5975 research outputs found
Sort by
Preparing future environmental health practitioners through problem-based and community-based approaches : experiences of environmental health students
No full textStudents learn better when they are engaged with
real-world problems. This approach is especially e ective for topics of
environmental health, where students have limited exposure to fieldwork
during their period of study. Hence, it is important to shift from conventional
instruction-based methods to innovative pedagogical approaches. Problem
based and community-based learning o er academia the tools to prepare
students via the development of essential problem-solving and analytical
skills. Problem-based learning enables students to identify environmental
health issues and develop feasible, realistic solutions to community problems.
Furthermore, community-based learning allows students to learn through
community engagement and generate solutions to real environmental health
issues that communities face.
This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the experience of
two cohorts of environmental health students regarding problem-based and
community-based approaches. This study found that the students benefited
from the respective approaches and gained valuable communication,
leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are crucial in the
environmental health field
Work-integrated learning at the interface of the COVID-19 pandemic : an exploratory study at a university of technology in South Africa
No full textConfronted by the disruption of work-integrated learning (WIL) placements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology experienced multiple academic and mental health challenges. This study highlights the impact the pandemic had on students from the Departments of Homeopathy, Radiography, Emergency Medical Care, Biomedical, and Chiropractic. Using a qualitative approach, 15 students were purposively sampled to participate in the study. The paper describes their challenges with regards to securing patients, dealing with patients who were COVID-19 positive, and the need for greater academic and psychological support during their WIL placements
The role of youth entrepreneurs in the sustainable development programmes at the Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Business Administration
at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Entrepreneurship has become a potent force for sustainable development, particularly
in areas like South Africa that are facing socioeconomic difficulties. Even though the
country's unemployment rate is high, this is regarded as low when compared to other
African nations. To encourage youth entrepreneurship, government has embraced
this fact and aggressively included laws and policies in its developmental agenda.
Since Higher Education Institutions serve as gathering places for young people, it is
important to examine their crucial role in fostering young people's entrepreneurial
potential. The study aimed to explore the role of youth entrepreneurs in the
sustainable development programme at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
This study employed mixed-method approach. To guide the present inquiry, a
positivist research paradigm was adopted, through a quantitative approach and a
survey research design. The population targeted for this study were 253 youth
entrepreneurs at Durban University of Technology. Within non-probability, simple
random sampling was employed. A questionnaire was used to gather the data needed
for the study while SPSS version 28 was employed for data analyses. For the
qualitative approach, thematic analysis was used. The study involved the use of both
primary and secondary research. A review of secondary research materials on youth
entrepreneurs and the sustainable development programme was conducted, and
semi-structured interviews were used to gather the necessary primary data.
Facts from the findings revealed that DUT students are well-informed about
entrepreneurship. They believed that entrepreneurship was an effective way to deal
with societal problems. The results of this study proposed that to create sustainable
businesses, universities should be at the forefront of creating opportunities and
pathways for encouraging entrepreneurial qualities
Geospatial analysis of fatal road traffic accidents following ambulance responses in Cape Town
Get PDFSubmitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading global health concern and are projected
to rank as the seventh leading cause of death by 2030, with low- and middle-income
countries, particularly in Africa, facing the greatest burden. In Cape Town, South
Africa, pedestrians are disproportionately vulnerable to RTA fatalities. This study
aimed to examine demographic, temporal and geographic patterns of fatal RTAs to
guide safety and emergency response interventions. Using data from the Western
Cape Government Health and Wellness Emergency Medical Services (WCGHW
EMS) from January 2021 to May 2024, descriptive statistics and geospatial analyses
were conducted on 784 RTA cases, including 167 fatalities. Males accounted for
70.7% of deaths, and pedestrian accidents represented 65.3% of fatalities, with nighttime RTAs posing nearly twice the mortality risk of daytime incidents. Fatalities
clustered in poorly lit eastern suburbs, including Gugulethu, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain
and Khayelitsha, which had a two-fold higher mortality risk compared to other areas.
These findings highlight the critical need for improved infrastructure, including better
lighting and pedestrian facilities, alongside enhanced emergency response systems.
Targeted interventions addressing these vulnerabilities are essential to reducing RTA
fatalities in Cape Town and similar settings.
Childhood cancer within a family and medical context in eThekwini : strengthening psychosocial and spiritual interventions to enable coping and healing
Get PDFA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Cancer is an ancient disease, with evidence of its existence tracing back to
early human history. The earliest documented cases of cancer appear in the
Edwin Smith Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dated around 1600
BCE. Childhood cancer affects not just the physical health of paediatric
patients but has profound psychological, social, and spiritual effects, with far reaching implications for their families as well. This study, titled "Childhood
Cancer within a Family and Medical Context in eThekwini: Strengthening
Psychosocial and Spiritual Interventions to Enable Coping and Healing,"
explored the multidimensional effects of this disease on patients and their
families and explored the psychosocial and spiritual support systems available
within the hospital setting. Conducted at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in
eThekwini, the study aimed to identify interventions that could support both
patients and families through the cancer journey.
Guided by a qualitative case study design, the study used non-probability
purposive sampling, to recruit parents of paediatric cancer patients. Health and
social service professionals who worked closely with these patients and their
families, were also recruited to participate in the study. Data was collected
through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically to gather rich
insights into the lived experiences of the parents and to explore their
experiences, through the lens of health and social service professionals.
Findings revealed that paediatric cancer patients experienced intense
emotional distress and anxiety due to the fear of death, the aversion to medical
procedures, social isolation, disrupted peer and social relationships, and
stigma related to physical changes post-treatment. Families were further
impacted because of strain within their marriage, the fear of losing a child, and
financial hardship, all of which underscored the multifaceted impact of
childhood cancer on paediatric cancer patients and their families.
Despite these challenges, the study found that certain psychosocial
interventions within the hospital context helped ease the emotional burden Participants emphasized the importance of securing access to therapies such
as music and art therapy, yoga, and other spiritually based practices to help
them cope. These interventions were seen as essential to promoting strength,
comfort, hope and emotional stability for both children and their caregivers.
The study concluded that medical treatment alone does not suffice to address
the realm of paediatric cancer patient. Physical care must be integrated with
psycho-social and spiritual care to ensure a more holistic healing process.
Hope, resilience, and faith were central themes that emerged as powerful
enablers of coping and survivorship. The findings advocate for the integration
of spiritually grounded, psychosocial, and family-centred care, within standard
oncology practice, with the goal of ensuring that the recovery journey is more
manageable for paediatric cancer patients and their families.
Cause-related marketing and consumer purchasing behaviour : consumer scepticism as a moderator and brand equity as mediator
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.This study investigates the relationship between cause-related marketing and consumer
purchasing behaviour in Ghana, using brand equity as a mediator and consumer scepticism as
a moderator. With increased use of CRM strategies by companies aiming to boost sales and
enhance brand image, it is essential to understand the factors shaping consumer reactions in
this emerging market context.
Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through convenience sampling from
shoppers at two major retail malls in different locations. The collected data were analyzed using
partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the proposed relationships.
The findings indicate that CRM has a positive impact on consumer purchasing behaviour, but
this effect is significantly weakened when consumer scepticism is high. Brand equity plays a
crucial mediating role by fostering positive consumer perceptions of CRM, thus enhancing
purchase intentions. The study underscores the importance of aligning corporate social
initiatives closely with core brand identity and adapting CRM strategies to local cultural
contexts, particularly in global marketing efforts.
Additionally, the study highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to standardize CRM
disclosure practices and stresses the importance of consumer education to build trust and
engagement in CRM initiatives.
By addressing this gap in literature on CRM in emerging economies, this research provides
practical insights for businesses seeking to optimize socially conscious marketing.
Theoretically, it integrates attribution theory with Aaker’s brand equity model to deepen
understanding of the psychological mechanisms influencing consumer responses to CRM. This
study offers direction for future research and guidance for CRM implementation in emerging
markets.
The experiences and practices of homoeopathic practitioners in the management of rheumatoid arthritis in KwaZulu-Natal
Get PDFDissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for Master of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent autoimmune condition marked by joint inflammation,
resulting in pain, swelling, and ultimately the deterioration of the joints. Although allopathic
medication and physiotherapy are used to manage this condition, little to no research has
been conducted in South Africa on the holistic approach that homoeopathic practitioners use
to manage this condition. Patients with RA require prolonged treatment which comes with
adverse side effects due to the multiple medications that are prescribed. In addition, these
medications can be quite expensive. This has been one of the reasons why patients with RA
frequently seek alternative treatment that has little to no adverse effects. The aim of this study
was to explore the management and treatment practices that homoeopathic practitioners in
the KwaZulu-Natal use to manage RA.
Methodology
The research methodology employed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive approach that
involved semi-structured interviews with 12 homoeopathic practitioners in the KwaZulu-Natal
province, focusing on their treatment and management strategies for RA. Each semi structured interview was conducted at a location chosen by the practitioners for their
convenience. The interviews were recorded, with each session lasting approximately 25
minutes and structured around the interview guide developed by the researcher. Purposive
sampling was utilised. A pilot study was carried out to establish trustworthiness and also to
validate the data collection tool. The researcher used qualitative thematic analysis to derive
themes from the gathered data.
Findings
The findings of the study identified four themes: knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment
approach used by homoeopaths in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, challenges in
managing rheumatoid arthritis, and, outcomes of homoeopathic treatment. The findings of the
study revealed that participants primarily use constitutional homoeopathic remedies which are
chosen based on the patient's overall constitution and expression of symptoms. Adjunctive
therapies employed include phytotherapy, gemmotherapy and biopuncture which contribute
to inflammation reduction as well as detoxification processes. Additionally, vitamins and
supplements are regularly prescribed to enhance joint health.
Conclusion
The study concluded that RA requires a multi-dimensional approach to treatment, with an
emphasis on constitutional remedies tailored to individual patient symptom presentation. The
incorporation of adjunctive therapies and lifestyle modifications illustrates the overall approach
which focuses on alleviating symptoms and enhancing overall health.
Remediation of efavirenz using a magnetic molecularly imprinted titania nanocomposite
Get PDFA dissertation submitted to the School of Science and Technology, Durban University of Technology Sciences University in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.In the current study, remediation of efavirenz as a model antiretroviral drug in wastewater
effluents was investigated using a hybrid photodegrader based on titania embed on a magnetic
molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP). Initially, a MMIP was synthesized to specifically
recognize and remove efavirenz from wastewater effluents. The magnetic smart polymer was
synthesized via a bulk polymerization technique with efavirenz as the template, and p-vinyl
benzoic acid the functional monomer in the presence of magnetite nanoparticles. The MMIP
was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric
analysis. The performance of MMIP was optimized using a central composite design. The
optimum conditions for effective adsorption of efavirenz were pH 6.5, MMIP mass of 15 mg,
1 mg L-1
efavirenz concentration and contact time of 40 min. The optimal binding capacity
achieved after 40 min of contact time and neutral conditions was 44.9 µg g-1
.
Batch studies revealed that pseudo-second order and the Langmuir isotherm were the models
that explained the kinetics and mechanism of adsorption of efavirenz onto the MMIP. This
suggested that the interaction between the MMIP and the efavirenz was through chemisorption
and that once efavirenz binding reaches a maximum limit, no more binding occurs. The MMIP
was finally applied in the removal of efavirenz from real wastewater effluents polluted with
3.99 ng mL-1
of efavirenz. The polymeric sorbent could achieve 44.8% removal efficiencies.
Reusability studies showed less than 4% average loss in the binding capacity with every reuse
cycle, while there was no loss in binding capabilities when the polymer was utilized at about
half its binding capacity.
Finally, photocatalytic degradation of efavirenz was investigated as a potential remedial tool
for efavirenz in wastewater effluents. Titania was imbedded onto the MMIP to form a hybrid
MMIP/TiO2 nanocomposite with the ability to trap efavirenz from wastewater followed by its
vii
photodegradation. Its performance was also investigated using factorial design involving
initial concentration of efavirenz (20 - 60 µg L-1
), mass of the MMIP/TiO2 (5 -15 mg) and the
time of irradiation (20 - 40 min). The results were also observed in a form of contour plots. Up
to 99% photodegradation of efavirenz was achieved within 15 min. However, it was observed
that the photodegrader performed better under higher concentrations of efavirenz
concentrations. In general, the synthesis and optimization of a hybrid molecularly imprinted
titania nanocomposite for photodegradation of efavirenz in wastewater effluents was
successful. Its performance has proven that it can be a viable tool for remediation of efavirenz
in wastewater effluents. Efavirenz cannot be removed by conventional wastewater treatment
processes and advanced technologies such as the MMIP/TiO2 nanocomposite synthesized in
the current study could help minimize the release of efavirenz into surface water systems. This
work has yielded three manuscripts; a review article and two research papers. The review has
been published, one manuscript is under review and the final one has been drafted.
Between policy and practice : the political : administrative dynamics of policy implementation in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Political executives, including the Premier, Members of the Executive Council, and
Director-Generals, have effectively implemented policies in Gauteng Province,
showcasing strong governance. While these executives have adopted well-designed
policies, challenges remain in translating decisions into actionable outcomes within
the province. This study reveals that political executives in Gauteng are developing
and implementing mechanisms and practices aimed at enhancing policy
effectiveness. The thesis posits that the culture and values of political executives must
be central to discussions about public policy implementation. It begins by defining
policy implementation as the application of techniques to benefit communities,
followed by four key reasons why these aspects are vital in Gauteng Province: Firstly,
political executives embody the value systems essential for determining whether
policies will achieve their intended goals; secondly, the success of policy
implementation in Gauteng relies on the legitimacy of the existing cultural and value
frameworks to reach desired outcomes; thirdly, addressing the tensions inherent in
policy implementation is crucial in a democratic context; and fourthly, Policy
implementation influences culture and values, creating feedback loops that reshape
the environment for future policy initiatives across different departments in Gauteng.
The discussion draws upon various themes from public policy, particularly integrating
elements of complexity, change theory, and institutional theory, supported by both
quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Questionnaires and semistructured interviews were utilized to gather and analyze data, focusing on how
political executives effectively implement policies in Gauteng. The political executives
navigated the factors influencing voting behaviour, particularly through a recent
"realist" perspective on the democratic process in policy implementation. While the
thesis does not aim for a comprehensive review of policy implementation, it identifies
key themes, findings, and gaps in policy implementation, using Statistical Package for
the Social Sciences (SPSS) and NVivo software to assist political executives in
refining policy implementation strategies in their respective departments. These
insights contribute to developing solutions such as contextual framework, for the
impact and implications of implementing policies in Gauteng Province, South Africa.
State-owned enterprises in Africa and the economics of public service delivery
Get PDFThe African continent is a paradox. Despite its vast natural and human resources,
it ranks among the poorest economies in the global system. In terms of human
development, African countries are lagging. Most African citizens live in poverty,
with harsh economic realities (World Poverty Clock 2020). Most African
countries are struggling to fight hunger, exacerbated by the excruciating pain of
poverty. Thus, with traits of state fragility, these countries are vulnerable to
implosion (Fragile State Index [FSI] 2019). A considerable proportion of the
countries in Africa rank among the least developed countries (Kazeem 2017).
The above are the consequences of poor service delivery, occasioned by
mismanagement of the public sector resources. In the annual Corruption
Perception Index of Transparency International (TI), a preponderance of African countries has records of high-level corruption (Corruption Perception
Index 2019).
The development of the post-colonial ‘third-world’ countries – and Africa in
particular – or the lack thereof has historically been premised on two praxes:
1. The underdevelopment of the colonies was a direct outcome of the
colonial powers’ economic and political power dominance and influence
(Rodney 1972).
2. The post-colonial governance chaos that ensued as a result of, among
others, greed, coup d’état, corruption, poorly performing economies and
poor or lack of credible governance institutions (Fanon 1963; O’Kane 1993).
As the era of democracy comes of age in Africa and the era of coup d’état
slowly fades into the background, underdevelopment and poor economic
performance seem to have taken on a new form and meaning, that is, in the
form of embedded corruption in the state procurement machinery.
This book focuses on the performance and activities of state-owned
enterprises (SOEs) in relation to their service delivery responsibility. Despite
its vast natural and human resources, Africa ranks among the poorest
economies in the global system, with its attendant effect on human
development. The above are the consequences of poor service delivery
occasioned by mismanagement of the public sector resources.
The rampant cases of corruption and mismanagement of public resources
are associated with warped procurement systems in state institutions,
especially the SOEs. State supply chain management (SCM), also commonly
referred to as procurement, is a source of devastating corruption implications
on the African governments. Poorly managed and corruption-led procurement
systems have a major consequence on these fledgling economies, negatively
affecting employment and economic growth. Poor service delivery by these
SOEs has cumulative effects on society’s growth and the citizens’ well-being.
This book focuses on the SOEs’ performance and activities in relation to their
service delivery responsibility. Despite its vast natural and human resources,
Africa ranks among the poor economies in the global system, with its attendant
effect on human development. These are the consequences of poor service
delivery occasioned by mismanagement of the public sector resources.
This book provides a continuous assessment of the crisis in governance in
Africa. As it is, there are huge deficits in the capacity of the African state to
harness the vast human and material resources to promote good governance.
This manifests in pervasive corruption, collapsed service delivery, collapsed
state-owned enterprises, eroded social trust, capital flight, escalating levels of
poverty and wars, human insecurity and stunted growth. The public sector is
the pulse of service delivery because the entire governance system revolves
around sourcing materials and services, mostly from the private sector, to
achieve its public policy intents. Therefore, the procurement process ordinarily ought to yield positive economic outcomes and an efficiency-driven system in
favour of the government itself and its service recipients. However, this is
often not the case. Despite its enormous wealth, the African continent is in an
economic quagmire, a dilemma that requires multifaceted research activities.
This is the motivation for this volume.
The authors of the chapters address the challenges associated with the
performance of the SOEs from different perspectives and contexts that
indicate the various unethical practices prevailing across the respective
countries. While corruption in the activities of the SOEs and other public
sector institutions across the continent is a common phenomenon, the forms
and intensities differ. This provides deeper insights into the factors that
engender the failure of government in public service delivery. This book,
therefore, seeks to present multiple viewpoints on the intensity and
consequences of failed public sector institutions in African states. It lays bare
the incidents of the failure of state institutions for all to see, understand, learn
from and avoid the pitfalls that have incapacitated states in Afric