UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Examining the use of dynamic capabilities for strategy implementation in Namibia’s construction industry
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration Management StrategyThe purpose of the study was to examine the use of dynamic capabilities for strategy
implementation in the construction industry. Furthermore, the study examined the
relationship between dynamic capability constructs and strategy implementation
processes. The research adopted a descriptive correlation quantitative design. An online
questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 129
construction companies that are registered with the municipality of Swakopmund. Data
was analysed using Microsoft excel 2020 and Statistical Packaging for the Social Sciences
software (SPSS) version 28. Findings from the study suggest that transformation is the
most used dynamic capability, followed by seizing then sensing. Furthermore, it was
found that there is a positive linear correlation between dynamic capabilities and strategy
implementation processes. Moreover, the study established a strategy implementation
concept that suggests that 24% effort should be invested in sensing, 39% in seizing and
37% in transformation to implement strategy through using dynamic capabilities in the
construction industry of Swakopmund. The study recommended that construction
companies in Swakopmund should use dynamic capabilities as an enabler for strategy
implementation however, taking cognisance of the effort required for every aspect of
dynamic capabilit
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) phenolics
No full textClove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) is a dried flower bud belonging to the Myrtaceae family indigenous to Indonesia. Recently, it has been farmed in different places worldwide with potential food and nutraceutical applications. Clove volatile compounds contribute to the smell and unique aroma; meanwhile, nonvolatile compounds in the clove are mainly
responsible for the taste. Clove is well known for its high level of antioxidants because of the flavonoids, hydroxy benzenes, phenylpropanoids, and other reducing substances. Clove phenolics comprise between 8% and 12% (w/w) gallic acid equivalents and are mainly composed of hydrolyzable tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and eugenol, major bioactive molecules in this valuable herb. Gallic acid is the highest among the phenolic acids in clove and other gallic acid derivatives such as hydrolyzable tannins, which are also present in higher concentrations. Other phenolic acids found in the clove are ellagic, ferulic, caffeic, and salicylic acids. In addition, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol were reported. This
chapter will focus on clove phenolics’ structure, composition, and biological activities
Investigating mathematics teachers' strategies for addressing grade 12 learners' challenges in algebra in Katima Mulilo circuit in Zambezi region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master EducationThe purpose of this study was to investigate and establish Mathematics teachers’ teaching strategies that were been used in addressing Grade 12 learners’ challenges in Algebra in Katima Mulilo Circuit in Zambezi Region. The research study was a descriptive qualitative approach, which used a convenient sampling in order to select three Mathematics secondary school teachers to elicit the strategies that the teachers at the sampled schools used in solving problems in Algebra. The research study used observations, document analysis and interviews to generate data from teachers. The secondary school teachers’ observations and interviews were analyzed into different categories. This was done in order to determine differences and similarities with the strategies identified. When social constructivism learning theory was used as a lens, the study revealed that the main challenges with Grade 12 learners in solving algebraic problems was the lack of solving skills, the inappropriate use of the teaching strategies by Grade 12 learners and their negative attitudes towards Algebra. The other findings of the study showed that, teachers used the strategies like visualizing problems, step procedure, identifying key words, guessing and checking, and choose suitable operations. The recommendations in this study are for the teachers to use the teaching strategies for solving algebra problems and teaching strategies to make Grade 12 learners understand Algebra. The examples used in teaching should be more practical as pointed out by some of the teachers. Thus, the strategies that came up from the teachers fall into categories. These categories of teaching strategies in algebraic problem solving involve; choosing an operation, identifying key words, step procedure, visualizing the problem, pattern sniffing, re-reading the words, and lastly guessing and checking. The teaching strategies used by teachers to make Grade 12 learners understand
Algebra fell into three categories. The strategies were been used to develop the habits of mind by integrating the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) approach, where concrete materials are used in teaching Algebra
Assessing the perceptions of clients and nurses regarding integration of the primary health care services, okuryangava and Wanahenda clinics Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters (Public health)The successful implementation of the Integrated of Primary Health Care (PHC) services is major challenge for health systems internationally. This research study aimed to explore the perception of clients and nurses regarding integration of primary health care services between the two clinics (Okuryagava and Wanaheda clinics). The study objectives were to assess the perceptions of clients regarding integration of PHC services; To assess the perceptions of nurses regarding integration of PHC Services; and suggest possible recommendations that can be adopted to improve integration of PHC Services based on the perceptions of Clients and Nurses. The research was conducted using qualitative research methodology. The study used an interview guide to collect data through in-depth interviews. A total of 20 participants who include both nurses and clients were purposively sampled. Data is presented using the thematic approach while content analysis was used to analyse data. Research results show that integration of PHC services has improved relationship between nurses and clients, integration of PHC services is convenient, integration of PHC services enhances competence and PHC makes nurses assessment of clients made easier. On the other hand, integration of PHC services has led to the mixing of services that do not go along, it prolongs time a client is served, integration of PHC services does not resonate with the structure as well as the resources of the clinics and stigmatises clients. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that there is need for resources, consultation rooms and instruments to be addressed so as improve the integration of PHC services at the clinics. If more infrastructure could be provided it would ease the problems that the nurses are currently facing. The study recommends that there is need to restructure the processes of the PHC provision at the clinics as the current ones seem to be out of sync with the available resources. The study suggests that immediate actions towards patient-centred care are necessary in order to operationally integrate all provided services and existing functions of the PHC system at the clinics. Participants were also of the view that health policymakers should adopt an evidence-based action plan that ensures and safeguards patient-centeredness, comprehensiveness, sound coordination, and continuity of services at the clinics
Assessing the impact of wildlife on vegetation cover change, Northeast Namibia, based on MODIS satellite imagery (2002–2021)
No full textHuman–wildlife conflict in the Zambezi region of northeast Namibia is well documented, but the impact of wildlife (e.g., elephants) on vegetation cover change has not been adequately addressed. Here, we assessed human–wildlife interaction and impact on vegetation cover change. We analyzed the 250 m MODIS and ERA5 0.25 0.25 drone and GPS-collar datasets. We used Time Series Segmented Residual Trends (TSS-RESTREND), Mann–Kendall Test Statistics, Sen’s Slope,
ensemble, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), and Pearson correlation methods. Our results revealed (i) widespread vegetation browning along elephant migration routes and within National Parks, (ii) Pearson correlation (p-value = 5.5 108) showed that vegetation browning areas do not sustain high population densities of elephants. Currently, the Zambezi has about 12,008 elephants while these numbers were 1468, 7950, and 5242 in 1989, 1994, and 2005, respectively, (iii) settlements and artificial barriers have a negative impact on wildlife movement, driving vegetation browning, and (iv) vegetation greening was found mostly within communal areas where intensive farming and cattle grazing is a common practice. The findings of this study will serve as a reference for policy and decision makers. Future studies should consider integrating higher resolution multi-platform
datasets for detailed micro analysis and mapping of vegetation cover change
Sorghum, its proteins and Thai LIME Shouldn’t the Use of Kaffir, Kafir, Kaffirin and Kafirin as Common Nouns be Discontinued?
No full textIt is trite that most Indigenous food resources in former politically colonised nations have been given English or some other Western common or trivial names. The oppressed people especially in southern Africa were not spared from derogatory and/or racist names such as Kaffir or Kafir, a derogatory reference name equivalent to Nigga or Negro that was used in America. Over time and as political freedom and independence were gained through liberation struggles between the colonisers and the colonised, the use of derogatory and/or racist names against the formerly oppressed people became legally actionable. It is almost forgotten that the offensive, derogatory and/or racist names were not limited to the oppressed people. The natural environments, land and other resources such as Indigenous plants, fruits, rivers, serene spaces and animals were also apparently named by the colonisers and Western botanists or those who allegedly discovered these resources, even though the Indigenous names for such resources existed before the arrival of different agents of colonialisation
Factors associated with low birth weight among babies born at Oshakati intermediate hospital, Oshana region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Science (Applied field epidemiology and laboratory management)Low Birth Weight (LBW) is a preventable public health concern. By 2015, the global prevalence of LBW was estimated at 15% - 20% with Sub Saharan Africa standing at 13%. The 2013 Namibia Demographic Health Survey recorded a 13% LBW prevalence, with Oshana region leading by 16%. LBW is coupled with serious health problems e.g., impaired mental development and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We investigated maternal and sociodemographic factors associated with LBW new-borns in Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, to develop recommendations aimed at reducing LBW.
We conducted an unmatched 1:2 case-control study between September and November 2020. Cases were mothers who delivered singleton full term babies weighing less than 2500g. Controls were mothers who delivered singleton full term babies weighing 2500g or more. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. We reviewed maternal records for clinical information. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors of LBW and reported odd ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).
A total of 103 cases and 206 controls were interviewed. The mean age of mothers was 27.13 ±7.23 years and the mean birth weight of babies was 2875.13±570.88g. Independent risk factors for delivering LBW new-borns were gestation age <38 weeks (aOR 4.1, 95%-CI 1.86-9.35); history of LBW or prematurity (aOR 2.4, 95%-CI 1.12-5.43) as well as rural residence (aOR 2.5, 95%-CI 1.44 – 4.57).
LBW is more associated with some socio demographic and obstetric factors than socio-economic and nutritional factors. Expecting mothers with known risk factors (e.g., history of prematurity or LBW) need close monitoring during Ante Natal Care (ANC). Maternal health services in rural areas needs strengthening in terms of skilled personnel, equipment, and awareness creation at community level
An assessment of social protection and the living conditions of the elderly: A study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena region
No full textA research proposal submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Development studies)In Africa, ageing is a phenomenon that is just beginning to reveal its shape. Most governments, including the Government of the Republic of Namibia, acknowledge the increasing number of older persons. Social protection interventions usually include measures to provide adequate housing and nutrition, ensure access to education, health and promote social inclusion and political stability. The lack of access to social protection constitutes a major obstacle to the socio-economic development and wellbeing of the elderly. This was a mixed method descriptive design: a study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The primary objective of the study was to determine the extent to which the Namibian social protection scheme affords to bring a decent living for the rural elderly people in Omatunda village. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample from the population of elderly people above the age of 60 and living in Omatunda village rural Namibia. The results show that about 76% of the respondents were female, while 24% were male. The majority of the respondents 47.6% were between the ages of 70 – 79 years. The majority of the respondents 52.4% were married and 23.8% were a widow. Furthermore, 14.3% were never married, while 9.5% were divorced. About 100% of the elderly people interviewed were receiving Government grant (pension) every month as their main source of income, however, only 43% were satisfied with the amount they are receiving, they perceived the social assistance grant as enabling them to provide the necessities of life and to pay their grandchildren’s school fees. However, about 57% of the elderly were displeased with the grant, which means 48% were neutral and 9.5% were unsatisfied at all. The study revealed that the respondents do use pension funds for a lot of their basic needs, however, noted that all the needs are not covered. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a public health facility in the area where elderly people are receiving medical care free of charge, only 57% were satisfied with the health service to them, 43% were not satisfied due to long waiting time in the queue as well as the frequently stock out of essential medicines. Although the study revealed that the general health condition of the majority of the respondents is reported to be good, this does not mean that they are unrestricted from challenges. Like many other people, elderly people are faced with numerous challenges which are both social and economic. The study concluded that the old-age 3 pension fund is regarded as a most vital source of income for many households and it is used to improve the living condition of the elderly
Challenges facing school teachers and principals in managing and implementing the revised curriculum in Ompundja circuit in Namibia
No full textA dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Educational Management & Administrative)Namibia is at the stage of reviewing the curriculum structure of its basic education. Resultant, the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture has introduced a revised curriculum since 2015, whose implementation needs a carefully designed approach for its effective adoption. The study explored the experiences of teachers and principals of public schools on challenges with management and implementation of the revised curriculum in Ompundja Circuit and suggests how the challenges can be addressed. A model is designed to address challenges that hinder successful management and implementation. Using Social Realism and Instructional Leadership theories, the study addresses the two main research questions: What are the challenges experienced in the management and implementation of the newly revised basic education curriculum in Ompundja Circuit in Namibia? It further addresses two sub-questions as follows: What challenges do teachers and principals of public schools in Ompundja Circuit experience with the management and implementation of the newly revised curriculum? How can these challenges be addressed to ensure successful management and implementation of the revised curriculum? The second research question is which model could be developed to enhance successful management and implementation of the revised basic education curriculum in Ompundja Circuit? Furthermore, the study addressed two main objectives: To establish challenges experienced in the management and implementation of the newly revised basic education curriculum in Ompundja Circuit in Namibia. The first main objective is sub-divided into two sub-objectives: To identify challenges experienced by public school teachers and principals in Ompundja Circuit with the management and implementation of the newly revised basic education curriculum. In addition, to determine how the challenges experienced by public school teachers and principals could be addressed to ensure successful management and implementation of the revised curriculum. The second objective is to develop a model that can be used to enhance successful management and implementation of the revised basic education curriculum in Ompundja Circuit. Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods design and multi-stage sampling were used to select the respondents and participants from a population of 409 teachers including 27 principals in the Ompundja Circuit in Namibia. A stratified random sampling was used to select three schools each from a stratum of primary, combined and secondary schools. Again, as simple random sampling was used to select 120 respondents from the selected schools. In the second round of data-generating, a purposive sampling technique was used to select five principals. A sample of 120 respondents (29%) completed a questionnaire while five principals were purposively sampled for a face-to-face interview. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Product and Social Sciences and qualitative data were analysed using the content analysis method.
This study revealed that training on curriculum implementation was offered, however, the training needs to be enhanced. Some schools were well furnished with infrastructures; nevertheless, others need workshops for vocational subjects as well as science and computer laboratories. It was found that there were challenges related to teaching and learning resources, which could be addressed by engaging stakeholders. Further, there were funding challenges, which could be addressed through stakeholder funding, re-introduction of school development funds and increase of universal primary education funding. There was a shortage of vocational subject teachers, which could be addressed through training. There was a low teacher-learner ratio in rural schools and a high teacher-learner ratio in urban schools. To address overcrowding, combined schools in urban settlements should be promoted to senior secondary schools as well as providing more classrooms and teachers. There was a need to fund learner support initiatives. Another challenge is that the new curriculum was designed in a top-down manner; therefore, to address the negative attitudes teachers and principals should be involved in curriculum development. This study recommended that stakeholders should support schools with educational resources. Schools should enhance in-service training on revised curriculum implementation. Furthermore, expertise-sharing and integration of the curriculum content in teacher training programmes were recommended. Further research about establishing the level of implementers’ participation in the planning and design of the RCBE and assessing the structural, cultural and agential constraints on the use of ICT tools in providing quality teaching and learning were recommended. Lastly, the study was concluded with a model design for addressing challenges relating to revised curriculum implementation
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera extracts and their evaluation against antibiotic resistant strains of escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Microbiology)It is of great concern that bacteria are forming resistance to common antibiotics meant to prevent or cure them. For this reason, researchers are engaged in synthesis of nanoparticles using medicinal plants to solve the problem of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The aim of the study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using M. oleifera extracts and compare antibacterial activities of AgNPs prepared in M. oleifera extracts with AgNPs of common antibiotics (penicillin G and streptomycin) against antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Disc diffusion method was used for initial screening of antibacterial activities and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by colour change from pale yellow to dark brown-black. UV-vis spectra analysis showed maximum peak of 400-440 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, as well as C-N and C-O bonds that might be responsible for capping, stabilizing and reducing AgNPs. SEM analysis revealed crystalline AgNPs with mean average size of 46.49 ± 0.73 nm to 60.96 ± 1.17 nm. The combination of AgNPs with antibiotics showed better antibacterial activities as compared to AgNPs alone and streptomycin alone. Lowest MIC values were 12.5 mg/mL, 1.56 mg/mL and 3.13 mg/mL for Mo-AgNPs, Mo-AgNPs-Penicillin G and Mo-AgNPs-streptomycin combination respectively. It can then be concluded that M. oleifera has strong potential for synthesis of AgNPs, and combination of AgNPs with common antibiotics sheds light in the direction of decreasing odds of antibiotic resistance development of these pathogens