UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Perceptions of registered nurses on emotional needs and their role in meeting emotional needs of patients at Engela hospital, Ohangwena region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Masters (Nursing Science)Meeting emotional needs is considered a central component of nursing care. Nurses today are expected to meet emotional needs of patients. It is however not clear whether nurses perceive their role in meeting the emotional needs of patients rather than physical needs only. Therefore, the study titled: The perceptions of registered nurses on their role in meeting emotional needs of patients at Engela Hospital, Ohangwena region, Namibia” was conducted. The aim was to explore and describe the perceptions of registered nurses on their role in meeting emotional needs of patients at Engela Hospital, Ohangwena Region, in order to make recommendations for the reinforcement of emotional support for patients. In order to meet the aims and objectives, this study has used the qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design to determine the perceptions of registered nurses on their role in meeting the emotional needs of patients at Engela Hospital. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted at Engela hospital. Twenty (20) registered nurses employed at Engela hospital and purposively sampled, participated in this study. The interviews were conducted until data saturation. Interviews were recorded with audio-recorder and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed following the methodology provided by Botma et al (2010). The study identified four (4) themes and several sub-themes forming part of the findings of the study. The four identified themes were: Participants perceived different negative emotions during patient’s hospitalisation that needs to be met such as anger, anxiety, fear, stigma and depression. Participants perceived psycho-social and physical factors that contribute to patient’s emotions such as pain, diagnosis, isolation, relationships, and ii cultural and spiritual factors. Participant perceived their roles in meeting emotional needs such as reassuring, referring, counseling, rendering holistic care and allowing personal preferences. Finally, Participants perceived barriers to fulfill their role in meeting emotional needs of patients such as shortage of staff, lack of privacy and lack of freedom in patients they express their feelings. Therefore, the study concluded that registered nurses perceived their role in meeting patient’s emotional needs. However, the study has also identified barriers that affect the registered nurses from meeting the emotional needs of patients at Engela hospital. Finally, the study recommends supervision by management on emotional support by nurses, nurse educators emphasise on emotional care and further methodological sound research obtaining the views of both parties involved
An investigation into the causes of construction delays in capital projects in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Management Strategy)The majority of capital projects in Namibia do not get completed within the initially
set targets in terms of time. Project delays frustrate the process of development, have an immeasurable cost implication on the society and also lead to loss of reputation of the parties involved in the projects’ execution. There has been an increase in expenditure in recent years towards capital projects in the country, yet those that are to benefit from the projects are concerned with completion of these infrastructures.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of construction delays in capital projects in Namibia. Forty (40) causes of capital project delays were identified through literature review. Questionnaires were administered across stakeholders that included project coordinators at the Ministry of Works and Transport (Department of Works)Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Engineers registered with the different professional bodies, to gather their views on causes of construction delays. A mixed method approach was applied for this research. The study grouped the causes of delay into four main groups of client/user – client related, consultant related, contractor related and external related. They were then assessed for their impacts on delay using the Relative Importance Index (RII) as a basis for analysis and ranking of the causes of delays. In addition to the identified causes of delays, the sampled experts were also request to provide expert opinions on what they deem to be factors causing delay on the construction of capital projects, as well as the mitigating measures thereof. The most important causes were slowness in decision making by the client due to bureaucracy, delayed payments for work done by the client to the contractor, stoppage
of work on-site due to cashflow constraints on the part of the client, financial
indiscipline on the part of the contractor, poor site management and supervision on the
part of the contractor and difficulties in financing the project by the contractor. The
study submits a number of recommendations in mitigating delays for the client/user
client, consultants, contractors and for external related delays which amongst others include hastening the decision-making process on the part of the client and timely settlement of interim payments to contractors. Also, improved communication amongst consultants, financial discipline for the contractors and the timely analysis of environmental and soil conditions ahead of actual construction
An assessment of the strategies for mitigating pharmaceutical supply chain disruption during covid -19 at the Central Medical Stores Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Management Strategy)The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the public sector pharmaceutical
supply chain in Namibia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies
for mitigating pharmaceutical supply chain disruption during COVID-19 using
Central Medical Stores Namibia as a case study. The study employed a case study
design to intensively explore the research area. Unstructured interviews were
conducted with seven pharmacists from Central Medical Stores who were purposively selected. Data was analysed using thematic analysis with aid of
ATLAS.ti software. The study found that there needs to be government intervention
to encourage local manufacturing, international intervention to prevent hording of
pharmaceuticals by rich nations, adoption of long-term procurement contracts, establishing good communication with suppliers, having sufficient budget for
pharmaceuticals, training employees in supply chain management and adequate
storage space in order to mitigate pharmaceutical supply chain challenges at the
Central Medical Stores during COVID-19. The study recommends that the
government should encourage local manufacturing to reduce heavy reliance on
foreign countries, adequate funds should be budgeted for the CMS, the CMS
warehouse should be upgraded, training in pharmaceutical supply chain management should be offered to CMS employees, long term procurement contracts should be adopted, government should provide logistical support to the CMS and the CMS should improve communication with supplier
Determination of natural radioactivity in the soil of Omaruru, Namibia
No full textA mini thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Nuclear Science)In this study, the level of natural radioactivity and associated hazards has been evaluated for 50 soil samples from the town of Omaruru in western Namibia. Activity concentrations (Bqkg-1) of the primordial radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K in these soil samples were determined using a gamma-ray spectroscopy system with a High Purity Germanium detector (HPGe). These activity concentrations of the primordial radionuclides were calculated by using the intensities of selected gamma lines in the spectra as emitted by the radionuclides. The samples were collected from ten geographical areas which are inhabited localities in the town. The obtained results of activity concentrations for every soil sample was compared with the worldwide average values as recommended by UNSCEAR 2000. The values of activity concentration of 238U have been found to lie in the range of 39.4 - 111.1 Bq kg-1, with an average value of 63.9 ± 15.4 Bq kg-1, the values of activity concentration of 232Th ranged from 49.5 - 231.7 Bq kg-1 with an average value of 120.0 ± 42.9 Bq kg-1 and the values of activity concentration of 40K ranged from 692.4 - 1425.5 Bq kg-1, with an average value of 1136.7 ± 197.8 Bq kg-1
. The absorbed dose rates and annual effective dose as well as the radiation hazard indices in the soil samples, were calculated by employing the determined activity concentration values of 238U, 232Th and 40K. The total absorbed dose rate varied from 90.9 to 230.2 nGyh-1, with the average value of 149.4 ± 35.2 nGyh-1 and subsequently the annual effective dose ranged between 0.112 to 0.282 mSvy -1, with an average value of 0.183 ± 0.043 mSvy-1. This result of the annual effective dose is much lower than the recommended maximum permissible dose rate of 1.0 mSvy-1. The implication thereof is that the town of Omaruru has a normal background radiation. Additionally, the average value of the radium equivalent activity was 323.0 ± 80.2 Bq kg-1, and is lower than the recommended maximum value of 370 Bq kg-1. Furthermore, the average external hazard index, which was 0.87 ± 0.22, is also below the recommended safe level of 1. Based on these results, the radiological hazard is low in Omaruru.
The results obtained in this study would be useful in establishing a baseline data to serve as a future reference in confirming possible changes in the environmental radioactivity as a result of any nuclear and related activities
Potential of selected microalgae in bioremediation of wastewater polluted dam water: A case of Goreangab dam in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA research thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Biological sciences)The study was aimed at determining the efficacy of freshwater microalgae in the treatment of polluted dam water with respect to the reduction of pathogen loads, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals and nutrients. Microalgae collected to treat water samples from the Goreangab Dam were collected from the Klein Windhoek River, Avis Dam as well as the Goreangab Dam. Identification of the microalgae species revealed the presence of the Microcystis species in the Goreangab Dam (control), Anabaena species in the Klein Windhoek River (treatment 1) and the Scenesdesmus species as well as the Anabaena species in the Avis Dam (treatment 2). The water samples in 12 L conical flasks each containing 1.5 L of Goreangab Dam water were treated in a greenhouse facility at the University of Namibia for a period of 12 days. Triplicate 100 ml samples were collected from the flask at day 0, day 6 and day 12 and quantitatively assessed for faecal and total coliform bacteria, heavy metals (Pb and Cd) as well as nutrients (phosphorous and nitrates). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that there were no statistical differences between the mean values of Pb (p = 0.346) and Cd (p = 0.940) concentrations after treatment with microalgae. The Kruskal Wallis tests indicated statistical differences between the mean values of the nitrate levels (H(3) = 8.597 , p = 0.035) after treatment with microalgae. And the Pair Wise Comparisons indicated significant differences in nitrate uptake between treatment 1 and treatment 2 (p = 0.039) and also between treatment 2 and treatment 3 (p=0.005). However, the ANOVA indicated that there were no significant differences between the mean values of total phosphate uptake (p = 0.052) after treatment with microalgae. The results for pathogen loads in the wastewater samples indicated that there were statistical differences between the mean values of total coliform ((H(3) = 10.352 , p = 0.015) after treatment with microalgae. Further, the Pair Wise Comparisons indicated significant differences in total coliform removal between the control and the consortium (p = 0.040), between the control and treatment 2 (p=0.002) and between treatment 1 and treatment 2 (p = 0.040). Additionally, for faecal coliform presence the results indicated statistical differences between the mean values (H(3) = 10.421 , p = 0.015) after treatment with microalgae and the Pair Wise Comparisons indicated significant iii differences in faecal coliform removal between the control and treatment 2 (p = 0.002), between the control and the consortium (p=0.041) and also between treatment 1 and treatment 2 (p = 0.041). Given this evidence the use of microalgae in bioremediation is effective in the removal of pathogen loads and excessive nutrients from wastewater
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support midwives affected by maternal deaths and stillbirths in Khomas region, Namibia
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public HealthGlobally, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) has become a vital workplace programme that assists employees in managing personal and work-related problems. EAP aims to provide midwives with the ability to cope with the demands of their professional and private lives through various mechanisms. EAPs can play an essential role in helping midwives and their family members balance work and personal life demands whilst supporting employers' goals towards improved and continuing levels of workplace productivity. Since midwives work autonomously,
they are inherently exposed to traumatic situations, such as Maternal Deaths (MD) and Fresh Still Births (FSB), which may occur daily due to the nature of their work. However, this programme is considered a neglected component in attempts to uphold and improve midwives' wellbeing in the midwifery profession as there is limited literature for Namibia. Therefore, this study targeted the Khomas Region because it has the highest MD and Stillbirths (SBs) in Namibia. The study aimed to develop an EAP that supports midwives affected by maternal deaths and
stillbirths in the Khomas Region. The study was conducted with a pragmatic worldview at two public referral hospitals in the Khomas Region. The study was based on a mixed method approach that includes a convergent parallel design in which the qualitative part used a descriptive, exploratory and contextual design. In addition, the quantitative part used cross sectional design. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase 1 comprised of situational analysis based on the
four objectives that correspond with the study population: midwives. Qualitative data was collected to explore and describe midwives' experiences affected by MD and FSB using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and individual interviews. Four FGDs and four individual interviews were conducted with midwives from two state hospitals. Midwives were purposively sampled, and a total of 29 midwives participated in the qualitative part of the study. FGDs and individual interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data was analysed using content
analysis and coded using Tech's steps of open-coding. Five themes and 21 sub-themes were identified. In addition, quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire to determine the occupational exposure of midwives to MD and FSB, evaluate the self-reported level of stress among midwives due to exposure to MD and FSB, and to determine the coping mechanism used by midwives to cope with MD and FSB in the absence of EAP. Since the population was small, a total population sampling was used (n=140). Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and SPSS AMOS version 23. The study showed that the midwives experienced varied challenges such as MD and FSB effects on midwives, high exposure to MD and FSB with inadequate professional and environmental support, death distress among midwives, and difficulties related to the emotional versus problem focused coping mechanism.
The study’s phase 2 conceptualised the findings from phase 1 and led to the development of the study's conceptual framework based on the Practice Theory by Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968) survey list components such as agent (the researcher, counsellor and management), recipient (midwives), context (health facilities), dynamics (challenges hampering the successful development of an EAP), procedure (EAP and implementation strategies developed) and terminus (the ability of midwives to cope with MDs and FSBs). In addition, Phase 3 of the study developed an EAP to support midwives affected by MDs and SBs in the Khomas Region. The EAP was developed according to Lokanadha and Mohan (2010) Quality of Work Life Model. The programme description includes a philosophical basis, aim, principles, objectives, approach, the content of EAP/activities, expected outcome and evaluation of the process. The implementation strategies for the programme were also developed according to Howe's (2011) Compass Aligned Performance System (C@PS) model which is a strategic management tool simplify the strategies and plan to implement designed strategies. Four strategies were developed, and these are the provision of support services to midwives through EAP at the workplace, training of midwives on how to deal with MD and FSB, motivation of midwives through a visible support system from management and training of supervisors on the EAP, and how to make referrals. A team of experts verified the EAP and implementation strategies after development. Based on the findings, it is concluded that MD and FSB affect midwives, high exposure, high death distress, and midwives use various coping mechanisms, hence the need to address these challenges. The study made recommendations based on the study findings for practice, education and future research. It is further recommended that hospitals in the Khomas Region implement the EAP to support midwives on how to cope with MD and FSB
Investigating the impact of performance management system on employee job satisfaction at Namibia Revenue Agency, Windhoek
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Public Sector Management)Namibia Customs, now NAMRA has identified the Performance Management
System (PMS) as a vehicle to achieve national goals and objectives. However,
PMS implementation appears ungainly, with little to show. To this end, the
Namibia Revenue Agency in Windhoek should evaluate the influence of
performance management on employee satisfaction. This study's goal is to
determine whether employees and managers comprehend the impact and goals
of the PMS. It also explores and offers solutions to NAMRA's management and
staff. This study employed a quantitative research approach. To further
understand the impact of PMS on employee job satisfaction at NAMRA,
structured questionnaires with Likert-type scale questions were employed to
collect data. The survey sampled 150 workers of the Namibia Revenue Agency
(NAMRA). The population was made up of250 personnel based at Hosea Kutako
NAMRA. 150 people were chosen to participate in the study using simple
random sampling method. The data from the questionnaires was analysed and
summarised using tables, graphs, and charts. This study revealed that the
employees perceive that PMS can improve performance at NAMRA if properly
communicated, and they also show a good understanding of PMS objectives.
However, they feel that the implementation of PMS at NAMRA is ineffectively
communicated and this affects or leads to job dissatisfaction. The Directorate of
Sport has failed and is ineffective, because it is not adapted to the current
available setting and environment of sport. Additionally, the lack of prioritisation
of planned activities makes financial resources, and the application of PMS at
NAMRA and its implementation difficult as it puts a strain on the limited
resources. This finding is reflected by the main challenges of non-participation
of employees in the decision-making processes. This thesis recommends that a
manager-employee relationship should be created to improve the employee manager relationship and communication on clear alignment of implementing the
strategic plan, annual plan and performance agreements. This should be done in
order to create and sustain a performance- orientated culture, which would
enhance employees' commitment and
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dedication towards the achievement of NAMRA objectives and goals as aligned
to the National Development Plan Five (NOP 5
Evaluating the effectiveness of internal control systems in Small and Medium Enterprises in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Accounting and FinanceThis study was prompted by the desire to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control
systems in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Windhoek, Namibia. The research
focused on determining the existence and level of implementation of internal controls in
SMEs in Windhoek, examining if Windhoek SMEs are experiencing problems that could
result from implementing ineffective systems of internal controls and identifying the barriers
that may prevent Windhoek entrepreneurs from implementing adequate systems of internal
control. The target population consisted of 61 Windhoek based and registered SMEs that
submitted their company profiles to the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for
procurement purposes. Fifty (50) SMEs were randomly selected for the sample which was
calculated using the Krejcie and Morgan formula. Primary data were collected using a set of
questionnaires while secondary data were sourced from various journals, textbooks, and other
publications. The study applied conventional descriptive statistics for data analysis. The
findings revealed that respondents' businesses are lacking some principles of COSO's five
key components of internal control, therefore, the effectiveness of internal control systems
could not be established in their companies. It was further established that respondents
ranging from 28.9 - 76.3 percent are going through problems resulting in embezzlement or
loss of assets due to theft and unintentional errors, while their resources are used ineffectively
resulting in shortages of funds and failure of companies to meet operational, reporting and
compliance goals. Issues related to lack of resources, malpractices and lack of knowledge
were among the barriers that were found to prevent Windhoek entrepreneurs from
implementing effective internal control systems. It is recommended that efforts need to be
made to develop entrepreneurs' knowledge on the importance of implementing effective
internal control systems for the sustainability of their businesses while contributing more to
employment creation and to the country's economic developmen
Assessment of challenges faced by start-up entrepreneurs in accessing funding in Namibia: Case of Windhoek
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Development Finance)The high unemployment rate and poverty have driven many people to become innovative and start their own businesses. However, for some of these businesses to exist or develop, they need start-up capital or funding from financial service institutions. It is however imperative to assess the challenges faced by start-ups in Namibia when accessing funding for their businesses. The problem is that the Ministry of Industry, Trade & SME Development acknowledged that start-ups access to funding in Namibia has not been a priority to traditional financial institutions as they perceived SMEs to be high-risk investments because about 97% of Namibian SMEs are considered non-bankable. Therefore, the study explores the challenges faced by start-up entrepreneurs when accessing funding to grow their businesses in Windhoek. The study adopted a qualitative research approach where 15 start-up business owners (5x SMEs from Bokamoso Incubation Centre, 5x SMEs from Oshetu Community Market (Single Quarters) and 5x SMEs from Katutura Youth Complex participants) were interviewed. Findings indicate that start-ups longed to access funding to boost their businesses but were ignorant of the requirements needed by financial institutions. With regards to factors that hindered start-ups from accessing funding from financial institutions, start-ups experienced difficulties due to lack of collateral, absence of proper business plans and financial statements, lack of evidence that show business capacity and lack of experience in the business venture and management skills. To improve access to funding, it was suggested for financial institutions to be inclusive in their provision of funding to businesses, sacrifice some risk capital for start-ups as well as train and mentor startups on applying for funding. Furthermore, the government was to bail out start-ups, build more incubation spaces and ensure a conducive environment for start-ups to operate their businesses and grow them
Examining factors affecting the entrepreneurial action among small scale farmers in the Etunda Green scheme project Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurship)The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting the entrepreneurial action of the small-scale farmer’s at the Namibian green scheme
irrigation project. The study precisely aimed to assess both the limiting and
success factors affecting the small-scale farmer’s as well as to evaluate the
current entrepreneurial process model in application. The study used a
quantitative research approach to produce descriptive statistics of the agricultural
entrepreneurs concerning their experiences when starting up or operating their
ventures. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires by conducting a
survey with 42 small-scale farmers at the Etunda Green scheme irrigation project.
The study used Microsoft Excel analysis tool pack to analyse the data. The key
findings revealed that the majority of small-scale farmers operating at the project
are obstructed by some elements of policy environment, finance, business
support services, market environment, infrastructure as well as ecological factors.
Furthermore, the attainment factors found in the study comprised of the farmer’s
level of education, labour regulations, telecommunications and political stability
in the region. The study findings offers policymakers and practitioners a blueprint
for developing entrepreneurship in an agricultural context, recommending that
sectoral linkages should be strengthened and government should target elements
that would improve the overall performance of the Namibian agricultural sector.
This study was based mainly on quantitative data collected only from 42 small scale farmers and all the items used in the data collection were self-reporting
measures, an alternative approach could incorporate the perspective of the project
management. Further research need to explore technical specifics regarding the
perception around the established limiting or success factors affecting the
entrepreneurship action of the small-scale farmers as well as the impact of
agricultural entrepreneurial performance on farmers’ livelihoods at the Namibian
Green scheme