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Loyalty program benefits and their effect on relationship quality and loyalty to the retailer
Loyalty Programs (LPs) aim to increase profit by rewarding, with various benefits, customers who patronize the retailer. This study investigated the benefits LPs provide in the South African Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) marketplace and how these influence relationship quality and loyalty between retailer and customer. How the perceived benefits of LPs contribute to relationship quality (satisfaction, trust and commitment), and how they lead to loyalty are examined. To illustrate these relationships, a model showing three independent (perceived benefits, namely altruistic, consumeristic, and egoistic) and three dependent variables (relationship quality, namely trust, satisfaction, and commitment), plus customer loyalty, was developed. A quantitative survey was administered electronically over 11 days to a randomly selected sample of 5000 consumers per day from a commercial database, resulting in 1944 responses. After the deletion of incomplete or inappropriate responses, 479 usable replies remained. Since this sample was self-selected, it should be considered a convenience sample. Structural equation modelling (SEM) with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to test the hypotheses and develop the model. SEM indicated that respondents consider egoistic and consumeristic benefits as the same. Furthermore, trust and satisfaction manifest as a single construct. Both consumeristic and altruistic benefits had a significant positive relationship with this unified construct of trust/satisfaction, and the relationship between altruistic benefits and commitment was also positive and significant. Finally, although neither altruistic nor consumeristic benefits appeared to contribute directly to loyalty, a positive relationship existed between the new construct of trust/satisfaction and those of commitment and loyalty. The pathway to loyalty is indirect, and to reach this sought-after goal, relationship quality constructs must first be achieved
The coagulation of wastewater using biowaste materials as coagulants
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.In recent years, there has been a growing societal, governmental, and industrial concern about
chemical and biological contamination of water. Numerous domestic and industrial operations
generate wastewater that contains undesirable toxic contaminants. Chemical coagulants
(aluminium and iron-based salts) effectively pre-treatment water and wastewater via
coagulation and flocculation. Nevertheless, accumulating these chemical coagulants in the
form of sludge and metal oxides significantly affects the environment, as well as human and
aquatic life. Against this background, along with biowaste generation and the desire to meet
the United Nations Development Goal on Clean Water and Sanitation (UN SDGs#6,9 and 12).
Addressing chemical coagulant challenges with alternative solutions, such as using biowaste
as coagulants, comes in handy. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the potential of banana
peel, eggshell, and seashell powder as substitutes for traditional coagulants in water and
wastewater treatment. The biowaste materials (banana peel, eggshell and seashell) underwent
calcination at 400°C- 800°C for 2 -3 hours.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Brunauer Emmett
Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD)
were used to analyse the morphology, elemental composition of the structure, the pore surface
area, the functional and molecular properties and the crystal structure, respectively. The overall
analysis demonstrated the calcination of the engineered biochar was successful. Among the
samples, the calcined banana peel was found to have the highest BET surface area of 4.3889
m2
/g, and the peeks on the XRD showed that calcined banana peels have the presence of
calcium and potassium. The observed functional groups included O-H, C-O and C-H groups.
This was followed by a feasibility study via the coagulation process using the calcined and
uncalcined bio-coagulants. The results affirmed that these bio-coagulants are suited for
wastewater treatment. In the preliminary studies, the removal efficiencies for turbidity and
chemical oxygen demand (COD) were over 80% between the 0.8 – 8 g/L dosage range.
The response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimisation process with an input
variable coagulant dosage (1 g/L – 6 g/L), mixing speed (30 rpm – 150 rpm), mixing time (2
min – 15 min), and settling time (20 min – 120 min) and colour, turbidity and COD removal
as responses. The Box-Behnken design response model had a correlation factor (R2
) of over
0.9 at 95% confidence level. The optimum conditions were 1.6963 g/L (coagulant dose),
119.796 min (settling time), 2.25 min (mixing time), and 30 rpm (a mixing rate), achieving a
removal efficiency of 92.39% COD removal, 99.77% Turbidity removal and 104.59 % colour
removal at a desirability performance of 100%.
The optimum conditions were then validated with various bio-coagulants for the removal of
the physiochemicals (COD, Turbidity, and colour) and other emerging contaminants such as
phenol, phosphate, nitrate, and ammonia. The response model's predicted results were in total
agreement with the experimental results, with less than 5% deviation. In addition, the calcined
seashells had the best removal efficiency, with over 80% removal for phenol, phosphate, and
ammonia and under 60% removal for nitrates. The findings of this research show that bio coagulants (eggshells, seashells and banana peels) have valuable potential to be substituted for
conventional coagulants in the water sector. Therefore, exploring if their economic and
environmental viability for water and wastewater treatment is feasible for adaptation and
implementation by policy makers and stakeholders is recommended.
Integrated energy storage systems for enhanced grid efficiency: a comprehensive review of technologies and applications
The rapid global shift toward renewable energy necessitates innovative solutions to address the intermittency and variability of solar and wind power. This study presents a comprehensive review and framework for deploying Integrated Energy Storage Systems (IESSs) to enhance grid efficiency and stability. By leveraging a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework, this study synthesizes techno-economic optimization, lifecycle emissions, and policy frameworks to evaluate storage technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, pumped hydro storage, and vanadium flow batteries. The framework prioritizes hybrid storage systems (e.g., battery–supercapacitor configurations), demonstrating 15% higher grid stability in high-renewable penetration scenarios, and validates findings through global case studies, including the Hornsdale Power Reserve (90–95% round-trip efficiency) and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (15,000+ cycles for flow batteries). Regionally tailored strategies, such as Kenya’s fast-track licensing and Germany’s H2Global auctions, reduce deployment timelines by 30–40%, while equity-focused policies like India’s SAUBHAGYA scheme cut energy poverty by 25%. This study emphasizes circular economy principles, advocating for mandates like the EU’s 70% lithium recovery target to reduce raw material costs by 40%. Despite reliance on static cost projections and evolving regulatory landscapes, the MCDA framework’s dynamic adaptation mechanisms, including sensitivity analysis for carbon taxes (USD 100/ton CO2-eq boosts hydrogen viability by 25%), ensure scalability across diverse grids. This work bridges critical gaps in renewable energy integration, offering actionable insights for policymakers and grid operators to achieve resilient, low-carbon energy systems
Systematic approach to sustainable urban development: reviewing challenges of informal settlements and peri-urban growth in sub-Sahara Africa
This paper systematically reviews scholarly literature on informal settlements in peri-urban areas, with a focus on the interplay of socio-economic, environmental, governance, and built environment factors contributing to their emergence and persistence. Drawing on 10 studies across predominantly sub-Saharan African contexts, the review analyses core variables, methodological designs, theoretical frameworks, and geographical patterns. Findings reveal that socio-economic exclusion, weak institutional coordination, and dual land governance systems significantly drive informality. Customary and religious institutions often mediate land access and conflict resolution, compensating for gaps in statutory urban planning systems. Environmental risks such as poor sanitation, contaminated water sources, and inadequate waste management remain under-addressed. Notably, the review identifies a critical gap in existing research: the limited application of architectural, spatial planning, and design-based strategies for upgrading and integrating informal settlements into the formal urban fabric. Although incremental upgrading has been proposed as a viable intervention, few studies offer context-sensitive, design-led frameworks for implementation. This study calls for interdisciplinary, solution-oriented approaches that blend policy, governance, and architectural insights to ensure inclusive, sustainable urban development. Recommendations emphasise participatory upgrading, improved service delivery, and legal recognition of informal settlements. The findings are relevant for policymakers, planners, designers, and researchers committed to addressing urban informality in sub-Sahara Africa and beyond
Framework for evaluation of energy sustainability in university students’ housing in Ghana
In fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Traditional student housing designs have not adequately addressed sustainability, leading to
thermal discomfort, poor indoor air quality, and inadequate acoustic and visual comfort, resulting
in negative impacts on students’ health, academic performance, and social well-being. While
previous research has largely centered on energy demand, power systems optimization, and usage
behavior, less attention has been paid to the role of sustainable student housing design. The study
aims to develop a conceptual framework to assess indoor energy sustainability in student housing
in Ghana. It examines the impacts of sustainable design on energy consumption, identifies drivers
and barriers to sustainable design, and evaluates behavioral control influences on energy
consumption in Ghanaian student housing. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and
integral sustainable design, the research adopts a pragmatist approach and uses an explanatory
sequential mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data. The sample
consists of 65 student housing units across Southern and Northern Ghana, involving 340 housing
managers, 224 architects, 342 student housing leaders, 65 investors, and 12 energy experts for
focus group discussions. The study uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLSSEM) with SmartPLS 4 software to analyze the relationship between sustainable housing design
and energy consumption. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identifies the key drivers and barriers
to sustainable housing design, and the Relative Importance Index (RII) evaluates the influence of
student energy behaviors on energy consumption. Key findings reveal that sustainable design
decisions are influenced by building orientation, envelope design, window glazing, indoor
circulation area, and floor span. However, issues like low compliance with indoor circulation space
and window glazing standards negatively impact energy efficiency. Major drivers for sustainable
design include high energy costs, energy-sharing mechanisms, and health and safety concerns.
Barriers include high upfront investment costs, lack of knowledge, limited skills, and expensive
building materials. The study develops a four-quadrant integrated framework for indoor
environmental energy sustainability in student housing, providing a foundation for university
management and planning institutions in Ghana. It suggests further research into social, economic,
and institutional sustainability, improving compliance with the Ghana Building Code, and
fostering collaboration between the Ghana Energy Commission and the Physical Planning Unit.
Living together again : action research amongst peri-urban Hutu and Tutsi youths in Burundi
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration: Peace Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Peri-urban Hutu and Tutsi youths in Burundi are victims of sustained ethnic negativity, bias,
stereotypes and animosity that lead to mistrust and violent interactions. Despite the agreement
to ending hostilities in Burundi which was signed in 2000 in Arusha, Tanzania and which
brought with it hope and possibilities for peaceful coexistence, both the Hutu and Tutsi youths
carry wounded memories of lived or witnessed experiences of inter-youth violence which have
not been addressed. They have continued learning self-defensive and destructive tactics which,
instead of bringing them closer to each other, has deepened hatred, stigma, forcing some to
leave the country for exile, killings each other, in addition to socio-politico-economic
stalemate. The youths are manipulated and used as puppets by politicians to keep their positions
and socioeconomic privileges while the youths continue crumpleing in intense poverty. Only
the youths who accept to collaborate with political tycoons are rewarded with employment
opportunities and other monetary benefits which entice most of them into political bling
militantism which jeopardise stability and peacefulness. Using participatory action research
(PAR) design, this study explored the nature, the causes and the consequences of the interethnic negativity amongst the youth with the aim of rebuilding trust and ensuring there is
peaceful coexistence amongst them. In total, 20 Hutu and Tutsi were equally included in the
sample; they were split according to gender and ethic groups and participated in the study as
co-researchers. Social constructivism, the social learning theory of aggression and Lederach’s
conflict transformation frameworks were used throughout the stages of the investigation.
Qualitative data was collected by means of sequential exploratory approaches via qualitative
in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and PAR search conference tool. This
engagement taped into intergenerational dialogue that was utlised as intervention along with
peace circles to establish to which extent these paradigms can leverage trust and ignite
reconciliation and healing between the Hutu and Tutsi youths in the peri-urban area of Gihosha
neighbourhood. It adopted the social constructivism worldview, and the transformative
epistemology deemed necessary to gain insights about the inter-ethnic stereotypes and
animosity suffered by the Hutu and Tutsi youths in Burundi. The same epistemological
worldviews were used towards unlearning the negative inter-ethnic constructs. The results were
obtained through triangulation of sources and data and the results that yielded. The overall
findings exemplified the wounds mutually inflicted on the Hutu and Tutsi youths as a result of
structural violence, and social and environmental factors as well. The study reveals that
ethnicity is a significant trigger of recurring violence between Hutu and Tutsi youths in Burundi. Inter-ethnic tensions are also just one of many consequences and symptoms of
political power monopolisation, abuse, poor democratic governance and lack of accountability.
The outcomes of the research are the following: (1) by participating in peacebuilding circles,
the Hutu and Tutsi were empowered though the transformative un/learning and became
peacebuilders and collaboratively designed; (2) planned and implemented intergenerational
dialogue intervention forged the path of reconciliation between the two groups, namely the
Hutus and Tutsis; (3) their interactions led to mutual forgiveness; (4) overall, empathy was
rebuilt, forgiveness was enacted, trust was restored, and understanding was forged which
proved that Participatory Action Research (PAR) and its search conference tool and
intergenerational dialogue are key to peacebuilding and conflict transformation. The thesis
concludes that peaceful coexistence is possible when parties to the conflict agree to discuss and
collaborate on finding joint solutions to their contentious problems, especially ethnicity and
other forms of structural violence that confront them and destroys the social fabric. Education
institutions in Burundi should take the lead in the promotion of practice-oriented research in
peace education and bottom-up peace peacebuilding best practices. Future researchers should
explore tailored peacebuilding efforts for specific regions and incorporate the perspectives and
roles of high-level governmental institutions, educational experts, and school managers.
Food and nutrition sustainability knowledge and diet among students at the Durban University of Technology
Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Background: The climate emergency is now widely acknowledged with an international rise
in environmentalism to maintain planetary habitability. Most greenhouse gas emissions from
food production are caused by energy and water consumption. Conscious and responsible
consumer behaviour is a long-term process that heavily depends on social, political, and
commercial considerations to achieve the sustainability paradigm. The current South African
food system and emanating consumer food choices directly impact climate change. South
Africans are consuming resource-intensive foods, a diet high in animal foods and processed
foods. This is evident in the high prevalence of obesity, which currently co-exist with stagnant
high levels of stunting. South Africa is regarded as food secure, but the divide in access to
resources and high unemployment continues to render a significant proportion of citizens’ food
and nutrition insecure at the household level. In South Africa, subsistence agriculture has been
eroded by apartheid land policies and overcrowding. Inadequate agricultural extension services
have resulted in rural households increasingly relying on processed food from the formal retail
system. Policy actions to promote sustainable diets have been superseded by other climate
change agendas as more pressing in South Africa, and thus, little is known about the
environmental consequences of diet and food choices. The 27th Conference of the Parties
(COP 27) forefronted nutrition in the agenda, advocating the development of policies with cobenefits for nutrition and the environment, mitigating the impact of climate change on human
health and well-being. In this study, sustainability will be explored from the young consumer
perspective to advance transformative strategies for sustainability, climate change goals, and
enhanced health.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate food and nutrition sustainability knowledge and practices
among university students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and to appraise the
diet quality and the impact of diet on the environment, culminating in an event to advance
consciousness towards food and nutrition sustainability.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, awareness, knowledge and attitudes toward food
and nutrition sustainability were investigated among 405 registered university students at the
DUT using a validated questionnaire. Respondents were conveniently selected at key hub areas
at the university and recruited through informed consent. Data was analysed using descriptive
statistics, chi-square goodness-of-fit-test and one sample t-test. Dietary data of respondents was captured through the 24-hour food recall using the multiple pass method for two nonconsecutive days, including a weekend day by trained field workers. The repeated 24-hour food
recall data was captured onto the FoodFinder 3 software program of the South African Medical
Research Council (SAMRC), to analyse the diet; the data was run through Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS). The prevalence of inadequacy (POI) was calculated using the cutpoint method, highlighting specific nutrient deficits among the men and women. The
dimensions of diet quality were further assessed for nutrient adequacy and non-communicable
disease (NCD) risk using the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS). The environmental impact
of respondents’ diet was calculated using the Plate Up for the Planet carbon footprint calculator,
which estimated the amount of CO2 produced per kilogram of specific foods. Lastly, the South
African Food Boost University Challenge (SAFBUC) was developed using a student-led
participatory approach and implemented to raise awareness about food and nutrition
sustainability among students at DUT.
Results: Regarding knowledge and awareness of food and nutrition sustainability, a substantial
54.8% of students were unfamiliar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the
remaining 45.2% heard of it but lacked knowledge. Significant proportions of students never
heard of product environmental footprint (65.2%), life cycle assessment (66.2%),
greenwashing (64.9%), and food miles (58.5%) (p < 0.001). A significant 77% (n = 313) of
students relied on the internet as the primary source of information about foods that do not
harm the environment (p < 0.001). There was significant agreement that students knew what a
healthy diet comprised of; they understood the impact of a diet on health, and they knew what
a sustainable diet consisted of (p < 0.001). One of the food choice drivers that contributed to
students being unable to have a healthy diet is that they found it difficult to avoid unhealthy
food options (n = 120), and some claimed that the cost of healthy foods was too expensive
(n = 103). Food preferences and taste were significant, followed by cost and ease of purchase
(p < 0.001). Thirty-two-point-six per cent of respondents rarely looked for any eco-label on the
packaging to evaluate a product, 30.9% rarely considered the environmental friendliness of the
products they purchased, and 29.4% seldom paid attention to where the food was produced or
grown. Regarding diet, this study revealed that while most male respondents met or exceeded
their carbohydrate (310.8 g) and protein (88.06 g) needs, which were well above the Estimated
Average Requirements (130 g and 56 g, respectively), they exhibited notable deficiencies in
various essential micronutrients, such as calcium (74.3% showed a POI), magnesium (96.7%
showed a POI), vitamin D (92.8% showed a POI), vitamin K (89.5% showed a POI), and folate (94.1% showed a POI). The data highlighted several critical nutrient inadequacies among the
women, particularly in dietary fibre, calcium (94.0% showed a POI), magnesium (93.1%
showed a POI), vitamin D (93.1% showed a POI), vitamin K (83.1% showed a POI), and folate
(92.3% showed a POI). The GDQS was used to assess diet quality, nutrient adequacy and NCD
risk among respondents. This study showed that 99% of students were at high risk for
developing nutrient inadequacy and associated NCD risk. In this study, the carbon footprint
from the diet was higher for males (308060 CO2e) compared to females (23910 CO2e). To
promote food and nutrition sustainability, the SAFBUC was implemented to promote fruit and
vegetable consumption. This university-wide challenge allowed students to develop products
using fruits and vegetables that they would like to consume. Seven products were developed
among students from various faculties in the university. The products were showcased at a
campus event, and students were invited to taste samples and obtain information about the
sustainability of the products. Students and staff conducted sensory analyses of the developed
products. The top three products were: fruit and yoghurt popsicles, sweet potato long chips,
vegetable pasta, tangy delights (yoghurt with strawberries and chocolate popsicles), ultimate
veggie burger, sweet potato, avocado and feta muffins and an okra smoothie.
Conclusion: This study highlights the lack of knowledge and awareness related to food and
nutrition sustainability among young university adults. The study underscores the need for
targeted educational interventions to bridge the knowledge gap and empower young adults to
make informed and sustainable food choices. The study’s objectives were achieved, and
implementing the SAFBUC at the DUT shows tremendous promise for success at the higher
education institution level. The food environment within university campuses has a significant
impact on the diet of students. Therefore, policy interventions to change the university food
environment and create a sustainable food system are imperative for the future of the youth in
South Africa.
Exploring synergies in Euclidean geometry and isometric drawing: a snapshot on grade 12 mathematics and engineering graphics & design
Euclidean geometry and isometric drawing (ID) are significant topics in mathematics and engineering graphics &amp; design (EGD), respectively. Over the years, these topics have developed a stigma due to learners’ consistently poor performing when tackling these topics. Many scholars attribute this challenge to a lack of spatial visualization skill, which is crucial in understanding these key areas in mathematics and EGD. This paper adopts a mixed-methods approach underpinned by the pragmatic paradigm to explore potential synergies between Euclidean geometry and ID by examining teaching practices and learner performance in these topics. To achieve these objectives, the study employed convenience sampling to select 15 teachers from four schools in the uMgungundlovu District. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and document analysis, incorporating test results. Data from the interviews were thematically analyzed, while test data were processed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that while these topics are challenging for learners, there are notable similarities in how teachers approach their instruction. However, there was no conclusive evidence of synergy in learners’ performance as the analysis of the scatter plot and statistical metrics revealed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.35) between the scores, indicating that higher performance in one subject does not necessarily align with higher performance in the other. Based on these findings, the study recommends fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematics and EGD teachers through training programs and workshops. Such initiatives could enhance teachers’ understanding of the potential connections between Euclidean geometry and ID, ultimately benefiting learners
Exploring the suitability of Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf Ash as a biomass filler in asphalt mixtures
Utilizing waste as alternative materials in asphalt production preserves natural resources and reduces environmental impacts. This study investigates the potential of Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf Ash (BVLA) as a potential biomass filler in place of conventional mineral filler, Powdered Quarry Dust (PQD), in producing asphalt mixtures. Dried Bambusa Vulgaris leaves were obtained locally and calcined at 600 °C for 2 h, generating BVLA. PQD was replaced with BVLA at 0–100 wt. %. The effects of BVLA filler on the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures were evaluated using Marshall Quotient (MQ) and indirect tensile strengths. Similarly, the durability of asphalt mixtures was assessed through moisture susceptibility (tensile strength ratio). The environmental impacts (embodied energy and global warming potential), sustainability score, and eco-strength efficiency of incorporating BVLA as a PQD alternative were evaluated using the cradle-to-gate boundary. The results revealed improved mechanical and durability properties with increased BVLA dosage in the asphalt mixtures. However, the optimum replacement level was found at 30 wt. % BVLA, resulting in 37.43, 22.22 and 22.39, and 4% higher MQ, wet and dry indirect tensile strengths, and tensile strength ratio compared to the control mixture (PQD-based asphalt mixture). With a 30 wt. % optimum BLVA dosage in the asphalt mixtures, the embodied energy and global warming potential decreased by 5 and 50%, while the sustainability score and eco-strength efficiency increased by 50 and 34%. These findings underscore the potential of BVLA to enhance pavement construction properties and promote sustainability
Adoption of digital tools for blended learning by lecturers at the Durban University of Technology : the diffusion of innovation theory
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management Sciences Specialising in Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.This research study investigates the adoption of digital tools for blended learning by lecturers at
the Durban University of Technology (DUT) through the Diffusion of Innovation theory. Blended
learning is a pedagogical approach that combines face-to-face instruction with online
technology, has gained prominence in contemporary higher education settings. However,
understanding the factors influencing lecturer adoption of digital tools within this context remains
critical for successful implementation.
The primary aim of this study is to identify the key factors that impact the adoption of digital
tools for blended learning among lecturers at DUT. The research employs the Diffusion of
Innovation theory, which offers a framework to comprehend how and why innovations are
adopted. The theory's key constructs, such as observability, complexity, compatibility, trialability
and relative advantage, are utilised to assess the adoption behaviour of lecturers.
Furthermore, the study explores how these identified factors may influence lecturers' attitudes
towards using digital tools for blended learning. The research provided valuable insights into
promoting positive attitudes towards integrating digital tools into blended learning practices.
The study's objectives encompass applying the Diffusion of Innovation. The research seeks to
enhance the understanding of how this theory can effectively support and inform the adoption of
innovative technologies in higher education settings.
Moreover, the research endeavoured to ascertain the attitude of lecturers towards digital tools
for blended learning at DUT. Gaining insight into lecturer attitudes is crucial for fostering a
positive teaching and learning experience, enabling students to benefit from the best
educational practices.
The research methodology involved a quantitative approach using the purposive sampling
technique through surveys. This approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of the
complex dynamics that shape lecturers' adoption of digital tools for blended learning.
Ultimately, this study's findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on blended learning
adoption, offering practical implications for educational institutions, lecturers and policymakers
in enhancing the successful integration of digital tools for effective blended learning experiences
at DUT and potentially beyond.