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An injury profile of high school soccer players on a synthetic surface at a private school in the eThekwini municipality
No full textDissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master of Health Science: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background
In South Africa, sport is a compulsory activity in the majority of schools and most of
the population that play soccer at schools are amateur players. Many schools in
Durban have astroturf courts on which the scholars play soccer. Astroturf is a synthetic
surface that has gained much popularity due to it being cost effective and easy to
maintain. Despite the benefits associated with playing on astroturf, one of the concerns
is increased risk if injury to the players. Over the last decade, soccer injuries have
become commonplace amongst scholars, with the most affected age group being
between 13–15 years of age. The aim of this study is to determine the injury profile of
amateur scholar soccer players playing on a synthetic surface at a private school in
the eThekwini municipality.
Methodology
The research study is a quantitative study with a descriptive design. An organised,
quantitative questionnaire was handed out to 108 registered learners at Al-Falaah
College. The responses of the questionnaire were used to establish the demographic
and injury profile of the soccer players in this study.
Results
A 100% response rate was recorded. The majority (n=24; 22.2%) of the learners were
in the 14 year age group of Indian (n=98; 90.7%) ethnicity. The most common site of
injury was recorded as the knee joint (n=54; 50%), followed by the ankle joint (n=36;
33.3%), wrist (n=29; 26.9%) and foot (n=28; 25.9%). The most common mechanism
of injury reportedly occurred during tackling (n=61; 56.5%) and the least number of
injuries were reported as occurring during heading (n=4; 3.7%). Most of the
participants were found to be using incorrect footwear when playing on a synthetic
surface, such as, studded boots (n=63; 58.3%) and sneakers (n=39; 36.1%). Conclusion
The majority (79.6%) of the injuries reported were characterised as mild to moderate.
The lower extremity was the most frequently injured, specifically the knee and ankle
joint. Ligament and muscular injuries were the most common injury affecting the lower
extremity. Younger individuals are more likely to face injury when playing soccer on a
synthetic surface.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of conservative therapy in the treatment and management of temporomandibular joint disorders
Get PDFDissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters of Health Sciences in Chiropractic at The Durban University Of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass neuromusculoskeletal
conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding orofacial
structures, particularly the muscles of mastication. Despite numerous treatment
options, there is a dearth of evidence-based conservative interventions. This
systematic review aims to evaluate the level of evidence for conservative TMD
interventions to inform clinical practice guidelines.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across databases including CINAHL,
Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science,
supplemented by a hand search. The final search was completed on June 2022 and
a supplementary search was performed in March 2023. Inclusion criteria
encompassed studies evaluating conservative therapies for TMD in human subjects,
while exclusion criteria included non-English studies, unavailable full texts, and studies
not focused on conservative treatments. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro
scale for RCTs, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) for NRCTs, and the Liddle scale
for case reports and series. Data were synthesized qualitatively. This review was
registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023409560).
Results: From 4,148 records, 789 duplicates and 3 retracted articles were removed.
Title screening excluded 3,141 articles, abstract screening excluded 172 articles, and
full-text screening excluded 9 articles, leaving 31 eligible articles. An additional study
identified through a hand search brought the total to 32, comprising 19 RCTs, 10
NRCTs, 1 case report, and 2 case series. The interventions evaluated included dry
needling, exercise, physical therapy, ischemic compression,
manipulation/mobilisation, and manual therapy. Strong evidence supports the
effectiveness of dry needling, while moderate evidence was found for exercise,
manual therapy, and multimodal interventions, such as cervical spine manipulation
combined with other therapies. Limited evidence supports thoracic spine manipulation,
myofascial techniques, physical therapy, and proprioceptive neuromuscular
facilitation. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential benefits of conservative therapies in
TMD management. Clinicians should prioritize dry needling, exercise, and manual
therapy, particularly in combination with other modalities, to optimize patient
outcomes. Researchers should focus on conducting high-quality RCTs with
standardized protocols and larger sample sizes to strengthen the evidence base,
particularly for under-researched interventions such as thoracic spine manipulation
and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Policymakers should consider
integrating the strongest evidence-based interventions into clinical guidelines to
improve accessibility and standardization of conservative TMD treatments
Risk factors influencing informal contractors’ operations in the construction industry in selected local municipalities of the Free State Province, South Africa
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences
specialising in Business Administration in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Operations by informal contractors in the construction industry plays an indispensable role in
informal economy of South Africa. However, several risk factors have continued to influence
the successful operations of informal contractor in the construction industry of South Africa.
This study therefore assesses the risk factors that influence informal contractors’ operations in
the construction industry. A comprehensive literature backed by different but related theories
such asthe dualists, the structuralists, and the voluntariststheories were sought to ascertain the
risk factors that impede industry’s operations throughout the project life cycle. A convergence
of mixed methods approach was employed to gather concurrent data through several multiple
sources. A 5 Likert-scale questionnaire and interview schedule were distributed to 304
informal contractors to gather primary data. To ensure enough triangulation data process, 18
informal contractors divided into 3 groups of 6 participants per group participated in focus
group discussions (FGDs) from 8 local municipalities (LMs). Qualitative and quantitative data
were analysed through SPSS statistical software aided by descriptive and inferential tools
supported by ANOVA to test formulated hypotheses. Qualitative data on the other hand, was
analysed using the thematic approach. Themes and sub-themes were derived from the
participants’ responses for meaningful inferences. The study revealed several risk factors such
as project design, financial, material, decision making, physical and environmental risks
among others that influence informal contractors’ operations in the construction industry. It
was established that though majority of informal contractors attained minimum educational
qualifications, yet they lack the requisite risk management knowledge within the construction
industry. Risk factors such as project design, financial, materials and decision-making
processes within the construction industry. Based on the study outcomes, it was concluded that
informal contractors should reduce the impact of all forms of risk factors within the
construction industry. To ensure maximum reduction of risk factors in the industry, this study
suggests an integrated risk factor identification framework (IRFIF) to be applied by informal
contractors during project operations. In general, the use of the IRFIF framework provides
beneficial for informal contractors across the informal economy. The IRFIF serves as a
strategic tool that is suggested to assist informal contractors to conduct an early identification
of the risk factors during operations to mitigate the occurrence of possible risk factors in the
industry.
The behaviour of small investors in the derivatives market of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
No full textSubmitted 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, 2024.The investment approach of individual investors varies from that of institutional investors, and
each investor's strategies differ from one another. Investors must select the right investment
path based on their unique requirements, risk tolerance, and expected returns, which adds
complexity and criticality to the decision-making process. Therefore, this study investigates
and identifies the key factors that influence the behaviour of small investors (individual/retail
investors) in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) derivatives market and ascertains the
key factors that influence individual investor’s decision-making in derivative markets in South
Africa. The study used finance theories, such as, traditional finance theory and efficient market
hypothesis theory with a focus on behavioural finance theory to explain investors’ decision
making from a psychological point of view. In the past, there was a prevailing belief that
investors made rational decisions when it came to their investments, while efficient Market
Theory proposed that markets efficiently incorporate price-related information. Whereas
behavioural finance studies have consistently shown that investors are susceptible to
psychological factors that can compromise the rationality of their financial decisions. This
study examined the psychological factors that influence individual investors’ behaviour in
derivative markets that are traded under the umbrella of the Johannesburg stock exchange.
The survey's sample size and data collection units were determined through questionnaires
and interviews conducted with both investors and brokers. Five hundred questionnaires were
sent to the participants and 414 responses were retrieved. 25 interview questions were sent
out to the investors and brokers and 16 response was received back from the market investors
and brokers. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative
and qualitative techniques for data analysis. The findings reveal that investors’ behaviour is
been influenced by various psychological factors in the financial market. Factor analysis was
utilized to identify and categorize the factors while also assessing validity. Additionally,
Cronbach's Alpha was employed to evaluate the survey instrument's reliability. Thus, the
findings from this study are that psychological factors, Accounting Information, Personal
Attitude and Risk perception are the significant factors that influence investors’ investment
behaviour while demographic factors and financial literacy have no influence on investors’
behaviour. Hence, investors should exercise caution and careful consideration when engaging
in derivative market investments. Furthermore, market authorities and governmental bodies
should take steps to provide assistance to investors both during the decision-making process
and afterward.
Social justice and the role of business: a case study of Sorbet franchisees in KwaZulu-Natal
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management Sciences, specialising in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are crucial to the nation's
prosperity. A robust SME sector significantly contributes to the economy's Gross
Domestic Product by lowering poverty and unemployment rates and encouraging
entrepreneurship. Despite their substantial relevance and contribution to
economic growth, SMEs worldwide— particularly in South Africa—continue to
suffer a number of difficulties. This study explored the role of Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in promoting social justice and business transformation in
KwaZulu-Natal. The growth and prevalence of SMEs are both noticeably low in
KwaZulu-Natal. As a result, the objectives of the study are to examine the
difficulties in KwaZulu-Natal with regard to SME funding and governmental
support for Sorbet, to identify the function of change management in advancing
Sorbet's social justice in KwaZulu-Natal and to list the social justice initiatives that
Sorbet in KwaZulu-Natal has implemented and to establish Sorbet, the chosen
SME, and its plans for promoting transformational business in KwaZulu-Natal.
Sorbet is a well-known network of beauty and wellness salons that is well
regarded for its exceptional services and dedication to promoting social justice
and improving the society. Sorbet effectively incorporates corporate social
responsibility into their business strategy, actively participating in a range of social
issues such as women's empowerment, youth development, and community
assistance projects. The brand's inclusive policies and commitment to ensuring
equal opportunities for workers and customers demonstrate the important role
that companies can have in advancing social change and justice in society. The
study examined the various forms of social justice and business transformation
strategies perceived by employees and managers of a selected SME, Sorbet, in
KwaZulu-Natal. The research design adopts a quantitative approach with a pre
coded structured questionnaire administered to the selected sample. Using
Sekaran and Bougie's (2016) computed statistical table, out of a target population
of 330 elements, the sample equated to n = 181. The simple random sample
without replacement was used to select the requisite selection. The researcher
collected the completed questionnaires, capturing the data to form a data set. The
questionnaire used for this study included a mix of structured questions with closed-ended responses and Likert-scale statements. These were designed to
target a specific area and gather accurate data that could be analysed
statistically. This was statistically tested using the more robust tools of parametric
tests with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The
statistical breakdown was performed in two stages, specifically a descriptive
statistical analysis and inferential statistics to evaluate the hypotheses. Several
significant findings emerged from the thorough theoretical examination of the
statistics. Furthermore, these findings were corroborated by other authors and
researchers who conducted comparable investigations and whose results were
analysed in relation to the findings of the present study. The study contributes
academically to the field of Management, specifically the SME sector, within
South Africa and explores its adaptability to the South African context. The
research design includes descriptive statistics for the quantitative data gathered
in the form of graphs, cross-tabulations, and other figures.
Examples of inferential techniques include correlations and chi-square test
results, which are interpreted using p-values. A statistical significance
statement is typically used to report a result. A test statistic generates a p-value.
"p 0.05" indicates a significant finding. "p 0.05" indicates an important finding.
The exploratory framework created as a model for Sorbet, in conjunction with
the study's findings and suggestions, may prove useful for future goal-oriented
strategies by the Organisation. The study concludes with recommendations for
future research in this emerging field.
Factors predisposing emergency medical technicians to workplace violence: a cross sectional study
No full textEmergency medical technicians (EMT) are at high risk of workplace violence as they often care for patients in uncontrolled and often hostile emergency settings. Gauteng Province, the most populous province in South Africa, caters for 75% of the total population which is dependant on state funded health care. Public sector EMTs' have been robbed with aggravated circumstances, assaulted with intent to do grievous bodily harm, raped and even murdered whilst on duty. Despite this, comprehensive studies investigating the factors that predispose public sector EMTs' to workplace violence in Gauteng Province are lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors that predispose public service EMTs' to workplace violence in Gauteng Province. Data were collected using questionnaires. A total of 413 questionnaires were returned by community members of Gauteng who met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics and binomial tests were used to analyze data. The results of this study revealed that workplace violence toward public service EMTs' in Gauteng is attributed to the high rates of crime, the widening gap of inequality, economic deprivation of basic rights to previously disadvantaged communities by government, vulnerability of EMTs' when responding to the ill and injured within low- and middle-income communities and a lack of consequence for disorderly behavior within the communities. An understanding of the community factors that predispose EMTs' to workplace violence may improve the understanding of the phenomenon of workplace violence and developing prevention programs within the communities
Factors impacting African women's doctoral success
No full textWith the knowledge economy playing such a critical role in global economic development, increasing the number of Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) graduates in higher education institutions worldwide has been imperative. The knowledge economy emphasises the importance of critical thinkers and researchers, as 'doctoral education cultivates thinkers and researchers’ and equips them to participate in development. African-identifying females account for 30% of doctoral graduates in sub-Saharan African countries, even when PhD education is viewed as an entry into academia and a gateway to careers in research and other disciplines. There is a paucity of research regarding PhD graduates who are specifically women in Africa; as a result, there is little information about their attributes to success in PhD studies, what opportunities and freedoms they have, and what challenges they face during their PhD journey, along with their motivation to overcome these challenges so that they can achieve their goals. It is essential for women in Africa to complete their PhD education to contribute to the development of their countries as some scholars believe no nation can grow without women’s participation. Thus, modern civilisation is the result of males and females cooperating in modern society. Even though some women complete their PhD studies, there is scant research on what strategies enabled their success. Instead, the reasons for their attrition are known. This book aims to contribute to PhD education scholarship, specifically for women in Africa. It allows women in Africa to narrate their PhD experiences through resilience theory and the capabilities approach lenses
A work integrated learning content framework for clinical neurophysiology technology in South African universities of technology
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Health Sciences: Clinical Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.INTRODUCTION
Clinical technology (CT) is a group of seven specialist professions dealing with
diagnosis and monitoring of human organ system function and diseases. Clinical
neurophysiology (CN) is one of these professions and uses multi-modality test
investigations of the brain, peripheral and central nervous system, and muscular
system, to diagnose and monitor neurological disease.
Since the origin of formal training, specialist learning in one of these categories has
occurred during a period of work-integrated learning (WIL) after a combined didactic
period at one of the three South African universities of technology that offer this
qualification. The duration of this period has fluctuated over time. Currently this is set
at 3 840 hours over a 24-month placement period as per the South African
Qualifications Authority (SAQA) course registration documents.
No previous investigations have been conducted to determine the industry required
content of this WIL period or how the testing and monitoring modalities taught support
specialist learning. No category specific training frameworks exist to aid training units
at any of the current three universities offering this qualification.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to determine the current industry requirements for
graduates to integrate into Clinical Neurophysiology private practice upon graduation.
This study aimed to determine the core testing modalities to include in an
undergraduate clinical technology qualification and how each modality can support
learning of related modalities. Related to this, this investigation also aimed to determine
embedded skills, knowledge, and personal graduate attributes required for mastering
of each of the core modalities.
The final objective was to design a learning framework based on the interconnected
learning affinity of modalities that incorporates all the required graduate skills that drive
achievement of graduate level outcome skill levels as determined by industry
requirements. METHODOLOGY
A Delphi research study was designed to firstly investigate the historic development of
the profession and training, and secondly determine the core testing modalities and
related knowledge and skills a current industry aligned qualification should include.
A round of unstructured interviews and desk research was undertaken to identify all
modalities currently included in university of technology course documents. A total of
23 modalities were identified. This round of data gathering was followed by two Delphi
questionnaires.
The first questionnaire (Q1) provided clinical neurophysiologists (CNPs) currently in
private practice an opportunity to select their preferred core modalities from the list of
modalities identified during the first data gathering round. Participants were also able
to contribute current industry required outcome skill levels and embedded skills and
knowledge required to master each modality. Fifty participants identified a list of 15
modalities as potential core modalities and contributed approximately 1 600 comments
on prerequisite skills and embedded knowledge and graduate attributes.
The second questionnaire (Q2) reported the findings of the first and provided the 36
participants with the opportunity to evaluate the learning and prerequisite dependence
or affinity of interrelated modalities. The participants also reevaluated the required
outcome practice skill level for each modality and how knowledge and practical skills
from Q1 drive learning of the core modalities.
RESULTS
At the end of the second questionnaire a total of 13 modalities were identified as core
modalities that are essential to master during undergraduate WIL. It was determined
that students must be able to perform, report, and interpret the results of the 13 core
modalities.
Dependence affinity of the 13 core modalities for learning of related modalities was
confirmed and the embedded and prerequisite skills driving the mastering of each
modality were combined into a learning framework. Results confirmed the historic foundational importance of electroencephalography (EEG) as a prerequisite to learning
all the other core modalities.
CONCLUSION
This was the first study investigating industry required graduate outcome skills for an
undergraduate qualification in clinical technology. Through a Delphi study 13 core
outcome modalities were identified and the required outcome skills level for integrating
into private practice was determined. Participant skills and knowledge contributions
were drawn upon to design a driver-based learning framework that can guide the
universities and training units in structuring the WIL period for most efficient clinical
training time management to achieve the required graduate skills outcomes during the
3 840 clinical training hours.
Effects of sugar taxation on small-scale canegrowers in eMpangeni, KwaZulu-Natal
No full textSubmitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.In April 2018, the South African government implemented a Health Promotion Levy
(HPL), commonly known a sugar tax, on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This
followed the discovery that the regular consumption of SSBs is associated with an
increased risk of dental cavities, obesity and noncommunicable diseases. Since the
introduction of the sugar tax, there has been a noticeable reduction in the demand for
sugar. While sugar taxation is a necessary intervention towards addressing obesity
and non-communicable diseases, this has a significant financial impact in the sugar
industry. Equally affected are the small-scale canegrowers who rely solely on the
production of sugarcane for income. The study investigated the effects of the sugar
tax on small-scale canegrowers in the Empangeni area of KwaZulu-Natal. To achieve
this, the study adopted a cross-sectional research design where quantitative data was
collected from 262 small-scale canegrowers in the Empangeni region. Descriptive
statistics and the principal component analysis technique were subsequently utilised
to analyse the data. Several key findings emerged from the study which revealed
significant concerns among respondents, indicating a consensus on declining
sugarcane production, some growers abandoning their farms, and adverse impacts
such as job losses. Additionally, a lack of confidence in government support to mitigate
these effects was evident. These insights highlight the necessity for policy
interventions to address the challenges faced by small-scale canegrowers.
The effect of moral education on students at a selected secondary school in Durban
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Public Management and Economics at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Like other regions, there is a problem with reckless behaviour among pupils in several of Africa's largest cities. Young people's lack of maturity frequently results in a variety of issues, such as exhibitionism, drunkenness, drug addiction, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. This study explored the prospects and difficulties of integrating moral education into the LO curriculum in South Africa. The difficulties parents experience in raising their children are highlighted by the difficulties that arise at home. These difficulties are made worse by the incongruity of the surroundings in which children must overcome moral and socioeconomic obstacles, whether it be at home, in their neighbourhood, or at school. Bechet High school students frequently exhibit distress, which may be brought on by bullying. With an emphasis on the eThekwini Municipality, this study explores how Moral Education (ME) is included into the Life Orientation (LO) curriculum in South African public schools. This study intends to explore the experiences of instructors and students regarding the teaching and learning of ME, as well as the influence on students' moral behaviour at home, in school, and in the community, considering growing concerns about the crime rates among LO-taught learners. To stop future criminality, it is imperative that we foster moral behaviour and good citizenship in young people, given the rising incidence of crime. This study looks at the opportunities and difficulties of incorporating ME and religion according to learners’ best belief into the LO curriculum to find ways to improve moral behaviour in students. Using techniques for qualitative research. This study looks at the opportunities and difficulties of incorporating ME into the LO curriculum to find ways to improve moral behaviour in students. By utilizing qualitative research techniques such as observations and interviews, the study investigates the dynamics of moral instruction inside high schools. This study emphasizes the vital role moral education plays in forming the attitudes, actions, and general growth of secondary school pupils in Durban, South Africa. Through the utilization of a qualitative method approach and the application of recognized theoretical frameworks, including the drawing prompt of the respondents social learning theory based the fulfilment of moral growth, the study provides insightful information about the effects of moral education programs in this setting. The results show that interventions in moral education improve students' prosocial conduct, moral reasoning, empathy, and academic achievement. Notwithstanding these beneficial results, the study also notes that putting moral education programs into practice might be difficult due to a lack of funding, curriculum restrictions, and cultural differences. These difficulties highlight the necessity of stakeholders, legislators, and educators working together to incorporate moral Education as a specific learning subject that entails the teaching and learning about the respect of oneself, others, and the public properties.