EUREKA: Social and Humanities
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The use of technology to facilitate teaching and learning in studio-based spaces in the aftermath of COVID-19
Full text linkEducation technology has become increasingly important in South African higher education institutions. However, the efficacy of these technological innovations has not been unanimously acknowledged in the departments of Applied Design and Multimedia at CPUT. Lecturers and students have experienced difficulty in integrating education technology systems into all facets of studio-based learning. Aim: This study investigated the role of education technology tools in arts education and the extent, to which learning management systems (LMSs), such as Blackboard, are used in studio-based teaching and learning environments at CPUT. Methods: Owing to the exploratory nature of this study, the researcher adopted a qualitative approach in the form of a multiple case study as the study’s research design. Data analysis was used to analyse the data that was obtained from the interviews and relevant supporting documents. Results: The findings revealed that several lecturers were reluctant to make extensive use of education technology systems due to their perceptions of the primacy of traditional face-to-face teaching methods. Implications: The findings may provide vital information for education technologists, policy makers, and curriculum and instructional designers looking to benefit from education technology in the current fourth industrial revolution. Recommendation: The study recommends extensive use of education technology tools in discipline-specific settings, such as studio-based spaces, and close collaboration between lecturers and instructional designers when developing education technology systems for studio-based courses. The study also concluded that the e-learning system, used at the time of the study, needed to be optimally designed to meet the needs of studio-based disciplines. It is highly likely, that failure to do so would preclude the possibility of successfully integrating future technological innovations into studio-based teaching and learning environments in the post-COVID-19 era and a debilitating failure to prepare students to work in technologically advanced environments would be an inevitable consequence
Entrepreneurship programmes' effectiveness in fostering entrepreneurship. A South African university of technology inquiry
Full text linkEntrepreneurship programmes are supposedly designed to encourage and support individuals in starting and growing new businesses. However, whether these programs effectively promote entrepreneurial intent among participants is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programs in fostering actual entrepreneurial intention, practice, and outcomes. This study used qualitative and quantitative techniques to collect data from university students in the third and fourth years of an entrepreneurial programme. One hundred thirty-six out of one hundred and seventeen-three students in both groups participated, with 126 students taking the quantitative survey and 10 students engaging in the interviews. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, while the qualitative data was categorised according to themes. In as much as the participants and respondents acknowledge the usefulness of the skills acquired, they did not believe that entrepreneurship education on its own would positively influence their intentions to start a business, let alone make it a career. This research provides insight into entrepreneurship programs' efficacy and informs future efforts to promote entrepreneurshi
Customer relationship management systems for customer retention in a life insurance organisation in South Africa
Full text linkBy examining the role and value of customer retention (CR) in the life insurance sector of the South African insurance industry, this paper seeks to uncover the level of clientele receptiveness and willingness to adopt Information Technology (IT)-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Arguably, there are changing client needs, and market erosion requires innovative processes and particularly a readiness to accommodate the swift changes in technology. This volatile environment has, over the past decade, created increased competition and uncertain economic futures, which has placed life insurers under pressure and facing a steady increase in policy lapses. The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the role and value of IT-based CRM potential on customer retention in the life insurance industry in South Africa. It is argued, that with technological advances, increased competition, tough economic conditions, and clients becoming more financially conscious, insurers need to seek further and newer methods to retain their clientele.
The study applied a quantitative research methodology by administering existing structured questionnaires to 100 clients at a Walk-in-Centre of a major life insurance company in South Africa to examine the causal link between IT-based CRM and customer retention. The survey concluded that probing unchartered terrain is required in fluctuating times for insurers to be competitive. The implication of the findings is that the speed, at which technology is evolving, is compelling insurers to evaluate new and alternative means of managing client relationships, as clients now drive the economy, not businesses. The very essence of a good CRM programme is its reliance on an IT system innovation, which is advanced enough to analyse the captured client data, transform that data into usable knowledge, which is then used to drive client retention. Explain who will be interested in the findings and why they should care about them. This paper contributes to the understanding, and implementation, of a successful IT-based CRM tool within the life insurance industr
Linquistic challenges faced by assitatnt teachers of english in Limpopo province: the case of two primary schools
Full text linkThis study explored the linguistic challenges, faced by Assistant Teachers of English in the classroom with specific reference to two primary schools in the Limpopo province, South Africa. The study also investigated the perceptions of English teachers and learners on the support, received from Assistant Teachers in English classrooms. The study used interviews to investigate and explore various linguistic challenges, faced by Assistant Teachers. Data was also collected using questionnaires, which were designed to compare perceptions of English teachers and learners who received support from Assistant Teachers. Data from questionnaires was analysed quantitatively, and data from interviews was analysed qualitatively. This study was prompted by the increasing number of Assistant Teachers, required in South African schools. Furthermore, several research studies found that Assistant Teachers struggle to assist learners in Mathematics, English and Science. Amongst other things, the study revealed that Assistant Teachers of English have inadequate English language competency to assist in English classrooms. Challenges in grammar, sentence structure, word formation, comprehension, and difficulty to express themselves in English contribute to Assistant Teachers’ incompetence in the English language. Although learners find the support of Assistant Teachers in the English classroom helpful for the teaching and learning process, English teachers are concerned with the quality of education, received by learners, since they are aware of the lack of English competency amongst Assistant Teachers of English. The overall findings of this study revealed that there is a need to appoint well-trained Assistant Teachers that will not only benefit teachers but be able to provide learners with the quality education they deserve. Findings from this study could contribute to improving the quality of education in primary schools
Power supply rationing in an era of e-learning: evidence from the rural university
Full text linkIn a world, driven by technology, South Africa's battle with power supply rationing, commonly known as load shedding, is sending shockwaves through the education landscape. This study investigates the intricate relationship between load shedding and e-learning, focusing on a rural university in South Africa. It explores how the disruption of the power supply affects the quest for digital education and sheds light on the hidden challenges, faced by both students and lecturers. The energy crisis loomed large, posing a unique threat to the country's academic advancement. This study was carried out at Walter Sisulu University, meticulously dissects the impacts of load shedding on e-learning, providing valuable insights into how these unforeseen challenges are altering the educational landscape. The research blends quantitative data analysis with a qualitative perspective, capturing the real-life experiences of educators and learners navigating a world where power supply can change the course of a digital classroom.
The research elucidated the dominance of e-learning during lockdown regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus and a hybrid learning pedagogy that combines both e-learning and physical classes in the post-covid era. The research revealed that e-learning is significantly affected by Loadshedding
Virtual small business entrepreneurship opportunities
Full text linkFor small business entrepreneurs in rural areas to survive in the digital contexts, research is essential on the challenges they face and how these challenges can become opportunities for other entrepreneurs. In this study, small business entrepreneurship opportunities at a township in the Eastern Cape were explored. The basis of the study was that entrepreneurship opportunities are embedded in business challenges and entrepreneurs who can provide services or products that address identified challenges can have viable entrepreneurship ventures. The study used two-phased sequential interviews to collect data to address the purpose of the study, which was: to explore the small business entrepreneurship opportunities in the Eastern Cape in the context of digitalisation. In the first interview challenges, faced by 60 entrepreneurs at an identified small business Mall, were recorded, and the most common challenges were noted. After noting the most common challenges and suggestions for possible business opportunities, associated with addressing the challenges, interviews with eight entrepreneurs in the Mall were then undertaken to gather more information. The study found evidence that small business entrepreneurship opportunities existed in areas related to providing essential support services, such as small business education and training, infopreneurship, and digital infrastructure retailing including providing alternative power options, such as solar power for the enterprises. With the high unemployment and high rate of small business failure, the study recommends the effective exploitation of the identified business opportunities to ensure that existing enterprises survive and new ventures also arise
Indicators of quality education: empirical evidence from students, teachers and parents in Osun State
Full text linkThe study gathered empirical evidence of stakeholders' indicators of quality education in Osun State, Nigeria. The study deployed a mixed-method research design. The study examined indicators of quality education, identified by students, teachers, and parents in the state. The population comprised secondary school students, teachers, and parents in the selected state. The sample consisted of 400 students, 186 teachers, and 13 parents. Four Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from the 30 LGAs in Osun State; five schools were selected from each LGAs using a convenience sampling technique, totaling 20 schools. Twenty students were selected by purposive sampling to include JSS 1 and 2 and SSS 1 and 2 classes from each of the schools selected. Ten teachers were sampled from each school, while 13 parents of students from the selected schools were reached through voluntary participation as indicated by students. Three instruments were developed for the study; two of which were quantitative (targeting students and teachers), and the third was qualitative (addressing parents). The first instrument was titled "Students' Indicators of Quality Education Checklist"; the second was "Teachers' Indicators of Quality Education Checklist," while the third instrument was named "Parents' Interview Guide on Indicators of Quality Education" The items on the checklists and interview guide were extracted from the literature. The construct validity of the checklists was established by subjecting the items generated to experts' scrutiny. The Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of the instrument was 0.84. The reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.78. The results showed high correlations (r = 0.7, p > 0.05) between standard and students’ ratings. The study concluded that stakeholders' indicators of quality education were valid
The transnational dimension of organised crime: an investigation into the operational structure of cybercrime in Nigeria
Full text linkThe world of Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) is a complex and multifaceted one. At present, no part of the world is immune from the corrupting influence and destabilising effects of Transnational Organised Crime. Their influence is global, and in certain circumstances, their convergence poses the greatest risk. The purpose of this article is to examine existing literature on TOC and demonstrate that the development of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and globalisation has led to the expansion and complexity of criminal organisations that take advantage of these changes for financial gain. The study focused on how cybercrime perpetrators in Nigeria learn in practice. Collaboration is found as a pivotal element in the learning process and is commonly characterised by both informal and contractual engagement between young people who are interested in cyber criminality and others who have substantial expertise in the illicit industry. A total of 29 cybercrime perpetrators were recruited on purpose with the semi-structured interview approach to gather qualitative data. A range of themes was identified through the use of NVivo (v.12), a qualitative software, and subsequently analysed using a content qualitative analytical tool. This study employs a qualitative methodology to explore various dimensions of the social learning process,information-sharing practises, group dynamics, and network paradigm of cybercrime perpetrators in Nigeria. Results indicate that the operational framework of cybercrime in Nigeria is complex and heavily reliant on co-offending, criminal apprenticeship, and criminal mentoring. Respondents emphasised that these elements give direct support in the context of criminal activities. The paper concludes that transnational crime cannot be effectively addressed from a national standpoint; rather, a concerted international and regional effort is required to enhance the fragile capacities of states, subregions, and regional organisation
The moderation effect of personal factors on the relationship between performance contracting and service delivery of employees in Huduma Centres in Western Kenya
Full text linkThe Kenyan Government mounted the following efforts to improve service delivery: privatization, voluntary early retirement, and restructuring, but the results were not good, thereby opting for performance contracting using Huduma Centers. The 30,000 customers are served at the centres daily and collected Kshs 12 billion annually as revenue, as shown in a report by Government 2020. Past studies on performance contracting influencug service delivery were mostly case studies and not surveys. There were mixed outcomes from the reviewed literature, a sign of a moderator impact yet to be tested, and there were no evidence for examining personal characteristics to demonstrate their moderation effect. The impact of personal factors on the relationship between performance contracting and service delivery, on the other hand, has not been sufficiently explored. This study aimed to establish the moderation effect of personal factors on the relationship between performance contracting and service delivery. The study utilized an ex-post factor design with quantitative aspects. A questionnaire was used to gather data from a target population of 276. The data analysis was done quantitatively to establish the moderation effect. The results showed that personal factors (R2=0.125; p=0.000) positively and significantly influenced the association by 12.5 %. The study revealed that personal characteristics positively modified the association. The study recommends that managers and policymakers consider personal factors to enhance service delivery. The implication of this study for theory is that it would result in theory refinement by emphasizing the integration of personal factors in the performance contracting framework while opening research fronts for the future by recommending cross-sectoral studies that are qualitative to be carried out to gain insights into the variations of moderations of personal factors
An afrocentric critique of South Africa’s contemporary knowledge production regime
Full text linkThe politics of knowledge in the world are as old as the cradle of human civilisation. The stakes of knowledge politics are higher in countries that have a rich history of colonialism, such as South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, among others. In the post-apartheid South Africa, there has been a raging scholarly and policy debate about the dynamics of the knowledge industry within our shores. At the centre of this debate has been the role of statutory institutions, such as ASSAf, NRF, universities and research councils. Despite the expressed legislative framework, the role of these institutions in terms of knowledge generation and development has not been applied in line with this framework by their administrators. The policy makers have not yet seriously held them accountable. The consequence is that these administrators have been largely acting not within the national policy framework. In fact, this discourse has largely assumed the form of a conversation between the deaf. Drawing from the fusion of an alternative Afrocentric perspective and interdisciplinary discourse analysis in its broadest form, this paper argues that statutory institutions have an important national role to play in the knowledge industry. But their activities are not above board. If left operating the way they do, their wrong activities have a potential to undermine declared policy measures to the pursuit of true and quality knowledge