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Business administration students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship at Durban University of Technology
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.It has long been known that entrepreneurship reduces poverty and promotes economic growth.
The overall purpose of this study is to explore and understand the entrepreneurial intentions of third-year Business Administration students in the Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management at Durban University of Technology (DUT). The focus is on the perceptions of students regarding the role played by the Entrepreneurial Studies and Management programme in promoting entrepreneurial intentions
This study used a mixed-methods approach and the primary data collection instruments were questionnaires and interviews.
The research findings indicate that factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions among third-year Business Administration students include creativity, a desire to assist others, and the importance of education in entrepreneurship. Students value practical skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a willingness to take calculated risks. The curriculum in the entrepreneurial studies and management department plays a significant role in preparing students for entrepreneurship, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance. Networking opportunities and support structures offered by INNOBIZ and Enactus, contribute to increased student awareness and interest in entrepreneurship. Overall, fostering creativity, social responsibility, and a strong educational foundation are key elements in promoting an entrepreneurial culture among students.
Effects of HR analytics on HRM practices: an integrative review
No full textThe current study investigates the impact of HR analytics on human resource management (HRM) practices. Based on a review of HRM literature, it is clear that HR analytics is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool that influences HRM practices, particularly in supporting strategic decision-making. The primary motivation for this study stems from a noticeable gap in research regarding the impact and adoption of HR analytics within organizations, especially in South Africa. A comprehensive analysis of academic journal articles from reputable databases revealed that HR analytics positively influences human resource management practices and enhances HRM efficiency by integrating various functions and enabling managers to make informed decisions. It is recommended that organizations consider key factors that contribute to the effective implementation of HR analytics to maximize its advantages and achieve a competitive edge. This study underscores the importance of utilizing HR analytics for South African organizations aiming to harness data-driven insights to improve HR processes, increase employee satisfaction, and boost overall business performance. Consequently, both employees and the organization stand to benefit significantly from this strategic approach
Antibodies to erythropoietin are associated with erythropoietin resistance in hemodialysis patients in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
No full textRecombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is a glycoprotein and biological equivalent to the endogenous compound administered to treat anemia of end-stage renal disease patients. Resistance to rHuEPO has been reported, whereby patients require higher and higher doses of rHuEPO to maintain an adequate hemoglobin level. In this study, assessment of native and administered erythropoietin (EPO), antibody and hemoglobin levels was carried out on a sample of patients with renal failure on hemodialysis (HD). This is a randomized controlled trial where consecutive subjects attending HD units at Addington Hospital and King Edward Hospital, Durban (South Africa) were included until the target number was reached. Forty patients with renal failure on HD and receiving recombinant EPO Beta (Recormon) for treatment of anemia via the subcutaneous route in weekly doses of 2000 IU, 4000 IU, 6000 IU, 8000 IU, 12,000 IU, or 18,000 IU according to the severity of the anemia were included after obtaining informed consent. Also included in the study were 10 HD patients not on rHuEPO therapy and 10 healthy individuals from the Durban University of Technology, recruited as described above to form the control group. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of EPO as well as antibodies to EPO. Results were analyzed by descriptive, inferential methods and by logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 22.0. Antibodies to EPO were found in almost all patients who were receiving EPO. The highest levels of antibody to EPO were found to be associated with patients receiving the highest weekly dose of EPO (18,000 IU). Logistic regression analysis also revealed that serum levels of EPO, gender or age were not associated with any significant variation of serum antibody level. High levels of serum antibodies to EPO are a risk factor for EPO resistance
An injury profile of musculoskeletal injuries in CrossFit athletes in KwaZulu-Natal
No full textDissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background- Musculoskeletal injuries are frequently reported amongst CrossFit athletes. This study aimed to determine an injury profile of CrossFit athletes in the KwaZulu-Natal area, to identify any associated risk factors, and explore possible treatment approaches. Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in KwaZulu-Natal. Objectives- The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in CrossFit athletes and to identify and create a profile of musculoskeletal injuries among CrossFit athletes, including the location, nature, and severity of these injuries. Additionally, the study aimed to identify any associations between injury profile and selected risk factors for injury, such as age, gender, height, weight, and race. Finally, another objective was to investigate the type of care and management sought by CrossFit athletes for different types of injuries. Methods- The study was a quantitative-, retrospective study utilising a descriptive questionnaire administered in the form of a survey at four selected CrossFit affiliated facilities on CrossFit athletes. Results- Among the 181 participants, 29% (n=53) reported on lifetime musculoskeletal injuries. This suggests that injuries are relatively common in the sport. The most frequently reported type of injury was a strain or tear in 64.1% (n=34), with the shoulder being the most commonly affected area at 37.7% (n=20). Participants reported moderate pain levels in 49% of cases, indicating that injuries were not severe enough to result in significant discomfort, most injuries were acute (up to 3 months) and required medical attention (79.1%, n=48). The majority of injuries (73%, n=39) were caused by weightlifting, highlighting the importance of proper technique and safety measures when performing this type of exercise. Conclusion- This study sheds light on the prevalence, causes, and management of musculoskeletal injuries in CrossFit athletes. The findings emphasise the need for injury prevention strategies and proper training techniques to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals who participate in this sport.
The antimicrobial effectiveness of Tulbaghia violacea and Allium sativum on the in vitro growth of Candida albicans
No full textDissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master in Homoeopathy degree, Durban University of Technology, Durban, south Africa, 2024.Aim
This study sought to compare the antifungal potential of Tulbaghia violacea to that of Allium sativum. Mother tinctures and a respective selection of homoeopathic potencies were evaluated in terms of their inhibitory effect on the growth of Candida albicans in vitro.
Methodology
This experimental study employed microbiological assays to evaluate the antifungal potential of Tulbaghia violacea (wild garlic) while comparing this activity to Allium
sativum (garlic) against Candida albicans in vitro. Allium sativum bulbs and fresh Tulbaghia violacea bulbs and leaves were processed into 1:2 ethanolic extracts.
These were diluted into 1:10 mother tinctures in 8% ethanol and succussed to prepare respective 3CH, 5CH, 8CH, 13CH and 21CH homoeopathic potencies (CHcentesimal Hahnemannian – diluting substance by a factor of 100 followed by rigorous shaking before the next dilution). The inhibitory effect of the respective preparations was investigated using the microtitre plate assay. The absorbance of Candida albicans, in Sabouraud dextrose broth, was measured at 630 nm with a Multiskan Go microplate spectrophotometer in the presence and absence of selected test substances. The absorbance readings of the test groups were compared to the negative control (Candida albicans left untreated). Additionally, disc- and well diffusion assays were used to further explore the antifungal effectiveness by measuring the zones of inhibition in Sabouraud dextrose agar plates.
Quantitative data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the sets of
data produced from the microtitre assay. The differences between the Pre- and postincubation absorbance was analysed. Results The microtitre assay produced data, which was used for the comparative analysis of the 1:10 mother tincture, 3CH, 5CH, 8CH, 13CH and 21CH test groups indicated that the 1:10 mother tinctures were the most statistically significant test group as p = 0.006. Additionally, the analysis confirmed that the inhibitory properties of Allium sativum were better than that of Tulbaghia violacea. The pairwise comparative analysis found that all tested groups were statistically significant when compared to the negative control (Candida albicans left untreated). Both the well and disc diffusion assay did not produce measurable zones of inhibition and therefore no comparative data were obtained from this investigation.
Conclusion
The study found that Tulbaghia violacea mother tinctures and homoeopathic potencies were effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. It can be concluded that
Tulbaghia violacea does indeed contain antifungal properties, which can be further investigated by means of in vivo testing. According to the comparative analysis Allium
sativum demonstrates better antifungal effectiveness than Tulbaghia violacea.
From the classroom to the African newsroom: how journalism education can bridge the gap between the classroom and the shrinking newsroom
No full textThroughout the development of journalism, several groups have made efforts to gain access to voice and advance specific agendas. The current evolutionary phase of journalism has witnessed the democratization of the origination and distribution of journalistic content and has propelled unparalleled content diversity and interactivity and a transition from communality of audience membership to individuality. This unprecedented phase has also brought on certain challenges to journalism as a practice and business, some of which are revenue loss to digital giants, misinformation, dwindling trust in mainstream media, shifting eyeballs to digital platforms and the withering of size and influence of mainstream news outlets. Consequently, journalism graduates now enter a job market that is largely low paying, is increasingly mediated by technology, is rapidly converging, and is experiencing a change in work cultures. In the midst of the rapid evolutions, one of the major concerns is how journalism and media studies schools can respond to this rapidly transforming environment for journalism practice. Through the autoethnography method of enquiry, this paper, thus, reflects on some of the current trends and makes proposals as to how journalism training schools can respond to current realities
The key success factors and barriers within the Ghanaian tourism and hospitality industry : the balanced scorecard approach
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Ghana has diverse array of attractions ranging from cultural heritage sites to pristine
beaches and vibrant wildlife reserves, Ghana has positioned itself as an increasingly
popular destination for both domestic and international travellers. As a result, this
study's goal is to address the issue that was discovered, utilizing the Balanced
Scorecard (BSC) as its assessment method. This study took the form of a descriptive
design where both qualitative and quantitative research design was adopted. A
questionnaire and an interview was used to collect primary data from a sample of three
hundred participants, based on multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques.
The data was collected within tourism and hospitality facilities in the Central and
Western regions of Ghana. The statistical programme, SPSS version 25.0, was used to
analyse the data. The study also made use of regression analysis, analysis of variance
(ANOVA) and cross tabulation. With regards to the qualitative analysis, the data was
analysed using a verbatim transcription analysis method. The results of the study also
provided baseline data that can, over time, assist other researchers to appreciate and
assess the tourism and hospitality industry in Ghana using the BSC approach. It also
provides an empirical basis for effective measurement of the tourism and hospitality
industry’s KSFs and contributes to the scholarly debate in tourism and hospitality
literature. This study also contributes to the theoretical orientation of KSFs and the BSC
in Ghana and the literature related to the tourism and hospitality industry, which
addresses some relevant concepts, such as profit making, branding, marketing and the
enhancement of employee and customer perspectives about the industry.
An evaluation of digital and artificial intelligent tools in an electronic and computer engineering curriculum at a university of technology in South Africa
No full textDigital tools have become integral to higher education, offering a wide array of opportunities for improving the learning experience. This study explores the adoption and impact of digital tools in engineering education. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing quantitative data and qualitative data collection. Participants included both staff and students in a comprehensive analysis.
The integration of technology in higher education has witnessed significant growth, encompassing educational software, learning management systems (LMS), and online platforms. In engineering education, tools like Moodle, MATLAB, Turnitin, Simulink, and MS Teams have gained prominence (Joksimović & Milosavljević, 2016). However, their effectiveness in achieving educational goals remains to be fully evaluated.
One key advantage of digital tools is personalized learning. Advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), enable adaptive learning software like ChatGPT to tailor lesson plans based on individual needs.
Furthermore, digital tools expand students' access to resources, such as online lectures, readings, and simulations, supplementing traditional teaching methods. They also facilitate collaborative learning and group projects through platforms like Moodle and Blackboard, enabling effective communication, document sharing, and teamwork.
The findings of this study shed light on the current landscape of digital tools in engineering education. A SWOT analysis is applied to inform future strategies. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of these tools and their potential to transform engineering education.
This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on optimizing digital tools for personalized learning and collaborative education in engineering programs. It underscores the importance of evaluating their impact and tailoring their use to enhance the overall educational experience
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Hibiscus tiliaceus L. Leaves and their applications in dye degradation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities
No full textThe present study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous extract of Hibis cus tiliaceus L. leaves and their application in dye degradation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer
activities. Analysis using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed that plant metabolite func tional groups had a role in the reduction and stability of AgNPs, and X-ray crystallography (XRD) demon strated that the AgNPs were in crystal form. The UV vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and
zeta potential investigations revealed that the AgNPs were formed with an average size of 88.10 nm in colloi dal form and were stable (-49 mV). The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-reso lution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) confirmed the shape and size of the AgNPs as spherical
with a particle size of 30 - 35 nm, respectively. The AgNPs exhibited potential antioxidant activity by total
antioxidant, DPPH, and reducing power assays. The biosynthesized AgNPs displayed a wide range of antibac terial activity on Gram-ve and Gram+ve bacteria by the zone of inhibition assay. AgNPs showed good antican cer activity on MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 65.83 mg/mL. Furthermore, AgNPs acted as potential catalysts
in combination with the reducing agent sodium borohydride (NaBH4) for the degradation of methylene blue
(MB), methylene orange (MO), and methylene green (MG) dyes. The degradation efficiency of catalyst AgNPs
in the attendance of NaBH4 for 15 min was noted to be 12.8 %, 26.92 %, and 47.56 % for MO, MB, and MG,
respectively. The study concluded that green synthesized AgNPs could be highly applicable as an antioxidant,
antimicrobial, and anticancer agents in the biomedical field. Furthermore, AgNPs could be helpful in the
remediation of dye effluents
Strengthening student-supervisor relationships: an examination of postgraduate students' perspectives on supervisory supports
No full textThis study examined the role of supervisors in supporting
postgraduate students from the students’ perspective. Through interviews with postgraduate students at two universities, the research aimed to understand how students perceive and experience guidance from their supervisors. The factors examined included meeting frequency, feedback, and guidance received by students from supervisors. The analysis identified strengths in supervisory support in these areas, as well as areas needing improvement. Results indicate quality feedback and regular communication had the greatest positive impact. However, many students desired more hands-on help with methodology and writing. The study recommends supervisor training programs focused on writing guidance and supervision skills. By implementing such programs, universities can enable supervisors to provide optimal student support, thereby improving experiences and outcomes. This research provides key insights into strengthening student-supervisor relationships