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Performance evaluation of service quality and user satisfaction in selected Zimbabwe university libraries.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study examines the performance evaluation of service quality and user satisfaction in selected Zimbabwe university libraries. The study objectives were to establish reasons for the criticality of performance evaluation in university libraries, to identify the aspects of performance evaluation standards that contribute the most to service quality and user satisfaction, to examine how the service quality of libraries is affected by technologies, to assess service quality characteristics that contribute to user satisfaction, and to evaluate the decline in the usage statistics of the selected university libraries This study aimed to determine the centrality of the performance assessment of service quality and user satisfaction. The focus is on the selected institutions in Zimbabwe. The study further identifies the contextual areas affecting service quality, user satisfaction, and performance evaluation methods. It provides an opportunity to advance our knowledge of library operations and services, improve our understanding of user expectations, and enhance efficient service delivery. This is crucial in the Information Science fraternity in several ways. For instance, the theoretical perspectives of the study are intended to provide and contribute to the knowledge of performance evaluation of service quality and user satisfaction in university libraries in Zimbabwe. The study adopts the Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT) as the theoretical lens to view the research hypotheses. It also uses a pragmatic paradigm to address the different research questions. The study also employs a combined quantitative and qualitative approach using a survey questionnaire, interviews, and observation for data collection. A survey questionnaire was administered to 1330 postgraduate library users, and semi structured interviews were conducted with nine purposively selected library managers. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) 2021 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics to actualise the study's objectives. The reliability and validity of the instruments were ascertained through test retest reliability using Cronbach’s alpha on 30 postgraduate students from a university that was not selected. A reliability analysis was conducted on an instrument comprising 43 items. The Cronbach’s alpha showed that the questionnaire had acceptable reliability (α = 0.852). The study adhered to the ethical protocol of the University of KwaZulu Natal. The study findings established that respondents strongly felt that performance evaluation, user feedback, and user suggestions of library services are more critical to library performance and improving library services. The results revealed that library policies, procedures, and regulations affect most service quality and user satisfaction. The findings of this study showed that the use of computers has increased library performance. It was also found that physical library visits declined owing to the proliferation of technologies. The findings indicate that libraries have resources and facilities that meet users’ needs. The library staff were highly commendable. The study concludes that variables such as performance evaluation, service quality, and user satisfaction contribute to library service quality. The study also concluded that university libraries that subscribe to local and international associations and organisations develop more in their management. The selected libraries can raise their standards by becoming members of local and international associations. It was concluded that the availability of electronic resources enhances research quality by supplementing hard copies. University libraries should invest in electronic resources and ensure that they subscribe to various of these resources to increase the accessibility of their collections. The study recommended that work on performance measurement and evaluation be performed regularly. Every academic library's measurement and evaluation team must suggest proper planning for conducting performance surveys. The study also recommends that specific standards be observed to allow university libraries to use different indicators and the revised standards procedures in their operations. There was a need for collaborative efforts through national associations (ZimLA), Zimbabwe Library Consortia, and other international associations (IF LA, AFLIA and American Library Association (ALA). The study recommends that university libraries keep pace with the latest technological advancements. The study also recommends that library management create a section in the library dedicated to eliciting user needs. This study also recommends that library staff be trained and retrained on how to maintain library statistics. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations will help university libraries strengthen their systems and strategies for improving the provision of their services. More importantly, evidence based modern benchmarking tools will usher in a new dimension of managing university libraries. The study proposes a more refined model and instrument for measuring the service quality and user satisfaction of libraries. Finally, this study has the potential to improve the user experience of university libraries.
Iqoqa.
Lolu cwaningo luhlola ukusebenza kwezingabunjalo kanye nokwaneliseka kwabasebenzisa imitapo yolwazi ekhethiweyo enyuvesi yaseZimbabwe. Inhloso yocwaningo ngukuthola izizathu zobucayi bokuhlola ukusebenza emitwapweni yolwazi yenyuvesi, ukuveza izinkomba zamazinga okuhlola ukusebenza aholela kakhulu ezingabunjalweni lokusebenza kanye nokwaneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo, ukuhlola ukuthi izingabunjalo lokusebenza kwemitapo yolwazi linomthelela onjani ekusebenzeni kwezobucwepheshe, ukubheka ubunjalo bezinga lokusebenza obunomthelela ekwanelisekeni kwabayisebenzisayo, kanye nokuhlola ukwehla ekusebenzisekeni ngokwezinombolo kwemitapo yolwazi ekhethiweyo enyuvesi. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukuthola isizinda sokuhlola kokusebenza kwezingabunjalo lomsebenzi kanye nokweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo. Kugxilwe ezikhungweni ezikhethiweyo eZimbabwe. Ucwaningo luphinde lukhombe izizinda okugxilwe kuzo ezinomthelela wezinga lokusebenza, ukweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo kanye nezindlela zokuhlola ukusebenza. Lunikeza ithuba ukuthuthukisa ulwazi lwethu lokusebenza kwemitapo yolwazi kanye nemisebenzi yayo, ukuthuthukisa ukuqonda kwethu kokulindeleke ngabayisebenzisayo, kanye nokukhulisa izidingo zokusebenza ezigculisayo. Lokhu kusemqoka kakhulu emphakathini weSayensi Yezolwazi ngezindlela eziningi. Njengokuthi nje, izindlelakubuka ngenjulalwazi yocwaningo zihlose ukunikeza futhi zibe nomthelela elwazini lokuhlola ukusebenza kwezingakusebenza kanye nokweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo emitapweni yolwazi enyuvesi yaseZimbabwe. Ucwaningo lusebenzisa iNjulalwazi Yokuvumelana Kokulindelekile, i-Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT) njengesibuko senjulalwazi ukubuka izihlawumbiselo zocwaningo. Lusebenzisa futhi ipharadaymu yokungenzeka ukuphendula imibuzo yocwaningo eyehlukene. Ucwaningo luphinde futhi lusebenzise ngokuhlanganyela indlelande yezinombolo kanye neyobunjalo botho ngokusebenzisa uhlamibuzo lwesaveyi, izingxoxo, kanye nokubukela ukuqoqa imininingo. Uhlamibuzo lwesaveyi lwasetshenziswa kubasebenzisi bomtapo wolwazi asebeneziqu abayi-1330, kanye nezingxoxo ezisakuhleleka zenziwa nabaphathi bomtapo wolwazi abakhethwe ngenhloso. Imininingo yekhwalithethivu yahlaziywa ngokusebenzisa ukuhlaziya ngezindikimba, kanti imininingo yezinombolo yahlaziywa ngokusebenzisa iStatistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 2021 ukuthola izinombolo ezichazayo kanye nezibalo zokungase kwenzeke ukuqondisa kahle izinhloso zocwaningo. Ukwethembeka kanye nokukholakala kwamathuluzi asetshenzisiwe kwaqinisekiswa ngokuvivinya okuphindaphindayo kusetshenziswa iCronbach’s alpha kubafundi asebeneziqu abangama-30 basenyuvesi ekhathethiwe. Ukuhlaziya kokwethembeka kwenziwa ngethuluzi elinezinhlaka ezingama-43. ICronbach’s alpha yaveza ukuthi uhlamibuzo lwaba nokwethembeka okwamukelekile (α = 0.852). Ucwaningo lwahambisana nenqubo yenkambiso elungileyo yasenyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natali. Imiphumela yocwaningo yaveza ukuthi abahlanganyeli bezwa sengathi ukuhlola kokusebenza, izimpendulo zabasebenzisa imitapo yolwazi, kanye neziphakamiso zabasebenzisa umtapo wolwazi ngokusebenza komtapo wolwazi kugxile kakhulu ekusebenzeni komtapo wolwazi kanye nasekuthuthukiseni ukusebenza komtapo wolwazi. Imiphumela yaveza ukuthi imigomo yomtapo wolwazi, izinqubo, kanye nendlelakusebenza kunomthelela omkhulu kwizingabunjalo lomsebenzi kanye nokweneliseka kwasebenzisi bemitapo yolwazi. Lolu cwaningo lwaveza ukuthi ukusebenzisa amakhompyutha sekwenyuse ukusebenza komtapo wolwazi. Kwatholakala futhi ukuthi ukuvakashela umtapo ngumuntu bukhoma sekwehlile ngenxa yokusabalala kokusebensa ngobuchwepheshe. Imiphumela iveza ukuthi imitapo yolwazi inezinsizakusebenza ezihlangabezana nezidingo zabasebenzisi bemitapo yolwazi. Abasebenzi basemtapweni wolwazi banconywa kakhulu. Ucwaningo luphetha ngokuthi amavarebhuli afana nokuhlola ukusebenza, izingakusebenza, kanye nokweneliseka kwabasebenzisi bomtapo wolwazi kunomthelela kwizingakusebenza lomtapo wolwazi. Ucwaingo luphinde luphethe ngokuthi imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi iyahambelana nezinhlangano zangaphakathi zezwe nezamazwe angaphandle futhi izinhlangano zithuthukisa amakhono azo okuphatha kakhulu. Imitapo yolwazi ekhethiweyo ingaphakamisa amazinga ayo ngokuba amalunga ezinhlangano zamazwe angaphakathi kanye nezamazwe ngamazwe. Kwavela ukuthi ukuba khona kwezinsizakusebenza zobuchwepheshe kukhuphula izingabunjalo locwaningo ngokuthatha indawo yamakhophi aqoshiwe. Imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi kumele ifake amandla emali ezinsizeni kusebenza zobuchwepheshe bese iqinisekisa ukuthi bayabhalisa kulezi zinsizakusebenza ezahlukehlukene ukukhuphula ukungeneleka kwamaqoqo abo olwazi. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuthi umsebenzi wokukala ukusebenza kanye nokuhlola kumele kwenzeke njalo. Zonke izikalo zomtapo wolwazi wemfundo kanye nethimba lokuhlola kumele kuphakamise uhlelo olufanelekile ukuqhuba umsebenzi wamasaveyi. Ucwaningo luyaphakamisa futhi amazinga athile kumele abhekwe ukuvulela imitapo yolwazi yenyuvesi ukusebenzisa izinkomba ezehlukahlukene bese kubuyekezwa izinqubo sokusebenza. Bekunesidingo semizamo yokusebenzisana nezinhlangano zesizwe (ZimLA), Inhlangano Yemitapo Yolwazi yaseZimbabwe, kanye nezinye izinhlangano zamazwe angaphandle (IFLA, AFLIA kanye ne-American Library Association (ALA)). Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuthi imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi ihambisane nokuthuthuka kokusebenza kobuchwepheshwe. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuthi ubuholi bomtapo wolwazi buqambe uhlaka olubhekelela izidingo zabasebenzi bomtapo wolwazi. Ucwaningo luphakamisa futhi ukuthi abasebenzi bomtapo wolwazi baqeqeshwe ngokuphindiwe ukugcina izinombolo zomtapo wolwazi. Imiphumela, isiphetho, kanye neziphakamiso kuzokwelekelela imitapo yolwazi yasenyuvesi ukuthi kukhulise izindlela zabo kanye namasu okuthuthukisa ukunikezela ngemisebenzi yabo. Ikakhulukazi, amathuluzi okusebenzisana nabanye esimanje nanobufakazi kuzokwelekeleka ukubhekelela ubungako obusha bokwengamela imitapo yolwazi enyuvesi. Ucwaningo luphakamisa imodeli ecolisekile kanye nethuluzi lokukala izingakusebenza lemitapo yolwazi kanye nokweneliseka kwabayisebenzisayo. Okokugcina, lolu cwaningo lunokukwazi ukuthuthukisa isimo sabasebenzisa imitapo yolwazi yenyuvesi
An assessment of employee perception on the procurement process of a Southern African sugar company.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.In today's business landscape, competition is fierce, and procurement is a critical component of any organisation's success. Efficient and cost-effective procurement of goods and services, along with streamlined procurement processes, are crucial in helping businesses gain a competitive edge. However, the success of any procurement process depends not only on its technical aspects but also on how the people involved perceive and experience the process. Therefore, to gain valuable insights into the procurement practices of a Southern African sugar company, this study aims to explore the perceptions of its employees regarding its procurement process. To achieve the aim the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature review and used a mixed-methods research approach. This approach was deemed most suitable for the study. Considering the research design an online survey consisting of both open-ended and closed-ended questions was designed and disseminated to participants recruited for the study. To ensure that the study covered all aspects of the procurement process, the survey tested the perceptions of four departments, namely agricultural, engineering, operational support, and procurement. Each department was divided into three groups of employees, including line managers, middle managers, and senior managers. Participants were from three geographical locations, namely local, foreign, and the head office. Furthermore, participant data was evaluated according to years of work experience, specifically up to five years, five to ten years, ten to fifteen years, and greater than fifteen years. The online survey was designed using the principles of a mixed-method research approach. The survey questions were categorised according to the following themes: planning, supplier selection, specific management and contract management. The close-ended questions used a 5-point Likert scale, analysed quantitatively and used Factor Analysis. The open-ended questions were designed and analysed using NVivo version 14. The study recommends regular feedback and updates to bridge communication gaps, tailored training programmes to enhance planning skills, evaluating, and enhancing procurement systems, addressing skills gaps, enhancing awareness of procurement function, better communication between departments, and regular performance evaluations
The link between health and happiness in South Africa: a gender comparison.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Given the government's objective of increasing South Africans' quality of life (Camfield & Skevington, 2008; Street 2023), there is scope and clear motivation to establish the factors that contribute to well-being on a wider scale than the focus on income levels (Camfield & Skevington, 2008). It is important to analyse the relationship between health and life satisfaction not in isolation but as a part of a broader context of how it is impacted by other variables including the individuals’ context, reflected in measures of social capital, such as crime and theft in the neighbourhood. This enables us to have an in-depth understanding of health dynamics and how to improve the quality of life for South Africans, which will, in turn, contribute towards encompassing health sector policies. When economists draw out instructive models on how healthcare should be improved, life satisfaction is included as one of the variables affecting health. Therefore, paying attention to subjective well-being as one of the variables affecting health should take centre stage. The nationally representative panel data used in this study was taken from the five waves of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS). Individuals’ self-rated health is the dependent variable, while happiness is reflected on a ten-scale of overall life satisfaction. Since the dependent variable health is ordinal in nature, the model used is the ordered logit model. This dissertation addresses the endogeneity problem caused by individual heterogeneity using a fixed effects model. Based on the results, the link between life satisfaction and health appears stronger for men. Looking at the relationship between social capital and health, it is expected that those who prefer to stay in the neighbourhood to report excellent health compared to those who prefer to leave the neighbourhood but in this case those who prefer to leave reported higher excellent health compared to those who prefer to stay for both men and women. The social capital variables were also used as the indirect channel, through which life satisfaction affects health. The results imply that life satisfaction works through religious practice to influence men’s health more than women’s. The link between life satisfaction and health is stronger for men, while social capital influences health outcomes differently by gender
From housewife to school leader: lived experiences of late-entry teachers.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The research explored the lived experiences of late-entry teachers who transitioned from housewives to school leaders. Five participants from diverse backgrounds were selected. Silences on late-entry teachers' to school leaders’ experiences have led to bafflement about how the common housewife becomes a school leader (i.e. Departmental Head, Deputy Principal, Principal). The study created a knowledge base in the South African education leadership field by addressing the gaps and exploring the life stories of the vulnerable group’s transitions. The study explored the evolution of their multiple personal and professional identities. The purpose of the study was firstly, to understand who the women were and are and what they did and do, personally as housewives and professionally as school leaders; secondly, it explored the meanings of self, which informed the housewives’ movement to school leader; thirdly, it made visible the affordances and constraints as the housewife transitioned through liminal spaces to become school leader. The study utilised the Identity Theory, the Theory of Liminality, and the Feminist Intersectional Theory as ts lens. The study used Narrative Inquiry as its methodology and purposive sampling to select participants. Narrative Interviews, Photo-walk-talk Inquiry, and Object Inquiry generated field exts. The analysis used concept mapping and found similarities and particularities of experience. The findings demonstrated that late-entry teachers possessed multiple selves, working in tandem, to influence transitioning and emphasised the dynamic state of flux the identities had undergone during the transition. The research highlighted the leaders' affordances and constraints throughout their journey. The study provided significant and novel unveilings about late-entry teachers' multiple selves (personal and professional) and how these entangled selves intra-acted to either serve as a catalyst or constrain their movement into school leadership positions. It filled a research gap by making visible and theorising the experiences of late-entry teachers as they professionalised themselves and transitioned to positions as school leaders. It contributed to a novel participatory visual method, the Photo-walk-talk Inquiry, to research vulnerable participants in Education Leadership. The study contributed to an original phenomenon in Educational Leadership researchon the housewife’s transitions from late-entry teacher to school leader positions
An exploration of murder cases in Umlazi Township, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province from the perspective of the South African Police Service.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This research explored the causes of murders in KwaZulu-Natal’s Umlazi township in Durban. The investigation focused on determining the nature and extent of homicides, identifying contributing factors, examining challenges faced by the South African Police Service in investigating murder cases, and reviewing current homicide prevention measures. Driven by a desire to understand the murder phenomenon in Umlazi, detailed data were gathered from selected participants. The findings will aid stakeholders in understanding the causes and factors that trigger murders, and the recommendations may help the SAPS develop effective preventive measures to reduce murder in Umlazi.
To achieve the goals of this study, a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design was used. Data were collected from fourteen (14) murder detectives at the Umlazi police station, with one participant withdrawing. The remaining participants provided insights into the murder cases in Umlazi through interviews based on their first-hand experiences and understanding of the phenomenon. A purposive sampling method was applied, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, recorded using a voice recorder. The data were then analyzed through thematic analysis.
The findings revealed that the nature of the murders in Umlazi was often brutal and traumatic resulting in psychological breakdowns among detectives. The study also found that murder incidences had significantly increased and were continuing to rise compared to earlier years. The primary contributing factors were alcohol and drug use, with robberies being a lesser factor. Detectives faced numerous challenges, including a lack of witness cooperation, heavy caseloads, personnel shortages, and limited resources which hindered effective investigations and delayed justice. Preventive measures, such as community policing forums, public order policing initiatives, preventative operations, patrols, and community awareness campaigns, were implemented. However, these measures were not effective as the rate of murder was escalating even at the closure of this study
Investigating the use of trusts in tax avoidance and tax evasion practices in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Tax avoidance and tax evasion by trusts have long been a significant challenge for governments around the world, which also led to significant losses of revenue and undermining the integrity of the tax systems. As highlighted in the literature reviewed, trusts are being used to evade and avoid taxes. Over the past three decades, it has become clear that the trust institution have been misused by both the trustees and founders. The Trust Property Control Act No. 57 of 1988 ("the Act") is a combination of English, Roman-Dutch, and South African law, which provides the legal specifications for the creation and management of trusts in South Africa. According to the act, trusts must be created in writing and must provide a detailed description of the trust's objectives, beneficiaries, and assets ("Trust Property Control Act No. 57," 1988). The taxation of trusts in South Africa is primarily governed by Section 25B of the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962, which determines how trust income is taxed, either in the hands of the trust or its beneficiaries depending on the circumstances, meanwhile, (Sections 80A to 80L) of the same Act addresses tax avoidance practices. This study investigated ways in which trusts are used for tax evasion and tax avoidance and explores the underlying factors leading to such practices in South Africa. The study also investigates the systems and methods used to detect tax evasion and tax avoidance by trusts and analyses strategies that can be used to prevent tax evasion and avoidance by trusts in South Africa. The study employed a scoping review to analyse existing literature on tax avoidance and tax evasion practices by trusts in South Africa. The study reviewed papers published in peer-reviewed journals and dissertations that analysed the use of trusts in tax evasion and avoidance practices. Studies were pooled from Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Google, ScienceDirect and published reports. The Trust Property Control Act of 1988, which regulates the control of trust property, and the Income Tax Act of 1962, which governs tax obligations, were also examined for their implications on trust management and taxation. The observation period for the study spanned from 2000 to 2024. The findings from the scoping review suggested that the complexity of trust laws and the loopholes in the Income Tax Act create opportunities for tax avoidance. Trusts use discretionary and offshore structures, capital gains tax planning, and conceal income and assets to evade and avoid taxes. The complexity of tax laws, behavioural factors, regulatory issues, corruption, and economic incentives contribute to tax evasion and tax avoidance by trusts. To enhance clarity and ease for taxpayers, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is streamlining the Income Tax Return filing process for Trusts (ITR12T). The National Treasury has proposed new laws to prevent tax avoidance through trusts, particularly concerning low-interest or interest-free loans. The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) monitors trusts for suspicious activities related to money laundering and tax evasion. Trustees must maintain accurate records and report any suspicious transactions. Having an independent trustee may help deter abuse, but it does not guarantee that abuse will not occur. Implementing measures that require discretionary trusts to be taxed at the trust level, rather than allowing income to flow directly to beneficiaries, can reduce opportunities for tax avoidance and evasion. While trusts serve essential functions in estate planning and asset management, their potential for misuse necessitates ongoing oversight and legislative action. As the government seeks to improve its approach to trust taxation, it must strike a balance between allowing legitimate uses and prevent abuse in an increasingly complex and regulated environment
Evaluating the role of project management in service delivery: the case of eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The primary function of local government is to deliver essential services, which is implemented through the execution of various projects. Residents of eThekwini Municipality have voiced their frustrations concerning insufficient service delivery and the poor quality of projects. This study aims to examine how project management and service delivery are linked in eThekwini Municipality, to establish the project management tools that may be in place to ensure the delivery of high-quality projects and evaluate the control and monitoring tools that are in place to measure project managers' performance. Furthermore, the study aims to identify internal and external challenges of project management in eThekwini Municipality, and to evaluate project management's role in service delivery in eThekwini Municipality. The study employed a qualitative research approach based on a interpretivist paradigm and corresponding relativist worldview. The study sample comprised fifteen (15) eThekwini Municipality officials who were purposively selected to evaluate the role of project management in service delivery in the municipality. Faceto- face, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, which was then transcribed and analysed using the Nvivo Version 20 software thematic method of analysis. The software was employed to identify the common themes that emerged from the research participants’ responses. The findings of the study revealed that project management plays a crucial role in service delivery to ensure the successful execution of high-quality projects. However, eThekwini Municipality is experiencing internal and external challenges that undermine effective project management and hinder the successful execution of high-quality projects. These challenges include budget constraints, inexperienced contractors, delays, and threats by business forums. The research indicated that conventional approaches are predominantly employed in project implementation at eThekwini Municipality, with a notable absence of project management tools and techniques. Currently, the municipality lacks a project management policy or documentation that delineates the procedures for project execution. Additionally, there are no formal forums for comprehensive discussion and resolution of project management challenges. The study revealed a need for eThekwini Municipality to develop a project management policy to ensure a consistent approach throughout the Council in executing projects and to enhance service delivery to its residents. Furthermore, the study revealed a need to formulate a comprehensive strategic response plan that could serve as a guiding framework for the municipality to effectively address the known challenges encountered during the various phases of the project management lifecycle
Teacher leadership and the fourth industrial revolution: stories of teachers working in diverse school contexts.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.In 2016, Charles Schwab, architect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), envisioned billions of people interconnected through mobile devices with unmatched processing power, storage, and knowledge access. He foresaw advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, 3D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and quantum coding revolutionising all facets of society. Less than a decade later, this vision has been actualised. The education sector, including South Africa, is no exception to these transformations. In the South African educational landscape, integrating 4IR technologies presents substantial potential alongside multifaceted challenges. Harnessing technology's transformative power across varied school contexts necessitates an understanding of the pivotal role of teacher leadership. The South African educational spectrum ranges from well-resourced, world-class institutions to profoundly dysfunctional schools, where teacher leadership emerges as a catalyst for implementing and steering educational innovations in the 4IR. This inquiry delves into the lived experiences of South African teacher leaders from diverse school contexts who pioneer technological innovations in teaching and learning within the 4IR. The study's objectives are threefold: firstly, to chronicle the narratives of teacher leaders driving innovation across varied contexts; secondly, to elucidate their leadership practices in promoting technological innovation; and thirdly, to explore why teacher leadership is significant for advancing technological innovation in the 4IR. The research employs the teachers as leaders framework, adaptive leadership theory, and social realism to elucidate this phenomenon, positioning itself within the critical realist paradigm. Methodologically, the study adopts narrative inquiry, utilising narrative interviews, photovoice, and collage inquiry to generate field texts. These narratives were co-constructed through narrative analysis, and the constant comparative method, supported by Delve software, was employed to discern key themes. The findings indicate that teacher leadership is profoundly shaped by the contextual realities within which teachers work. Utilising the teachers as leaders framework and social realism, this study identifies the mechanisms underpinning teacher leadership for technological innovation. Three key findings are highlighted: adaptive technological integration tailored to resource availability, strategic collaborations extending beyond school confines to bolster technological practices, and a resolute commitment to equity, leveraging technology to bridge socio-economic disparities. The findings illustrate how teacher leadership advances innovative and equitable educational practices in the 4IR. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of cultural intelligence for contextual adaptation, ethical tech leadership to mitigate the digital divide, and data-driven practices to transform educational outcomes. Collectively, these elements demonstrate how teacher leaders act as agents of change, integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning across diverse educational settings
The good, bad and ugly of untreated childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through their voices as adults.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide, affecting an estimated 5-7% of children and adolescents. Despite its prevalence, many children with ADHD go undiagnosed, with approximately 30-50% not receiving a formal diagnosis. This study examines the life experiences of adults who lived with untreated ADHD during childhood, exploring these experiences through their own perspectives. Participants were recruited via LinkedIn using a self-selection sampling method, and data was
collected through qualitative approaches. The study was grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model. Analysis revealed three key themes: adults with untreated ADHD are acutely aware of their cognitive differences, believe that early intervention could have significantly improved their outcomes, and face an increased risk of
substance abuse
Teachers’ experiences navigating changes in teaching during the coronavirus pandemic in a public school in KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic revealed the need for change in the global environment, including the education sector, where teachers, as frontline workers, were expected to continue teaching despite pandemic risks. Teaching underwent a paradigm shift from traditional classroom teaching to online teaching and later to rotational teaching. This study was underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm, which explored the subjective experiences of teachers. The methodological design for this study was based on the qualitat ive approach to address the research problem. The techniques and methodology employed in this study to generate data to answer the research questions included the obtaining of in-depth data through semi-structured interviews and a single focus group discussion. An exploratory case study was conducted at Aspire High, a public school in KZN. This qualitative study used Kurt Lewin’s 3-step Theory of Change model of unfreeze, change, and refreeze stages as its theoretical framework to explore the experiences of 10 purposefully selected Grade 10 teachers from a public school in KwaZulu-Natal as they navigated changes in technology, pedagogy, and the social aspects of their teaching during the pandemic. The study established the lack of technology resources in South Africa, with teachers overwhelmed by technological, pedagogical, and social challenges. Technological barriers, new teaching strategies, increased workloads, and social isolation, led to teachers’ stress, anxiety, and burnout. Teachers required more emotional and psychological support. However, the pandemic enabled teachers’ professional development, technological development, and new educational strategies for advancing education in the post-pandemic era. A thematic analysis of the data from in-depth interviews and a single focus group revealed three major themes and fourteen sub-themes on teachers’ struggles during the pandemic. These include the challenges associated with the following: technological barriers, administrative and institutional support, the development of new materials, learner performance and engagement, and emotional and social effects. The research recommends enhancing technological support and training, promoting pedagogical innovation, and adapting institutional policies and support structures for a more equitable education system that would be more resilient to future crises