UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Exploring the relationship between self-esteem, depression and narcissism of undergraduate university students in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of masters degree of arts in clinical psychologyThe relationship between narcissism, depression and self-esteem is worth
exploring for the benefit of mental health awareness and promotion. This study's
primary objective was to investigate the association between these variables
among undergraduate university students in Windhoek, Namibia. The study was
conducted with 147 undergraduate university students. The levels of self-esteem,
depression and narcissism were assessed by deploying the Rosenberg Self-Esteem
Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Narcissistic Personality Inventory 40
respectively. Information was obtained through online self-administered
questionnaires. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and then imported into
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software (SPSS) version 25.0. The
study found that there is a strong negative correlation between self-esteem and
depression (-0.81), a moderate positive correlation between self-esteem and
narcissism (0.67) and a weak negative correlation between depression and
narcissism (-0.47). An observed limitation is that the sample size used for the
study is relatively small. The researcher recommends that further research be
carried out at other institutions of higher learning in Namibia. Furthermore, the
study did not focus on the direction and strength of the relationship between these
variables. The researcher thus recommends that further research be carried out to
fully understand the nature, direction as well as strength of the relationship
between self-esteem, depression and narcissism. In view with the findings by
Rousseau et al. (2021), the findings from the present study imply the necessity of
preventive interventions during vulnerable undergraduate study periods and lay the
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groundwork for treatment plans that are specifically adapted to the needs of the
most susceptible undergraduate students at the University of Namibia (UNAM
Utilising encroacher bush in animal feeding
No full textThe chapter presents the opportunity and
evidence that shows that utilising encroacher bush-based feeds in ruminant livestock
feeding results in animal growth and the production of quality carcasses that
contribute to human protein food. We conclude that the utilisation of rangeland
encroacher bush species in sub-Saharan Africa in bush-based feeds provides sufficient nutrients to support improved ruminant livestock production and contributes to
rangeland ecosystems restorationLivestock production is a major economic and livelihood activity in
Namibia which contributes at least 75% to total agricultural output. The industry
faces challenges including prolonged droughts, increased production costs, bush
encroachment, variable climatic conditions and disease outbreaks. Bush encroachment and prolonged drought spells pose a major concern as they result in reduced
carrying capacity of rangelands. The encroacher woody browse plants are potential
animal feeds as they provide considerable amount of biomass from leaves and small
twigs as well as pods that provide nutrients to ruminant livestock during the long dry
season. Converting the biomass from the encroacher bushes into livestock fodder is
one best management practice of controlling bush encroachment while increasing
the availability of ruminant feeds sustainably without competing with human food
production. Our chapter provides data on the nutritional content of encroacher
bushes in different seasons and feeding value of bush-based feeds as an alternative
feed resource for ruminant livestock. The chapter presents the opportunity and
evidence that shows that utilising encroacher bush-based feeds in ruminant livestock
feeding results in animal growth and the production of quality carcasses that
contribute to human protein food. We conclude that the utilisation of rangeland
encroacher bush species in sub-Saharan Africa in bush-based feeds provides sufficient nutrients to support improved ruminant livestock production and contributes to
rangeland ecosystems restoratio
The presence, diet and relative abundance of otters (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Northern Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biodiversity Management and ResearchFour species of otters (Carnivora: Mustelidae) are known to occur in Africa: Eurasian otter Lutra
lutra, spotted-necked otter Hydrictis maculicollis, African clawless otter Aonyx capensis and the
Congo clawless otter Aonyx congicus. The African clawless and Spotted-necked otters are known
to occur in Namibia although very little is known about their biology and distribution. IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species indicated the status of African clawless and spotted-necked otters to be
near threatened due to a reported decline in their numbers primarily due to habitat loss and
destruction, mainly from unsustainable agricultural land expansion, human and otter conflict,
invasive species, river pollution as well as widespread continent-wide decrease in river water
quality. The collection and use of faecal samples and camera trapping have become an important
non-invasive source of information, especially when dealing with elusive animals.
The specific objectives of this study were to determine the presence of otter species that occur in
the Kunene and Okavango rivers, their diet as well as their relative abundance. Community
sightings of otters were utilized, along with on sight observations (for example, sightings and signs)
while collecting data in the field to determine the presence of otter species. Sightings of the African
clawless and Spotted-necked otters, as well as signs (footprints) of the two species of otters were
recorded as an indication that both species do occur in Namibia. In order to determine the diet of
otters, spraints were collected along the banks of the two rivers, air dried, teased apart and prey
remains identified by utilizing a stereomicroscope. Prey remnants were sorted into major categories
and recorded. Prey items such as crabs, frogs, fish, plant material and insects were found in the
otter spraints. Due to the small sample size of spraints collected, it could be possible that not all
potential prey items were available for recording.
A total of 40 cameras were deployed along the banks of the Okavango River within the Bwabwata
National Park, recording a total of 967 camera days. Due to extremely low detection of the Spotted
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and African clawless otters (3 encounters), no density estimates were computed. Instead, a relative
abundance index (RAI) of 0.3 of African clawless otter was calculated and compared to RAIs data
obtained from six natural areas around Southern Africa. Results suggest that the Relative abundance
index (RAI) of 0.3 for the Okavango River was the lowest compared to similar studies done
elsewhere in southern Africa. A species accumulation curve for all mammals photo-captured in the
study area was plotted which nearly reached an asymptote (with 21 captured species), suggesting
that the inventory on species composition in this phase was more complete.
Conservation of the wetlands and restoration of water quality might be the most important steps
towards ensuring the future of otters in Namibia. There is also a need for a more expansive study to
be conducted on the taxonomy, distribution, diet, and population density of otters that occur in all
northern perennial rivers of Namibia
Assessing the perception of students on viability of business ventures in Eenhana
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration: Management strategyThe purpose of the study was to assess the perception of students on the viability of
business ventures in Eenhana. The study examines the entrepreneurship perception of
students, the relationship between business perception and ability to venture into business
and to formulate a strategy to change the entrepreneurship perception of TVET students.
The study adopted the survey design. The data was collected using an online self administered questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to collect data from 158
respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics through the
Statistical Packaging for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 27.0. The study
found that post-graduating, students have a positive entrepreneurship perception.
Moreover, the study found a strong positive linear relationship between resources,
curriculum and career support with students’ entrepreneurship perception on viable
business establishments. The study recommends MHTEI and MITSMED to collaborate
with financial institution to fund SME. Equally, NTA and MHTEI to review the TVET
curriculum. Moreover, Namibia Competition Commission Act 2 of 2003 should be
strengthe
An assessment of employers' expectations to enhance the employability of university graduates in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the master of business administration management strategyThe issue of university graduate employability is a universal challenge however severe in
developing countries. Namibia is one such developing country that has challenges with
graduate employability. This study was conducted to establish the employers' perceptions of
graduate employability. The study sought to establish the employers' perceptions towards
graduate employability, employers' views on the effectiveness of recruitment and selection
methods to determine the skills of graduates, and to establish interventions that can be put in
place to enhance graduates' employability. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research
design informed by interpretivism as the research philosophy underpinning the study. Out of a
population of 69 employers, twenty purposively selected employers were interviewed using a
semi-structured interview guide, which contained questions, aligned with the research
objectives. Data were analyzed using a thematic data analysis technique. An Atlas ti software
was used to analyse data. The following results were obtained.
Employers perceived graduates to lack hands-on and soft skills. According to the employers,
a lack of hands-on skills compromised productivity, and a lack of soft skills affected adjusting
to the work environment and fitting into the team. The employers further indicated that a lack
of these skills made the induction process long and costly to the organisation. The study
established that recruitment and selection were aimed to select recruits who were then taken
for induction, hence the selection process fails to determine the skills of the graduate. Finally,
the study recommended the need for an inclusive approach to curriculum design, where all key
stakeholders are part of the curriculum design process. The study also recommended enacting
an attachment policy, which is inclusive and includes a module on soft skills in all courses. The
Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creations were requested to conduct
a skills audit, to guide and inform tertiary institutions on the demand for skills. Universities
would be informed of trades, which require additional skills. The study also raised the need to
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counsel students during their final year at university. The study suggested further study
involving all key stakeholders on the challenges of graduate employability so that an inclusive
plan of action can be generate
Examining the impact of organisational culture on performance: A case of IntraHealth Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration management strategyIntraHealth Namibia is a non-governmental organisation that works in the health sector
providing technical support to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to lessen the
burden that the Ministry is facing. It relies on donor funding for its operations.
IntraHealth Namibia was established in 2016 and being the youngest player in the
industry, it managed to get funding for its four-projects while its competitors only
managed to secure funding for at least one and at most two each of their projects. This
study sought to establish the role of organisational culture on the success of IntraHealth
Namibia. The study reviewed among others, Hofstede’s cultural dimension framework
where several indices like power distance, individualism, and uncertainty, among
others were discussed. The study adopted a census sampling method where 65
IntraHealth Namibia employees completed structured questionnaires. The
questionnaires were sent to everyone via email since all employees had access to email
services. The study found that IntraHealth Namibia’s organisational culture had an
influence on its performance. The study also found that IntraHealth Namibia had a
combination of people-oriented and goal-oriented culture. Furthermore, the study also
established that IntraHealth Namibia management encourages employee participation
through scheduled regular meetings. The study recommends that IntraHealth
Namibia’s management continues to guide and foster best practices among its
employees to avoid non beneficial practices like corruption. The study further
recommends the establishment of a department that is responsible for implementing
and enforcing the culture at IntraHealth Namibia. The study concludes by
recommending further studies in the role of leadership in organisational performanc
Plasma concentration and eGFR in preterm and term neonates receiving gentamicin or successive amikacin therapy
No full textBackground: Gentamicin and amikacin are aminoglycoside antibiotics which are renally excreted and known to be nephrotoxic. Estimate of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) per body surface area is lower in neonates than in adults and exposure to these drugs could lead to more suppression in kidney function. The aim of this study was to determine maximum and minimum plasma concentrations (Cmax and Cmin), time to reach Cmin levels of gentamicin and amika-cin, and to assess eGFR in preterm and term neonates.
Methods:Two groups of patients were recruited, 44 neonates receiving gentamicin (5 mg/kg/24 h) and 35 neonates receiving amikacin (15 mg/kg/24 h) by slow intravenous injection. Patients on amikacin had been on gentamicin before being switched to amikacin. Two blood samples were drawn for the determination of the maximum and minimum plasma concentration. Primary outcomes were determination of Cmax, Cmin, and the time it took to clear the aminoglycoside to a plasma concentration below the toxicity threshold (gentamicin: < 1 mcg/mL; amikacin: < 5 mcg/mL.
Results: Therapeutic range for Cmax of gentamicin (15–25 mcg/mL) or amikacin (30–40 mcg/mL) was achieved in only 27.3 and 2.9% of neonates, respectively. Percentage of neonates reaching plasma concentrations below the tox-icity threshold within the 24-hour dosing interval was 72.7% for gentamicin and 97.1% for amikacin. Positive correla-tion between gentamicin clearance and postnatal age borderline statistical significance (p=0.007), while the correla-tion between amikacin clearance and postnatal age was poor and not statistically significant (r2=− 0.30, p= 0.971).
Conclusion: Although eGFR decreased significantly as a function of postnatal age in neonates receiving amikacin, the majority (91.4%) of these neonates were able to clear the drug to < 5 mcg/mL within a 24-hour dosing interval.
Keywords: Neonates, Kidney function, Gentamicin, Amikacin, Nephrotoxicit
The influence of social media on civic engagement and democracy among the youth in the Omaruru constituency of Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of EducationThe aim of this study was to explore the influence of social media on civic engagement and democracy among the youth in the Omaruru Constituency of Namibia. The study employed qualitative research design with purposive and snowball sampling methods to select the participants. The findings reveal that social media is influential in the domain of civic engagement. It is also shown that land availability, youth empowerment, gender-based violence, unemployment, and high crime rate, entertainment and retail business draw the attention of the youth on social media. The youth participants prefer to use social media to express their views and opinions instead of addressing relevant authorities because of fear of prosecution and because social media helps the users to reach a wider audience. It seems that the main stream media has been monopolised by the government to limit freedom of expression and accessibility to the youth. The youth have diverging perspectives with regard to the impact that social media has had on the community in Omaruru Constituency as some youth believe that the use of social media had indeed made a tangible impact, while other were unsure as to whether social media has had an impact on the community of Omaruru Constituency or not. Moreover, the study revealed that mainstream media has been monopolised and is controlled by the Government to limit freedom of expression and accessibility to the youth. The youth urged the Government to consider using social media as a platform to engage them because social media promotes civic engagement through social dialogue, not just be between government institutions, and elected government officials but with the public especially the youth that use Facebook. The recommendations target the government, the youth and the community emphasising on the need for law or policy to engage community members and youth without fear of intimidation. Further studies should be undertaken regarding other regions of Namibia, and future research should examine and distinguish the causal relationship between online and offline participation in the public discourse for civic engagement among the youth
Investigating barriers to revenue collection affecting municipal service delivery: A case study of Katima Mulilo Town Council
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration- Public sector managementThe lack of service delivery by local authorities in Namibia has received considerable
attention in recent years including public expression of dissatisfaction with service
delivery. Local authorities carry out several functions as specified in Section 3(2) of the
Local Authorities Act No. 23 of 1992. The Act states that local authorities are responsible
for the provision, operation and maintenance of most municipal infrastructure and
services. The study sought to investigate barriers to revenue collection affecting municipal
service delivery in order to present findings and recommendations for the benefit of the
Katima Mulilo Town Council and other local authorities in general. The researcher used
a mixed research method approach which used data collection instruments such as
questionnaires and interviews. The study used simple purposive sampling select
customers and KMTC employees based on their position and experience (such as; work
experience for employees and heads of houses responsible for paying monthly bills for
customers) related to the topic under investigation. The collected data were analysed
using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS-16) to derive relevant descriptive
statistics, specifically frequency tables and Excel program 2016 was also used. The results
obtained from the study highlighted the key factors that were considered to be the causes
of inadequate revenue collection and are not limited to poverty and unemployment,
political interference, and customers’ attitude towards payment of services. The study
recommends that the Namibian Government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural
Development, must regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of programs of the
local authorities in Namibi
Assessing determinants of social entrepreneurial intentions among MBA students in Windhoek
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration- EntrepreneurshipSocial entrepreneurship is now a key strategy to address unemployment and
poverty globally. The increased interest in social entrepreneurship is creating demand
for better understanding of social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) which are now
valuable predictors of future entrepreneurial behaviours especially among students.
Using stratified random sampling, A sample size of 136 MBA first year students were
selected from a population of 148 with 109 responses. Quantitative data was collected
using structured questionnaires distributed using the internet for online completion.
SPSS version 27 was used for statistical data analysis, using correlation and multiple
regression analysis to measure the influence of the independent variables on SEI.
Microsoft Excel was used for graphical illustrations. Most respondents, 61% were in
the 26-35 age group and 57% of respondents were female students. All respondents
were employed, with 37% being self-employed. Empathy has been found to be the
highly regarded predictor of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) from the Theory of
Planned Behaviour (TPB) whilst social entrepreneurial self-efficacy (SESE) and moral
obligation are other significant predictors of SEI. All variables had good reliable
internal consistency of above .7, showing an acceptable reliability of items used.
Personal attitude, social entrepreneurial self-efficacy, perceived social support (PSS)
and perceived behavioural control had moderate positive correlation whilst empathy,
moral obligation and prior experience have weak positive correlation with SEI. The
results further show that independent variables account for 64.9% of variance in the
independent variable with PSS (32.2%) and prior experience (26.2%) being the main
predictors of SEI respectively. The study contributes to the social entrepreneurship
intentions literature among MBA students, especially, for the institutions of higher
learning to encourage students to develop learning resources for the advancement of
social entrepreneurship. More specifically, to provide outreach opportunities of
learning to gain social problem resolution skills. In addition, students’ social
entrepreneurial intention can be improved by institutional support in curriculum
development and engagement being integrated with practical social enterprise