21623 research outputs found
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The importance of assessing supplier performance to achieve value for money and satisfied customers at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The study investigates the importance of supplier performance in achieving value for money and satisfied customers at the University of KwaZulu Natal, identifying challenges and recommending strategic improvements. The research objectives are to determine the Impact of supplier performance focusing on the quality of service, to evaluate service quality and consistency components, to assess the effectiveness of current procurement policies in the appointment of a suitable supplier, to assess the supplier's contribution to establishing a competitive advantage through effective selection and performance management processes. The study reveals critical challenges of ineffective procurement policies, inadequate supplier evaluation, and limited technology integration. The study proposes a centralized supplier management system, automated supplier database management, performance tracking and evaluation metrics, collaborative partnerships with suppliers, and a computerized supplier engagement platform. The qualitative method approach helps the study investigate the current state of supplier performance management at UKZN, revealing significant challenges that hinder effective service delivery. The study’s key findings indicate ineffective procurement policies and procedures, inadequate supplier evaluation and selection processes, limited technology integration and automation, insufficient performance tracking and evaluation metrics, and inadequate supplier collaboration. The study proposes a robust framework for enhancing supplier management, including developing centralized supplier management systems, implementing automated supplier database management, establishing performance tracking and evaluation metrics, fostering collaborative partnerships with suppliers, and integrating technology-enabled supplier engagement platforms. Effectively implementing this strategy will enhance supplier relationships, improve procurement efficiency, reduce supply chain risks, and increase competitiveness. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on supplier management, providing actionable insights for UKZN and similar organizations seeking to optimize their procurement processes and improve service quality. UKZN’s procurement department should develop and implement a centralized supplier management system; management should conduct regular training and capacity-building programs for procurement staff and foster a collaborative
relationship with suppliers
A pastoral-theological re-conceptualisation of pentecostal prosperity gospel, toward alleviation of poverty in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This research critically examines how a liberative pastoral theology can effectively address the enduring impacts of colonisation and systemic oppression by rethinking the Prosperity Gospel within the South African context. While focusing on South Africa, the study situates this analysis within the broader historical and contemporary socio-political landscapes of Africa. The study investigates how proponents of the Prosperity Gospel approach poverty through theological concepts and evaluates the real-world impact of these efforts on the lived experiences of the poor. By engaging critically with theological, social, and biblical perspectives, it seeks to determine whether the Prosperity Gospel’s approach to poverty empowers individuals or merely distracts from the structural and systemic causes of inequality. This theological reconstruction aligns with decolonial and liberationist approaches, aiming to confront the lingering legacies of colonialism and apartheid that continue to shape poverty dynamics in the region. Methodologically, the research employs pastoral cycle model, which incorporates the four tasks of practical theology, descriptive-empirical, interpretive, normative, and pragmatic. This model provides a structured approach for analysing the relationship between theology, sociological factors, and systemic change, in line with practical theology’s pastoral goals. Additionally, a Pneumatological hermeneutic is used as a guiding theoretical lens, emphasising the role of the Holy Spirit in theological reflection and action. This approach is relevant for a Christian expression that highlights the guidance of the Holy Spirit in both practice and interpretation. Ultimately, this study argues that pastoral theology, in addressing poverty, must go beyond welfare initiatives and the mere restoration of hope to engage in a comprehensive, rehumanising process. It seeks to construct a restorative preaching and practice aimed at liberation by advocating for a theology that prioritises human dignity, rehumanisation, and liberation, as reflected in scripture. By addressing the structural aspects of poverty and oppression through a decolonial lens, it aims to move beyond the individualistic focus of the Prosperity Gospel, promoting collective liberation and social justice. The study emphasises the need for a theologically informed and contextually relevant pastoral response to poverty in South Africa. It calls for transformative engagement that integrates biblical, theological, and decolonial perspectives to confront the dehumanising effects of systemic oppression and poverty. This contribution to pastoral theology offers a renewed vision of preaching and doing that aligns with the pursuit of justice, equity, and humanisation
An investigation of the readiness of Council for Scientific & Industrial Research software developers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu, Durban.Significant changes have been brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also referred to as Industry 4.0, as a result of the development of new technology that replaces the human factor with artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. Many organisations currently have no existing strategy in place to address the needs of Industry 4.0. The purpose of this study is to determine how Industry 4.0 has developed at the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and the underlying skill sets required for the organisation’s software developers to address the challenges posed by this phenomenon. Existing skills are no longer able to prepare software developers to face these challenges, and therefore skills development has become a priority. A sample of 15 experts in software engineering and technologists from the Next Generation Enterprise and Institutions (NGEI) Cluster at CSIR were interviewed by means of semi-structured interviews. Participants identified the need for training and reskilling, continuous learning, improvement of processes to allow for efficiency and sustainability, and for CSIR to train traditional managers as digital leaders. The study recommends that CSIR introduce knowledge-sharing sessions to encourage learning from other developers’ experiences, encouragement and support of ongoing educational programmes, training and skills development through various platforms, and that processes need to be re-engineered to address the demands and challenges of Industry 4.0
Discipline and punishment at the nexus of gender and sexualities: the voices of learners from a South African township secondary school.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study examined discipline and punishment at the intersection of gender and sexuality, focusing on narratives from learners in a South African township secondary school. Conducted in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal, the study used an interpretivist paradigm and purposive sampling to recruit 23 participants. Data were generated using participatory drawings and in-depth focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore learners' experiences of discipline. The analysis was informed by Karl Marx’s conflict theory, queer theory, and Michel Foucault's ideas about discipline and punishment, using visual data analysis and thematic analysis. Findings reveal the complex mechanisms of power, control, and identity within the educational setting. Using Foucault's concepts of discipline and punishment, conflict theory, and queer theory, the study highlights the intricate layers of institutional control, gender norms, and sexual identity struggles that shape learners' experiences. The use of corporal punishment, regulation of gender and sexual identities, and reproduction of societal power structures through disciplinary practices underscore the pervasive influence of societal norms and power dynamics within the school environment. These findings advocate for a critical examination of disciplinary practices and their impact on marginalized learners, emphasizing the need for more equitable and inclusive approaches to school discipline
Ukulandelwa kwenqubomgomo yolimi ezikoleni ezikhethiwe eLimpopo, Sekhukhune ezise siyingini-Dilokong.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Lolu cwaningo lwenziwe ngenhloso yokuhlola inqubomgomo yolimi, yezikole zase- Sekhukhune esiyingini iDilokong esifundazweni sase Limpopo, lapho iqhathaniswa khona nenqubomgomo yolimi kazwe lonke kanjalo neyesifundazwe. Isiminingi imizamo eyenziwe ukuzama ukulungisa inqubomgomo yolimi nokulungisa amaphutha enzeke ngaphambilini maqondana nokwenganyelwa kwezilimi nokuthuthukiswa kwazo, lapha ngibala izinhlangano ezifana no- African Language Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) kanjalo ne Pan South Africa language board (Pan SALB), kuphinde kube yizincwaningo kodwa akukho okuncono okuphawulekayo. Izincwaningo eziningi ezivelayo zisalokhu ziveza ukuthi kukhona igebe elisekhona ekulinganisweni kanjalo
nasekusetshenzisweni kwezilimi kwezemfundo eNingizimu Africa. Ucwaningo luhlose ukuphendula imibuzongqangi emithathu elandelayo: (i) Iyiphi indlela esetshenziswayo ukuqoka inqubomgomo yolimi ezikoleni ezise siyingini Dilokong? (ii)Kungani kulandelwa indlela elandelwayo ukuqoka inqubomgomo yolimi ezikoleni ezikhethiwe esiyingini Dilokong? (iii) Ziyisebenzisa kanjani inqubomgomo yolimi izikole ezikhethiwe ezise siyingini Dilokong? Ucwaningo lwenzelwe esiyingini Dilokong lapho isiPedi siwulimi lwasekhaya khona emphakathini, ezikoleni zakhona zamabanga aphansi kanjalo naphezulu basebenzisa sona isiPedi njengo limi lwasekhaya.Ucwaningo lwenzelwe ezikoleni ezine ezimbili zamabanga aphansi nezimbili zamabanga aphezulu. Abahlanganyeli bocwaningo babe ngamashumi amabili, othishanhloko abane, amalungu esigungu sesikole ayishumi nambili amathathu isikole ngasinye, kanjalo nabeluleki bothisha abane.
Lolu ucwaningo lwekhwalithethivu ngaphansi kwendlelakubuka yomuhumusho. Kusetshenziswe izingxoxo, izingxoxo ezisakuhleleka kanjalo nohlo lwemibuzo evulekile kwase kuba inhlaziyo yemiqulu mbhalo njengezindlela zokuqoqa ulwazi lwalolu cwaningo. Lama thuluzi asetshenzisiwe abalulekile kakhulu kulolu cwaningo, ngoba anike umcwaningi ithuba lokuhlangana nabahlanganyeli, kanjalo nabacwaningi ithuba lokuba baveze imibono yabo kanjalo nemizwa ngesimo esicwaningwayo. Kusetshenziswe izinjulalwazi ezimbili ukuqhuba lolu cwaningo injulalwazi yokuhlelwa kolimi kanjalo nenjulalwazi yokwenganyelwa kolimi. Lezi izinjulalwazi ezibaluleke kakhulu ocwaningweni oluphathelene nokuhlelwa kanjalo nokwenganyelwa kolimi, kololu cwaningo zibaluleke kakhulu ngoba lozohlolisisa ukuhlelwa kwenqubomgomo yolimi, kanjalo nokwenganyelwa kwezilimi emiphakathini. Olwazini olutholakele kugqame izindikimba ezintathu. Indikimba yokuqala okuyizinkoleloze ngolimi lwasekhaya emphakathini nasezikoleni, Ukubukeleka phansi kwezilimi zomdabu njenge zokufunda nokufundisa ezikoleni kanjalo nenqubomgomo engahlelekile ezikoleni. Lezi zindikimba ezikhomba ngokusobala ukuthi izilimi zomdabu zisengaphansi kwencindezi ngaphansi kweNingizimu Afrika ekhululekile.
Imiphumela yocwaningo igqamisa ngokusobala ukuthi inselelo isenkulu eqondene nezilimi zomdabu, abaninizo kanjalo nezinhlangano ezilwela amalungelo azo izilimi zomdabu, ekuqinisekiseni ukuthi zonke izilimi zithola ukuhlonishwa ngendlela ezifanele ezweni. Kubalwa nokulwela kokuthi zonke izilimi zomdabu eNingizimu Afrika amalungelo azo ayanakekelwa kanti futhi ziyasetshenziswa koyo yonke imikhakha kahulumeni kakhulukazi kwezemfundo.This thesis is written in isiZulu
Investigating business strategies and practices of small to medium size legal firms to survive in Durban, South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This qualitative study explores the business strategies and practices employed by small to medium-sized legal firms to survive in Durban, South Africa. Utilising a qualitative methodology, the study used purposive sampling to select participants in leadership or management positions within firms with fewer than 50 employees based in Durban In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with leaders, owners, and managers of selected legal firms to gather in-depth insights into business level strategies and how their businesses were surviving in the markets. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The research identified 6 themes which depict business level strategies used by small to medium-sized legal firms in Durban. The business strategies identified are: (1) operational efficiency through technology adoption, (2) client engagement and retention via personalised services and transparent pricing, (3) adaptation to market changes by diversifying into niche legal areas, (4) strategic marketing efforts, (5) developing specialised market segments and (6) collaboration and partnerships. For small to medium-sized legal firms in Durban to survive, they need to invest in targeted training for both firm leaders and their employees, enhance technology adoption, focus on client-centric pricing strategies, strengthen knowledge-sharing and cross-functional collaboration, leverage partnerships, and foster a sustainability-oriented organisational culture to compete and survive in the market. These recommendations are pivotal if small to mediumsized legal firms are to overcome challenges, enhance resilience, and achieve sustainable growth. The exclusive focus on firm leaders and use of interview data only are limitations of this study. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights to the discourse on business level strategies of small to medium-sized legal firms to survive in the market
The impact of coronavirus pandemic to small, medium and micro enterprises : a case of Umgungundlovu District Municipality.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The aim of the study was to axamine the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s), using Umgungundlovu District as a case study. In South Africa, SMMEs employ more than 80% of the workforce and have been integral towards the development of South Africa, employment creation and poverty alleviation. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, presented some opportunities and challenges to these SMMEs. Hence this study sought to examine the impact, challenges and opportunities faced by these SMMEs, as well as proffer recommendations on how SMMEs can be supported to deal with future unforeseen challenges such as Covid-19 pandemic. A qualitative approach was taken where data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. A sample of 12 participants was selected from the target population that included SMME owners/managers in uMgungundlovu district of KwaZulu-Natal. The findings of the study highlight the impact of COVID-19 on SMMEs, revealing widespread closures and economic setbacks. The decline in SMMEs, particularly during Q3 2020, is a global trend. The study also highlights the interconnectedness of SMMEs with broader economic trends, with financial constraints and supply chain disruptions being major challenges. Opportunities for SMMEs during COVID-19 include the adoption of digital tools, social media marketing, and strategic alliances. However, challenges like the digital gap and the need for enhanced skills highlight areas for improvement. The findings emphasise the need for holistic support mechanisms and policy interventions to bolster SMMEs' resilience in post-pandemic recovery efforts. The study recommended providing targeted financial support, enhancing digital readiness, strengthening collaboration and networking, as well as developing crisis management strategies. Future
studies were recommended to focus on the long-term effects of the pandemic on SMMEs, socio-economic impact of SMMEs, as well as resilience-building strategies for SMMEs
Teaching reading in Isizulu first additional language to non- mother tongue speakers: a case of three private schools in Gauteng.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The study explored isiZulu Fist Additional Language (FAL) teachers’ experiences in teaching reading skills to non-mother tongue speakers in three selected private schools in Gauteng,
South Africa. A case study research methodological design was used to stimulate conversations to gain insight into specific experiences of the Grade 6 isiZulu FAL teachers when teaching
reading to non-mother tongue speakers. This study was guided by two theoretical frameworks: Vygotsky’s (1978) Sociocultural theory to explore the experiences of isiZulu FAL teachers in
teaching reading to non-mother tongue speakers. The study adopted a qualitative, multiple case study approach located within an interpretive paradigm to gain knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews and observations were employed to generate data. The three Grade 6 isiZulu FAL teachers were selected purposely and identified as suitable participants because they would provide sufficient information needed to foster understanding of the Grade 6 isiZulu FAL teachers’ experience in teaching reading skills to non-mother tongue speakers. A thematic analysis technique was used to analyse the data generated, which allowed for the identification and analysis of patterns from the data set. This also allowed for accurate and trustworthy findings. The findings of the study revealed that the participants’ experiences in teaching reading in isiZulu FAL to non-mother tongue speakers were influenced by various factors such as stakeholders’ attitudes towards the learning of isiZulu FAL, insufficient learning time, and lack of teachers training in teaching of reading in isiZulu FAL. The study recommends that all stakeholders, policymakers, and education providers, take the initiative to improve the teaching of reading in isiZulu FAL
Anatomical patterns of presentation of congenital melanocytic nevi.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) appear at birth and are caused by a proliferation of benign melanocytes in the dermis, epidermis, or both. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells with a strongly polarized dendritic morphology that reaches the skin by the migration of neural crest cells from the neuroectoderm. They protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation by providing melanin from their cellular cytoplasm to neighbouring keratinocytes. Melanocytes may have a mutation resulting in a lack of dendrites, leading to melanin existing in the cytoplasm, which causes these nevi. Some areas of the skin rely on specific spinal nerves for their sensory distribution, called dermatomes. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between CMN distribution and a pre-existent dermatomal pattern. Due to the dermatomes on the body being different from that of the face, two subsets were conducted. The first subset investigated the correlation between the CMN on the overall body and its association with body dermatomes. Hence, this study also analyses the distribution of CMN and its association with facial dermatomes.
Methods: Clinical photographs of CMN (> 1.5 cm) obtained from the database of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital were analysed. A total of 31 patients with CMN were collected.
Results:
Subset 1: The results for CMN distribution over the body revealed a higher preference for T10 (58.1%), T11 (54.8 %), and T12 (51.6 %) dermatomes. Furthermore, facial dermatomes V1 and V2 (54.8 %), C5 in the cervical region (32.3 %), and L1 in the lumbar (41.9 %) were notably affected. Varied CMN patterns were observed in the head and neck region, emphasizing the complexity of the nevi
distribution. Subset 2: Only 19 patients met the inclusion criteria in this subset. The zygomaticofacial, zygomaticotemporal, and supraorbital nerve areas of distribution emerged as the most affected, while the transverse cervical and mental nerve areas of distribution were the least affected.
Conclusion: This study provides evidence of a correlation between CMN distribution and dermatomes of the body/face and enhances our understanding of CMN presentation, shedding light on the potential for CMN to follow a dermatomal distribution, with CMN often mostly found in the trunk region around T10, T11, and T12. In the face, V1 and V2 dermatomes were found to be mostly affected, with subbranches of V2 (zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal) as the most affected branches. The findings contribute to broader knowledge and invite future investigations into the complex nature of CMN distribution across body regions
The Strategic Leadership for Academic Resilience: A Case Study of Graduate School of Business & Leadership of the University of KwaZulu-Natal during Covid-19.
No full textMasters degree. University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban.This qualitative study aimed to explore how strategic leaders influenced the direction and activities of the Graduate School of Business & Leadership at the University of KwaZulu Natal in leading through disruptive times to ensure academic resilience during Covid-19. Using purposive sampling, academic leaders at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Graduate School of Business were selected as strategic leaders. Sample size of seven senior leaders was used to collect data using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The results reveal seven themes of how strategic leaders influenced the direction and operation of the school, namely strategic thinking, redesigning of teaching and learning to online platforms, resource allocation, building strategic commitment, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, policy adaptation and facilitation of student support services. coping practices to build academic resilience in crises and adaptive changes are discussed, along with policies adapted for supporting university education during the crisis and post-crisis times, resulting in recommendations for enhancing strategic leadership capabilities and resilience. The study highlights that success in responding to an organisational crisis in a business school is a function of effective strategic leadership supported by tactical and operational leadership commitment. It also brings to the fore the critical role and support that internal and external stakeholders contribute to managing a crisis and ensuring the resilience of business schools during and after a crisis event. The limitations, areas for future research, and recommendations for study regarding strategic leadership, academic resilience, and continuity in the Graduate School of Business of the University of KwaZulu-Natal are highlighted in this study