Faculty of Management Sciences

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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.
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.
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.
Enabling students critical thinking dispositions in hospitality financial management
(Informa UK Limited, 2022-07-08) Maniram, Rekha
Several studies suggest that graduates lack the critical thinking skills required for problem-solving and effective financial decision-making in the hospitality industry. Since higher education may not be able to meet all the demands and needs of the hospitality industry; such institutions struggle to provide students with the necessary critical thinking skills. Authentic assessment is one possible strategy, which is recognized, to develop critical thinking skills amongst hospitality graduates. Hence, the purpose of this research is to explore to what extent authentic assessment enables critical thinking skills amongst first-year students in hospitality financial management. This article employed a qualitative case study research design within an interpretative lens. Twenty-four, first-year, hospitality financial management students, were purposively engaged in online reflections and semi-structured interviews. The findings of the study presented three themes that resonate with the critical thinking frameworks.
Exploration of systems thinking in the Universities of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Mhlongo, Patrick Mbongwa; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
The environment in which organisations operate is almost unpredictable and hence they have to deal with complex challenges. It is necessary for organisations to continuously improve their processes and practices to remain competitive. The Universities of Technology (UoTs) are not immune from those challenges. Systems thinking philosophy has been identified as an effective management approach that helps organisations deal with such challenges. Hence, this study explores the application of systems thinking in the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal. KwaZuluNatal, one of the nine provinces of South Africa, created in 1994 when the Zulu Bantustan of KwaZulu and Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast part of the country. The province has two UoTs situated within the eThekwini District Municipality. Organisational silos are still prevalent in the UoTs. This creates an attitude of “us-and-them”. Consequently, collaborative efforts across the organisations become difficult. Systems thinking has the ability to help UoTs respond effectively to complex and unpredictable challenges. It facilitates this possibility as it assists members to focus on the organisation as a whole, including its stakeholders, rather than on individual parts of the organisation. It considers the organisation as a complex system with interrelated parts. Hence, this paper provides insights on its application at the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal.
Insights into corporate social responsibility in small and medium enterprises in South Africa
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Maome, Itumeleng Judith; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are recognised around the world for their contribution to a country's social and economic growth. They are the fertile generators of economic growth and development for South Africa. It has been recognised that one of the strategies that contributes to the longevity and success of businesses is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Hence, this study provides an insight into the influence of CSR on business growth in South Africa. Various scholars assert that CSR is more evident in major corporations with structured CSR strategies. Such businesses have separate divisions dedicated to CSR initiatives. However, CSR activities in SMEs in South Africa are still sketchy. They are based on the personal judgement and beliefs of owners and managers. There is a lack of awareness of the advantages of CSR in SMEs in South Africa. The lack of top management commitment has also been identified as a barrier to SMEs participating in CSR in South Africa. Consequently, there is more focus on the application of CSR in big corporations, thus neglecting SME participation in this initiative. It has thus been established that CSR remains a development tool that facilitates growth for SMEs in South Africa. Not all CSR activities require businesses to spend millions on such activities. SMEs may choose projects that are within their economic means. Hence, CSR awareness campaigns are useful to assist SMEs to make their projects more explicit.
Participatory approach and good governance : the Alpha and Omega of sustainable local development in South Africa
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
This paper assesses the significance for good governance of inclusiveness through participatory processes in rural communities. It describes the importance of a participatory approach as a means for sustainable development, an approach that has exerted an increasing influence upon the conduct of local, national and international public administration. Similarly, sustainable development exhibits a fundamental contemporary expression of the commitment towards humankind, enabling them to develop economically while improving or maintaining their wellbeing. Over time, it has as its principal objective the integration of social considerations in economic development. The constructs for a participatory approach and sustainable development are discussed in this paper. These constructs are considered as essential considerations for rural development in South Africa. Rural communities are said to be unproductive and passive, hence the level of underdevelopment. Their contribution does not have an economic value and cannot be counted in hard currency. Resources developed through rural initiatives are not utilised for the betterment of the rural communities. Hence, there is a gap between what the rural communities understand as development compared with those who facilitate the development
Reducing school violence : a peace education project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Education Association of South Africa, 2022-05) Ngidi, Lucia Zithobile; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche
Violence occurring in South African schools takes various forms and is a concern for all stakeholders. All forms of violence have negative effects, i.e. physical and psychological, educational damage and societal breakdown. The overall aim of the study reported on here was to explore the nature, causes and consequences of school violence, and then to design an effective intervention strategy to reduce it. In this study we used action research methodology in which stakeholders were empowered to interrupt the occurrence of violence, stop the spread of violence and change group/community norms regarding violence. This strategy of violence reduction was tested at 1 school in Umlazi, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, in 4 stages: initial data collection, formation of an action team, design and implementation of a strategy, and evaluation of its efficacy. The action team was composed of teachers, community members, parents and learners who developed a strategy entitled, We Care (WC). Initial from both schools data showed that schools were unsafe, with school violence caused by substance abuse, theft, vandalism, physical violence, religious discrimination, sexual violence, cyber bullying, gender-based violence and gambling. WC clustered abnormal behaviour patterns demonstrated by learners into categories: violent cases and behavioural indicators of physical, sexual, alcohol and drug abuse. WC assisted high risk learners who had decided to act non violently, help victims and assist parents and community members who perpetrated violence. A preliminary evaluation was conducted 1 year later and WC reported that they had developed capacity to assist with these categories of violence, leading to a reduction in violent behaviour at the school.
Team cohesion for operational performance of co-operative enterprise members in South Africa
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Buthelezi, Nhlanhla Kenneth; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Co-operative enterprises have been able to create employment potential, thus improving the economic lives of many people. Despite South African government support, many cooperatives have closed down. However, the government continues to seek ways to improve their performance. It has thus been established that co-operative members lack interpersonal connections and teamwork when engaged on their operational processes. The lack of such a bond affects effective participation in their businesses aimed at accomplishing their set goals. Hence, this study examines the influence of team cohesion on the operational performance of co-operative members in South Africa. Study objectives were achieved by examining production and related experiences of co-operative members. It assessed if team cohesion among team members is responsible for their company’s operational performance. The study was quantitative in design. The primary data was collected from 136 co-operative members whose businesses operate within uThukela Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa), using a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive and one-sample statistics. The results indicates that team cohesion influences the operational performance of co-operative members in South Africa. Co-operative performance is thus enhanced by team cohesiveness. The original contribution of this study is its value in uncovering the strengths and weaknesses of team cohesion on co-operatives in South Africa.