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Demographics of alien willows in the Grassland Biome of South Africa
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Botany))--University of the Free State, 2024Invasive alien species present a critical threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and agricultural productivity worldwide. This study examines the distribution, demographic dynamics, and ecological impacts of L. (weeping willow) and L. (crack willow) within the Grassland biome of the Eastern Free State, South Africa. These invasive species, introduced for ornamental and functional purposes, have shown extensive colonization, particularly in riparian zones, where they outcompete native vegetation and alter hydrological processes.
The research combines historical and contemporary data sources to evaluate changes in the population structure and spatial distribution of these species over time. Using aerial photographs from 1984 and 2023, supplemented with roadside surveys and Google Street View (GSV) analysis, the study provides an assessment of the species’ demographics. Additionally, field-based verification of GSV-derived data validates its utility as a cost-effective tool for mapping and monitoring invasive alien plants.
The study confirms that . and . remain prevalent along watercourses, roadsides, and disturbed areas, with . exhibiting a broader distribution along roadsides with approximately 50% of the sites having a population size of 1-5 trees. Although . is not as widely distributed as . it dominates the areas in which it is found, forming pure stands; 56% of the sites surveyed consisted of 6 or more trees. Gender analyses of . populations reveal a predominance of female trees which suggests that its propagation is mainly asexual.
The demographic study done through road surveys and GSV reveals limited recruitment of . in recent decades, suggesting a potential decline in its invasive potential with almost 80% of the population consisting of adult or dying trees. In contrast, . populations display a continuous expansion with healthy recruitment, with 44% of the trees recorded as seedlings, young trees, or mature trees. This expansion indicates that . is now more invasive than . , which increases the need for a tailored management strategy to address this invasive species.
The research also investigates interactions between invasive willows and invertebrate communities. Surveys at selected sites document the presence of 348 individual insects and one arachnid, representing 21 families, with 14 species associated with both willow species. Another finding was the presence of crown galls on 27.5% on the . population surveyed. Invasive willows provide habitat and resources for certain insect populations. Some of these insects, specifically , , along with gall-inducing bacteria (potentially ), recorded within the . populations could be resulting in the decline of this invasive species.
This study explored the use of ArcGIS and GSV, to assess invasive tree distributions and potential of these tools to monitor the spread of invasive trees over time. The comparison of historical and current data reveals significant efficiency of GSV as a monitoring tool, offering a cheap and quick approach to invasive species management in resource-limited settings.
Policy implications of the findings are discussed with reference to South African legislation, including the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA) of 1983 and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). and . have been classified as Category 2 invaders under CARA but are not found under the NEMBA Act. This may result in challenges in effectively controlling . and . .
This dissertation contributes to the field of biological invasions by providing an updated assessment of invasive willows in the Grassland biome, thereby offering insights for land managers, conservationists, and policymakers. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating historical data and modern geospatial tools, as an informative approach to develop effective management solutions for invasive alien plants. The methodological framework and findings presented herein offer valuable lessons for addressing invasive species challenges in similar ecological contexts globally
A first-year commuter student network framework for student success: a case study
Full text linkThesis (Ph.D.(Higher Education Studies))--University of the Free State, 2024First-year commuter students face various challenges as they transition and adjust to the academic, social, and emotional environments of university life. These challenges highlight the crucial role of peer relationships and networks, as informed by Tinto's student integration theory. Building on these conclusions, this study's primary objective was to develop a framework for a supportive peer network that addresses the academic, emotional, and social needs of first-year commuter students.
To achieve this, I conducted an analysis of key documents, particularly annual reports, from seven South African universities to gain insights into their support systems for first-year commuter students. These analyses revealed that while several programmes catered to the needs of first-year commuter students (see 5.2 and 5.3), the primary focus was on academic support. The integration of social and emotional well-being for these students was notably underemphasised, with limited evidence on how these programmes influenced the adjustment of first-year commuter students.
Chapter 6 of this study serves as the focal point of analysis, exploring the success stories and best practices related to the academic, social and emotional transitions of first-year commuter students. It also examines the role of peer mentor programmes in supporting their adjustment. During the empirical research, eight focus-group discussions were conducted with first-year commuter students at the University of the Free State (UFS). These discussions were organised by gender and campus, following an appreciative inquiry framework that aims to highlight and build on positive experiences and strengths.
The findings underscore the critical role of peer relationships and support in addressing the challenges faced by first-year commuter students during their transition to university life. In the Discovery step of the AI 4D framework, participants highlighted various success stories and best practices that facilitated their adjustment (see 6.2). Conversely, in the Dreaming step, participants identified opportunities for growth to improve the adjustment experience for first-year commuter students (see 6.6). Building on these insights, the Designing (see 7.2) and Delivery steps (see 7.4) proposed a five-pillar mentoring framework and an implementation plan.
By proposing the five-pillar mentoring framework and the accompanying implementation plan (see 7.4.1), the study offers a practical solution to enhance the effectiveness of peer mentor programmes. This framework aims to create a supportive peer network that ensures first-year commuter students receive the necessary guidance, support, and resources to thrive throughout their university journey
Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide (GO) for the removal of lead ions in water
No full textThe synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide (GO) for water related applications has become an increasing area of research. GO was prepared via Hummer's method, and analysed for structure, morphology, thermal stability, and the ability to remove heavy lead ions from solution. In FTIR analyses, hydroxyl, carboxyl and ester groups were found to be on the structure of GO. XRD showed the interlayer spacing to have increased from graphite to graphene oxide, whereby the average crystallite size of GO was 16.13. Then SEM confirmed the morphology of GO to be exfoliated and wrinkled, with stacked layers. In TGA, EG degraded in a single step, while GO degraded in three distinct steps. When using AAS to analyse the Pb (II) ion intake properties of GO, it showed a maximum adsorption of 98.1% for 600 ppm lead ion solution. The Freundlich isotherm model was consistent with this adsorption, meaning that adsorption took place on a heterogenous surface, on a multilayer basis. The value of n for this isotherm was 0.1474, implying a dominant chemical adsorption. A significant contribution was done to the structure of GO, with its metal adsorption properties clearly portrayed.Publisher's versio
The dark triad, adjustment, and age as predictors of aggression amongst South African adult male offenders in a maximum-security correctional centre
No full textDissertation(M.Soc.Sc.(Clinical Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2024Violence and aggression are commonplace within South African correctional centres. Personality factors, adjustment to the correctional environment, and the offenders’ age may contribute to the continued aggression within the correctional environment. Many studies have confirmed the well-established relationship between the Dark Triad traits (three aversive, interrelated personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy) and aggression. However, fewer studies have explored the Dark Triad traits as predictors of aggression within the correctional environment, particularly in non-Western countries. Several studies have linked offender adjustment and age with aggression among offenders. This study aimed to investigate the individual and collective contributions of the Dark Triad traits, adjustment, and age as possible predictors of aggression amongst adult South African male maximum-security incarcerated offenders. This quantitative study sampled 366 male maximum-security offenders through convenience sampling. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design, this study investigated the relationships between the predictor and outcome variables. The data were collected using the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DDTD), and the Prison Adjustment Questionnaire (PAQ). The researcher conducted a hierarchical multiple regression analysis to determine which variable(s) or set(s) of variables explain a significant percentage of the variance in aggression amongst incarcerated adult male offenders. The findings revealed that the combination of all the predictor variables, including the Dark Triad traits as a set of predictor variables, were statistically and practically significant predictors of verbal aggression, physical aggression, hostility, and anger. The results from the study can thus assist with developing appropriate rehabilitative programmes for male offenders within the correctional environment
Assessment of the effectiveness of risk management processes used to develop a COVID-19 risk strategy at XYZ Public Health Care Facility
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2024This study's objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk management procedures employed in the development of a COVID-19 risk management strategy at the XYZ public health care (PHC) facility in a YZ district in the Free State Province (FSP), South Africa. The findings and knowledge acquired from this study will be utilised to enhance the risk management procedures of the Department of Health and give other public health care facilities advice on how to create flexible and responsive risk management plans in the event that they encounter similar calamities in the future.
The exploratory sequential design, a mixed methods research methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches, is used in this study. This hybrid research methodology was used to comprehend the effectiveness of the risk management processes implemented by the XYZ PHC facility in effectively addressing COVID-19 infections. To determine the elements of enterprise risk management and the crucial success factors for its effective implementation, a thorough literature review was carried out. Key references included established practices such as ISO 31000, COSO Integrated Enterprise Risk Management frameworks, Department of Health’s five-year strategic plan, annual performance plans, and other relevant literature materials. The XYZ PHC facility’s enterprise risk management processes were determined by examining the Department of Health’s Enterprise Risk Management Guideline and Framework.
In this study, both research methods received equal priority (weighting). Qualitative method was used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research question. The research question was fully understood through the application of the qualitative method by conducting in-depth interviews which extracted detailed information and contextual insights regarding the enterprise risk management processes utilised, which may not be available in the records and data but can be derived from the participants’ experiences, knowledge, and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The researcher utilised enterprise risk management's important critical success factors as a tool to inform the interview questions in order to enhance the depth and rigour of the conversations. Since risk management is a strategic function, face-to-face interviews targeted 20 senior and middle managers who were actively engaged in risk management activities and processes at the XYZ PHC facility. The outcomes of the first phase were then linked to the second phase by means of a questionnaire that was given to roughly 54 middle and upper managers based on the findings of the interviews. This helped with the interpretation of the qualitative findings.
: ERM process used to develop COVID-19 RM strategy in XYZ PHC facility was effective. In order to strengthen ERM processes, there is a need to cascades ERM to lower levels, use of quality improvement plan ‘s tools and interactive Information and Communication Technology and engage different stakeholders in the processes. Four critical success factors were identified for effective ERM implementation.
: Eight elements of ERM are present and functioning in the facility, while majority of top and middle staff have a fairly good ERM experience and are involved in ERM activities
Optometry educators’ teaching experiences and opportunities pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 in South Africa
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the higher education sector worldwide, and South Africa has faced unique challenges that continue to influence teaching beyond the pandemic.
The study investigated the South African optometry educators’ teaching experiences and opportunities pre-, during, and post-COVID-19.
The proposed study design was explorative and quantitative. Convenience sampling was used in recruiting participants. Optometry educators from four (4) universities training optometrists in South Africa were invited to participate in the study. An anonymous online questionnaire designed by the researchers was sent to participants to ensure that it captured relevant data. The questionnaire was sent electronically to the participants and SPSS was used to analyze collected data.
Face-to-face (F2F) teaching was found to be the preferred method pre-COVID-19 by all participants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the F2F was not the teaching method of choice due to safety measures put in place by the government. Online learning (OL) was preferred by 80% (n=4), and blended methods by 100%, due to flexibility in terms of lecture time allocation and digital device infrastructure. A statistically significant satisfaction was indicated by the academics before and post-COVID-19 pandemic with p=0.04 and p=0.02 respectively. The dissatisfaction related to online and blended methods of teaching used during the COVID-19 pandemic could be attributed to a lack of preparedness and digital device infrastructure. Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic participants raised concerns related to the lack of personal interaction and challenges of self-discipline required for online learning including face-to-face lectures.
Post the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a need to address challenges related to the training of optometry educators in using online (OL) and blended methods (BM) of teaching, especially for those with more than 20 years of teaching experience. Whilst OL and BMs are beneficial, F2F teaching should not be neglected as it remains the cornerstone of effective education in optometry, especially in clinical training.Publisher's versio
Exploring school leadership practices of addressing gender-based violence in Nigerian secondary schools
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Education Management and Leadership))--University of the Free State, 2024This study explores the school leadership practices of addressing gender-based violence in the selected Nigerian secondary schools. The issue of gender-based violence in the selected Nigerian schools has been overwhelming for school leaders. The situation of gender-based violence in schools leads to the gap in leadership in Nigerian schools. The study was undergirded by two collaborative theories of Social Cognitive Learning Theory (SCLT) and Social Justice Leadership Theory (SJLT). An exploratory, qualitative research approach was used to explain the school leadership practices in tackling gender-based school violence. Using a purposive sampling technique, two schools were selected, the schools were hotspots of gender-based violence in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Eighteen participants were sampled in two selected schools. Individual interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis were employed to collect data from the participants. The data were analysed using Thematic Analysis (TA). The findings revealed that while school leaders are aware of gender-based violence in their schools, there are discrepancies in their response knowledge of the issue, their response to it, and their attitude towards providing support for the learner victims of gender-based violence. The study concludes by recommending that school leaders be better informed about the prevalence of gender-based violence and for them to be more proactive in providing support to victims of GBV. The study proposed the SRGBV model for addressing school related GBV in schools. Recommendations were made based on the study’s findings
An appreciative inquiry into the entrepreneurial attributes of three young African entrepreneurs
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Higher Education))--University of the Free State, 2024The research is an Appreciative Inquiry into the Entrepreneurial Attributes of three young African Entrepreneurs. It recognised the vital role that entrepreneurial attributes play in entrepreneurial success. The study aimed to inquire into and identify the positive and most life-giving entrepreneurial attributes that these three individuals have developed through their entrepreneurial endeavours. The study assumed an Appreciative Inquiry perspective which accentuated and focused on strengths-based positive attributes.
The research employed 5D Appreciative Inquiry Cycle workshops for each of the three African entrepreneurs to gather in-depth information regarding their most effective entrepreneurial attributes. Through the use of an appreciative lens, the study aimed to uncover the individual strengths and life-giving attributes of each entrepreneur which empowered them to further development to advance their entrepreneurship. These were encapsulated by the positive entrepreneurial attributes which emerged through the workshops.
The results of this research highlight the best entrepreneurial attributes of these three African entrepreneurs. Each article provides unique results specific to the entrepreneur studied. The entrepreneurs’ individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, communities and entrepreneurial journeys have impacted the development of their positive entrepreneurial attributes.
Further, the research provides necessary literature on entrepreneurial attributes. It also contributes towards the individual experiences and strategies utilised by three African entrepreneurs to further enhance and develop their entrepreneurial attributes. Aspiring entrepreneurs on the African continent may employ these practical implications in their entrepreneurial endeavours. It fosters the identification of effective entrepreneurial attributes which propels economic growth and development in South Africa and elsewhere
Instructional leadership perspectives and practices of heads of departments for science in Lesotho secondary schools
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Mathematics, Science and Technology Education))--University of the Free State, 2024Successful leadership is one of the strongholds of a high-quality education system. Instructional leadership is an important factor affecting classroom activities because principals ensure that all decisions target the enhancement of instruction. However, principals are no longer sole instructional leaders because they cannot effectively monitor and support instruction. Therefore, decision-making in schools is the responsibility of many people hence, a distributed perspective rather than an individualistic view of instructional leadership is necessary. It is against this context that subject departments have become the centre of interest. However, the significance of HoDs as instructional leaders has not been fully acknowledged in practice and research for secondary schools. This study recognises this gap in scholarship and therefore, explores the perspectives and practices of heads of science departments, aimed at improving instruction.
This mixed-methods research of a convergent parallel design is based on the distributed instructional leadership (DIL) framework which is a product of two complementary concepts, namely the instructional leadership model and the distributed leadership theory. Instructional leadership models highlight the leaders' functions while the distributed leadership philosophy acknowledges the contribution of all members towards leadership. Data were collected from a multi-stage concurrent nested sample of 67 schools through a questionnaire, interviews and document analysis. Responses from the questionnaire were analysed through statistical analysis software (SAS) whereas qualitative data were thematically analysed.
Descriptive data reveal that sampled HoDs had an above-average engagement with instructional leadership. However, these HoDs were most active in having high expectations about their department’s performance (M=4.6) and least active in assessing teachers’ professional development (M=2.64). The HoDs who held permanent positions were also more actively engaged with leadership (M=3.31-4.03) than their counterparts who were temporarily employed (M=3.20-3.87)) and they had significant differences linked to providing materials (p=0.01, F=7.05) and supervising instruction (p=0.02, F=5.36). Qualitative data disclose that selected HoDs knew instructional leadership even though they neglected some subjects due to a lack of content knowledge, large workloads, and lack of confidence, among other challenges. The recommendation is that the leadership responsibility needs to be distributed beyond the HoDs to include leaders for each subject to promote effective instruction in all the areas within the science department
Exploring the Heads of Department experiences on professional development aspects of Quality Management System
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Education Management and Leadership))--University of the Free State, 2024Developing Heads of departments (HoDs) is critical in meeting the increasing demand of the 21st-century education system. Development programmes have been implemented in South African schools to aid in the professional development of HoDs. These programmes are designed to improve HoDs' capacity to carry out their assigned duties successfully. However, obstacles remain. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the experiences of HoDs relating to professional development aspects of the Quality Management System. The investigation was undertaken in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal's uThukela District. The adult learning theory was implemented to substantiate the study's analysis. This research aimed to determine HoDs' perceptions of the Quality Management System as a professional development programme and formulate recommendations on how the programme could be enhanced to be more efficient.
Following an interpretive paradigm, the participants generated meaning and knowledge based on their experiences while influencing their thoughts and societal beliefs. The study was narrated from the participants' experiences using phenomenology as a research design. These experiences facilitated HoDs to deduce meaning from their experiences with the Quality Management System as a professional development programme. In the uThukela District, two primary and two high schools were selected as sites. The sample size consisted of two HoDs per primary school and four HoDs per high school, with a minimum of two years of working experience with the Quality Management System programme. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews and document analysis.
The study revealed that there is a need for professional development of school managers, and it is crucial for HoDs to be developed holistically as curriculum leaders. The findings further revealed that the value of professional development programmes is acknowledged by HoDs as they perceive the programmes to serve as a foundation for the transition into leadership positions and remain competent and well-informed in their careers. The study also revealed that the implementation of the QMS as a PDP has improved the quality of development of leaders, however, despite the programme's positive aspects, QMS implementation continues to face challenges such as excessive paperwork, time-consumption and educator challenges.
Therefore, the study concludes that the implementation of QMS as a PDP is essential in improving the quality of education through the professional development of school leaders, while the QMS as a PDP still needs refinement in addressing practical challenges experienced by HoDs in schools. The study recommends that the QMS as a PDP can be strengthened through providing tailored strategies that are accommodative to the leadership roles of HoDs, such as extensive training to HoDs, providing adequate resources as support to HoDs, and finally embracing digital technologies to streamline process