UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Assessing mathematics teachers’ integration levels of information and communication technology: A case of Ongha circuit, Ohangwena region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of educationA study titled "Assessing mathematics teachers’ integration levels of information and
communication technology: A case of Ongha circuit, Ohangwena region" assessed the
level of ICT integration of the secondary school mathematics teachers at MCA schools
in Ohangwena Region. The study used the SAMR model to rank the level of secondary
school mathematics teachers. A total sample of six (6) secondary school mathematics
teachers at MCA schools was purposefully selected. The study uses qualitative
methods to draw data from the participants. The study also utilized observations and a
standardized interview with open-ended questions. Sample data collected from
observations and interviews was subjected to an interpretive approach. Teachers’
levels of ICT integration were ranked using the SAMR Ranking. Data recorded during
interviews was transcribed verbatim and categorized under themes. The study revealed
that the secondary school mathematics teachers do integrate ICTs into their teaching
of mathematics at the substitution and augmentation levels of the SAMR model. The
study further revealed in-service training, time to integrate ICT, provision of ICT tools
and internet coverage, as well as technological support as challenges to the ICT
integration in their teaching of mathematics at the secondary school level. The study
recommends that the MoEAC provide guidelines for ICT integration and make IC a
promotional subject to facilitate teaching delivery. The study further recommends that
MoEAC provide funds for teachers’ in-service training on the integration of ICT in
teaching and learning processes in all subjects. Furthermore, the study recommends
that further research to focus on assessing the teachers’ level of ICT integration in
teaching mathematics at MCA schools at a national leve
The impact of remittances on the rural household poverty in Namibia: A case of Ohangwena constituency, Ohangwena region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in development studiesMigration is a global concern that impacts the socio-economy of any country. Migration
occurs at international and internal levels. It is known to put pressure on a country's
resource allocation when proper planning has yet to be done; it may affect development.
A large portion of migration involves internal migration from rural to urban areas for
economic reasons. In some countries, migration is also known as a strategy to reduce
poverty in rural areas through remittances. This thesis sought to investigate the impact of
remittances on rural household poverty in Namibia, and a case study in the Ohangwena
constituency, Ohangwena region, was conducted. The study's objectives were to identify
the nature of remittances sent by migrants to the rural household, to explore the uses of
remittances in the rural household, and to investigate the impact of the remittances on the
rural household. The study used a qualitative approach to collect data. A sample of 20
rural households was selected using a snowball sampling procedure. Data was collected
using an interview guide through key informants per rural household. The study revealed
that many rural households receive cash, food, materials, goods, and equipment
remittances. The study also found that remittances are used to improve the living standards
of the rural household, as most participants have mentioned buying food for consumption
in the household as one of the primary uses of remittances. Others were paying bills,
agricultural purposes, improving housing structures, and many more. The findings have
also revealed that remittances positively impact the rural household as they have enhanced
many rural households after migration, such as improved employment rates, food security,
income, health, and education, and the household's general well-being. One of the study
recommendations is for development planners to mainstream migration in development
plans to improve rural poverty and achieve rural developmen
Investigating strategies to improve superior sustainable performance in the Namibian mining industry
No full textA research thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Management Strategy)The mining industry is the primary sector anchor and the largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Namibian economy and it can potentially drive the country towards industrialization by adding value to its products via the implementation of the Mineral Beneficiation Strategy (MBS). Unfortunately, the mining industry is currently unsustainable because 52% of the operations have stopped production. This research is aimed at investigating strategies that may potentially improve superior sustainable performance in the Namibian mining industry. The research methodology applied, utilised the explanatory sequential mixed methods research (MMR) approach. In this case, quantitative and qualitative data were collected by using a self-administered open-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide, respectively. To improve superior sustainable performance, the data inferred that the mines should successfully execute strategic projects such as the life of mine extension, increasing production, improving efficiencies, and improving all-in sustaining cost (AISC). It was found that the major factors negatively influencing superior sustainable performance include the following: a decline in commodity prices, mine flooding due to underground water, geotechnical risks, depleted ore reserves, declined ore grade, and mineralogical changes. The strategies to improve superior sustainable performance were established by applying a SWOT/TOWS analysis model and by creating an integrated strategy map that consider several mining operation sustainability aspects. Initiatives for reducing the cost of electrical power were recommended i.e., building a nuclear power plant, green hydrogen plant and the Kudu gas power station. Further research should focus on the policy regarding tax relief for mining companies that are struggling to remain sustainable
Implementation of political and socio-economic strategies in urban housing-land delivery within the Municipality of Windhoek
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts (Geography)The Municipality of Windhoek has been faced with challenges relating to the slow pace of the allocation of affordable land to the people and inadequate servicing of housing land. This has, over the years, created and widened the gap between demand and supply, hence the ballooning of the number of people in Windhoek who are on the waiting list for serviced land. It has been suggested that the solution to the provision of serviced land for housing lies in the implementation of multiple strategies. While the City of Windhoek has strategies in place, no studies have been done to understand whether these strategies have been successful. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate and analyse the implementation of the political and socio-economic strategies for land distribution within the Municipality of Windhoek from 2007-2019. The study adopted a qualitative research approach taking the City of Windhoek as the case study for investigating and analysing the implementation of the political and socio-economic strategies for land distribution for housing. The population for this study included stakeholders involved in land distribution in Windhoek. Study participants were selected through purposive sampling, identifying those participants with the capacity to provide information relevant to the study. Data was collected using interviews. Results of the study showed that land allocation delays and land shortages have been caused by factors such as lack of finance, unavailability of serviceable land, rigid municipal procedures and unbalanced demand and supply. The study also found that the Municipality of Windhoek is encountering major problems which include a shortage of serviced land, high land servicing costs, and a cumbersome land allocation process. Given these findings, the study recommends that government avails finance to assist local authorities to increase the supply of serviced residential land. Some of the finance should also target the upgrade of informal settlements so that they reach the stage of security tenure. In addition, the Windhoek municipality should review land distribution methods to ensure that households in dire need of housing are given priority
An examination of the role of stock market development in economic growth in SADC: A panel VAR approach
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (economics)This thesis examines the impact of stock market development on economic growth in five SADC countries, namely Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, and South Africa for the period starting from 2004 to 2019. It tests for the existence of a long-run relationship as well the presence of a causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth. The study selects interactions of stock market development with the real economy using panel vector autoregression (VAR) based Granger causality tests as well as impulse response functions and forecast error variance decomposition to interpret the results. Using stock market capitalization, total value traded and stock market turnover as measures of stock market development, the study aims to determine whether these variables have an impact on GDP growth. The results suggest that there is no cointegration among the variables, suggestive of the fact that there exists no long run relationship. In terms of the short-run causal relationships, the Pairwise Granger Causality tests reveal that there is evidence of a short-term unidirectional causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth, running from stock market development to GDP growth. These results are consistent with the supply leading hypothesis, as was originally postulated by Schumpeter (1911). Also commonly referred to as the finance-led growth hypothesis or the finance-growth nexus, it assumes that causality flows from financial sector development to economic growth and not the other way round; and thus, stock market development is deemed the driver of economic growth. Given the importance of stock market development to economic growth, the study recommends prioritisation of stock market activities in the form on government policy interventions, diversification of stock market products and automation of trading system to ensure enhanced performance of stock markets, as a driver for increased economic growth
Forms of persuasion in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Fugard’s Sizwe Bansi is dead: A comparative analysis
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (English studies)The current study explored the forms of persuasion in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Fugard’s (along with John Kani and Winston Ntshona), Sizwe Bansi is Dead. The purpose of this study was to investigate how a European and African dramatist comparatively employ rhetorical strategies in their respective plays. The aim of the study was, firstly, to compare and contrast Shakespeare and Fugard’s use of rhetorical techniques to effectively bring out the themes in the selected two plays; secondly, examine the effectiveness of these rhetorical devices in the development of characters in the two plays; and thirdly, comparatively explore how the forms of persuasion used by Shakespeare and Fugard can strengthen the readers’ comprehension of the two plays. The study adopted a literary qualitative approach. The main scenes in both Macbeth and Sizwe Bansi is Dead were content analysed in relation to the dramatists’ deployment of the modes of persuasion, as well as rhetorical techniques. Both dramatists employed all of Aristotle’s mode of persuasion; namely, ethos, logos and pathos, to appeal to the audience and effectively bring out their messages. The findings of the study revealed that rhetorical techniques such as flashbacks, alienation effect, humour and comic elements, and the story-within-a-story technique were stylistically, and therefore effectively used by Fugard and his co-writers in Sizwe Bansi is Dead to drive home their thematic message to their readers and audience. Also, exploring the modes of persuasion in Sizwe Bansi is Dead enables the readers and viewers of the play to appreciate the fundamental problem created by the unacceptable situation that Sizwe Bansi, the main protagonist, Buntu and Styles find themselves in. Shakespeare, on the other hand, worked to move his audience by using literary techniques such as symbolism, irony, allusion, personification, foreshadowing, and imagery. Hence, the protagonist, Macbeth, transforms from a war hero to a tyrant and continues to choose ii evil because he is persuaded by other characters in the play through ethos, pathos and logos, proving that a negative influence of surrounding people can result in one’s own downfall. This study also proved that both Shakespeare and Fugard employed rhetorical techniques to effectively bring out the themes in both plays, develop their characters, and enhance the readers’ understanding of both plays. Hence, the success of both plays, lies in their aim of presenting good stories that would reach out to a designated audience who would accept and appreciate their message. The study concludes that the forms of persuasion used in both Macbeth and Sizwe Bansi is Dead, by these dramatists were successfully developed to achieve verisimilitude
The challenges of communicating global pandemics as national security issue: A case study of COVID-19 in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Security and Strategic StudiesThis study examined the challenges of communicating global pandemics as national security threat with specific reference to COVID-19 outbreak in Namibia. It was motivated by the articulation of the pandemic as a national security threat through the declaration of state of emergency by the Namibian government. The state of emergency was characterized by the adoption of COVID-19 protocols and regulations such as closing down of some borders, imposing of curfew, restriction of movements, mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, and limited shut down of businesses. However, it became evident that the articulation of the pandemic as a national security threat did not resonate with the Namibian public as evidenced by violation of COVID-19 protocols and regulations. This resulted in numerous arrests and confrontations with security agencies. Through the use of qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and review of documents, data were collected and analysed. From data analysis, it was found that the messaging strategies of the government on COVID-19 security implications were ineffective as a result of mixed messaging and the circulation of false information on social media. Furthermore, it was found that the public mistrusted the government, World Health Organization and others due to inconsistencies in the information provided on the pandemic. On the basis of the findings, recommendations were made to the effect that strengthening of stakeholders’ engagement, engagement of experts as messengers as well as timeous dissemination of relevant information among others are critical to effectively communicating pandemics as national security threats
Investigating the effects of employees’ motivation on performance at women and law in Southern Africa - Eswatini
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration management strategyThe major aim of the study was to investigate relationship between employee motivation and job
performance. A mixed methods research design was adopted where both qualitative and
quantitative data was collected and analysed. The population of the study was 360 employees
consisting of 350 temporary community workers and 10 full time employees. Simple random
sampling was used to choose a sample of 50 participants. Quantitative data collection was collected
through a 5-point Likert scale and qualitative data by interviews. Furthermore, all the motivation
and performance constructs were tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha coefficient, which
was above 0.7 for all of them. Normality was tested through the Shapiro-Wilk test. Presentation
and analysis of the data was through themes, frequency distribution tables, clustered graphs,
descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study were that
extrinsic factors did not affect the level of motivation despite their absence. Furthermore, intrinsic
factors had an impact on the level of motivation. Tests for correlation between integrated
motivation constructs of intrinsic and extrinsic factors revealed that there was a positive,
statistically insignificant correlation which can be accounted to chance. The study concluded that
most of NGO employees are motivated by intrinsic personal factors such as recognition, a sense
of achievement and acknowledgements. Lack of extrinsic factors led to dissatisfaction and an
insignificant positive correlation was found. It was recommended that non-monetary rewards and
recognition ceremonies be increased to motivate employees accordingl
An investigation into the effect of non-performing loans on the profitability of commercial banks in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration- FinanceThis study investigates the effect of non-performing loans on the profitability of major
commercial banks in Namibia for the period 2015 to 2020. In order to achieve this
objective, pooled annual data for six commercial banks obtained from the banks’
financial statements was used to estimate panel regression models, fixed and random
effects models. The results indicate that bank size and loan to assets ratio explains
about 14% and 10% of the variation in a bank’s profitability as measured by return on
assets. The null hypothesis of no significant relationship between NPL and ROA was
not rejected, meaning that non-performing loans have no effect on the profitability of
commercial banks in Namibia. This implies that there is a need for commercial banks
to transform more deposits into loans in order for them to increase interest-bearing
assets. The study findings stress the need for commercial banks to transform more
deposits into loans in order to increase interest-bearing assets. The positive effect of
bank size on profitability suggests possible scale efficiency as a result of the expansion
in bank size. The study further recommends that, banks must continue to closely
monitor inflation to stabilise the economy. Commercial banks must show resilience to
learn from recent experiences, demonstrate courage to tackle challenges and exploit
opportunities embedded in tribulations experienced. The study further recommended
that, the banks should further be committed to deliver monetary, price and financial
stabilit
Mass spectrometric analysis of cucurbitacins and dihydrocucurbitacins from the tuber of citrullus naudinianus
No full textThe vast pool of structurally and functionally distinct secondary metabolites (i.e., natural products (NPs)) is constantly being expanded, a process also driven by the rapid progress in the development of analytical techniques. Such NPs often show potent biological activities and are therefore prime candidates for drug development and medical applications. The ethyl acetate extract of the tuber of Citrullus naudinianus (C. naudinianus), an African melon with edible fruits and seeds, shows in vitro immunomodulatory activity presumably elicited by cucurbitacins that are known major constituents of this plant. Further potentially immunomodulatory cucurbitacins or cucurbitacin derivatives were assumed to be in the tuber. Given the typically high content of cucurbitacins with similar physicochemical features but often distinct bioactivities, an efficient and reliable separation process is a prerequisite for their detailed characterization and assessment in terms of bioactivity. We therefore developed a detection method to screen and differentiate cucurbitacins via high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). In order to confirm the identification, the fragmentation patterns of two cucurbitacins and one 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin were also investigated. Six characteristic fragments were identified and three of them were employed for the identification of cucurbitacins and 23,24- dihydrocucurbitacins in the extract. As a result, in addition to eight previously reported cucurbitacins
from this plant four distinct 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacins (B, D, E, and I) were putatively identified and newly found in the ethyl acetate extract of the tuber of C. naudinianus. The established methodology enables rapid and efficient LC-MS-based analysis and identification of cucurbitacins and 23,24- dihydrocucurbitacins in plant extracts