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Contesting identities
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of English in the Department of English at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2022].This study’s purpose is to interrogate the connection that exists between double-consciousness, belonging and identity among minority ethnic groups in the modern American society. The study also analyses how those Americans who are not predominantly white Americans and have ethnic origins in some parts of the world like Asian and African continents, seem to live less fulfilling lives and resultantly writhe with prejudices and segregation in their quest to achieve the full potential of their lives. The end result of this process is an existential crisis that is directly linked to their contradictory identities. It is in the study that the researcher also asks how societal as well as familial expectations and stereotypes impact on the identity of their members leading to dualism of character (double-consciousness). The focus of this research is thus to analyse the link between the individual, family, societal values and how this complement and influence each other in the formation of identity and belongingness to that particular society
Improving the gateway placement algorithm in long range wide area network (LoRaWAN)
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2022.Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to grow exponentially such that the number of devices connected to the internet will be up to 125 billion by the year 2030. IoT end node devices rely on Gateways for data transmission to the internet and to ensure coverage for IoT devices, Gateways need to be optimally placed. However, physical infrastructure and topography as features of the target area are essential for IoT Gateways optimal placement. Recently, Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) has gained an important role in current communication technologies. It has been used in several applications such as surveillance and rescue systems. Furthermore, the network congestion can be minimised and throughput can be improved by placing many Gateways in the network but on the other hand, deployment cost and interference will increase. Therefore, this work focuses on the Gateway placement algorithms on the newly developed wireless technology called Long Range Wide Area Networks (LoRaWAN) protocol and its performance. A review of existing Gateway Placement Algorithms has been conducted to bring together the state-of-the-art WMN, Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs)-Satellite, Backbone Wireless Mesh Network (BWMN), Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET), 5G cellular network, and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN).These Algorithms were studied in different networks to distinguish each of their strengths and weaknesses that require improvements. Literature provided insight into the performance of the existing Gateway placement algorithms in both short-range and long-range transmission. However, it is still not clear how the algorithms perform in a network that supports long-range transmission technologies such as LPWAN. Arising from the foregoing is the need to evaluate the performance of short-range algorithms in LPWAN environment; to improve the algorithms for a long-range technology such as LoRa; assuming that they showed the prospect of overcoming the drawbacks mentioned in the literature review. This study has improved existing Gateway placement algorithm by firstly evaluating the existing algorithms that were implemented in a different environment i.e., short-range transmission, and determining the strength and drawback of those algorithms. Secondly, after the identification of an algorithm with some promising features that can be integrated into a long-range transmission, it is then improved for Gateway placement in LoRa technology. The algorithm implemented previously was for a different purpose and was implemented in a different network. However, due to its capability in the previous environment which can be beneficiary in a newly developed LoRa technology, the algorithm was improved and implemented in LPWAN environment to improve iv Gateway placement. The simulation results showed that the improved algorithm outperformed the existing algorithms. Some of the outstanding observation with the improved algorithm the SF7 accommodated an average of 25% for LoRa nodes created in both network scenarios where other algorithms could accommodate only 20% of the network average. The increase of Gateways in the network can help to reduce the energy consumption by LoRa nodes even though it can be expensive
The role of school managers in managing conflict between teachers and learners in schools at the Vhembe District
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of academic requirement for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Planning and Administration at the University of Zululand, 2022This study investigated the role of school managers in managing conflicts between teachers and learners in schools at the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. It also described the impact of such conflicts on the academic performance of learners. The study aimed to establish why teachers and learners engage in conflicts, and the role that school managers could play in managing the conflicts. A mixed method approach was used for collection of data. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Both simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 500 participants quantitatively and six respondents for the qualitative data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 32 was used to analyse quantitative data. The study highlighted the significance of communication as the tool to use in conflict resolution through mediation and dialogue by the school managers. The effective way to holistically deal with the conflicts in schools is to involve parents, social workers and school governing bodies. Religious leaders, social workers and community leaders may be required as and when the need arises to address the moral decay. Mediation by school managers plays a significant role in effectively resolving conflicts. Findings further show that some of the conflicts require reaching a compromise between the two conflicting parties
Management practices of competency-based education by primary school principals in Eswatini
Get PDFA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Foundations of Education in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2022.The introduction of Competency-based Education (CBE) in the Eswatini primary schools in 2019 brought about change in the management practices of the primary schools’ principals. They were mandated to see to it that the CBE curriculum is effectively implemented. However, there was minimal capacitation of this CBE curriculum. The aim of this study was to explore the management practices by primary school principals on the Implementation of Competency-based Education in Eswatini. The study followed the pragmatist philosophy and followed a mixed method approach. The skills theory of leadership and the management functions theory were used as lenses that underpinned this empirical study. Two research instruments; the questionnaire and face to face semi structured interviews were utilized for soliciting data from the purposively and conveniently sampled respondents and participants for the quantitative and qualitative data sources, respectively. The findings of this study pointed out that principals do practice their management roles although they have limitations brought by lack of confidence with the CBE curriculum. On the part of the implementability of CBE, the results established some impediments in the implementation. These include the fact that the Eswatini economy proved to be a challenge for the implementability of this curriculum reform, hence the CBE implementation was seen as haphazardly done; Inadequate resources, both human and material, which include infrastructure in the schools and lack of capacity development which affects the implementation of CBE in the schools. The study recommends that government extensively capacitate principals, educators and parents in CBE and provide resources in all schools. A model is proposed from the findings for the realization of effective implementation and management practices by the principals
Investigating the socio-economic development impact of African migrant informal enterprises in Mandeni municipality, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2022.This study investigates the socio-economic development impact of African migrant informal enterprises in Mandeni Local Municipality. Its objectives are to (a) analyse the factors influencing the growth of African migrant informal enterprises in Mandeni Local Municipality, (b) examine the nature and operations of African migrant informal enterprises in Mandeni Local Municipality, (c) evaluate the socio-economic development impacts, in terms of employment creation, poverty reduction, supply of goods and revenue generation of African migrants’ informal enterprises in the study area, and (d) explore South African citizens’ perception of African migrant informal enterprises in the Mandeni Local Municipality. To achieve this, the study utilised a qualitative approach in terms of the use of semi-structured interviews to collect data from research participants who included African migrant informal enterprise owners, the local community members, municipality officials, and community leaders. The study discovered that the majority of the African migrant informal enterprises have settled in this sector as a means of survival. The African migrants opted to start their informal enterprises as a result of a lack of employment. This study showed that African migrant informal enterprises contribute to the socio-economic development in Mandeni. However, the contribution they make is not widely recognised. They may not have a large-scale impact like formal businesses, but the jobs that they create in the local town help alleviate poverty, and such a contribution should not be underestimated. Another finding of the study is that African migrants outperform their local competitors. Therefore, the study recommends that it would be beneficial to establish a relationship between African migrants and local informal entrepreneurs so that they can share knowledge on how to sustain their businesses. In addition, African migrant informal entrepreneurs and local informal entrepreneurs could collaborate through the African migrants mentoring of local informal entrepreneurs. This would help to strengthen the bond between the African migrants and local informal entrepreneurs. Finally, the Mandeni municipality can organize business seminars and invite both the African migrant informal entrepreneurs and local informal entrepreneurs and this would create a positive interaction between African migrants and local informal entrepreneurs. In the long run, this interaction will contribute to the reduction of xenophobia by promoting tolerance toward African migrants, while at the same time assisting attempts to make African migrants a part of the municipality and not to be regarded or seen as a threat. This study contributes to the discipline of Geography by illuminating the socio-economic development impact of the African migrant informal enterprises in a small town like Mandeni municipality. Thus, the novelty, therefore, is that this study helps to show that migration is not always occurring in big urban cities, but that smaller towns like Mandeni are also destinations of choice. While this did not disprove, that cities like Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg are the major attractions, it adds that smaller towns also have an influence and thus deserve appropriate attention in migration studies in the context of Human Geography
South African Study into Healing Planetary Pollution
No full textSouth African Study into Healing Planetary PollutionThe accelerating destructive effects of pollution threaten the existence of all inhabitants of planet earth. Health promotion interventions inevitably include a dynamic harmony of various interacting planetary components and contexts, bio-psycho-social as well as spiritual, cultural and ecological. This study was based on a broad research question as to what would best heal polluted planet earth. As with most countries, South Africa is slowly recovering from the effects of COVID-19. It seemed timeous to investigate a local sample of knowledgeable and experienced persons with regard to their views on pollution prevention and health promotion. Sixteen local KwaZulu-Natal persons responded to an online google questionnaire. There were 5 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 55 and age range from 25 to 73 years. Data analysis using NVivo12 software indicated that participants’ responses generally coalesced into a coherent health promotion theme including subthemes of awareness, education, regulation, and action to prevent human destructiveness, promote healing and the holistic integrity of nature. Unique local findings as well as those similar to other studies are discussed. Further research could include formal scales with larger local and international samples in interconnected, ecological and health promotion initiatives
Effect of the Duration of Progesterone Treatment on Synchronising Oestrus outside the Natural Breeding Season in Merino Ewes
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2022This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the duration of progesterone treatment on
the reproductive performance of South Africa Merino ewes during the spring breeding
season. The study compared the effect of long and short-term progesterone treatment
and its combination with or without equine chorionic gonadotropin on oestrous
response and hormonal profiles. Seventy-six (76) Merino ewes aged between 2–5
years were allocated into two groups, 40 for long-term and 36 for short-term
progesterone treatments. For the long and short-term progesterone treatment groups,
controlled internal drug release devices were inserted for 14 and 11 days, respectively.
At the withdrawal of the controlled internal drug release device, half of each group
were injected intramuscularly with 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin, resulting
in four treatment groups. The oestrous response was monitored using teaser rams.
Blood samples were collected to measure the serum progesterone and oestradiol
concentrations. One-way ANOVA of the SPSS® software (IBM SPSS Statistics,
Version 23.0, 2015, Armonk, NY., USA) was used for statistical analysis. The means
were considered significant at P < 0.05. The overall oestrous response obtained was
96%. A greater proportion of the ewes showed oestrous signs at 48 and 60 hours post
controlled internal drug release withdrawal. There was no significant difference (P >
0.05) in oestrous response and duration between the treatment groups. Overall, the
mean interval to the onset of oestrus in this study was 46.8 ± 1.4 hours. Most ewes
began exhibiting oestrus at 24 and 36 h post controlled internal drug release
withdrawal. There was no significant difference (P = 0.07) in the mean interval to the
onset of oestrus between the treatment groups. Progesterone hormone did not differ
significantly (P > 0.05) between the treatment groups at controlled internal drug
release insertion and removal and 48 hours post removal. However, oestradiol was
significantly higher at controlled internal drug release removal and 48 hours post
removal (P < 0.05) than at insertion in all treated groups. Therefore, it was concluded
that using the progesterone synchronisation protocol, regardless of the duration or
conjunction with eCG treatment, can effectively synchronise oestrus during the spring
breeding season in South Africa Merino ewes. For seasonal breeders who use South
Africa’s spring breeding season, the progesterone oestrous synchronisation protocol
is recommended to improve the reproduction activity in Merino ewes
A blockchain-based firmware update architecture for Long-Range Wide Area Network (LORAWAN)
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2022.Network security is increasingly becoming a critical and continuous issue due to technological advancements. These advancements give rise to several security threats, especially when everything is connected to the Internet. Security in IoT still requires a lot of research and it is receiving a lot of attention both in industry and academic research. IoT devices are designed for special use cases, and most are constrained in resources and lack important security features. The lack of security features enables attackers to compromise IoT devices resulting in the retrieval of sensitive information from the devices. One of the challenges in IoT is ensuring the security of firmware updates on active devices on the Internet. This is a challenge because it becomes difficult to incorporate traditional security techniques due to the limitations in memory and processing capabilities of constrained IoT devices. Thus, IoT devices remain vulnerable and open to security threats. The device manufacturers are required to release firmware updates based on exposed vulnerabilities to fix bugs and improve the functionality of the devices.
However, delivering a new version of the firmware securely to affected devices remains a challenge, especially for constrained devices and networks. This study aims to develop an architecture that utilizes Blockchain and the InterPlanentary File System (IPFS) to secure firmware transmission over a low data rate and constrained Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). The proposed architecture focuses on resource-constrained devices to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authentication through symmetric algorithms by providing high availability and eliminating replay attacks. To demonstrate the usability and applicability of the architecture, a proof of concept was developed and evaluated using low-powered devices and symmetric algorithms.
The experimental results show HMAC-SHA256 as one of the symmetric algorithms utilized in the firmware update process which consumes less memory compared to the CMAC algorithm. When updating the 5 kB of firmware HMAC consumes 6.9 kB of RAM whereas CMAC consumed 7.3 kB. The memory consumption results (RAM and flash) imply that MAC algorithms are adequate in providing security on low-powered devices and are suitable for constrained low-powered devices. This conclusion is premised on the fact that the memory does not exceed the memory of the low-powered device thus, making the proposed architecture feasible for constrained and low-powered LoRaWAN devices.CSI
Perceptions of pregnant women regarding their attendance of antenatal care at selected clinics in the Umzinyathi District Municipality Kwazulu-Natal
Get PDFA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Nursing in the Department of Nursing Science at the University Of Zululand, 2022.Introduction and Background
Attendance of Antenatal Care (ANC) remains prioritised by health care workers and pregnant women in general, as it serves to maintain a healthy pregnancy and positive pregnancy outcomes.
Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to explore perceptions of pregnant women regarding their attendance of antenatal care in the UMzinyathi district municipality how they perceive it and discover the driving/ influencing factors behind ANC attendance.
Methodology and Design
A qualitative approach was used. The study used the In-depth interview method to interview pregnant women attending ANC at 3 clinics in UMzinyathi district municipality. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews. Purposive sampling was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 16 pregnant women attending ANC at the clinics.
Data Analysis
Themes emerged revealed certain factors that influenced attendance pregnant women to attend ANC. These themes addressed various notion of perceptions pregnant women which include the following: The first theme was (i) protection of the baby and the mother; (ii) knowledge benefits regarding fetus and pregnancy related to pregnant women attending to gain knowledge about their state of pregnancy. (iii) Reasons for attending ANC; (iv) Delays in ANC attendance.
Recommendations
Pregnant women should be educated in their communities about the importance of early booking of ANC. Benefits of antenatal care and educating pregnant women on the purpose of ANC to improve attendance of ANC should be emphasised. Midwives should provide health education on importance of attending ANC according to BANC model. Other recommendation include use Mobile clinics for women who do not have the time to go to the clinics as well use of outreach team campaigns to raise awareness about importance of early booking and attendance according to BANC model.
Conclusions
The study findings revealed that although pregnant women who attended ANC, did it for the wrong reasons, and they lacked the knowledge on the benefits of ANC. Health care workers also play their part in negatively influencing ANC attendance through malpractice. A number of factors and determinants of ANC attendance showed that there are still a lot of strategies that need to be introduced to encourage pregnant women to attend ANC. Pregnant women already attending ANC need further education to provide them with knowledge on the purposes of ANC services. Further research is required to develop health literacy
Tacit knowledge management strategies of small and medium-scale enterprises in Kwazulu-Natal province, South Africa
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Library and Information Studies, Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, 2022The study examined the tacit knowledge management strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa. Studies show that small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) are becoming an increasingly important driver of global economic growth due to their ability to innovate new products and services, produce huge quantities of things, enhance exports, improve entrepreneurial skills, and alleviate unemployment concerns. Tacit knowledge, the knowledge that spurs innovation and competitive advantage, has been identified as a resource that can boost the performance and productivity of SMEs, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. This study posits that managing tacit knowledge will reduce SMEs’ operational discontinuity and knowledge loss. There was inadequate evidence of existing knowledge on how South African SMEs manage this knowledge. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the demographic characteristics and their relationships with the tacit knowledge management method, examine the existing methods of managing tacit knowledge, examine the current organisational enabling factors that aid tacit knowledge management, and determine the effectiveness of the existing tacit knowledge management methods, and to propose a tacit knowledge management framework. The study was guided by the socialisation, externalisation, combination, and internalisation (SECI) model of knowledge creation and the knowledge management enabler framework (KMEF). The study adopted the sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach of the post-positivist paradigm, which combined both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A non-probability sampling method with non purposive sampling was used to select SME owners/managers in KZN, South Africa, for the qualitative and quantitative phases of the study, respectively. Twenty (20) SME owners/managers were interviewed for the qualitative phase to explore the research aim and identify themes for the quantitative research instrument. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, while the social sciences (SPSS) statistical package was used to analyse the quantitative data. The findings were integrated using the joint display of data, and the quantitative findings were used to generalise across the study population. The study finds no significant relationships between the educational qualification of SME owners/managers and the year of establishment of SMEs, and tacit knowledge management variables: acquisition, storage, and sharing. It was revealed that KZN SMEs share tacit knowledge mostly in meetings and capture it basically through monitoring. vii The study examined the tacit knowledge management strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa. South Africa is currently seeing an increase in the number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs); given the surge in SMEs, it is critical to pay attention to the elements that determine how these businesses succeed. Studies show that small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) are becoming an increasingly important driver of global economic growth due to SMEs’ ability to innovate new products and services, produce huge quantities of things, enhance exports, improve entrepreneurial skills, and alleviate unemployment concerns. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the demographic characteristics and their relationships with the tacit knowledge management method, examine the existing methods of managing tacit knowledge, examine the current organisational enabling factors that aid tacit knowledge management, and determine the effectiveness of the existing tacit knowledge management methods, and to propose a tacit knowledge management framework. The study was guided by the socialisation, externalisation, combination, and internalisation (SECI) model of knowledge creation and the knowledge management enabler framework (KMEF). The study adopted the sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach of the post-positivist paradigm, which combined both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A non-probability sampling method, purposive sampling, was used to select SME owners/managers in KZN, South Africa, for the qualitative and quantitative phases of the study. Twenty (20) SME owners/managers were interviewed for the qualitative phase to explore the research aim and identify themes for the quantitative research instrument. The quantitative phase targeted 326 SMEs through a Google form (adopted due to the mandatory Covid-19 restrictions). Only 180 responded, representing a 55.2% response rate. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, while the social sciences (SPSS) statistical package was used to analyse the quantitative data. The findings were integrated using the joint display of data, and the quantitative findings were used to generalise across the study population. The sector of SME, type of business ownership, years of experience, gender, age, race, and employee size of respondents were associated with tacit knowledge management variables in the study. However, no association was found between the educational qualification of SME owners/managers and the year of establishment of SMEs and tacit knowledge management variables. Furthermore, it was revealed that KZN SMEs share tacit knowledge mostly in meetings and capture it basically through monitoring. It was also revealed viii that KZN SMEs reward tacit knowledge sharing using mostly non-monetary incentives. Most SME owners agreed that making tacit knowledge sharing a component of employees’ performance appraisal will enable tacit knowledge sharing and management. Additionally, KZN SMEs store tacit knowledge in computers, cloud storage, and physical file cabinets. They also employ computer technologies, e-mails, the Internet, and mobile phones to enable tacit knowledge management. Also, the study revealed that only a few SMEs had experienced a knowledge gap/loss in their organisations because they encourage informal networks and team formation and their employees are committed to teamwork. More than half of the respondents agreed that their current tacit knowledge management strategies need improvement. Also, the studies confirm the applicability of the SECI and KMEF but found that the socialisation and externalising modes of the SECI model take place within overlapping functions. The study concludes that tacit knowledge management among SMEs in KZN requires improvement and recommends creating more opportunities for women in South Africa to participate in SME activities. Likewise, through the relevant agencies, the government of South Africa should introduce various incentives, such as reduced loan interest for women, to boost their interest in entrepreneurship activities. SMEs need to adopt a deliberate approach to managing tacit knowledge by creating an organisational culture that promotes informal and formal interactions. They also need to design systematic tacit knowledge processing and preservation methods to capture, document, and record tacit knowledge. Also, an organisational policy document with inputs from knowledge owners and relevant stakeholders to guide tacit knowledge management is suggested. Furthermore, SME owners should create and improve teams and informal networks and make ICT tools available to preserve tacit knowledge. SMEs that can afford it can consider employing the services of consultant knowledge management officers to conduct periodic knowledge audits to identify knowledge gaps for proactive solutions. The study encountered difficulties getting the respondents’ database through the custodians of KZN SMEs. This limitation was followed by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and social distance restrictions and the July 2021 pro-Zuma protests that disrupted KZN SMEs’ operations. Adopting the online medium would have eliminated SME owners who were not literate, technology-savvy, or had no access to the Internet due to the prevailing load-shedding and loss of ix technological resources caused by the protests. As stated, the study was carried out in KZN Province only. Hence, the study’s findings cannot be generalised to all South African SMEs. This data will be useful for SME owners and governing bodies, such as chambers of commerce and trade and industry ministries, to guide SMEs’ training and development programmes. A major contribution of this study lies in the fact that it was the first to examine SMEs’ tacit knowledge management practices in the province of KZN and South Africa as a whole. In addition, the study adds to the available expert literature by contributing to the concepts of knowledge management, tacit knowledge, explicit knowledge, and tacit knowledge management. The study also contributes a tacit knowledge management model that consists of a knowledge audit designed to assist SMEs in identifying the following components: tacit knowledge subjects with critical expertise, tacit knowledge enablers, tools and systems to facilitate tacit knowledge management, and a combination of the aforementioned to determine the tacit knowledge management methods appropriate for SME