21623 research outputs found
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Analyzing leadership and management competencies required by management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The institutions of Higher Learning find themselves battling several challenges, and the reduced funding from the government due to the global economic crisis has affected these institutions. Higher Learning institutions were also affected by the global pandemic, which meant that the institutions of higher learning had to transform their teaching methods from in-person teaching to online teaching, which has an impact way of teaching going forward. The institutions had to deal with constant student protests, which sometimes resulted in violence. Amongst all these challenges, the institution of learning, University of KwaZulu-Natal, has to find ways to deal with these challenges and remain relevant on the global stage and maintain its ranking status, and reputation. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has been through major changes in the past ten years and is undergoing yet another transformation. This study aims to explore the state of leadership and management competencies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the context of change and challenges that emerge in the Institute of Higher Learning. A quantitative study was conducted, and six objectives were employed to test whether the institution has suitable leaders and managers to lead the institution to meet its vision, mission, and goals. The study has a population size of 106, with an 84-sample size. The quantitative study was conducted using a descriptive and correlational design, and a random sampling technique was employed in this study. The questionnaire with 43 open-ended questions was posted on the UKZN notice to the University employees. 60 of the leadership and management employees, both academic and professional, participated in this study, resulting in a 71% response rate, with 20% academic management and the other 80% support staff management. The theoretical review was conducted in terms of theories, models, and frameworks to find new theories, gaps, and future studies. SPSS ANOVA statically instrument was used to analyze data, by analyzing the variables’ means, standard deviation, regression, and graphs. The hypotheses were tested through testing t-values and confidence levels to test managers’ competencies through managers' leadership style, trainingand development, management experience and educational background, management barriers, andtechnology leadership. There is a strong positive correlation between the institution leaders' and managers'skills, abilities, and competencies to lead the institution. The study has found that UKZN managers andleaders have the competencies required to manage the institution effectively. The study found gaps inwhether leaders’ and managers' team members found their respective leaders and managers to havecompetitive skills and the ability to manage the institution effectively. The future study recommendationis to test whether the leaders and managers team managers believe their team managers have thecompetencies, skills, and abilities to manage the teams
Male students’ construction of their identities and academic excellence: a case of Save University-Maxixe.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The prevailing discourse on academic excellence in higher education institutions (HEIs) is often limited to quantitative measures, such as Grade Point Averages (GPA), test scores, and academic awards. In higher education, the academic experiences of diverse student populations are shaped by intersecting social identities, which influence how students navigate learning environments. This qualitative, exploratory study investigated how undergraduate male students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at SAVE University, Mozambique constructed their masculine identities in relation to academic excellence. Drawing on Social Construction Theory as the primary framework, supplemented by the adapted Theory of Masculinity Academic Excellence, Masculine Identity Development Theory, and the Multiple Dimensions of Identity framework, the study examined male students’ experiences and worldviews to understand how masculinity intersects with their academic practices and achievements. A case study design was employed, with data generated through one-on-one semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions involving 17 undergraduate male students. Data were coded and analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes related to masculinity and academic excellence. The findings reveal a shift from traditional perceptions of masculinity, often associated with disengagement and poor academic commitment, toward more nuanced and context-specific understandings. While some participants navigated tensions between masculinity norms and academic expectations, others strategically leveraged aspects of masculinity, such as competitiveness, responsibility, and leadership, to enhance their academic performance.
Furthermore, the study highlights the absence of universally accepted definitions for both masculinity and academic excellence, suggesting that these constructs are fluid and shaped by cultural, social, and institutional contexts. The study challenges the monolithic views of male students’ engagement in higher education and calls for a more inclusive understanding of academic excellence that acknowledges diverse gendered experiences. By recognizing the complex ways in which masculinities are constructed and negotiated, higher education institutions can better support male students’ academic success and personal development. The study provides an original conceptual contribution to the study of masculinity in higher education from a Lusophone African perspective, challenging global narratives that often homogenize male students’ experiences
Review and outcomes of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease managed by the Department of Pulmonology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Overview available in a PDF
Establishing a causal relationship between audit committee characteristics and environmental social and governance reporting for the top 100 Johannesburg listed corporations.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study investigated whether a causal relationship exists between audit committee characteristics and the quality of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting among the top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed corporations. Against the backdrop of increasing stakeholder demand for credible ESG reporting, the study employed the agency and legitimacy theories to analyse how corporate governance practices, particularly audit committees, influence the quality of ESG reporting. Three audit committee characteristics were examined: independence, meeting frequency and average age. The research adopted a positivist research paradigm, which supports a scientific approach to research, thereby allowing for hypothesis testing and empirical validation. A quantitative research methodology was therefore employed. Data was drawn from Ernst & Young’s Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards and the Bloomberg database and analysed using panel data regression models. The study found a significant positive relationship between ESG reporting quality and audit committee independence, suggesting that independent members are better able to oversee ESG reporting. However, no significant correlation was established between ESG reporting quality and the frequency of audit committee meetings which suggests a need for companies to focus more on the qualitative metrics of such meetings. The average age of audit committee members also did not have a significant impact on ESG reporting quality. The study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the role of internal assurance, particularly audit committees, in enhancing ESG reporting, a critical aspect given stakeholder apprehension regarding sustainability and corporate responsibility. The findings from this study highlight the need for policymakers and regulators to implement policies that enhance the quality of ESG reporting. Recommendations are made based on the findings and suggestions are offered for further research, particularly on the broader governance factors that influence the quality of ESG reporting
Stories of secondary school teachers cultivating engaged pedagogy in mathematics classrooms.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study, titled “Stories of Secondary School Teachers Cultivating Engaged Pedagogy in Mathematics Classrooms,” explores the daily experiences of four South African secondary school mathematics teachers working in public schools. The research focuses on how their personal and professional experiences influence their teaching practices, particularly in the context of promoting engaged pedagogy in mathematics classrooms. Guided by Hooks (1994) concept of Engaged Pedagogy and Weaver and Wilding (2013), Five Dimensions of Engaged Teaching, this study creates a space for secondary school teachers to share their stories about cultivating engaged mathematics classrooms. Utilising a narrative inquiry approach within an interpretivism paradigm, the teachers' stories of their everyday experiences provide insights into how their personal and professional lives shape their teaching in mathematics. The narratives generated using various creative methods, such as memory drawings, selfportraiture, object inquiry, and unstructured interviews, enabled teachers to reflect on their memories and comfortably share the rich and complex stories of their past and present experiences. The data analysed through a paradigmatic lens highlights a range of emotions, feelings, and significant relationships that influenced how these teachers conveyed their experiences in mathematics classrooms. Mathematics teachers face daily demands from the department to produce desired results in mathematics and try to negotiate challenges to foster engaged pedagogy in mathematics classrooms. This study broadened my understanding of secondary school teachers' lived experiences and how their teaching practices are continuously shaped by navigating challenges and demands. The findings highlight how mathematics teachers can reflect on both past and present experiences, using these memories to inform and engage pedagogical practices within mathematics classrooms. The study revealed that transforming classrooms into environments of imagination, curiosity, and play promotes deeper engagement and connection in mathematics learning. Future research could build upon this study by exploring the narratives of primary and secondary school teachers across KwaZulu-Natal, investigating how their past and present experiences influence the development of engaged pedagogy in mathematics classrooms
Learning to teach IsiZulu FAL: Experiences of student teachers in initial teacher education programme
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Post-apartheid South Africa has undergone significant changes in educational policies, especially in terms of Language Educational Policy. The introduction of First and Second Additional languages in the education system requires qualified teachers to effectively teach these subjects. This effort supports the goals of the country's language policies by promoting equity in language usage. Additionally, it encourages communication and interaction among learners from different linguistic backgrounds, fostering inclusivity within the education system. In line with this background, this study focuses on how teachers of isiZulu First Additional Language (FAL) are trained to teach isiZulu FAL in school. The study took on a qualitative approach where it used the case study of a private higher education institution, selected students in their final year of the study to understand how they learnt to become teachers of isiZulu FAL. The findings suggest that selecting isiZulu FAL is the strategy to improve employment opportunities due to the high demand for isiZulu-speaking teachers in Ex-Model C schools and it is the competitive nature of the job market. The findings also suggested that possessing content knowledge is insufficient for effective teaching. One must also integrate content knowledge with pedagogical knowledge, forming a specialised understanding tailored to teaching specific subjects to particular groups of learners in specific contexts. Without a solid grasp of pedagogical content knowledge, meaningful learning cannot occur. The study is significant to language acquisition, teachers of first additional languages, teacher education institutions, and teachers
The effects of human capital and infrastructural development on industrial sector growth in Sub-Saharan African economies.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Fundamentally, Human Capital Skills and Infrastructural Development are expected to enhance industrial Sector Growth in Sub-Saharan African Economies. However, evidence from the literature observed a paradox that requires further investigation. Consequently, this study examined factors determining industrial output growth in Sub-Saharan African Economies. The study investigated the comparative effects of human capital skills and infrastructural development on industrial output growth across four sub-regional economic blocs in 40 SSA countries between 1990 and 2022. Also, the study examined asymmetric and threshold effects of human capital skill and infrastructure on industrial output growth across the sub-regional economic blocs in SSA. The study hypothesised that (i) certain factors impact industrial output growth, (ii) human capital skills and infrastructural techs had comparative effects and significant effects on industrial output growth, (iii) there were asymmetric and threshold effects of human capital skills and infrastructural development on industrial output growth across subregional economic blocs in SSA. A panel data analysis via trend, matrix correlation estimating techniques, and short-run and long-run dynamic systems from generalised methods of the moment (GMM) were adopted to achieve objective one. Trend analysis, Sub-sample analysis, Fixed Least Square Dummy Variable (LSDV) and short-run and long-run dynamic system GMM were adopted to achieve objective two. To achieve objective three, panel threshold regression and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lags (NARDL) techniques were used. The outcomes from objective one showed that key measurement variables had short-run and long-run dynamic effects on industrial output growth in SSA. This implies that industrial output growth is pathdependent, indicating that the current level of a country's output growth strongly influences its future output growth. For example, factors like school enrolment rate, ICT, and average year of schooling were negative and statistically significant in impacting growth. Consequently, the study recommended that authorities in SSA enact policies that would drive human capital skills and infrastructure development across the region. It was also suggested that individual sub-regions such as ECA, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC should draft subregional policy support unique to their sub-region to address specific and perennial problems militating against industrial output growth
An exploration of the restructuring of port governance and economic regulation in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of Kwa-Zulu-natal, Durban.Port governance structures and economic regulation are vital to investment, effectiveness, efficiencies, and production. The determining factor is the port management, whether centralized directly under the state as a state-owned entity (SOE), decentralized to local government, or privatized. South Africa has eight commercial ports strategically located along the country’s coastline. Ports facilitate economic growth and recognize the need for an effective and efficient logistics model. Contemporary port reforms dictate that ports either subscribe to a public service port, a tool port, or a landlord port or adopt the public-private partnership approach. However, due to poor management, several governance inefficiencies at the Durban and Cape Town ports have been experienced, triggering operational challenges and negatively impacting economic growth and competitiveness. This study explores the possibility of the restructuring of port governance structure and economic regulation in South Africa. The study uses a qualitative research method. A purposive sampling technique method was followed due to study participants’ industry knowledge and experience. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted for data collection. Due to limited time and resources, only five of the six identified study participants contributed to the study. The data collected was analyzed and coded, and themes were generated using an online thematic analysis tool. Thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data collected. The main findings confirmed the need to explore a more effective governance structure model, port pricing, tariff methodology reform, and the need for private sector participation in the marine sector. Therefore, the study recommends that TNPA conduct an assessment and an investigation on amending the legal framework governing ports and the corporatization of NPA for the port regulator of South Africa to focus on regulatory matters that advance port investment and oversight mechanisms. Additionally, the participation of the private sector in the provision of marine services should enhance the economic growth of the region and improve efficiency and competitiveness
Ukufundiswa kwekhono lokubhala olimini lwesiZulu ulimi lwasekhaya ebangeni leshumi ezikoleni ezimbili eziqokiwe.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukubheka ukufundiswa kwekhono lokubhala isiZulu ulimi lwaseKhaya ebangeni leshumi ezikoleni ezimbili eziqokiwe. Lolu cwaningo luzimisele ukuphendula imibuzongqangi emithathu yocwaningo, nokuyilena elandelayo: (I) Kungabe othisha bebanga leshumi bakuqonda kanjani ukufundisa ikhono lokubhala olimini lwesiZulu ulimi lwaseKhaya? (II) Kungani othisha befundisa ikhono lokubhala olimini lwesiZulu ulimi lwaseKhaya ebangeni leshumi ezikoleni ezimbili eziqokiwe ngendlela abalufundisa ngalo? (III) Basebenzisani othisha besiZulu ulimi lwaseKhaya bebanga leshumi uma befundisa ikhono lokubhala ezikoleni ezimbili eziqokiwe? Lolu cwaningo lwenziwe endaweni yaseNanda nokuyiLokishi laKwaZulu-Natali. Inhloso yokuqokwa kwale ndawo yocwaningo yingoba kunezikole ezifundisa isiZulu njengo limi lwaseKhaya kanti nalolu cwaningo lugxile esiZulwini njengolimi lwaseKhaya. Ucwaningo lwenziwe ezikoleni ezimbili eziqokiwe ezisesiYingini esisodwa. Abahlanganyeli bocwaningo bane (4) sebebonke, babili (2) isikole ngasinye. Lolu cwaningo lungucwaningo lobunjalo botho ngaphansi kwePharadaymu yomhumusho. Ukuqoqa ulwazi kusetshenziswe izinhlolombuzo ezivulelekile kanye nokubukela (observation) kuphindwe kwasetshenziswa imibhalo eshicilelwe ukuqoqa ulwazi locwaningo. Ucwaningo luqhamuke nezindikimba ezine (4) ngaphansi kokutholakele ngesikhathi sezinhlolombuzo ezivulelekile ezihambelana nemibuzongqangi. Okuyilezi: (I) Okuphawulwa ngothisha ngekhono lokubhala kanye nangamanye amakhono olimi. (II) Ukufundisa ikhono lokubhala. (III) Izinsizakufundisa ezisetshenziswa ngothisha lapho befundisa ikhono lokubhala. (IV) Amasu kanye nezindlela zokufundisa ezisetshenziswa othisha lapho befundisa ikhono lokubhala. Ngaphansi kokubukela khona, kuphindwe kwasetshenziswa ithuluzi lokubukela.
Okutholakele wukuthi othisha banenkolelo yokuthi abafundi abasebangeni leshumi kufuze ngabe ukubhala sebeyakwazi noma ikhono labo lokubhala selithuthukile. Nokuyinto enganconywa yilolu cwaningo ngoba imfundo kayikhulelwa kanti ebangeni leshumi ilapho leli khono kumele lithuthukiswe khona kakhulu kunakuqala. Okunye wukuthi othisha bathi kunzima ukuqhamuka namasu kanye nezindlela zokufundisa ulimi ngoba yonkinto isobala. Okunye ukuthi abafundi abanikwa imisebenzi eyanele ukuthuthukisa leli khono, nokuyilapho lolu cwaningo luphetha ngokuthi imbangela yokungathuthuki kwekhono lokubhala isiZulu ulimi lwaseKhaya ebangeni leshumi kulezi zikole ingenxa yalezi zizathu ezidadulwe ngenhla.Thesis written in isiZulu
Phase equilibrium measurements to inform the performance and recovery of methanol/TEG mixtures as additives for natural gas dehydration treatment.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Dehydration is a crucial step in the processing of raw natural gas. Water, which is naturally found in natural gas deposits, causes a significant problem during transportation, as it forms clathrate hydrates within the gas pipelines. To inhibit this formation, methanol is added to the extracted gas before piping
to dehydration facilities where 2,2′-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)]di(ethan-1-ol) (triethylene glycol (TEG)) is commonly used to remove water from the natural gas. The presence of the methanol inhibitor in the gas affects the water/gas separation using TEG. This effect is not well understood due to the lack of
description of the phase behaviour of the relevant multicomponent mixtures in the literature, which is required to design and optimise the gas dehydration process. This can result in ill-conditioned and inaccurate simulations for natural gas process plants, as predictions from binary VLE data alone have
been shown to yield inaccurate descriptions of the separation behaviour. This study aims to further the available knowledge in natural gas processing by conducting highpressure phase equilibrium measurements, particularly, Pressure-liquid composition x, on novel systems of interest to the Gas Processing Association. This was performed for multicomponent mixtures commonly found in gas dehydration plants, with the measured data modelled using suitable thermodynamic models. The device employed for the vapour-liquid equilibrium measurements was a variable volume high-pressure sapphire cell apparatus. Measurements were conducted for the systems of CH4 (1) + CH3OH (2) and CO2 (1) + TEG (2) + water (2) to test the experimental equipment and method. Novel data were measured for the quaternary system of CH4 (1) + CH3OH (2) + TEG (3) + water (4) and the senary system of CH4 (1) + C2H6 (2) + C3H8 (3) + CH3OH (4) + TEG (5) + water (6) at 303.15 K, 313.15 K and 323.15 K. The verification test measurements were found to correlate well with literature data at similar conditions within the experimental expanded uncertainties of 0.06 K for temperature, 0.04 MPa for pressure, and
composition uncertainty of 0.03 for the liquid phase composition. The phase behaviour showed a general proportional relationship between the pressure and light hydro-carbon composition except with the quaternary system, indicating higher solubility at higher pressures. The data were modelled using the Cubic Plus Association (CPA) equation of state, the Perturbed Chain Statistical Association Fluid Theory model (PC-SAFT) and the Peng and Robinson equation of state (PR). For the quaternary system, the CPA model performed the best, followed by the PC-SAFT and PR models. The absolute average relative deviation (AARD) and absolute average deviation (AAD) for the simultaneous regression of all three isotherms using the CPA model were 6.56%, 3.47% and 6.02% for the AARD values and 0.405 MPa, 0.325 MPa and 0.341 MPa for the AAD(P) values. For the senary system, the PC-SAFT model performed the best, followed by the CPA and PR models. The AARD and AAD for the simultaneous regression of all three isotherms using the PC-SAFT model were 2.46%, 3.43% and 4.24% for the AARD values and 0.043 MPa, 0.075 MPa and 0.106 MPa for the AAD(P) values. The CPA model exhibited the best performance when considering all measured systems and individual isotherms. The result of this study contributes toward design improvements and optimization of natural gas dehydration plants using TEG and methanol. Its purpose is to fill the gap currently existing in the available phase equilibrium data of fluid mixtures containing the chemicals investigated in this work