UFS Publications Platform (Univ. of the Free State)
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Evaluation of feedback as an assessment for learning strategy in accounting education
Get PDFFeedback is essential for the development and progress of learners in subjects like accounting. Teachers provide the necessary information about completed work and an opportunity for learners to improve. However, the literature indicates that teachers often struggle to provide effective feedback due to a lack of knowledge in feedback practices that facilitate learning. This study utilised critical pedagogy as a theoretical framework to create a meaningful, just, and conducive learning environment that can change and improve the educational conditions of accounting teachers. Furthermore, the study employed a qualitative research approach with Participatory Action Research (PAR) as the research design, allowing participants to take action to create a transformed teaching and learning environment that provides effective feedback. The study included five participants, selected using purposeful sampling, and data was generated from focus group meetings and workshops. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. The findings indicated that accounting teachers used procedural and evaluative feedback methods to provide feedback, which was found to be ineffective, discouraging, and unclear to learners. However, as PAR was used as a research design, the subsequent findings after the workshop revealed that accounting teachers found descriptive feedback to be an effective method to improve learning. Learners found it to be specific and provide guidance and support
Phases of adoption of One Acre Fund agricultural innovation among smallholder maize farmers, Bungoma County, Kenya
Get PDFThis study examines the adoption of One Acre Fund (OAF) agricultural innovations in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya, in response to declining maise production. Despite agricultural development programs aiding Kenya\u27s economic growth, research shows low technological acquisition. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 204 out of 9,924 OAF-registered farmers using descriptive research design. Inferential statistics were employed to analyse the different phases of adoption, with quantitative data presented in tables. The qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis and incorporated into the results of the inferential analysis as narratives. A situational analysis was performed to assess the status of various types of OAF agricultural innovation among smallholder farmers in the study area. Pairwise ranking was implemented to identify advanced acquisition strategies. The findings revealed that the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, such as age (p = 0.002), marital status (p = 0.000), level of education (p = 0.001), family size (p = 0.047), non-farm work (p = 0.327), and size of land (p = 0.110), significantly influenced the adoption of the OAF agricultural innovations. The study also indicated that the adoption phases were impacted by factors such as group memberships (p = 0.047), farm visits (p = 0.012), and training (p = 0.000). Based on the findings, the study recommends the implementation of awareness programs, crop insurance, the establishment of farm cooperatives, and the strengthening of farmers\u27 knowledge systems to enhance OAF maise output and achieve food security
The need for skills development among SMTEs in Mnquma Municipality, South Africa
Get PDFThis study aims to examine the impact of educational qualifications and skills development on the managerial competencies and performance of Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) in Mnquma Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research design employed in this study is descriptive, and a total of 64 SMTE owners and managers were selected through purposive sampling. The data collection process involved the use of self-administered questionnaires, which included items on demographic information and insights into training and skills development initiatives. The findings of the study indicate that 51.7% of the respondents hold a diploma or degree, while only 8.6% possess postgraduate qualifications, suggesting the existence of a potential gap in advanced managerial skills. A significant majority of the respondents (77.6%) agree that training workshops, seminars, and conferences are beneficial for enhancing managerial competencies. However, the study also reveals that there are barriers preventing access to these opportunities, as indicated by 22.4% of respondents who were undecided or disagreed on their value. Overall, the study emphasises the importance of tailored training programs that address the specific needs of SMTE managers in rural areas. Enhanced skills development is crucial for enhancing the operational efficiency and sustainability of SMTEs, thereby contributing to broader economic growth. In conclusion, investing in skills development initiatives can significantly enhance the performance and sustainability of SMTEs in Mnquma Municipality, thus fostering economic growth and development in the region. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to support the small business sector in rural areas
Student perspectives on optimising AI tools to enhance personalised learning in higher education
Get PDFThis explanatory qualitative paper discusses students’ recommendations on how AI tools can be optimised to enhance personalised learning in higher education. There are several obstacles to the successful adoption and application of AI technology, two of which are user acceptance and striking a balance between AI-assisted and conventional teaching techniques. The Technology Acceptance Model is used in this research as a theoretical framework to analyse how users accept and use technology. It makes the case that users’ acceptance of technology is mostly influenced by their perceptions of its usefulness and ease of use, which can direct the creation of strategies to enhance the application and efficacy of AI technologies in individualised learning. Open-ended questionnaires were given to 40 University of the Free State students from different faculties as part of a qualitative explanatory case study methodology. The findings reveal that both students and lecturers need to be trained in using AI tools and that there should be a balance between using AI tools and traditional teaching methods to enhance personalised learning in higher education. Considering the findings, the study suggests that institutions and lecturers need to address the challenges posed by AI tools immediately and leverage AI to its full potential in creating an effective and personalised learning environment by establishing clear ethical guidelines and policies for AI usage in higher education and implementing comprehensive AI literacy programs for lecturers and students to ensure they understand the capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI tools
Gender emancipation and its impact on happiness: An examination of the happy wife, happy life formula
Get PDFThe adage "happy wife, happy life" implies that women\u27s gender emancipation could contribute to the overall societal quality of life. However, it raises at least two questions: Does advancing women\u27s rights lead to increased happiness for women? Is it possible that advancing women’s rights occurs at the expense of men? The study examines the relationship between gender emancipation and happiness, aiming to determine whether gender emancipation genuinely enhances the happiness of both women and men, and whether the focus on women’s well-being might negatively impact men. Data from the World Values Survey were used to conduct cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. The cross-sectional analysis focused on the relationship between emancipation and happiness, while the longitudinal analysis explored trends in gender emancipation and happiness from the 3rd cohort (1995-1998) to the 7th cohort (2017-2022). Women had higher gender emancipation scores, but the genders did not differ significantly in happiness scores. Surprisingly, there was no significant correlation between gender emancipation and happiness, whether analysing the entire sample or each gender separately. Longitudinal data revealed increasing gender emancipation and happiness over time. This similarity in trends was interpreted as a spurious relationship. It was hypothesised that happiness could stem from gender emancipation. However, despite longitudinal data revealing growing gender emancipation and happiness for both sexes, the cross-sectional analysis showed no such correlations. Gender emancipation and happiness, as measured by the World Values Survey, were not related. Emancipation does not necessarily equate to a happy life
Empowering teachers: Enhancing Business Studies teachers\u27 technology integration skills through technology peer mentoring
Get PDFSchools worldwide are continually seeking out various strategies to improve teachers\u27 skills in integrating technology. One strategy that some schools adopt to enhance teachers\u27 technology integration skills is technology peer mentoring. This qualitative study investigates how technology peer mentoring is used to enhance the technology integration skills of business studies teachers in selected schools in South Africa. Interpretivism was adopted as the research paradigm, and an exploratory case study was used as the research design for this study. Purposive sampling was used to select six business studies teachers from six secondary schools located in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected through semi-structured interviews. The study revealed that business studies teachers benefited immensely from their colleagues in the fields of Computer Application Technology and Information Technology during technology peer mentoring. This is because IT and CAT teachers possess both pedagogical and technological knowledge, which makes it easier for them to mentor business studies teachers in integrating technology into their instructional practices. The study concluded that technology peer mentoring helps enhance teachers\u27 technology integration skills. Therefore, the study recommends that technology peer mentoring be adopted in South African schools as part of the strategies to enhance teachers\u27 technology integration skills
Physics difficulty and problem-solving: Exploring the role of mathematics and mathematical symbols
Get PDFReports of difficulty in physics has been documented over the years, especially at the senior secondary level. The application of mathematics as a tool for understanding physical phenomena and problem-solving is well-established. The use of symbols and mathematical rigour is essential for effective problem-solving in physics. However, the teaching and learning of physics have encountered barriers, as highlighted in the literature on competencies in this field. This study focuses on exploring the interlink, context, and associated barriers in the teaching and learning of physics by reviewing existing literature on the application of mathematics and mathematical symbols. Through a theory synthesis design, the study examined the current state of literature on mathematical problem-solving in physics, as well as the differences between mathematising and the application of mathematics in physics. The competencies required of teachers and students were also highlighted in order to better equip physical sciences teachers to address the challenges faced by students in learning physics. The literature suggests that a well-sequenced approach to topics by both mathematics and physics teachers can facilitate knowledge transfer among students. Teachers are encouraged to provide step-by-step guidance to address students\u27 mathematical deficiencies, particularly in the physics aspect of the physical sciences curriculum at the further education and training (FET) phase. It is recommended that topics between physics and mathematics be aligned and mathematical concepts be pre-teach to enhance students\u27 contextual knowledge transfer
Deposit Money Bank Credit and Non-Oil Export in Nigeria
Get PDFThe non-oil sectors play a crucial role in driving industrial transformation and generating foreign exchange for a nation. Therefore, the performance of this sector is influenced by the implementation of policies and programs, as well as the availability of credit facilities from deposit money banks (DMBs). This study examines the relationship between DMBs\u27 credit and non-oil exports in Nigeria from 1986 to 2022. The data is analysed using the bounds test co-integration procedure of Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). The results indicate that there is a significant (Prob. < 0.05) positive relationship between DMBs\u27 credit and exchange rates. Furthermore, DMBs\u27 lending rate and inflation rate demonstrate a significant negative relationship, while gross fixed capital formation shows an inverse relationship with non-oil exports in Nigeria. The causality test reveals no causality between bank credit to non-oil sectors, exchange rate, and the volume of non-oil exports in Nigeria. However, there is a unidirectional causality between gross fixed capital formation, the lending rate of banks, the inflation rate, and non-oil exports in Nigeria. Based on these findings, it is recommended that both the government and the monetary authorities make concerted efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic variables and promote growth-oriented programs meant to boost the aim of enhancing the production of locally produced goods in the non-oil sectors of Nigeria. Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria should consider reducing the bank rate, as this would directly impact other rates within the country
Consumer behavioural model and the mediating role of branding concept on consumer willingness to purchase electronics products
Get PDFThis study ascertained the impact of the consumer behavioural model and the mediating role of the branding concept on consumer willingness to purchase a Samsung family brand in South Africa. This objective is motivated by the highly competitive and dynamic nature of the electronics market, where various factors influence consumers in their decision-making processes. Consequently, additional conceptual variables may also affect consumers\u27 willingness to purchase a Samsung family brand. To achieve the study\u27s objective, a quantitative research method was employed, involving data collection from 150 students at a university in Mthatha. Inferential statistical analysis was conducted through structural equation modelling to elucidate the relationships between variables, utilising SmartPLS and SPSS software as analytical tools. The findings of this study revealed a positive and significant impact of individual factors and branding concepts on consumer willingness to purchase the Samsung family brand. In contrast, social factors and the purchase situation exhibited a positive impact but were deemed insignificant regarding consumer willingness to purchase the brand. Therefore, it is established that, in addition to the positive impact of the consumer behavioural model on consumer willingness to purchase a Samsung family brand, the branding concept also plays a mediating role in this willingness. This study recommends that dealers and marketers of the Samsung family brand place greater emphasis on consumer-valued aspects of both social factors and the purchasing situation, with a particular focus on individual factors and the branding concept, to attract more consumers, particularly rural university students in South Africa
Adopting WhatsApp to support flipped learning in resource-constrained business studies classrooms in South Africa
Get PDFNowadays, business studies teachers integrate WhatsApp into their lessons to enhance their instructional practice. This qualitative study investigates the role of WhatsApp in supporting flipped learning in business studies classrooms. The interpretive paradigm was adopted, and an exploratory case study was employed as the research design. Social constructivism theory was used as the lens through which to view the study, while purposive sampling was utilised to select six business studies teachers from six secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that WhatsApp played a significant role in supporting flipped learning in business studies. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that WhatsApp is integral to supporting flipped learning in resource-constrained schools. Thus, it is recommended that South African schools allow and formalise the use of WhatsApp as a learning tool to transform pedagogies