the message about the dangers of HIV, or are unable or unwilling to act on it. Mthatha is in the centre of the old Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. It falls under the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and the OR Tambo District Municipality. Teenage pregnancy is a major challenge in this area, which indicates that most teenagers do not use protection during sexual intercourse. This suggests that the HIV infection rate may be too high. With there being no cure for this disease, communication has been identified as an ideal method of helping to curb the spread of this disease. The purpose of the study was to assess communication tools used to educate high school learners about HIV/AIDS in the Mthatha area. Data was collected through questionnaires administered to 341 high school learners. Three out of the eight high schools from the Mthatha Central Business District (CBD) in the Eastern Cape were identified for the study. The selection of these high schools was based on the demographics of the learners, which are age, gender and background. The findings have revealed that there are numerous methods used to educate learners about the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Learners identified mostly with three sources as the accurate tools of communication in HIV/AIDS education; Health education/curriculum, Entertainment-education and Peer Education.