11613 research outputs found
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A model to reconstruct lecturer dilemma in balancing research and teaching responsibilities: a case of one rural university in South Africa
No full textIn this empirical study, we explore the challenges faced by lecturers at a rurally located university in South Africa as they try to balance the demands of research and teaching. Universities in rural areas play a crucial role in providing higher education access to underprivileged communities and promoting regional development. Our study is based on role theory, which emphasises the intended and unintended purposes of lecturer roles in society. Through a qualitative study of six lecturers, we examine the various issues they encounter when managing research and teaching commitments. We adopt a case study design within an interpretive paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six new lecturers from the university to understand their personal experiences and perspectives on the tension between research and teaching, as well as the potential consequences for their research productivity. We use thematic analysis to analyse the collected data. The findings reveal that the participants at the university struggle to balance the demands of research and teaching, encountering various challenges in the process. These challenges include a lack of funding for research, limited research resources and facilities, and an overwhelming teaching workload. Based on the findings, the study suggests solutions and strategies to guide university administrators, policymakers, and lecturers in navigating this challenging landscape and fostering a supportive environment that values research and teaching contributions. This study contributes to the knowledge by proposing a model that lecturers can follow to balance their work roles.Publisher's versio
Examining relationships between sub-components of reading in Xitsonga
No full textReading is developed over time and involves the interaction of both simple and complex skills characterised by a hierarchical sequence of foundational reading skills. However, research has shown that children who do not acquire mastery of foundational reading skills have limited chances of acquiring reading success. This study examines the relations between sub-components of reading in Xitsonga and their impact on Grade 1 learners’ reading ability. It also aims to identify which early reading skills predict later reading accomplishment. Data in this study was obtained from 75 Grade 1 learners in the Limpopo Province. The early-grade reading assessment tool adapted to Xitsonga was used to test the learners’ foundational reading skills: phonological and phonemic awareness, letter-sound knowledge, word reading, oral reading fluency and reading comprehension skills. The results present a compelling relationship between the subcomponents of reading and show that deficits in the development of foundational reading skills negatively impact learners’ ability to read. Regression analysis showed that oral reading fluency was the only significant predictor of reading comprehension. Hence, there is a need for reading to be taught and learned consciously in alphabetic languages to help learners develop their early reading skills, which play important roles in the acquisition of reading.Publisher's versio
Effect of annealing temperatures on the properties of CdZrS nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel synthesis method.
No full textCadmium zirconium sulphide (CdZrS) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using a sol-gel method. The effect of different annealing temperatures on the structural, morphological, optical, and compositional properties of CdZrS NPs was investigated. The structural investigation revealed that the CdZrS samples exhibit hexagonal and cubic structures in both the as-prepared and annealed samples. The crystallite sizes of CdZrS nanoparticles decreased with increasing annealing temperature. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a highly agglomerated particle at 500C. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of Cd, Zr and S in all samples. UV-Vis analysis confirmed a red shift from 2.61 to 1.62 eV when the annealing temperature was increased. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra showed a peak at 462 nm attributed to excitonic recombination of CdZrS and a peak at 557 nm corresponding to interstitial sulfur sites. These materials have potential applications for biosensors or solar cells technology.Publisher's versio
Exploring the strategies for teaching reading comprehension to English First Additional Language Grade 9 Learners
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Curriculum Studies))--University of the Free State, 2024This study explored the strategies employed by English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers to teach reading comprehension to Grade 9 learners in South African schools. The research addressed a critical gap in understanding how teachers navigate various challenges, such as large class sizes, language barriers, and limited resources, while developing learners’ comprehension skills. This study utilised and was grounded in the simple view of reading theory, which provides a framework for understanding the essential components involved in reading comprehension. The simple view of reading theory suggests that reading comprehension is a product of two fundamental abilities – decoding skills and linguistic comprehension. According to this theory, decoding skills refer to the ability to recognise printed words and translate them into spoken language accurately and fluently. This involves mastering phonological awareness, phonics, and word recognition abilities. Linguistic comprehension, on the other hand, encompasses the skills necessary to understand the meaning of words, sentences, and texts, including vocabulary knowledge, background knowledge, and comprehension strategies. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. For this study, a purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants. The data generation methods adopted in this study were semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observation. The findings reveal that teachers predominantly employed a scaffolded approach, integrating explicit instruction techniques—such as skimming, scanning, predicting, and reciprocal teaching—alongside learner-centred methods to foster engagement and comprehension. However, the study highlights significant challenges in teaching higher-order comprehension skills, such as inferencing and evaluating, due to constraints in professional development, inadequate resources, and learners’ limited English proficiency. Additionally, differentiated instruction emerged as a key strategy to address the diverse needs of learners. The study concludes that while teachers are committed to enhancing reading comprehension, they require more support in terms of ongoing professional development and access to relevant, culturally appropriate resources. Recommendations include providing teachers with continuous training and updated teaching materials that reflect learner contexts. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on improving English language instruction and learning outcomes in multilingual and resource-constrained environments. The study recommends six strategies that teachers can use to improve reading comprehension in Grade 9 EFAL classes. These are: 1) prioritising funding and support for equitable education, 2) strengthening instructional support and collaboration in schools, 3) enhancing professional development on explicit instruction, 4) developing clear lesson plans with explicit strategies, 5) fostering collaborative learning and reflective practice among educators, and 6) enhancing instructional practices through professional development and collaboration
Factors influencing staff morale at a Mobile Network Operator in Bloemfontein
No full textStaff morale is a primary human resource (HR) element and a key driver of positive workplace culture and productivity. Although it is one of the most researched and explored subjects in workforce management, South African companies still struggle to motivate and engage employees. This study explores this practical gap in staff morale at a mobile network operator in Bloemfontein. From his work experience in the organisation’s workplace environment, the researcher developed the study from pragmatically identified staff morale issues. The study employed a qualitative research approach and a phenomenological study design to collate and analyse participants’ perspectives, attitudes and feelings regarding the organisation’s HR practices and general workplace environment. The researcher employed purposive sampling to select 15 respondents from a population of 87 employees to participate in semi-structured interviews, providing comprehensive data for objective and generalisable findings. The collected data were subjected to thematic analysis, generating trends and patterns and, ultimately, guaranteeing trustworthiness. The factors affecting staff morale in the mobile operator that emerged were perception of morale in the workplace, career advancement, managerial support, external influences on careers, performance management and work-life balance. The researcher recommends that the organisation foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that caters to staff needs and implements transparent and inclusive career development structures that allow all staff members to pursue growth opportunities. Most importantly, the organisation should promote leadership practices that promote empathy, transparency and trust. Managers should be trained to offer support while encouraging autonomy, innovation and open communication. The organisation should implement structured communication channels that ensure information flows seamlessly across all levels to foster a more inclusive and communicative workplace culture
Economic Inclusion: green finance and the SDGs
No full textPersistent economic exclusion and the high levels of natural resource depletion are alarming. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are among a few global initiatives aimed at bringing a turnaround in both of these areas of concern. Giving action to productive economic inclusion and transitioning towards a circular, regenerative economy is challenging for countries, particularly because of a lack of economic incentives. Green finance has emerged in the last few decades as a valuable mechanism that has the potential to meet this challenge. In answering the question of how to facilitate the necessary transition to a green, inclusive economy, the paper attempts to bring green finance and economic inclusion together as a possible means (like a bridge) to address economic exclusion and resource degeneration. That is the primary aim of the study, and it is investigated through an analysis of theoretical literature. The key findings include: a strong synergy exists between green finance and economic inclusion; different forms of green finance are able to facilitate economic inclusion; and green finance can be instrumental in attracting investors to fast-track SDG attainment. A key conclusion is that green finance can play a vital role in activating and prolonging broad-based benefit sharing in an eco-conscious way.Publisher's versio
Small-scale variations in spider and springtail assemblages between termite mounds and the surrounding grassland matrix
No full textThe snouted harvester termite ( (Sjöstedt, 1911)) is a widespread grass-eating termite species that constructs thermoregulated dome-shaped mounds. However, little is known about the influence of these mounds on the arthropod assemblage structure in the surrounding grassland matrix, and whether the mounds represent ecological islands. Spiders and springtails are two ecologically important arthropod groups often associated with termites or their mounds. We investigated their assemblage composition inside and around active and abandoned T. trinervoides mounds in a central South African grassland. In total, 838 spiders (59 spp., 22 families) and 217 857 springtails (24 spp., 9 families) were collected from 96 pitfall traps, placed at four microhabitats in and around each of 12 active and 12 abandoned mounds during March 2019. The most abundant and species-rich spider families include the (n = 270, 10 spp.), (n = 86, 7 spp.), (n = 86, 6 spp.) and (n = 77, 5 spp.), whereas the springtail fauna was dominated by (n = 56 521, 1 species), (n = 49 573, 7 species), (n = 44 491, 3 species), (n = 32 288, 1 species) and (n = 26 216, 7 species). Indicator analysis showed that the spiders Tucker, 1923, (Wesołowska & Haddad, 2002) and Purcell, 1904 are associated with abandoned mounds, but no springtails showed an association based on the IndVal analysis of the eight microhabitats (lumped data), even though the undescribed sp. were mostly collected inside active mounds. The mounds thus had a negligible influence on the spatial distribution of springtails in the surrounding grassland. The different spider and springtail assemblages sampled indicate that both active and abandoned mounds function as ecological islands in grasslands, but that mound size does not affect their abundance or species richness in the different microhabitats sampled.Publisher's versio
Rethinking external environmental analysis for sustainable development: the case of a beverage manufacturing industry in a Southern African Country
No full textThe advent of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030 ushered in a new way of thinking about the forces that drive change in the business environment. Literature suggests that sustainable development is a megaforce driving change globally and envelops the traditional political, economic, social, technological, and ecological (PESTE) forces approach. This article reframes the external environmental analysis to integrate SDGs into the business strategy of a beverage manufacturing industry. A qualitative design using snowball sampling resulted in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews that were audio recorded. Interviews were held with eight executives, one former executive, and three non-executive staff from four companies of a southern African country’s beverage manufacturing industry. The data exposed some ignorance on sustainable development. Many executives understood the importance of sustainable development without consensus on its exact nature and implementation in the organisational context. Thematic data analysis confirmed the relevance of sustainable development and the need to incorporate it in external environmental analysis. Categorising SDGs into a 5-P framework (people, prosperity, planet, peace, partnerships) and integrating it with the PESTE framework, the study provides a new approach/tool for external environmental analysis. This approach facilitates identification of SDGs that are relevant to business during strategic planning.Publisher's versio
The contributions of Enactus to South Africa’s social and solidarity economy: a case study of a university
No full text: Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable rise in worldwide acknowledgement of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and its substantial socioeconomic and environmental benefits. In response, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution on 18 April 2023 advocating for government and institutional support to the SSE towards accelerating the achievement of sustainable development Goals (SDGs). However, there is a lack of understanding of how higher education institutions contribute to this agenda.
:The study examines the contributions of Entrepreneurial Action Us (Enactus) to South Africa’s SSE.
: The case study was conducted at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State in South Africa, to examine how higher education and the SSE interact through Enactus initiatives.
: The study utilised a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with 11 students and alumni and an analysis of Enactus’ annual impact reports. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding Enactus’ impact on the SSE.
: Enactus enhances student entrepreneurship and innovation, promoting economic growth, job creation and community sustainability. Initiatives like the student-led Vermi Village Enterprise have empowered youth and women and created employment opportunities. Collaboration with local corporations and educational institutions has fostered sustainable changes, improving regenerative agriculture and urban food production, thus addressing multiple poverty facets.
: This study highlights the crucial role of initiatives like Enactus in promoting a more inclusive and sustainable economy, advancing the broader objectives of the SDGs, and supporting a brighter future for South Africa.
: Despite resource limitations and the need for greater stakeholder engagement, Enactus projects and enterprises hold significant potential for driving sustainable development and socioeconomic equality, ultimately strengthening South Africa’s SSE.Publisher's versio
Exploring information needs among family caregivers of children with intellectual disability in a rural area of South Africa: a qualitative study
No full textGlobally, families experience challenges caring for and raising children with intellectual disability (ID). Family caregivers in rural states are mostly known for lacking support resources, including information on understanding the care of ID. Lack of adequate information on understanding of ID compromises the provision of life-long care and support of the children with ID’s physical, emotional, psychological and social developmental well-being. The study aimed to explore the information needs of family caregivers regarding the care of children with ID in rural areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa.
This qualitative explorative research conducted 16 in-depth individual interviews and one focus group discussion with ten family members. The participants shared their experiences of raising children with ID in rural communities. Inductive thematic analysis using Atlas Ti software categorised emerging themes and subthemes of this study from merged data sets on information needs regarding the care of children with ID among family caregivers.
The findings highlighted the need for information regarding ID care among family caregivers raising children with ID in the home environment. The information challenges experienced by family caregivers include caring for the challenging behaviour of children with ID and available support resources and services for the children and their families. These challenges impact the care and support required to meet the developmental needs of children with ID. Furthermore, inadequate information on ID among family caregivers in rural communities with a lack of resources restricts the children from accessing required support services.
Given the information challenges these families face on ID, the stakeholders must develop continuous training programmes that will equip, empower, and further monitor ID care and management among family caregivers to enhance care and the raising of children with dignity.Publisher's versio