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Digital pedagogies of academic librarians in the fourth industrial revolution
No full textGlobally, the role of academic librarians as online teachers at higher education institutions is experiencing a tsunami of change. This is due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the influence of technology on pedagogy. The 21st-century academic librarian is challenged to adopt innovative teaching methods using technology in a digital environment. The purpose of this study was to explore the pedagogical and technological preparedness of academic librarians at University of Technologies in South Africa for online teaching. The technology pedagogy content knowledge framework guided the methodology in exploring the pedagogical and technological preparedness of academic librarians. A pragmatic approach using quantitative techniques was used in the data collection process. The data collected from the findings were analyzed and validated resulting in emerging themes. The results show a lack of pedagogical and technological skills among academic librarians at UOT in South Africa.Copyright: 2022. IGI Global. Due to copyright restrictions, only the abstract is available. For access to the full text item, please consult the publisher's website. The definitive version of the work is published in: Technologies for enhancing knowledge access in academic libraries. Hershey, Pa. : IGI Global, 247-270. doi:10.4018/978-1-6684-3364-5.ch01
A case study of superusers' influence towards productivity at Transient Port Terminals in Durban
No full textThesis presented in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.This thesis evaluated Superuser influence on organisational productivity in an organisation at Transnet Port Terminals in Durban. The study was motivated by a general concern in the Port terminals regarding Superusers, training, policies, leadership, and application information systems synergistical roles towards performance in Organisation.
This study used qualitative data collection to gain a clearer view of the Durban Transnet Port Terminals environment and found that workers demand inclusivity when determining enablers and objectives.
This study recommends the presence of a Superuser, structured training, application information systems, inclusive change management processes and engaging management to manage a successful Durban Port Terminal. It also identifies Superuser's positioning and input in enhancing the Port operational accomplishments. This review examines the influence of Superusers on organizational productivity in an organization.
Due to the COVID-19pandemic, this study concentrated on the Durban Port Terminals, where access, mobility, and the open freedom of applying carefree observations were restricted. Only employees who were cleared to attend work and those with access to computers took part in the study, and interactions between respondents and the researcher were constrained by the COVID-19 protocols, study design research tools and safe distance guidelines.
This study aims to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of malfunctioning systems, or users that are ill-equipped, on total productivity. It also aims to investigate the extent to which Superusers, and application information systems improvement could contribute to the performance and effectiveness of Transnet, and the impacts on national economic growth and social transformation. It is intended to reflect on superusers, strategies, leadership, and training which can synergistically bridge the gap between business, resources, and application systems to improve productivity. It aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding superusers, performance, and organizations. Superusers have the potential to significantly reduce the productivity gap
Examining the utilisation of virtual engagement by eThekwini pharmaceutical representatives during COVID-19 restrictions
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.Customer relationship management (CRM) across all platforms is crucial for pharmaceutical companies to fully maximise and implement in meeting customer needs. During the COVID-19 lockdown, pharmaceutical companies were unable to fulfil their obligations of sharing critical education-related clinical information due to strict lockdown measures that were government imposed. The healthcare providers’ (HCPs) engagement and products offered by the pharmaceutical industry are regulated by the government. Almost all pharmaceutical companies were forced to re-evaluate and implement different methods of engaging with HCPs. During the COVID-19 period, pharmaceutical companies reviewed how they engage with HCPs.
Pharmaceutical representatives’ role are crucial in ensuring that relevant product-related information is shared to the HCPs. The correct product information is cascaded from pharmaceutical representatives to the patients via their HCPs. It was expected that pharmaceutical representatives continue to engage with HCPs irrespective of lockdown restrictions. This gave a rise to virtual engagement as a method of engaging with HCPs.
This study examined of utilising virtual engagement by eThekwini-based pharmaceutical representatives in meeting their targets and key performance indicators while engaging with HCPs.
A quantitative study method using seventy-one respondents was employed to collect data related to virtual engagement by administering a questionnaire to the targeted respondents. The respondents completed the questionnaires which were purposely sent to a specific WhatsApp group consisting of eThekwini-based pharmaceutical representatives.
Data was statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The research questions focused on understanding: the influence of COVID-19 lockdown in successfully marketing products and services virtually; whether virtual engagements are an effective method for pharmaceutical representatives to interact with healthcare professionals, and marketing tools are successful in engaging with healthcare professionals.
The results indicate that 68% of respondents engaged both virtually and in-person during the COVID-19 lockdown either 5 – 6 times or more than 8 times a week. Furthermore, there is a significant agreement that the representatives successfully utilised virtual engagement using Teams, WhatsApp and phone call. The results indicate a 53,5% positive effect of virtual engagement on the marketing of products to HCPs.
This study concludes that the results concurred with other studies in the world and present an insight into eThekwini-based representative in utilising virtual engagements. Perception of pharmaceutical representative in utilising these marketing tools provided insight for virtual engagement post COVID-19.
It is recommended that companies may re-adjust their state of preparedness in adopting virtual engagement where face-to-face interactions are limited and when investigating newer ways of implementing and migrating towards virtual customer engagements post- COVID-19.
A critical analysis of partnerships between public higher education institutions and the retail sector in KwaZulu-Natal
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Retail industries are one of the major contributors to the gross domestic product (GDP) and an employment hub that encounters recruitment challenges in a competitive world. A common factor relating to these challenges is the failure to attract skilled employees to occupy vacant positions. A viable prospect is for higher education institutions to establish partnerships with the sector. This study; therefore, aims to investigate the role of partnerships between public higher education institutions and the retail sector in KwaZulu-Natal Province. It does so by outlining the key success factors influencing partnerships, identifying skills relevant to the retail sector, and determining how to build and strengthen partnerships between higher education and the retail sector. The study conforms to the pragmatic paradigm, assuming an exploratory descriptive and cross-sectional mixed methods approach. Using descriptive and inferential tests, quantitative data were generated from a survey of 80 exit-level students as well as store managers representing 128 retail stores in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Qualitative data was yielded from interviews and focus group discussions with general managers, regional managers and retail floor supervisors. The overall findings demonstrated that relationships between education and retail require further strengthening. The main findings show that the transition process for graduates from universities to the labour market is challenging due to the misalignment of skills. The passive approach of stakeholders’ is regarded as key to skill misalignment, necessitating crucial intervention. The study recommends significant structured engagement between the sectors to allow a smoother transition into the labour market through the availability of skilled personnel. The study provides a framework for effective partnerships to guide industry partners, academics, and policy developers in establishing and managing partnerships between education institutions and the retail sector.
A qualitative study on the treatment practices of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners in the treatment and management of Gastro Oesophageal reflux disease
No full textDissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's
Degree in Homoeopathy at Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows up into the oesophagus and irritates the oesophageal cell lining and damages the lower oesophageal sphincter. This condition is commonly known as Acid Reflux or Regurgitation, encompassing a range of different disorders such as dyspepsia and pyrosis and in some cases may cause difficulty swallowing. There may be a sour or bitter taste at the back of the mouth due to reflux of acid. Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease is difficult to treat successfully. Prolonged Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease leads to injury and inflammation of the oesophageal lining resulting in a condition known as Barrett’s Oesophagus, with complications such as oesophageal cancer, ulceration and stricture of the oesophagus. Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease is commonly seen in pregnant women and individuals with hiatal hernias that suffer from dyspepsia and pyrosis, it is also commonly seen as a side effect of medication and, more commonly, stress and anxiety related effects. Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease and other gastrointestinal disorders are caused due to stress related inflammation which occurs in patients with stressful lifestyles. Aim of study This study aimed to identify the possible therapeutic practices and management of Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease from diagnosis to treatment plans by various Complementary and Alternative Medicine protocols within the context of their philosophical backgrounds. Furthermore, this research study would document valuable information of six different Complementary and Alternative Medicine modalities. These modalities are Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, UnaniTibb, Homoeopathy and Reflexology. Methodology The research methodology has utilized a qualitative design incorporating semistructured interviews of twelve Complementary and Alternate Medicine practitioners in the eThekwini area on their treatment of Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease. Interviews were done with each Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioner at a place that was convenient to each practitioner. The interviews were recorded on a Dictaphone and a mobile audio recorder. Each interview was 30 minutes long and was guided by research questions. A stratified purposive sampling was implemented in order to select practitioners according to their modality in the provinces of South Africa exclusively. A pilot study was conducted to ensure trustworthiness and Ethics approval was sort from the Durban University of Technology Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC) Analysis of data utilized qualitative design methods that would produce themes and concepts from the information collected. Results The findings of this study showed that Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease can be interpreted by many Complementary and Alternative Medicine modalities according to different philosophies such as Miasms, Temperaments, Systemic Meridians and Doshas. Each Complementary and Alternative Medicine philosophy is governed by a set of factors that requires homeostasis to produce optimal health. Despite the various philosophical theories, all modalities were underpinned by the same principle that Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease is caused by a constitutional imbalance. This is characterized, in modern times, by inflammation, acidic build up, emotional and mental health and physical conditions, being understood as contributing factors of Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease, thus the theme of individualization was the key understanding in the treatment and management protocols. Each Complementary and Alternative Medicine modality prescribed well indicated herbal medicine in conjunction with lifestyle modification best suited for each patient individually. Management included therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, cupping and calming exercises. Furthermore, each modality “borrowed” medicines or therapies from other modalities in order to enhance the efficacy of the treatment and management of Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease. Conclusion It was concluded that Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease needs a multidimensional approach of treatment and management. Lifestyle changes, medication (herbs and remedies), stress management and dietary changes are needed to correct and manage Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease along with reducing or preventing the risk of complications that can manifest. Overall, the treatment and management through Complementary and Alternative Medicine modalities can improve the quality of life of patients with Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease. 7
Formulation and in vitro analysis of essential oil blended (Cymbopogon citratus, Syzgium aromaticum and Melaleuca alternifolia) biocompatible hand sanitizer against common bacterial pathogens
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.ABSTRACT Essential oils (EOs) are predominantly known for their use in aromatherapy, cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. Combination of EOs may result in holistic synergistic effects due to a blended biocompatible mixture. In this study, three EOs were selected out of the seven EOs tested for their efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on the results of disc diffusion. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of EOs from Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) and Syzgium aromaticum (clove) were determined against Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli ATCC 11775. The EOs were analysed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the volatile organic compounds. Geranial, neral, neryl acetate and β-caryophyllene were present in highest concentrations among 48 chemicals identified in lemon grass essential oil (LGEO). GC-MS identified 17 chemical compounds in clove EO (CEO) with eugenol, eugenol acetate and β-caryophyllene present in highest concentrations. A total of 52 compounds were identified with terpineol-4, γ-terpinene, α-terpipene and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) being the most prevalent compounds in tea tree EO (TTEO). Response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD) was used to develop a mathematical model that determined the optimal concentrations of LGEO, TTEO and CEO as 0.10%, 0.11% and 0.10%, respectively. This investigation highlighted the importance of microbiological techniques and statistical optimization tools to study the synergistic effect of selected EOs towards developing a combined EO - based antibacterial treatment technology. Overall, this study showed the potential of developing a biocompatible hand sanitizer which resulted in marked log reduction of bacteria. Further study on the efficacy of the developed EO-mixture against viruses, fungi and nematodes will provide useful scientific knowledge.
Caregivers experiences of living with an adolescent who abuses drugs in the Sol Plaatjie Municipal area in the Northern Cape
No full textDissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Aim
Drug abuse by adolescents has devastating effects on the ability of their families and
caregivers to function. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the caregiver’s
lived experiences of living with an adolescent who was abusing drugs and receiving
treatment in selected drug rehabilitation institutions.
Research
Design and Approach
A qualitative, descriptive, and contextual with a phenomenological approach. was
adopted to explore caregivers’ lived experiences living with adolescents who abuse
drugs.
Research setting
The study was conducted at four purposively chosen Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) rehabilitation institutions situated in the Sol Plaatjie Municipality in Kimberly in
the Northern Cape Province. Participants were recruited from selected rehabilitation
government institutions and NGOs in the Sol Plaatjie Municipal area after full ethics
approval was obtained from the DUT Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC).
A non-probability purposive sampling, also known as the judgment sampling method, was
used in this study. to interviews with 15 purposively selected caregivers whose
adolescents were abusing drugs. Interviews were recorded and then simultaneously
translated and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to the
experiences of caregivers of adolescents with a drug abuse problem.
Results
Results show that the behaviour of these adolescents created an environment that led to
feelings of shame and embarrassment, family disintegration, conflicts, and
communication breakdown, suicidal feelings, and stress related ailments of these
caregivers. Participants experienced personal challenges which included psychological
and emotional effects of fear, stress, pain, and self-blame. Participants also highlighted
family disruptions and financial drain as adverse experiences as a result of their
adolescents’ behaviour.
Conclusion
The study results highlighted the psychosocial challenges experienced by those
caregivers of adolescents who abuse drugs. These findings underscore the need for
efforts to be directed at the development of formal support interventions for caregivers of
adolescents who are affected by this public health scourge.
Extended naked conical singularity in radiation collapse in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity
No full textIn this paper, we investigate the continual gravitational collapse of a spherically symmetric radiation shell in five-dimensional Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity. We show that the final fate of such a collapse is an extended and weak curvature naked conical singularity at the centre, which then subsequently becomes covered by an apparent horizon. This process is entirely different from the five dimensional general relativity counterpart, where a strong curvature singularity develops at the centre. Since the singularity in the case of Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity is sufficiently weak, we argue that the spacetime can be extended through it, which gives us an elegant way of constructing regular black holes in higher dimensions without violating any energy conditions. We also extend our study to spacetimes with null and string fluids, which are the counterpart of generalized Vaidya spacetimes in general relativity. We show that similar end states are also possible in those cases. Higher-dimensional spacetimes are then considered
The cost of ownership : learning from Flamingo Court, a former social housing apartment block in Durban
No full textABSTRACT: Owning property is an aspiration for many people living in South Africa. The belief that private ownership is a stepping-stone towards material and financial wealth is dominant in South African housing policy. While property ownership may lead to better living conditions and the accrual of wealth, it can also lead to exclusion, dispossession, and displacement for many low-income families. This article analyses the socio-economic, and built environment consequences, of privatising a municipal social housing block, Flamingo Court, located in the city of Durban. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative studies in Flamingo Court, we show that the impact of private ownership for the residents has proved more of a curse than a blessing. There are also unexpected costs to the state in privatising social housing units. The paper argues that low-income beneficiaries of privatised former social housing cannot always afford the costs of maintaining communal spaces or the dwelling units that come with private ownership. This results in deterioration of the building infrastructure, communal finance and governance of the apartment block, and ultimately places residents' security of tenure at risk. Flamingo Court offers an important case study for thinking through some of the hidden costs of ownership for sectional title blocks in the urban core and how and why ownership does not always translate to improved economic or social benefits, countering the current South African policy objective of upliftment and empowerment through the provision of housing.</jats:p
An appraisal of procurement challenges facing emerging contractors in public sector projects in South Africa
No full textA research thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements of Master of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.Poor participation and performance of emerging contractors in public sector construction projects is currently an issue of major concern in South Africa (SA), as economic development relies mainly on the sustainability of small businesses. While the South African government has endeavoured to make provisions for the advancement of the emerging contractors through the regulatory framework and Section 217(i) of the constitution, earlier studies have revealed that the emerging contractors continue to face several procurement challenges. These procurement challenges have adversely impacted the growth and development of small contractors. Unfortunately, the available provisions in the constitution and the regulatory framework have not been able to adequately solve the problem. This has led to a high rate of small business failures in South Africa. These procurement challenges include late payments, poor contract management, poor cash flow management, the complexity of regulations, too much competition, political interference, and a lack of skills in pricing techniques, to mention a few. This study aimed to appraise the procurement challenges facing emerging contractors in public sector projects in South Africa with a view to developing strategies to mitigate the challenges experienced. The study focused on CIDB-registered construction companies in Gauteng province under CIDB levels 4 and 5 registered as general building and civil engineering classified contractors. The study adhered to a quantitative explanatory approach. A survey questionnaire comprising structured questions relating to the study’s objectives was drawn up and distributed to the participants. The data is presented using the tables while the analysis of the data was achieved through using the appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics to measure characteristics of the study population and to make inferences about the population from data set respectively. The study found that late payments, political interference, poorly managed cash flows, too much competition, and a lack of understanding of pricing techniques were the top five critical challenges facing the emerging contractors in the South African construction industry. Further investigation on the impacts of the identified challenges facing the emerging contractors in South Africa revealed that project cost and time overruns, lack of access to public sector contractors, loss of profits, blacklisting by creditors, liquidation, and abandoned projects negatively impact the success of the emerging contractors in South Africa. The study further identified potential measures to overcome the identified procurement challenges. These measures include: reviewing procurement policies for contractor development with emphasis on business and management skills development programmes; access to finance be made easily accessible; contractors be trained to separate business operations from family operations, including proper cash flow management; skills development training specifically for small contractors; joint venture partnerships for emerging contractors to curb financial and administrative burdens and skills transfer; implementing early payment arrangements with the organs of state and ensuring timely payments from clients; breaking down bids into smaller projects; the provision of more and detailed information for bids during the tender stage; the relaxation of unnecessary bureaucratic procedures; the provision of tax holidays; and after care and follow-up training to be provided to ensure that the small contractors remain in business. Based on these findings, impacts, and mitigation measures, the study recommends revising government policies regarding the payment of emerging contractors to address the challenge of late payments, thus prioritising timely payments for all emerging contractors and, where possible, establishing early payment arrangements; the training of emerging contractors and skills development be prioritised; and entry-level training for CIDB Level/Grade 1 contractors be implemented to upskill those emerging contractors.