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Leveraging ethnobiological animal grouping for database normalisation
No full textPurpose: This research paper explores the intersection of ethnobiology and database normalisation by examining how the traditional categorisation of animals in indigenous knowledge systems aligns with database design principles. Ethnobiology often documents how communities classify animals based on cultural, ecological, and functional attributes. This paper demonstrates how such classifications can illustrate the stages of database normalisation, a process used to organise data efficiently in relational databases. These classifications are based on how South African people understand these groupings. Methodology: The study begins with unnormalised data, where animal categories are recorded as they exist in their raw, unstructured form, and these animals are selected in no particular order or merit as long as they are living animals and can be categorised. Progressing to the first normal form (1NF), the data is organised into a tabular structure with unique rows and atomic values. In the second normal form (2NF), redundancies are reduced by ensuring that all non-primary attributes depend on the entire primary key. Finally, in the third normal form (3NF), transitive dependencies are eliminated, creating a fully normalised, efficient data model. Findings: The findings highlight how ethnobiological data naturally follows hierarchical and relational patterns, making it an effective analogy for understanding database normalisation. This approach not only enhances the understanding of database concepts but also underscores the value of indigenous knowledge in illustrating complex technical processes. This study also notes that using this concept might be irrelated to other contexts, hence the advocation for further interdisciplinary exploration between ethnobiology and information science
Bibliometrics: A practical guide
No full textThe Bibliometrics Resources Guide is a vital, hands-on resource that simplifies bibliometric
analysis for novice and experienced scholars. Through clear tools, real-world examples, and
step-by-step instructions, this guide empowers users to engage with bibliometric analysis as a
technical method and a strategic lens for understanding research landscapes, enhancing
scholarly visibility, and crafting compelling academic narratives.
Whether you are a graduate student preparing a thesis, a faculty member gearing up for an
NRF evaluation, or an institutional leader seeking data-informed decision-making tools, this
guide offers a practical starting point for meaningful engagement with bibliometric data.
As the academic community increasingly embraces data-driven research strategies and global
collaboration, bibliometric literacy has become essential. This handbook equips you with the
technical know-how and the confidence to use tools like Scopus, Web of Science, and
Bibliometrix within RStudio, blending precision with accessibility.
We hope this guide supports your bibliometric reviews and encourages critical reflection on
the broader processes of research production, dissemination, and evaluation. Thank you for
utilizing this handbook—and we invite you to continue exploring, questioning, and
contributing to the evolving field of scholarly communication
Harnessing the power of listening for social change in a disrupted media ecology
No full textMotivated by the fact that voice has been seemingly projected above listening
when it comes to democratic participation, the chapter maps the literature on the
listening theory to establish how the concept of listening can facilitate discourses in three
contexts – public discourse, journalism, and social media. They argue that public discourses
that take listening into account could yield better results if all parties are ready to listen to
the different perspectives of an issue and find common ground. The two kinds of listening
related to journalism - receptivity and recognition - were found to ensure that media content,
editorial, and production processes are power-sensitive and responsive to the inequalities and
conflicts that shape speaking and listening relationships. Theodora and Anthea also attempt
to examine other dynamics of listening among individuals and corporations in the digitized
participatory media sphere in light of the listening theory. Consequently, they propose another
mode of online media listening – interface listening
Factors influencing employee participation in corporate social responsibility interventions : a case of AFGRI
No full textMini Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Business Administration (MBA), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The study explores factors influencing employee participation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) intervention at AFGRI. COVID-19 developed new working arrangements and the introduction of young people in the workplace contributed immensely towards the shift in employee volunteering programmes. amongst other social contributors. Employees in most agricultural companies. operating in rural and farming areas, are mostly excluded from the company's EVP activities compared to their head office counterparts. The majority encompass blue-collar workers that operate on rotational shift hours and or in operational settings that requires them to be present on fulltime basis. It is for these reasons amongst others. that might put employees at a low risk of being exposed to their company's CSR activities. Various factors that influence employee participation in CSR interventions were examined in this study and based on recent literature and findings.
A quantitative research methodology was employed to investigate employee participation in CSI activities. The study's findings provided valuable insights into how both negative and positive factors can be improved to enhance CSR engagement and support from employees. Key factors influencing employee participation in CSR initiatives included amongst others:
I. Leadership Involvement: Active participation and support from leadership in CSR initiatives is crucial to demonstrate the intention of the company's efforts.
2. Understanding CSR Strategy: Employees need to comprehend and buy into the company's CSR strategy.
3. Effective Communication: Clear, relevant. and engaging communication is essential to attract employees to CSR initiatives. Timely communication helps employees plan their schedules around these initiatives.
4. Recognition and Rewards: Implementing a system to recognize and reward employee participation in CSR can boost engagement and healthy competition.
5. Provision of Resources: Providing volunteering time and resources is vital for the sustainability of CSR projects and to garner more support and participation.
These elements are essential for creating a supportive environment that encourages employee involvement in CSR activities.
The study offered essential recommendations with practical, implementable, and measurable actions to boost CSR engagement and participation. These recommendations included, amongst others:
I. Roadshows and Campaigns: Organising events to expose employees to CSR initiatives.
2. Inclusion in Work Cycle: Integrating CSR participation into employees' Key Performance Indicators (KPls).
3. Enhanced Company Culture: Fostering a culture that encourages participation in
CSR initiatives.
4. Visible Leadership Involvement: Increasing and making leadership involvement in CSR more visible.
5. CSR Awareness and lnclusivity: Raising awareness about CSR, promoting a culture of inclusivity, and embedding strategic communication for maximum participation.
These actions aimed to create a supportive environment that encouraged employees to actively engage in CSR activities.
Design and construction of a smart meter with embedded web portal
No full textThe absence of the necessary infrastructure to make an accurate and precise collection of data when compared to the firstworld countries in the power industry is great. Due to that, the need for the deployment of smart meters has increased in order to offer consumers and customers awareness of their electricity usage, helping them lower their total energy footprint. In this study, realtime low-cost energy management is designed and developed with an embedded web server integration. Using both real and reactive power data obtained from the smart energy system, the power quality can be made better for people taking their power straight from the grid. The work drives building a smart metering solution that helps in the process of monitoring. This smart metering solution involves connecting a load displacement sensor, which is an example of a smart sensor, to a web server, which tracks power consumption. It is mainly utilized for managing the overall power plant and measuring the major power system quantities. Data compression is employed for measurements of power quality and for speeding up the process of data loss prevention. When excess electricity usage occurs, the electrical energy is disconnected from the grid. Future residences will be designed to provide a high degree of interconnectivity and scalability. We demonstrate that by utilizing the foundational ideas of modern Web architecture, we can quickly and simply construct reliable, versatile smart Meter applications with few drawbacks
BRICS inbound and outbound tourism versus socio-economic indicators
No full textBRICS assemblies focus on politics and security, economics, and finance, and cultural and people-to-people exchange. Since these areas depend on global air transit and tourism, seamless movement is essential. Tourism fosters cultural proximity and human encounters, benefiting nations and businesses. This study aims to analyse tourism and socio-economic dynamics considering globalisation and socio-economic structural factors. The study examines economic growth, travel, and financial success in BRICS nations. The panel data regression method is applied to highlight the relations between tourism and socio-economic indicators among BRICS and G7 countries. Temporal and territorial aspects and all regression studies were performed using the statistical modelling programme EViews 11. The study found inbound and outward connections between globalisation, dynamic socio-economic indicators, and each country's structural indicators. These tripartite aspects explained BRICS inbound and outward travel, but both are in constant change over time. Results show that the actual globalisation paradigm favours developed nations in the tourism sector, emerging BRICS nations show hopeful socio-economic structures, however they need to find new unique strategies to achieve a fair share of the new emerging world middle class tourism market. The old one is already taken by developed countries and they will fight to expand it.</jats:p
Rethinking postgraduate studies: a critical analysis of career advancement in South Africa’s corporate sector
No full textPursuing full-time postgraduate studies implies delaying gaining work experience. This study
examines the extent to which postgraduate studies correlate with career advancement in South Africa. We use
a quantitative methodology to understand the correlation between postgraduate qualifications and senior
management and executive positions at 27 of the Top 40 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock
Exchange (JSE). We also identify qualifications required by recruiters for jobs advertised in January and
May 2023 and find that less than 1% of advertised jobs required master’s and PhD qualifications. We also
find that most senior managers and executives do not hold advanced education qualifications. We concluded
that these JSE firms and the labour market in general place a greater value on value work experience and
expertise acquired through practice, rather than study. The study casts doubt on the importance of advanced
education qualifications to acquire jobs or career advancement in South Africa
Evaluating small and medium-sized enterprises’ resilience in South Africa
No full textAbstract
Research background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges that require
a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to their resilience in a dynamic economic
landscape.
Purpose: This study investigates the factors that impact the resilience of SMEs, highlighting strategic
partnerships, technological advancements, employee engagement, and customer relationships as pivotal
elements.
Research methodology: Employing Yamane’s formula and purposive sampling, the research involved
the distribution of a closed-ended questionnaire via email, resulting in an 85% response rate from
153 SME owners and managers.
Results: Utilizing a multiple linear regression analysis, the research findings revealed an adjusted
R-squared of 94.50%, signifying a significant influence of the identified factors on SME resilience in
South Africa. Notably, the statistical significance of strategic partners management, technology adoption,
employee engagement, and customer relationship management (CRM) emphasizes their contributions to
SME resilience.
Novelty: Enhancing SME resilience involves actively cultivating strategic partnerships for effective
disruption anticipation and response. Prioritizing the adoption of relevant technologies, supported by
policymakers, can elevate efficiency and adaptability. Crucially, investment in a positive work culture
through employee engagement, continuous training, and adaptive human resource strategies is vital.
Moreover, businesses should prioritize customer-centric approaches, adopting effective CRM strategies
to comprehend customer needs and fortify their market presence
Assessment of professional pricing strategies in the built environment : case study of South Africa
No full textInequality in professional fees across built environment professions poses a significant challenge within the
construction industry. This study employs document analysis, focusing on projects as case studies, to investigate
fee structures across various professions, including quantity surveyors, project managers, architects, structural
engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and occupational health and safety officers.
The analysis reveals considerable variability in fee percentages across projects, suggesting that fee determination
is influenced by factors such as project complexity, size, risk, location, and market conditions. Despite this
variability, certain patterns emerge, such as higher fee percentages for projects with increased complexity or value.
Additionally, competitive pricing strategies are observed, with professionals adjusting fee percentages to remain
competitive within the market. These findings underscore the importance of tailored fee structures, informed by
project-specific requirements and industry standards, to address the issue of inequality in professional fees and
ensure fair compensation for built environment professionals
Investing decisions and financial performance of a commercial government agency of South Africa
No full textThe financial management of commercial government agencies in South Africa has been beset by challenges in achieving financial performance despite efforts to conserve financial position. Investment decisions present a potential strategy for improving financial performance. Guided by contingency theory, this study seeks to explore the perceptions of finance staff regarding the impact of investment decisions on the financial performance of a selected commercial government agency in South Africa. The study employs a cross-sectional, quantitative research design, utilizing a questionnaire to gather data from 51 respondents. Based on regression coefficients, the analysis reveals a strong positive causal relationship between investment decisions and financial performance. In particular, the beta coefficient indicates that investment decisions significantly predict financial performance (β = 0.827, p < .001). These findings suggest that firms should prioritize investment decisions to improve financial performance and promote growth. Accordingly, we recommend that commercial government agencies prioritize investment decisions to improve financial performance and achieve organizational goals