Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
Not a member yet
6222 research outputs found
Sort by
Bibliometric Insight in the Era of COVID-19 into Telehealth and the Digital Divide Using Structuration Theory
No full textIn the recent literature on telehealth amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of access to telehealth services has been recognised for its strategic organisational benefits to both health professionals and patients. Yet the available literature lacks a bibliometric approach and a broad analysis to highlight trends from existing literature. Against this backdrop, and guided by Giddens’s theory of structuration, this study uses a bibliometric approach and analysis that sheds light on the patterns, trends, and narratives within the scientific literature that pertain to the subject, specifically the intricate interplay between telehealth and the digital divide during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article’s helicopter view of telehealth and the digital divide, underpinned by the bedrock of structuration theory, not only augments our understanding of the telehealth landscape but also maps a trajectory toward a more equitable and inclusive future of healthcare access and delivery
Securing Archives Against All Odds: The Kenyan Story of Digital Archiving Amid Risky Disruptive Technologies in Selected Universities
No full textArchival repositories in universities have the responsibility of preserving and availing records that are trustworthy, authentic, reliable, and possess integrity. This is a tall order in the current technological dispensation where digital information systems and the internet are the kingpins driving the wheel of corporate governance the world over. This article explicates findings of a larger study that investigated digital archiving in six public universities in Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives: (1) to establish the state of digital archiving readiness in selected Kenyan universities; (2) to examine the risk exposures for digital archives in the universities, and (3) to propose strategies for safeguarding digital archives in the universities. The theoretical basis of the study constituted the records continuum model, the Open Archival Information System Reference model, and the Archives and Records Management Association Records Management Maturity model. Mixed methods triangulation was adopted following a multiple-case (embedded) design using a cross-sectional survey. The target population was 451 out of which a sample of 205 participants was purposely selected using stratified sampling techniques. The study found that public universities in Kenya were generally not ready for digital archiving, and were therefore exposed to records technology risks, legal and regulatory risks, administrative risks, and records control risks. Hence, the institutions faced challenges in the management of digital archives from creation and after their declaration as archives. The study proposed a digital archiving framework for adoption by public universities and other academic institutions
Open Educational Resources in Higher Education: Exploring Access in Resource-constrained Contexts
No full textThis special issue is focused on the topic of open educational resources (OER)
Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards by Tener Goodwin Veenema
No full textThe latest edition, the fourth, of Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards stands out as a pivotal resource aimed at fortifying the emergency readiness of nursing and healthcare practitioners against disasters. Under the stewardship of Tener Goodwin Veenema, a renowned authority in disaster nursing, this edition broadens the narrative to encompass an extensive array of hazards, spanning natural calamities to acts of terrorism. The structured layout, segmented into clear divisions such as preparedness, response, recovery and specialised topics, streamlines both pedagogical and emergency reference purposes
Prophet Jonah Is not Alone: Understanding the History of Pentecostal Evangelism in Light of Contemporary Missionary Endeavours in Nigeria
No full textThis article examines reasons for the increasing neglect of rural evangelism in Nigeria. Some Pentecostal missionaries, churches and faith-based communities seem unwilling to go on evangelism missions to rural areas; thus the increasing number of churches and missionaries in the city compared to rural Nigeria. Missionary impacts have been felt in schools, hospitals and microfinance banks. Historiography reveals that missionaries before the last decade were willing to go to rural areas. Most churches and schools in rural areas were established by missionaries. However, Pentecostal missionaries are now shifting their interests from urban-rural to urban-urban evangelism. In this qualitative analysis, data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Oral interviews and relevant academic literature form the sources of the data. Many scholars have written on the history of church missionary activities in Nigeria, but literature is scarce on reasons for the current decrease in the number of missionaries in rural areas. Why do Christian missionaries relegate rural evangelism to the background? What has been the impact on the church? Our findings show the reasons as the advent of mega-churches in Nigerian cities, financial reward from city missionary activities, resistance of some communities, punishment, increased financial burdens, the quest for popularity, intimidation, the few rural evangelists, and the lack of sufficient assistance. Missionary activities, if revived, will lead to the development of rural areas spiritually, morally, educationally, socially, and economically. The church should not restrict the spread of the gospel to specific places. Churches sending missionaries to rural areas should also provide financial support to strengthen these missionaries, as they serve as crucial links between the host church and the local community
Beaconsfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church: From First Church in Africa to Museum Status
No full textThe first Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church building in Africa was erected in 1890 at Beaconsfield in Kimberley, South Africa. This article examines the history of the Beaconsfield Seventh-day Adventist Church from 1890 to the present. It highlights its growth, impact in the local community, and its eventual transformation into a museum. There are specific events and institutions of the church that will be examined in connection with this history. The article examines how mining, the siege, and the needs of the community influenced and shaped the church and its place in the religious landscape, both locally and globally. It also examines the various challenges and successes the church has faced over the years, both in its role in the global SDA context and in the lives of the local community. Finally, the article examines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the church building as it embarks on its new mission as a museu
A Historical Survey on the Church’s Involvement in Peace Initiative Frameworks in Zimbabwe: Post-Mugabe Era
No full textThe article highlights that numerous peace initiative programmes have been implemented by both the government and the Church to promote reconciliation, healing, and social unity within Zimbabwe\u27s politically charged atmosphere. Despite these efforts, political violence continued to surge during and post-Mugabe era. Furthermore, the study interrogates the role of the church in the peace initiative frameworks after the Mugabe era. Historically, the church\u27s involvement in peace initiatives has been minimal, comparable to a mere drop in the ocean. The study posits that the Zimbabwean church could enhance its role in peace initiatives within a politically fragmented context by reinforcing to its congregants the significance of embodying the spirituality of Jesus Christ alongside African spirituality, thereby cultivating what this article refers to as \u27African Christian spirituality\u27. The study observed that the majority of churches in Zimbabwe have not integrated African Christian spirituality into their peace initiative programmes. A spirituality with tenets such as love, tolerance, forgiveness, hunhu, respect for human life, and unity in diversity among others serves as a foundation for peace in a politically divided nation like Zimbabwe. A review of the literature, participant observation and interviews were used for data collection. Theological reflection and socio-historical approaches were employed to interpret the data collected
Blended Teaching and Learning of Music: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities in South African Higher Education: Blended Learning as a Blueprint for Higher Education Transformation
No full textSouth Africa boasts a history of a rich and diverse musical heritage, which is a reflection of its multicultural society. Efforts to promote and develop music education in the country have evolved over the years. Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the South African government recognised the significance of arts and culture, including music, in the education system. Various initiatives were introduced to support and enhance music education in schools and communities, which mark a pivotal moment in the acknowledgment of the cultural importance of music. In the post-1994 era, the democratic government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape extended to music education, aiming to provide accessible opportunities for learners. This recognition of the value of arts and culture contributed to the cultivation of a diverse and inclusive musical environment. Despite these positive developments, challenges and opportunities emerge in the realm of higher education, particularly with the integration of blended teaching and learning of music. This study, using a qualitative methodology under the descriptive phenomenology design, explores these dynamics. Six participants engage in the study. Colaizzi’s phenomenological data analysis, employing the seven-step method, is used to extract meaningful insights. The findings of the study showcase progress in the representation of diverse musical genres and cultural traditions in the curriculum. However, the study also reveals areas for improvement, especially regarding fully integrating the music of marginalised communities and ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive approach. In conclusion, this comprehensive exploration illuminates the intricate dynamics in the realm of music education in South African higher education
Ethical Challenges of Medical Social Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Yenagoa City, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic increased healthcare workers\u27 chances of exposure to medical hazards. This study investigates the ethical challenges of medical social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Yenagoa City, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Using the Ideological Dilemma model as a theoretical framework, this qualitative study, through a snowball sampling method, employed an in-depth interview to study 25 medical social workers recruited from three medical establishments in Yenagoa city. The collected data for this study were analysed thematically using content analysis with the aid of ATLAS.ti software. Findings from the study indicated that medical social workers experienced ethical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Yenagoa City. These challenges included creating and maintaining trust with patients, deciding to follow or ignore policies in the face of emergencies, prioritising patients’ needs despite the risks, and managing the workload alongside personal and emotional needs. Medical social workers generally experience fatigue and challenges handling persistent patients and their family members. The study recommended that the government partner with the state healthcare sector and introduce technology that may enable workers and their patients to communicate privately