UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Authentic leaders needed to enhance organisational commitment of teachers in Namibia
No full textThe education sector in Namibia experiences challenges such as imbalanced learner-teacher ratios, poor working conditions, lack of resources and criticisms from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and parents because of high failure rates. Organisational commitment is the psychological link that employees have in wanting to remain with and exert significant efforts on behalf of an organisation. Relationships have been confirmed between authentic leadership (leaders who are genuine and stand up for their followers), perception of fairness and equity within the workplace, psychological conditions and organisational commitment. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data on authentic leadership, organisational justice, psychological conditions and organisational commitment of teachers from the Omaheke, Oshana and Oshikoto regions in Namibia (n=288). The data were analysed using SPSS (24.0) with Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression analyses to assess the impact of these variables on organisational commitment of teachers. The significant predictors of organisational commitment were the openness and transparency of leaders; how they share information freely; their engagement in moral and ethical behaviour; and when teachers experience interactional justice and psychological meaning in their work. This study proposes leadership development to enhance transparency of leaders, development and implementation of policies ensuring just and fair interactions between superiors and subordinates as well as re-evaluation of remuneration and compensation packages to enhance the level of meaningfulness experienced by teachers
Effectiveness of performance management system on employee performance
No full textThe study objectives were, to identify the effectiveness of PMS on employee performances, secondly, to establish whether employees and managers understand the objectives/aims for PMS. Furthermore, to analyses if challenges faced by employees, have an effect on their performances. Finally, to outline possible Solution to the managers. A simple random sample of the 50 participants was selected from the population. Findings indicated employees strongly believe that performance counseling should be introduced in the organization. Furthermore,
organization must provide training to employees on managing work balance stress. In addition, employees find it difficult to achieve their goals because no clear career path is provided. Performance feedback needs to be introduced in the organization to identify areas of weakness and strength and offer training where it is necessary.
Moreover, the organization needs to introduce a career path based on performance management whereby those that perform better or above their goals get a rewarded. Furthermore, the employees urged management to explain and set clear objectives for individual employees at the beginning of every trimester. This will make it easy
for individuals to achieve their objectives
Properties of front-end electronics of the compact high energy camera prototype for gamma-ray astronomy
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Physics)Electronics are a key component for all modern detector systems. The Compact High Energy Camera (CHEC) is a full-waveform camera designed for the dual-mirror Small Sized Telescopes (SST) of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). Some of the main components of the front-end electronics for CHEC are photo-sensors, preamplifiers and TARGET modules. CTA is planned to be a large observatory with up to 70 SSTs, with thousands of photosensor pixels per telescope (2048 camera channels per SST). The readout electronics for an array with such a high number of channels will cer tainly require a highly integrated and modular recording technology. In this study pulse waveforms generated by the camera channels and output by the preamplifier channels were analysed and parameterised in order to identify the different characteristics of the pulse waveforms. Characterising the pulse waveforms will help to better under stand the behaviour of different electronic channels during camera mass production and during observations as well. An automated analysis procedure that will be able to identify faulty camera channels has been established. A cubic spline has been fit to the data in order to get a good representation of the data and for better comparison of the behaviour of the different electronics channels. The interpolated pulse waveform has a gradually rounded peak, while the actual pulse waveform has a rather sharp peak. In addition, for comparing the behaviour of the different electronic channels, the fre quency distribution of the different characteristics are determined. In this study, it was found that the rise time of the pulse waveform is on average (7.0 ± 0.3) ns , with an average fall time of (15.0 ± 0.8) ns, while the interpolated fit has an average rise time of (6.0 ± 0.6) ns, thus showing consistency in the behaviour of the different channels
The contribution of social movements in the construction of social justice education. A Namibian case for selected social movements research
No full textReport submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters of Adult EducationSocial movements are important participants in social production and transformation. They are the expressions of the contradictions and hierarchies of the society in which they live. Since the late 19th century, dozens of social movements have affected the life and politics of citizens. Social movements fill the void where the state is unable or unwilling to act for the benefit of its members. It allows us to understand power, state and social movements. Civil society organizations improve the formulation, implementation and supervision of government policies. The research used a qualitative research methodology that employed open semi-structured interviews and document analysis to gain insights into social movements and their contribution to the citizenry. This in-depth way of data collection allowed the researcher to delve into the views, opinions, understanding, and feelings of people who have experienced or are experiencing situations of interest. Amongst many, key findings, this study unearthed the promotion of social justice, empowerment and strengthening the capacity of all segments of social movements to increase their level of participation in developing and implementing society. Following an in-depth analysis of the research results, social movements must work with communities and encourage radical education to foster equality amongst the powerless. It is recommended that social justice education needs to be holistic and that the combination of learning elements should be effective in line with social justice education. Further research in the area of social movements that are linked to the construction of social justice education in communities through a comparative study to determine similarities and differences amongst respondents concerning social justice education is recommended
An investigation into the factors contributing to the increase of firearms crimes in Windhoek, Namibia, 2015 – 2019.
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Security and Strategic studies)This study focused on factors contributing to the increase in firearms crimes in Windhoek in Namibia. The research objectives for this study were as follows; to examine the factors contributing to the intensification of firearm crimes in Windhoek, Namibia; to analyse the impact of the firearm crimes in Windhoek of Namibia, and to find ways in which firearm crimes in Windhoek can be mitigated. The research found that domestic disputes, abuse of alcohol, lack of counselling of people in dispute, and exposure of people, especially children, to violent situations are contributing to the scourge of violence in Windhoek. It was also found that the high rate of unemployment and subsequent rising poverty levels in Windhoek are among the generating and contributing factors to firearm increase crimes in Windhoek. The study also found that firearm crimes have a negative impact on socioeconomic dynamics in Windhoek. Individuals, families, and communities are feeling these impacts. This is so because some businesses are being forced to cut down on their operating hours due to the fear of being robbed. Similarly, firearm crimes targeting businesspersons are also impacting economic activities because most businesses have reduced their operating hours due to fear of being the next victim. This research has unearthed mitigating measures by increasing the number of police officers who conduct night-time patrols and enhancing police visibility in the City. In addition, the researchers concluded that firearm crimes could be mitigated by training police officers on how to identify and counsel people who are at risk of committing these types of heinous crimes. It is also revealed that the intensification of firearm crimes in Windhoek can be mitigated through strict firearm regulations by the government. Hence, the adoption of comprehensive firearm legislation could go a long way in this regard. This firearm legislation could be in the form of firearm license renewals, repossession of firearms from all firearm crime offenders, firearm crime risky individuals, and providing firearm amnesty to those in possession of illegal firearms
Gender equity and impedes of career progression in the nursing profession in Khomas region of Namibia
No full textIntroduction Women had for years endured impediments at the workplace in many aspects such as gender inequity and low pace of career advancement. The status quo is persistent despite the enactment of legal frameworks institutionalized to
redress gender disparities in the workforce. Aim This study strives to explore gender equity, assess the magnitude of women in decision-making and to ascertain impediments that humper career progression in nursing. Method This study utilized
secondary data collected from a thesis titled ‘Gender equity and career progression in the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Khomas region of Namibia.The main study employed a mixed method approach to collect information through
interviews. Tools Two separate semi-structured interview guides that comprised of both set of close-ended and openended questions were employed to gather information from selected respondents and the key informant. Results The conception that women in nursing are less successful in their careers in comparison to their male colleagues is contrary to the study findings as managerial positions at the studied institutions are held by women. Cultural factors are found to hold less
significance in impeding career progression at Ministry of Health and Social Services as opposed to organizational hierarchical structure. Conclusion The feminization of the nursing career that led to the predominance of female in profession is still
unopposed as the profession is not showing a sign of equilibrium of the two genders
An examination of barriers in transitioning from informal to formal business sector in Windhoek (Namibia)
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration FinanceThe study examined the barriers in transitioning from the informal to the formal business sectors
in Windhoek (Namibia). The statistics in Namibia indicate that there are several informal
businesses in Namibia that have the potential to boost the economy. However, the transition of
these informal businesses to formal businesses is not satisfactory. Thus, the study was carried out
to examine barriers contributing to this slow formalization of informal businesses. The study was
premised in the pragmatic research paradigm and followed the mixed methods approach. The
mixed methods approach was used to draw upon beliefs, views and experiences of informal
entrepreneurs on the barriers in transitioning from the informal to the formal business sectors in
Windhoek. A sample of 40 businesses was drawn from five business categories. Convenience
sampling technique was employed to select 40 participants who were administered with the
questionnaires, which contained both close-ended and open-ended questions. Quantitative data
collected from the section of the questionnaire which had close ended questions was analyzed
through descriptive analysis and the frequency graphs, charts and tables were used to present the
data. Qualitative data collected through the section of the questionnaire which had open ended
questions was analysed thematically. The findings of the study indicated that advancements in
technology challenges and lack of capital funding from banks and the government are the major
barriers for the transitioning of the informal businesses to formal businesses. The study concluded
that for business to be formalized, they need information, government support and sufficient
technological advancement to assist them in transitioning. The study recommends that the
government needs to consider the informal sector as fundamental part of its economy and come
up with some solutions to integrate it into the main national economic programs, to facilitate the
transition to formal sector, which will result in a high contribution to the country's GD
A survey on end of life care practices in intensive care units of three government teaching hospitals in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Medicine (Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management)Background: End of life (EOL) care may be described as care provided for patients in the final hours or days of their life. More broadly it’s defined as care for all patients with a terminal illness that is deemed progressive and incurable. It implies a focus on pain and symptom management which is distinct from the aggressive pursuit of investigation and therapies focused on cure. End of life care in the ICU however involves a substantial degree of emotional and psychological stress both for health care providers as well as the family members. Significance of the study: The study aimed to evaluate the current practices of EOL care in a lifesaving department like the intensive care unit. It also intended to evaluate the knowledge of EOL care practices among ICU health professions and to identify gaps that would require improvement. Methodology: This was a mixed study that used the sequential explanatory design. It had a quantitative study phase 1 and a qualitative study phase 2. The quantitative method looked at the experience of health care workers on EOL care as the dependent variable with relation to age, training background, gender, and years of employment and facility of employment. The qualitative method approach was used to assess the knowledge and attitudes of family members and health care providers on EOL care. This methodology was achieved through cross-sectional surveys and a series of questionnaire-based interviews. Findings: About 59.7% of the respondents had never heard the term EOL care. In addition, less than half of them reported that the decision to offer EOL care to patients rested with the attending physicians. Furthermore, 50% of the study participants believed that family members do not take part in the decision to offer their patients EOL care. Conclusion: EOL is an essential part of patient management. Not only for the patient but also focuses on family members and health care workers as it has an effect on their emotional, mental health, as well as physical health. Recommendations: Improve communication between health care workers and family members and continuous medical education to be offered to health care workers on EOL care
Determination of endogenous and dietary-derived nitric oxide production in exhaled air of adult humans
No full textA thesis submitted in full fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Physiology)The production of nitric oxide (NO) has been demonstrated in the human body. Studies have elucidated that NO can either be produced endogenously via enzymatic action or through exogenous factors from dietary nitrate reduction. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels were also observed to be increased in inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and rhinitis, compared to normal physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to observe the production of NO in the body, the influence of dietary nitrate on eNO and factors affecting NO production. In this cross-sectional study, eNO in healthy, control participants (n=25) and compared to exhaled NO in participants with asthma (n=6) and participants with seasonal rhinitis (n=7). Exhaled NO in 20 healthy controls was also after supplementation with dietary nitrate. Asthmatic participant’s eNO concentrations (41±25 ppb) were higher compared to eNO in the control participants (12±12 ppb; p=0.04). There was no difference between eNO concentrations in participants with rhinitis (30±31 ppb) compared to control participants (12±12 ppb; p=0.21). There was also no dose-response relationship between the amount of dietary nitrate (nitrate-rich beetroot juice) and eNO concentration where eNO concentrations of 31±16 ppb, 34±31 ppb and 38±30 ppb; p=0.42 were measured for 35 mL, 70 mL and 140 mL of beetroot juice, respectively. A transient increase in eNO was observed after 30 minutes post-nitrate ingestion (20±8 ppb) compared to baseline eNO concentrations (6±5 ppb; p=0.03). The use of antibacterial mouthwash also reduced eNO concentrations post nitrate-ingestion (18±15 ppb) compared to beetroot ingestion without prior use of mouthwash (34±31 ppb; p=0.02). Exhaled NO levels were not reduced after antacid administration (p=0.791). The results of this study may indicate that the transient impact of dietary nitrate on eNO could account for the variations demonstrated in literature.The production of nitric oxide (NO) has been demonstrated in the human body. Studies have elucidated that NO can either be produced endogenously via enzymatic action or through exogenous factors from dietary nitrate reduction. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels were also observed to be increased in inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and rhinitis, compared to normal physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to observe the production of NO in the body, the influence of dietary nitrate on eNO and factors affecting NO production. In this cross-sectional study, eNO in healthy, control participants (n=25) and compared to exhaled NO in participants with asthma (n=6) and participants with seasonal rhinitis (n=7). Exhaled NO in 20 healthy controls was also after supplementation with dietary nitrate. Asthmatic participant’s eNO concentrations (41±25 ppb) were higher compared to eNO in the control participants (12±12 ppb; p=0.04). There was no difference between eNO concentrations in participants with rhinitis (30±31 ppb) compared to control participants (12±12 ppb; p=0.21). There was also no dose-response relationship between the amount of dietary nitrate (nitrate-rich beetroot juice) and eNO concentration where eNO concentrations of 31±16 ppb, 34±31 ppb and 38±30 ppb; p=0.42 were measured for 35 mL, 70 mL and 140 mL of beetroot juice, respectively. A transient increase in eNO was observed after 30 minutes post-nitrate ingestion (20±8 ppb) compared to baseline eNO concentrations (6±5 ppb; p=0.03). The use of antibacterial mouthwash also reduced eNO concentrations post nitrate-ingestion (18±15 ppb) compared to beetroot ingestion without prior use of mouthwash (34±31 ppb; p=0.02). Exhaled NO levels were not reduced after antacid administration (p=0.791). The results of this study may indicate that the transient impact of dietary nitrate on eNO could account for the variations demonstrated in literature
Investigating structural ambiguity in newspaper headlines: A case study of selected headlines in the Namibian newspaper between 1st February and 31st December 2020
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (English studies)The purpose of the study was to investigate possible meanings of the structurally ambiguous headlines found in The Namibian newspaper and to illustrate the ambiguity by tree diagram. The study focused on structural ambiguity in the news headlines published between 1st February 2020 and 31st December 2020 covering political, social, and sports beats. The study also described the causes of structural ambiguity in these headlines. No fieldwork was carried out in this research as it was limited to desktop design due to the qualitative nature of the research. In addition, the data were analysed using Clare’s (2013) theory of ambiguity to demonstrate that the headlines are structurally ambiguous, Carnie’s (2013) syntactic theory to find possible explanations for each ambiguous phrase or sentence and Bornstain’s (1997) tree diagram theory to reveal the structural ambiguity. The study revealed that structural ambiguity occurs in the headlines of The Namibian newspaper because of modification scope, negation scope, active or passive meaning, present participle and mostly due to prepositional phrases. In addition, the study also revealed that not all structural ambiguous headlines can be exposed using the tree diagram, therefore making it a limiting tool to illustrate structural ambiguity. In the final analysis, the study recommended that the newspaper editors should include deck heads to further give meaning to the headlines and to clear any confusion that might be caused by ambiguity in the headline