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Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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

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    An assessment on the impact of employee perceptions on organisational strategic change in the context of CRL commission
    (2022) Mnguni, Phumzile; Mathebula, MM
    This research focuses on the impact of employee perceptions on organisational strategic change with specific reference to the Commission on the Rights of Cultural Religious and Linguistic communities (CRL Commission) at Braamfontein, Johannesburg for the past five years.
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    Students‘ perceptions of distance learning in higher education: a case of independent colleges in KwaZulu-Natal
    (2022) Sivai, Ashna; Chazireni, Bobo
    Over the years Distance Learning (DL) programmes is assumed to have become a key to the global learning environment and key to the Education system of Africa and South Africa. DL systems have been branded as fecund drivers of education growth and sustainable development in South Africa and the world at large. The existence of DL programmes in any economy is of paramount importance despite being bullied by the traditional classroom methods. There is growing recognition of the important role of DL programmes in the development of education systems in South Africa. They are often described as efficient and prolific job flexi hour studies, as DL has generally allowed the tertiary learners to study at leisure and at the same time contribute meaningfully to the economy as most of them are employed in different fields. Nevertheless, for a multiplicity of reasons, the pass rate of distance learners in South Africa is low, and many studies have identified a lack of aptitude on the part of the students as one of the main reasons for the low success rate. Substantive hypotheses were formulated in order to determine the validity of the propositions made in the literature review, with the objective of testing the proposed the conceptual model. The field data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 27. Statistical tools that include frequency tables, pie-charts and graphs were utilised in analysing data in chapter five. The Correlation matrix and linear regression analysis were also utilised to further analyse the strength of association between the variables. The findings of this research study show that students at Independent Colleges have positive attitudes and are sensitive to the requirements of DL. However, a positive attitude without practical results in this research will not hold water given the fact that there are high failure rates in these Independent Colleges. Despite their significance and contribution to education, Independent Colleges in South Africa are still faced with numerous challenges that inhibit effective delivery of DL programmes. However, it is unmistakably evident that the COVID pandemic saw DL surpass most challenges to become the forerunner in technology driven DL teaching and learning. The use Microsoft Teams and Zoom became the household names at most public and private Educational Institutions. This study recommends that orientation programs provided to students at the College of Distance Education should be organized in such a manner that they will provide students an opportunity to have and maintain meaningful relationships with staff. Furthermore, it is recommended that the phrase ‘Distance Learning’ should be rephrased as ‘Personalised Learning Program’ as a way of contextualising the whole DL system
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    An investigation of farmer's perception of water conservation : a case study of Umgababa community municipality
    (2022-03) Thabethe, Geli Sharon; Davis, Jason; Reddy, Maliga
    The role and benefit of water to human life and the production environment cannot be over-emphasised hence it is one of the most valuable resources. The objective of the study was to identify the water conservation techniques used in the Umgababa community, to determine if the water conservation techniques used are adaptable, to determine the extent of adaptability of the water conservation techniques used in the Umgababa community. In addition, the study sought to recommend guidelines for sustainable water conservation techniques. Farmers in rural areas face even serious due to the inadequate supply of water, as well as a host of other service delivery challenges. This study assessed the farmers’ perceptions of water conservation with a focus on the Umgababa community in KwaZulu-Natal. A mixed-method approach was employed for the study. Sixty-one (61) respondents completed the questionnaires while three (3) interviewees participated in the semi-structured interview. The data was analysed both descriptively and inferentially, while thematic analysis was used in evaluating the transcribed feedback from the interviewees. The study revealed that the farmers have a positive perception of water conservation techniques and that basic water conservation techniques, such as the use of JoJo tanks and boreholes are currently in place. Even though the existing techniques are sustainable, not much focus has been given to other sophisticated water conservation methods that could be implemented in Umgababa. It was further revealed that the existing public awareness and education campaigns should be continued, to change residents’ existing water conservation behaviours and culture.
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    Students’ perceptions towards careers in the hospitality industry
    (2021) Mlotshwa, Nelisiwe Rejoice; Mnguni, E. M.; Adebanjo, H. M.
    The hospitality industry, a sector within the tourism industry, contributes to the economy of the country and the livelihoods of the South African population. This research explored the perceptions of third-year hospitality students towards careers in the industry. These undergraduates are envisioned to be future employees of the hospitality industry; therefore, understanding their thoughts and intentions of joining the industry was paramount. However, research on findings of the perceptions of students towards this industry in South Africa, especially in Durban is limited. The perceptions of these students mainly relate to their understanding of careers in the hospitality industry. This report records the findings of student’s perceptions towards the hospitality industry in Durban, South Africa. The researcher used a mixed-method approach involving questionnaires and focus groups. The participants were drawn from the Department of Hospitality and Tourism at the Durban University of Technology (DUT)which is the only university of technology in KwaZulu-Natal that offers a national diploma in hospitality management. The research data was analysed using the SPSS version 27 and qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that the students’ perceptions toward the industry are positive. This was observed through a high percentage of students indicating their willingness to join the industry after graduating. However, the majority of the students in this research indicated their interest in starting their own businesses and travelling as the main reason for pursuing this qualification. Also discovered in the study was the influence of work-integrated learning (WIL) on students’ perceptions of the industry. The dissertation concludes by providing recommendations to the academic department and the industry that may retain this trend. Recommendations involved advising the university to ensure an element of entrepreneurship is evident to the curriculum, and the industry to improve their working conditions to entice students to join the industry after graduating.
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    Stakeholder expectations and perceptions of Work Integrated Learning : a case study of the Public Relations programme at the Durban University of Technology
    (2021) Mavundla, Bajabulile Patricia; Rampersad, Renitha
    Unemployment is currently a global challenge. Therefore, South Africa cannot be exempted. Statistics show that there is a high percentage of unemployed graduates in South Africa due to a lack of required skills as per the industry requirement. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is considered to be the key role driver in order to reduce the high rate of unemployable graduates. WIL was proposed by both the Department on Higher Education and Training and the Council on Higher Education (CHE2011) as a strategy to combat the challenge of unemployment facing graduates in South Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the expectations and perspectives of employers, co-ordinators and students involved in the Public Relations WIL programme at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in Durban, South Africa. The study further aimed to propagate knowledge of stakeholder expectations and to identify gaps and strengths in the expectations of all stakeholders. This study utilised a qualitative approach and a convenience sampling technique to acquire participants. The population centred on N=46 participants, which included N=30 students registered for Public Relations Practice, N=1 DUT WIL Coordinator and N=15 Industry Supervisors. The participants were selected based on their involvement in the WIL Programme in 2016. In-depth interviews, observations and focus group discussions were conducted by the researcher to collect primary data from the focus groups, WIL employers and the DUT WIL Coordinator. The study revealed WIL as an important component of the Public Relations Programme. The findings further outlined that transition was necessary for PR WIL students and that the importance of placement within the Public Relations Industry is a necessity to provide proper opportunities for PR WIL students to experience professional life, with the notion that such experience will promote knowledge development. The study concluded that all students had a common objective of WIL, which was to put into practice what they had learnt in class in a practical working environment. They indicated that the time-frame was too limited to conclude all the tasks in a space of six months. The study makes recommendations for the additional contributions to the PR WIL programme offered at DUT.