4667 research outputs found
Sort by
Fostering innovation in higher education: the symbiotic relationship between postgraduate research and supervision
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal
Issue 2, Volume 8, 2024This paper explores the interconnectedness of postgraduate research and supervision in South African higher education, highlighting its impact on innovation, teaching, and learning. Effective supervision is crucial for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity. If done properly, effective supervision can potentially lead to groundbreaking discoveries and enriched academic landscapes. However, challenges like poor communication and moral dilemmas can hinder the research supervision process, emphasising the need for clear roles and a strong working relationship between students and supervisors. Drawing from Social Constructivism and a university-funded study, this paper argues that acknowledging and cultivating this symbiotic relationship is crucial for driving progress in research, teaching, and social justice agendas. The findings, based on insights from novice and seasoned research supervisors and their students, contribute to the literature on research supervision and its role in unleashing student potential. This paper is purely theoretical and it aims to enhance the quality of postgraduate research and its impact on higher education, ultimately strengthening institutions as centres of learning and innovation
The influence of gender, age and race on attrition in distance education : reality construction through the lens of a deficit model
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal
Issue 2, Volume 8, 2024Literature shows that online students are more likely to prematurely discontinue online courses and qualifications than campus-based students (Patterson & McFadden, 2009). This problem still exists despite a plethora of support interventions to address attrition in distance education (DE). While there is a proliferation of studies on attrition, there is limited research which focused on attrition at an honours level within the DE institutions in South Africa. This case study was anchored in a qualitative design and deficit model and explored students’ experiences of factors influencing attrition in honours courses in DE. Two questions guided the investigation: (a) What experiences do dropouts encounter prior to discontinuing online courses? (b) How can DE institutions support online students to prevent attrition? This was a two-stage data-generation process in which, first, two lists of dropouts who discontinued their studies in an Advanced Communication Research (ACR) course, from 2011 to 2016, were sourced from the University of South Africa’s ICT department. Second, 16 dropouts were sampled purposively and through a snowballing approach. Although numerous studies have linked age, gender and race to attrition in higher education, this study divulged that attrition in DE institutions is determined by various circumstances within both students’ and institutions’ contexts. To address attrition, preventive and remedial strategies are essential, and institutions and families alike must provide emotional, financial and academic support. These approaches will help DE institutions to achieve increased retention and a success rate which enable them to secure funding, while students may benefit from completing a course or a programme
Exploring the impact of load-shedding on Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises operating within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Area
Full text linkThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of load-shedding on Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) operating within the City of Tshwane metropolitan area, with a view to formulating and recommending possible strategies that are likely to enhance the sustainability of these SMMEs. A qualitative study was conducted to establish the challenges faced by SMMEs due to load-shedding, to assess their current coping mechanisms during such times, and to explore their perspectives on possible strategies to mitigate the effects of load-shedding. The data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 14 SMMEs (which were represented either by the owner, manager or business partner), two from each of the seven regions in the City of Tshwane. The findings revealed that load-shedding poses numerous challenges which threaten the sustainability of SMMEs. These challenges include capital, cash flow and profitability constraints, poor customer service and operational challenges. Despite these difficulties, the majority of SMMEs have developed various coping mechanisms to ensure business continuity, while a few have taken more drastic measures such as halting of nosiness operations. Common copying mechanisms utilised by SMMEs in this study include reliance on alternative electricity supply sources such as generators, leveraging of resources within their respective value chains and resorting to manual work. Some SMMEs have adapted and aligned their operational plans in line with the load-shedding schedules. The findings were corroborated by literature in Chapter 2. Furthermore, the study also explored SMMEs' views on future strategies to reduce the impact of load-shedding. Their views were that the South African government should subsidise their acquisition of alternative sources while prioritising to end load-shedding. Lastly, the study identified areas necessitating further research. These areas include investigating challenges contributing to the lack of government intervention in the SMME sector and finding effective and efficient coping mechanisms for SMME
Grass species recovery from combined effects of long-term drought and grazing, under nitrogen fertilization in semi-arid Savanna ecosystem, in Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textThesis (M.Sc. (Pasture Science)) -- University of Limpopo,2024Savanna ecosystems are naturally occurring ecosystems in arid or semi-arid regions
that are well-suited for commercial and communal farming practices, particularly for
grazing livestock. Climate change-induced drought is currently threatening this
precious resource and increasing nitrogen (N) loss because of increased asynchrony
between N mineralization and uptake by plants. A "DroughtAct" experiment was
initiated to investigate the effects of nitrogen on ecosystem functions and services from
grazed (G+) and ungrazed (G-) vegetation, under drought (D+) and non-drought (D-)
conditions. The experiment consisted of four blocks that combined drought treatments
with grazing treatments, which were replicated six times, resulting in 24 plots (10 x 10
m each) separated by 5 m wide corridors. For the purpose of this study, the rain-out
shelter treatments were removed after six years to study vegetation recovery through
evaluation of aboveground net primary production (ANPP). The data collected in the
last year of drought was compared with the first two years of recovery (2021 and 2022).
From the findings, no significant ANPP difference (P≤0.05) was found between the last
year of drought and the first two years of recovery. However, a high ANPP was
recorded under post-drought treatment at 13.93g/m2 compared to drought treatment
at 2.24 g/m2 in 2022. Furthermore, a significant (P≤0.05) ANPP recovery was recorded
under grazed treatment in the second year of recovery. Furthermore, the application
of nitrogen fertilization exhibited negligible impact (P≥0.0.5) on the drought treatments’
aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) range. The biomass production
exhibited no significant variation across the different treatments, generally falling within
the range of 31.73 to 32.12 (g/m2). The study showed that the combined effect of
drought and grazing has a negative effect on ANPP recovery. The study highlights the
resilience of savanna ecosystems in recovering from drought-induced stress on ANPP,
while also emphasizing the importance of considering grazing management and water
stress adaptation when studying ecosystem functions and services in the context of
climate chang
Association between attachment style and coping strategies among undergraduate students who were in quarantine during lockdown at an institution of higher learning
Full text linkThesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024University students are faced with multiple stressors including academic, financial, social, and psychological stressors. The South African nationwide COVID-19 lockdown resulted in the suspension of contact learning, and transition into multimodal learning and universities established quarantine and isolation spaces for repatriated students and staff members. Studies have found that students who were in quarantine experienced irregular sleeping patterns, decreased appetite, difficulty in sleeping, feelings of worry, tension, loneliness, and depressive symptoms increased during this period. This study aimed to investigate the association between attachment styles and coping strategies among undergraduate students who were in quarantine at an institution of higher learning. The study further aimed to investigate the differences in attachment styles among undergraduate students. The study adopted a correlational design and sampled 240 undergraduate students who were in quarantine at an institution of higher learning. Purposive sampling method was used. Data was collected using a survey which included demographic information, the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) and the COPE Inventory. The study found that there were no significant differences in the attachment style of the students in relation to sociodemographic variables. There were no significant differences in attachment styles according to age, sex, home residence, level of education, faculty, and raised by. Furthermore, there were associations between attachment styles and coping strategies. Attachment anxiety and overall active coping strategies were positively correlated, however not significantly. There was significantly positive correlation between attachment anxiety and overall evasive coping strategies. Attachment avoidance and overall active coping strategies were negatively and significantly correlated. Lastly, there was positive correlation between secure attachment and active coping strategie
The role of traditional leadership in combating Gender-Based Violence in Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (MPAM.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The study explores the role of Traditional Leaders in combating Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. The qualitative research approach was applied in this study to investigate how Traditional Leaders are fighting GBV in the areas where they have authority. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the targeted respondents, to get their knowledge and understanding regarding how traditional leaders are combating GBV in their communities. The sample size was 16 respondents. Data for this study were analysed through thematic analysis. The study found that traditional leaders have a significant influence on the community in encouraging them to fight the pandemic of GBV. The study also revealed that there is a weak working relationship between government departments and the House of Traditional Leaders in the fight against Gender – Based Violence. Moreover, Traditional Leaders are faced with challenges on the funding of programmes that are geared towards combating GBV in their communities.
Ten out of eleven traditional leaders had collaborative relations with Non-Profit Organisations that assist victims of GBV. The research also revealed that Traditional Leaders are not much involved in government processes for planning of programmes, budget allocation and projects implementation. Based on these research findings, the study proposed strategies aimed at harmonizing the relations between government and traditional leaders in the fight against GBV. The study further proposes joint planning of government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders in adopting strategies that will lead to increased and sustained efforts to fight GBV in communities and particularly in Vhembe District. Based on the study findings, it became evident that traditional leaders still possess sustained authority over their communities, and they are relevant in leading the fight against GBV, in collaboration with the government and other stakeholder
Prevalence and characteristics of offenders with intellectual disability referred for forensic observations at Thabamoopo Hospital, Limpopo
Full text linkThesis (M. Med. (Psychiatry)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The purpose of this study was to determine IDD (Intellectual Developmental Disorder) prevalence and associated characteristics of offenders referred to Thabamoopo Hospital for forensic mental observation from January 2016 to December 2018. Thereafter, quantitative, descriptive research was conducted to determine the offenders’ profiles, the types of offences they had committed and their forensic outcomes. Data collection was conducted using a structured data collection form.
Offenders with IDD were 88 (23.3%). All were male, mostly aged between 21 and 29 years, single and unemployed. The majority (65, 9%) had Mild IDD. Psychometric tests were used to diagnose IDD in 78% of the offenders. Medical comorbidities were present in 11% of the cases. Offenders with mild IDD (68%) were found to be using one or more substances, with alcohol the commonest. There was no statistical significant relationship between the nature of the offences and the severity of the IDD (p > 0.05).
Rape, murder and assault GBH were the commonest alleged offences. Of the rape case, 66% were committed by offenders with mild IDD. Forty-seven per cent of the offenders were found not fit to stand trial and not criminally responsible, with the usual recommendation that they must be admitted to psychiatric hospitals for care, treatment and rehabilitation. This also implied that 53% of the offenders with IDD would follow normal court proceedings, with the possible outcome of being incarcerated in correctional facilities or being acquitted. It is therefore necessary to consider strategies to help reduce offending behaviour amongst individuals with IDD, minimize the undesirable consequences of offending amongst the individuals with IDD and to re-integrate them back to society
The contribution of street vendors on the economy of Thulamela Local Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Street vending has always been undermined by local authorities although they play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods and economies especially in developing countries. Street vendors are faced with different challenges such as harassment and evictions from certain places; and sometimes local authorities confiscated their stock. The dynamics of the street vending sector need to be better understood so that it could contribute positively to the economy of Thulamela Local Municipality. In addition, the aim of this study was to examine the contribution of street vendors to the economy of Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Literature review that informed this study revealed that most governments have begun to recognize the street vending sector as an informal economic sector that contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting urban poor families through taxes and vending licenses. The study was conducted in Thohoyandou which is the economic hub of Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study used a qualitative design, purposive sampling method, and an interview guide to collect data for this study. 18 street vendors and 2 municipal officials participated in this study. A semi-structured interview with selected street vendors was conducted in Thohoyandou. The study revealed that unemployment, the need to support the family and family dysfunction are the most important factors that motivated people to enter the street vending business. Street vending is a profession like any other professions that could reduce the unemployment rate in Thulamela Local Municipality. Despite all these positive contributions, the municipality did not regard street vending as an opportunity but a liability. By processing licenses quickly and providing basic infrastructure for those currently selling, local authorities would be creating an environment in which street vendors can legally sell their products
Barriers to curriculum delivery in secondary school commercial subjects : towards a credible intervention model in Capricon South District, Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (Ph.D. (Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This research investigated the barriers to curriculum delivery in secondary school commercial subjects in Capricorn South District, Limpopo Province. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology and was guided by the learner-centred theory of education by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Ten commercial departmental heads from ten secondary schools were purposively sampled to provide their perspectives on the barriers hindering effective curriculum delivery. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis and was analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed several implications, including the lack of support for commercial educators, a gap between theory and practice, subject combination issues, and insufficient resources. As a result, this study suggests that support for commercial teachers should be strengthened through continuous development programmes, appropriate intervention from local entrepreneurs, the introduction of market fairs for commercial learners, and the right combination of subjects. The study also proposed a credible intervention model that could be implemented to address these barriers and enhance the delivery of commercial subjects in secondary schools
The use of facebook for marketing purposes of small-fast food businesses in Mankweng, Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (M. A. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The study investigates the use of Facebook as a marketing tool for small fast-food businesses operating in Mankweng, South Africa. Employing a qualitative approach and an exploratory research design, this research aims to comprehensively explore how these small fast-food businesses harness the power of Facebook for marketing purposes. This study's theoretical framework incorporates Chaffey's theory of social media marketing, which provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of social media as a marketing platform. In addition, the Technology Acceptance Model is utilised to examine the factors influencing the adoption and acceptance of Facebook as a marketing tool among small fast-food business owners in Mankweng. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of small fast-food business owners. The qualitative nature of the study allows for an in-depth exploration of their experiences, practices, and perceptions concerning the use of Facebook as a marketing tool.
The findings of this research illuminate both the opportunities and challenges that emerge when small fast-food businesses use Facebook as a marketing tool. While Facebook offers cost-effective means for brand visibility and customer engagement, challenges arise from the need for technical proficiency, content management, and handling customer feedback effectively.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of Facebook as a marketing tool for small fast-food business owners in Mankweng cannot be overstated. It serves as a cost-effective channel for brand promotion and enables direct customer engagement, real-time feedback, and the establishment of a robust online presence. In an increasingly competitive market, embracing Facebook as a marketing platform emerges as a strategic imperative, ensuring these businesses remain relevant, competitive, and poised for sustainable growth. Small fast-food business owners in Mankweng, South Africa, can leverage Facebook to adapt to changing consumer expectations and behaviours, positioning themselves for success in the contemporary marketplace