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Employee engagement at Free State Provincial Treasury (FSPT)
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2020The primary objective of this research was to determine employee engagement at Free State Provincial Treasury (FSPT). Employee engagement is important and should be a human resource priority in all organisations as engaged employees boost retention and enhance productivity. Literature has confirmed that there is minimal empirical research about employees in the public sector. Additionally, FSPT as a public sector organisation has never conducted employee engagement surveys in the past twelve years. A sample of 372 was chosen for this study and data was collected electronically from employees at FSPT using the UWES-17 questionnaire. Schaufeli and Bakker’s theory on employee engagement forms the basis of this study as the variables for the UWES-17 directly link with engagement dimensions such as emotional, cognitive, and physical elements. The quantitative data was then analysed using statistical methods.
The results of the study revealed that employee engagement at FSPT is at an average level. Furthermore, the results also found a significant link between employees’ age, years of service, marital status, occupational level, and gender. The recommendations of the study are that the engagement efforts should have a specific focus on millennials as they now make up more than half of the workforce and are less loyal to the organisation. Training and development should be a continuous service from the department to employees because it improves employee performance which will be beneficial to the department, as the government is under immense financial strain and that affects the employee performance rewards. The department should introduce non-monetary rewards that will ensure that employees feel valued and that their contribution towards the departmental goals is recognised. These findings can assist to increase the number of empirical studies on employee engagement in the public sector
The role of a sustainable integrated systems approach to high-technology clinical simulation in South Africa
No full textSimulation-based health education is used as a training and feedback method, and its modalities can broadly be divided into two, namely low-technology and hightechnology. Due to its higher complexity, high-technology simulation has some added challenges for implementation and day-to-day operations. The aim of the study was to illustrate the role of and determine how to achieve a sustainable integrated systems approach in supporting and enhancing hightechnology clinical simulation in South Africa in order to ensure long-term success. To achieve the aim of the study, a sequential approach was followed to pursue the objectives. • The objectives were: To conceptualise the various operational subsystems of high-technology clinical simulation and determine the best practices and challenges to high-technology clinical simulation and this was achieved with a literature review. • To establish the current operational approach to and challenges regarding hightechnology clinical simulation experienced by the simulation facilities of South African public, accredited health professions training institutions. • To reach consensus amongst simulation experts on best practices for a sustainable integrated systems approach to high-technology clinical simulation in South Africa. • To explain and illustrate the integration of the operational subsystems with each other and to set out recommendations and guidelines needed to achieve a sustainable integrated systems approach in supporting and enhancing hightechnology clinical simulation in South Africa. A quantitative descriptive study was performed. Data were collected using an online, web questionnaire (Education Survey Automation Suite (EvaSys)) with representatives of public, South African simulation facilities. Forty-two health professions training institutions, representing 12 health professions were identified and approached for the survey. The questionnaire was completed for 17 facilities, of which 14 utilised high-technology simulation. Challenges were identified through the quantitative data and comments in each subsystem across the facilities. The approaches followed by the facilities are in line with the recommended approach in the literature. The challenges faced by the facilities are typically the challenges described in the literature. An electronic Delphi survey was also conducted with simulation experts. The data from the questionnaire survey were used to inform the Delphi survey. The Delphi survey was conducted with eight simulation experts over three rounds. Four hundred and one statements emerged from the Delphi survey, and on 230 (57.4%) of these, consensus was reached. The results from the questionnaire survey and the Delphi survey were used to identify challenges and provide recommendations to address these challenges. Guidelines were drafted to illustrate how the recommendations could be achieved, and how multiple subsystems overlap and are integrated with each other. The conclusion was that high-technology simulation consists of various operational subsystems that integrate with each other to ensure long-term sustainability. These subsystems are management, funding, staff and staff development, curriculum integration, physical environment, and research. Utilising an integrated systems approach can lead to sustainable, high-technology simulation in South Africa.Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA
South African dietitians’ practices and perceptions regarding food exchange lists, as part of the food exchange system, in the nutrition care process
No full textThe nutrition care process (NCP) is a standardised method to apply nutritional therapy, followed by dietitians to promote evidence-based practice. While various tools can be used by dietitians as part of the NCP, the decision to use a certain tool is based on relevance, convenience, and trustworthiness. As food exchange lists (FELs) can be used in multiple phases of the NCP, and in light of the significance of targeted nutrition therapy and the appropriate use of tools on the nutritional outcome, it is essential to describe dietitians’ practices and perceptions regarding the use of FELs as part of the NCP. Particularly, as limited literature is available on the use of FELs by dietitians in practice, especially in South Africa, where population specific FELs are lacking. This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine South African dietitians’ practices and perceptions regarding the use of FELs as part of the NCP. All dietitians and community service dietitians residing in South Africa who were registered at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), were eligible to participate in this study. Dietitians’ socio-demographic information and practices and perceptions regarding the use of FELs within the NCP were determined using an online survey, created with Evasys Software®. The link to the survey was shared through e-mail newsletters to Association for Dietitians in South Africa (ADSA) members and on Dietetics-Nutrition is a Profession (DIP) and Dietetic Services Facebook pages. The survey was open for completion for a duration of two months, from February to April 2020. Dietitians in the current study were mainly female (96.2%; n = 126), with the greater proportion of dietitians being between 25-30 years of age (42.8%; n = 56), speaking Afrikaans (53.4%; n = 70) or English (50.4%; n = 66) as a home language, practising for one to four years post community service (34.4%; n = 43), based in Gauteng (29.8%; n = 39), and employed in private settings (53.4%; n = 70). Dietitians in South Africa are using FELs for different purposes in the nutritional management of various population groups, throughout all phases of the NCP, although 67.7% of dietitians applied FELs in dietary counselling and 92.1% in meal planning as part of the NCP. More dietitians employed in private settings used FELs (86.3%) compared to government (55.3%) or tertiary education/ research/ pharmaceutical sectors (64.7%). This significant association may partly be ascribed to a greater proportion of dietitians who self-designed FELs in private settings (42.5%), which appeared to have been associated with dietitians’ perceived knowledge of FELs. Also, a significantly larger proportion of dietitians employed in government settings compared to private practices considered patients’ language (25.0%; 5.8%) and literacy level (92.9%; 67.3%) in the decision to provide patients with FELs. Overall, 78.7% of dietitians obtained FELs from universities and most FELs currently in use have been updated in the past five years. Even so, the greater proportion of dietitians (46.6%) reported the lack of South African specific foods as the main reason why FELs are due for an update. Dietitians acknowledged the importance of population-specific FELs with the majority (85.3%) advocating for FELs that are specific to various ethnic groups, mainly cultural (61.9%) and language groups, as well as different literacy levels (65.4%), mostly grade 8-9 level. While a smaller percentage (39.7%) indicated that FELs should be adapted for different religions, the majority (68.3%) reported that vegetarianism / veganism should be considered. Adapting FELs according to socio-economic status was not perceived as essential to most dietitians. Majority of dietitians recommended FELs should be adapted for different stages of the life cycle, especially given the lack of resources on portion sizes in paediatric patients. Given the convenience of use, dietitians reported using alternative tools to the FELs, but also supported the idea of an electronic FEL. Main concerns affecting the use of health applications, comprised dietitians’ doubts about accessibility, ease of use, trustworthiness and costs involved. The use of a comprehensive FEL that is relevant and evidence-based, which dietitians find convenient to use, may improve nutritional outcomes in dietetic practices and promote the dietetics profession.University of the Free Stat
Impacts of hydrological drought management on sustainable livelihood in QwaQwa, South Africa
No full textWater plays an important role in an economy, environment and sustainable development. However, water shortage can really threaten the sustainability of the livelihood activities of people. Drought, is one of the disasters that has recently affected most countries including South Africa. The effect of drought can be realised in food insecurity that poses serious threats to people’s livelihoods. The study explores the effects of the impact of hydrological drought in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, focusing on the community of QwaQwa. The objective of the study is to determine how the municipality is managing hydrological drought, in order to provide sustainable service delivery. In addition, the study addresses how community members are empowered to live and mitigate drought. The study was conducted with the employees of the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality and the community of Qwaqwa. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed using purposive sampling. A sample size of one hundred and forty-eight (148) respondents was used wherein one hundred and ten (110) were community members; thirty (30) were municipal officials at non-management level; and eight (8) municipal officials at management level. Selected questions were used to collect the data to fit the research questions of the study. The experience of the impact of drought among females and males was tested using t-test in analysing the hypothesis. The study findings revealed that some hydrological drought management aspects were not managed properly which had impact on a shortage of water to the community. Furthermore, the results reveal that the majority of community members were highly affected by poor service delivery where the quality of water supply was not according to norms and standards as prescribed by legislation. Communities were not fully empowered through early warnings and water was delivered in different forms, such as boreholes, water trucks, and where the community was unable to get water, unprotected wells were used
Economic empowerment challenges and opportunities women face: the case of Orange Farm, Gauteng
No full textWomen empowerment and economic development are closely linked, and in a sense, development on its own can play an important role in pushing management of inequality between men and women; on the other hand, women empowerment may be helpful in development. Development approaches (policies) and programs are likely not to prioritize women as being fundamental to the economic development processes. This is frequently mirrored within the higher ventures in women's reproductive lives, instead of their beneficial roles, primarily in population programs. However, women across the developing world participate in financially beneficial work and earn salaries, and they fundamentally work in agriculture and within the informal sectors and progressively in formal wage business. Their income, be that as it may, are for the most part too low. Development agencies have reacted to the need for destitute women to earn income by making little income generation ventures through income generating projects, since 1950’s. Most of the time such ventures fail, since they are propelled by welfare and not development concerns, provision of contracts and temporary jobs in traditionally associated abilities, for example sewing and knitting that have constrained markets. On contrary some non-governmental organizations have been quite successful in organizing workers in the formal economy. For example, Self –Employed Women Union (SEWU) in South Africa have been viable in making strides on improving women's economic status, because they have begun with the proposition that women are principal to the process of economic development. Developmental approaches (policies) and programs are likely not to prioritize women as being fundamental to the economic development processes. It may be slightly different now. Nowadays the policies and strategies in place across sectors are pushing the women development agenda. As the author notes, this includes both local (EE, BEE) and more globally (Agenda 2063, SDGs etc). Thus, despite development efforts that are gender inclusive, there are contexts that suffer inequalities such as Orange Farm. Case studies which focused on women’s economic empowerment participation were carried out. The focused projects were women in Cooperatives, Stockvel and Gardening. The study made use of a qualitative research approach using semistructured interviews and observation. Findings of the study revealed that despite a development plan that is implemented, based on gender equality to give preference to women, women are still not ready for higher positions or they don’t have the capacity to handle work. Women also still lack the knowledge and experience to excel, which shows that women’s involvement and capacity are still a challenge. Findings also indicated that participation in these projects has improved women’s selfconfidence and their potential to participate in decision-making processes that includes economic development within their societies. Gardening projects have not only benefited the members but have also contributed positively to the local economy. Women within these projects revealed numerous challenges that they have faced in their projects, such as limited access to resources, namely water and land. Other challenges involved lack of financial support from financing institutes, including organisations that offer financial support. With cooperatives they have cited poor commitment from members and lack of recognition from the BIG businesses
Write here: a writers' retreat in the Swartberg mountains
No full textThis investigation explores how to mitigate the lack of inspiration and the distraction of everyday life that writers struggle with, by experiencing a writers' retreat in the Swartberg Mountain range in the Western Cape Province. The proposed design for the retreat explores the relationship between the writer's deep and self- conscious minds. The dissertation considers the question: How can a designed place of isolation in nature stimulate the awareness within the self in order to promote the engagement of the deep and self- conscious minds during the writing process? During the writing process the awareness of the self, of nature and of the self in nature is important. Few other buildings show this awareness specific for writers in nature while exploring the deep and self- conscious minds. This dissertation aims to propose a place with spatial awareness to create various experiences and interactions between man and nature, the self and the self- less, isolation and integration. This study engaged with theoretical constructs of; the deep mind and the self-conscious mind a theory devised by Maggie Ross as well as The Art of Travel written by Alain De Botton, the self and the awareness of the self as well as the concept of being- in- the- world theories by Martin Heidegger. It also made use of case studies and precedents during the investigation into the writing process, and how architecture can enhance the writing process. The proposed design can demystify the writing through an enhanced spatial experience in places such as the Swartberg Mountains
Strategies used by Grade Four educators to decode science terminology: a case study
No full textIn this paper, we discuss the results of a case study about the teaching strategies used by three primary school educators to decode Grade 4 science terminology. In South Africa, the study of science is formally introduced to learners in Grade 4. Additionally, Grade 4 is the year when learners transition from being taught in their native languages in Grades 1 to 3 to being taught in English. This presents the challenge of learning a new subject in an unfamiliar language. Research shows that the majority of South African primary school learners find science terminology difficult
to comprehend due to linguistic challenges, which could account for their poor performance in science assessments. The way educators decode science terminology during science lessons could affect learners’ comprehension of science vocabulary and consequently their performance in science. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data in a qualitative case study in order to determine the strategies used by three science educators to teach and decode science terminology in Grade 4. The study findings suggest that the participating educators use ad hoc,
teacher-centered teaching strategies to decode science concepts. These findings have implications for the preparation of primary school science educators in teacher training institutions.Publisher's versio
Teachers’ perceptions on the use of Information and Communication Technology for teaching Biology in Lesotho
No full textA plethora of benefits that information and communication technologies (ICTs) have for teaching and learning has long been proven. In the light of this, influence of teachers’ perceptions on their incorporation in teaching should not be disregarded. However, only a few empirical studies have focused on teachers’ perceptions on the integration of ICTs, and even fewer on such integration in a particular subject that is important to career choices such as biology. Therefore, this study aimed to examine, through the lens of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), the teachers’ perceptions on the use of ICTs in the teaching of biology in Lesotho secondary schools. The objectives were to investigate the ICT tools that teachers commonly use, describe the practices that characterise the patterns of use and determine the correlation between teachers’ perceptions and their use of ICTs for teaching. A descriptive, non-experimental survey variety of a quantitative research design, following a deductive strategy, was employed. A total of 107 respondents, selected by a systematic probability sampling technique, completed a questionnaire comprising close-ended items that were measured on a Likert scale. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. The findings revealed that Lesotho secondary school biology teachers perceived themselves as being moderately competent in ICT applications and their incorporation into teaching-learning experiences. Also, it was found that teachers held positive perceptions on the educational use of ICTs. Nevertheless, they reported irregular use for teaching and most commonly used ICTs were found to be printers, the Internet, computers/laptops and projectors. Teachers’ irregular ICT practices were more inclined towards supporting their traditional teaching methods and improving their own knowledge. The commonest practices included lesson preparations, searching for information on the Internet, preparing handouts and assessing learners through tests. Furthermore, the results presented a weak, positive and generally statistically significant Spearman rank order correlation between teachers’ perceptions and their use of ICTs in teaching biology. The study recommended teacher development programmes to improve ICT competences and also necessary interventions by the relevant education authorities in terms of investment and policies.University of the Free Stat
An ecotourist friendly fish market at Struisbaai Harbour
No full textThis dissertation is a proposal for the expansion and improvement of Struisbaai Harbour in the Western Cape. The new additions consist of a promenade element, a swimming platform, a seafront building, a fish market, and a viewing deck on the jetty. The focal point of the proposed new additions will be the fish market element. The role of this proposal is to enhance the livelihoods of the local fishing community allowing for more job opportunities and better infrastructure to execute their daily tasks. The overarching aim of this proposal is to integrate the tourists with the local community. This integration will contribute to a more integrated Struisbaai culture that could benefit all users on the site. To achieve this, it is important to look at ecotourism and to understand how tourism and responsible design can contribute to the betterment of the community. First, the complexities of the research topic are identified and investigated. This is followed by an in-depth exploration of what is needed on the site and why are these elements so important and unique to incorporate into the proposed intervention. Finally, once the complexities and needs of the proposal are identified a deeper exploration is made into creating an appropriate design solution by looking at multiple examples and understanding the context
Aligning simultaneous interpreters’ training with the South African Translators’ Institute’s requirements
No full textIn a globalised and linguistically diverse world, simultaneous interpreting (SI) has become increasingly important. Similarly, in the field of higher education (HE), a high premium is placed on the accuracy of information that multi-lingual and multi-cultural students and academics receive. Therefore, the competence and skill of simultaneous interpreters have become of high priority in the fields of linguistics and HE. In addition, the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) has set the standard for regulating the qualities and traits of a professional accomplished simultaneous interpreter. Consequently, the study was executed to establish whether there is alignment between HE SI training and SATI’s requirements for accredited interpreters. A literature study on SI within the HE context delineating the construct, clarifying concepts and contextualising it within the framework of language practice and translation. A discussion of the process highlighted the practical procedure, challenges of SI and the training thereof. In this qualitative, HE case study a purposeful sample of nine HEIs trainers and SATI board members was conducted to gather data from two qualitative questionnaires during 2017-2019. The main findings of this study indicated that there is partial alignment between SA HEIs’ syllabi (with the UFS as an example) and SATI’s requirements for quality SI (see Table 3.1). The SI participants’ experiences and perceptions confirmed the training methods and outcomes and assessment criteria stressed in the literature review perspectives regarding SI training. The sample was small, for this reason the data of the study cannot be generalised. One of the recommendations that emanate from this study includes that the 16 identified learning outcomes could serve as a basis for SI HE trainers, e.g. teaching methods, integration of academic studies, theory and practice and appropriate learning material. The integration of these materials and methods could assist SI trainers and benefit students. Although the alignment between SI training and SATI’s requirements was partial, it confirmed that necessity of quality SI training in order to ensure that simultaneous interpreters deliver high-quality work and remain in demand. SATI’s requirements for accreditation remains important for SI practitioners which provided the simultaneous interpreter with more opportunities and legitimate credentials in future