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Election cost and turnout assessment
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Public Administration in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].The participation of the citizens in decisions on how a country is being governed is a crucial enterprise in a democratic entity. In Nigeria and every other developing democracy in the world, the credible and most available platform for citizens to participate in politics is election. However, this platform is witnessing a decline in the rate of voter turnout, which is a global challenge facing election throughout the world. The reality of Nigeria indicates that since 2011 to 2019, general elections in Nigeria have been characterized by declining voter turnout in all elections between the periods studied, from 52.6 % in 1999 to 35.6 % in 2019. A lot of reasons have been adjudged to be the cause of this declining voter turnout by extant literatures ranging from electoral violence, election fraud and apathy on the part of the voters. This research delved into the problem of decreasing voter turnout by investigating and identifying the ways in which the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) can influence the low voter turnout in Nigeria through their administration of election processes and procedures.
The study looked at the root causes of low voter turnout and explores how Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) procedures contribute to low voter turnout. Using Political Participation Theory to look at increment in turnout as nothing but reasonable participatory form of democracy and decline in turnout as dissatisfaction with both the political class and the political system. While National Determinant Theory of the Determinant Theory of Voter Turnout to explain how those administrative processes and procedures of INEC in the conduct of elections serve as impediments to voters from accessing the ballot. The theory explains that voter behaviour is determined greatly by processes and procedures of INEC that prevent various categories of voters from carrying out their civic responsibility of voting, these election administrative processes and procedures have a national outlook and affect voting behaviour nationwide. This theory was also employed to analyze the universality of responses among election officials, security agents engaged in election security, and other groups of voters excluded from voting due to election administrative processes and procedures, as interviewed during the course of the research. The research also utilised theory of Election Administrative inclusiveness in the electoral process to explain causes of voter turnout that is based on the exclusion of the People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in the administration of election process and procedures in Nigeria. Furthermore, the theory was utilized to scrutinize diverse responses from participants interviewed, revealing that certain election administrative procedures in Nigeria appear stringent, cumbersome, and not voter friendly. Consequently, these procedures have violated the principle of election inclusiveness. It also identifies the impacts of low voter turnout on the outcome of elections in Nigeria and at the same time recommended futuristic innovations in election administration that can enhance voter turnout in Nigeria.
The study adopted qualitative methodological approach as data for this study were sourced from both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data were sourced using semi-structured interview method to gather data from 30 respondents who were purposively selected based on their knowledge and experience on the electoral process in Nigeria especially during the period under review. While the data gathered was analysed using Qualitative Content Analysis. On the other hand, secondary data were sourced from relevant extant literatures on the subject matter. Hence, secondary data was sourced from textbooks, journal and magazine articles, newspaper reports, official documents and gazettes, and the Internet. The secondary data complemented the primary data for this study.
The findings in this study indicated that election administrative processes and procedures of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was a major cause of low voter turnout in elections in Nigeria between 2011 and 2019, and that the ineptitude of these election administrative processes and procedures of INEC such as failure of INEC to allow election officials, security agents, domestic election observers and essential workers who are registered voters to vote, failure of INEC to provide polling units in new settlements and failure of polling unit set up by INEC to take care of the people with disabilities (PWDs) contributed immensely to the persistent low voter turnout being experienced in the electoral process in Nigeria in the period under review. Moreover, the study revealed that low voter turnout caused by ineptitude election administrative process and procedures of INEC posed immense danger to the electoral process and the country at large. Such danger as inequality of the electoral process was regarded as an affront to the principle of democracy that centres on the rule of the majority. It also perceived low voter turnout as an undermining factor to the legitimacy of the party declared winner and the possibility of the emergence of unpopular candidate which is the foundation to legitimacy crisis of any government that emanated from an election with low voter turnout. The study concludes by making several recommendations aimed at improving the electoral process in Nigeria. These recommendations include encouraging early voting by election officials, security agents, domestic election observers, and essential workers. The other recommendations also include the continuous establishment of additional polling units, particularly in newly developed areas, to ensure that residents in these areas have convenient access to polling stations without the need for extensive travel or facing logistical challenges and enhancing the setup of polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make it more accessible for people with disabilities (PWDs) to cast their votes easily, thereby ensuring that their voting rights are upheld. These proposed measures are considered forward-looking administrative innovations that INEC could adopt to reduce the disenfranchisement of voters and increase voter turnout in future Nigerian elections, ultimately serving as a progressive step towards enhancing voter participation in the country.OKUHUNYUSHWE NGOLIMI LWESIZULU
ISIFINGQO
Isifundo sihlola ngokuqhathanisa umthelela wezindleko zokuvota ekuphathweni kokuvota e Nigeria nase Mzansi Africa. Umbuzo obalulekile ukuthi, ngabe izindleko eziphezulu ezichithwa ezindlekweni zokuvota ziholela ekutheni izinhlaka zokuphatha (EMBs) ziphathe umsebenzi wokuvota ngeqophelo eliphezulu ukuze zikhiphe imiphumela yokuvota ethembekile eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika? Isifundo sihlola amazinga ezindleko zokuphatha izinhlelo zokuvota eNigeria nase Mzansi Afrika, zihlola ukusebenza kahle kokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria nasezansi Afrika, kuvezwa izinto eziwumthelela wokunyuka kwezindleko zokuvota eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika, kuhlolwe nemthelela yezindleko zokuvota ekusebenzeni kwezinhlaka zokuphatha (EMBs) ekuphathweni kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika; kwakhonjwa neminye imithelela ethonya ukuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Lesisifundo sivele sabaluleka njengoba kungekho ukuvumelana kwemibhalo ekhona ekutheni, izindleko ezichithwa okhethweni zichaza ukuzebenza kangcono kwezikhungo eziphethe ukhetho (EMBs) ekuphathweni nasekukhipheni imiphumela yokhetho ethembekile. Lesisfundo sifuna ukuqhathanisa indaba phakathi kweNigeria noMzansi Afrika. Lesisifundo sisebenzise ulwazi lokuqala nolwesibili oluqoqwe eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Sithathe umklamo wohlolocwaningo, indlela eyingqayizivele yokuqoqa nokucwaninga ulwazi, nocwaningo lwendlela yokutolika/yokwakha. Ulwazi lokuqala lwatholakala nokuxoxisana nabantu izigaba eziyizigamu. Kwakhethwa abantu abangamashumi amabili nanye (21) ukuze kuxoxiswane nabo ezikhungweni zokuvota ezibambe iqhaza kulamazwe ekufundwa ngawo, mayelana nesipiliyoni, ubuchwepheshe Kanye nokuzibandakanya kwabo ekuhlelweni kwezindleko zokhetho, Kanye nokusetshenziswa kwemali ekuphathweni kokhetho kulamazwe. Ulwazi olutholakele luhlaziywe ngendlela esezingeni eliphezulu. Ngakolunye uhlangothi, ulwazi lwesibili lutholakale ezincwadini, kumajenali, amaphephabhuku, amaphephandaba, amadokhumenti omthetho namagazethi ne-intanethi. Ulwazi lwesibili kutholakale ukuthi luyahambisana nelokuqala lwalesifundo. Ngokombhalo lesifundo sithathe itiyori yokuqhathanisa phakathi kwezinsizakusebenza Kanye namakhono (RBV)ukuqhuba ukuqonda ubudlelwano phakathi kwezindleko Kanye nokuphathwa kokhetho.
Kutholakale ukuthi izindleko zokuphatha ukhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika kunyuke ngezinga eliphezulu kusuka ngo 1994 no 1999 ngokwahlukana. Ekusebenzeni kahle kokuphathwa kokhetho kulamazwe, isifundo sithole ukuthi nakuba kube nokuthuthuka ekuphatheni kokhetho eNigeria, kusanezingqinamba ezinkulu ezehlela inqubo, eqhubeka nokwehlisa izinga eliphezulu kanye nempumelelo yokuphathwa kokhetho. Kanti ohlangothini lwaseMzansi Afrika, izinga lempumelelo etholakale ekuphathweni kokhetho kulemnyaka edlulile inyuke kakhulu nakuba nayo ihambisana nezingqinamba. Isifundo siveza ukuthi kunemithelela ethize nevamile ebangela ukukhula kwezindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Phakathi kwemthelela evamile kubalwa ukwehla kwamandla mali, ukwanda komphakathi ovotayo Kanye nokwanda kwamaqembu ezepolitiki, nokushintshisana kwemali phakathi kwamazwe, ukulangazelela kweKhomishani yokuvota ukuthuthukisa uhlelo lokuvota, nokunyuka kobuciko bokuphatha ukhetho, kanye nokunye. Kanti eNigeria kutholakale ubukhulu bezwe nokwanda komphakathi kanye nezinga eliphezulu lokhetho olungathembakali noluntengayo, kanti eMzansi Afrika kutholakale ukuthi imali yabelwa amaqembu ezepolitiki, kuvota abantu abaphesheya kolwandle, kunohlelo lokuvota olukhethekile, imibango kanye nokunye. Kutholakale nokuthi nakuba izindleko zokhetho zidalelwe ukuphathwa kahle kokhetho, izindleko zokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria azikhombisanga ukuthuthuka kokusebenza kweKhomishini ezimele yaseiNgeria (INEC) ekuphathweni kokhetho nokukhipha imiphumela ethembekile. eMzansi Afrika izindleko ezichithwe okhethweni zibe nomthelela onzulu ekusebenzeni kwenhlangano yokuvota ezimele (IEC) eminyakeni edlule. Ngaphezu kwalokho isifundo siveze ukuthi lamazwe asingethwe eminye imithelela ethize nevamile ngale kwezindleko ezinomthelela yokuphathwa kokhetho eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Phakathi kwemithelela evamile kubalwa izindlela zokuphathwa nokwabiwa kwezinsizakusebenza, ezomthetho, imikhawulo, Kanye nabantu abazosebenza ukuqhuba ukhetho, Kanye nokunye. Kanti eNigeria, kunemithelela efana nengcindezi nokungenelela kwezepolitiki kwezinhlaka zezepolitiki ezahlukene ezweni, ukungabi khona kwezinguquko ezinzulu okhethweni, kanye nokuqeqeshwa kwabasebenzi beKhomishani (INEC), intando yezepolitiki nezinhlelo zokuqokwa kwezinhloko zeKhomishana (INEC), kanye nokunye, kuyaqhubeka nokuba nomthelela ekuphathweni kokhetho. Kanti eMzansi Afrika kunomthelela wokushoda kwezinsizakusebenza, udlame, ukukhwabanisa, ukungafundiseki kwabavoti, kanye nomthelela wobandlululo. Isifundo sikhombisa ukuthi nakuba izindleko zibalulekile ekuphathweni kokhetho, kodwa akusho ukuthi izindleko eziphezulu zizoqinisekisa ukusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu kwezinhlaka zokuvota (EMBs) ekuphatheni ukhetho nokuletha imiphumela ethembekile, ngokunjalo eNigeria naseMzansi Afrika. Phakathi kokunye isifundo sense izincomo zokuthi kunesidingo esiphuthumayo sokuthi iPhalamende laseMzansi Africa linyuse isabelomali, kanye nemali yeKhomishini yokuvota ezimele (IEC), ukuthuthukisa umsebenzi wokuphathwa kokhetho, nokuthi iINEC yaseNigeria ne IEC yaseMzansi Afrika kumele basebenzise abantu ababodwa njalo uma kunokhetho ukuze kunciphe izindleko zokuqeqesha abantu abasha njalo uma kunokhetho, nokuqinisekisa ukuthi abantu bagcina bewochwepheshe ekuphatheni ukhetho ngokuhamba kwesikhathi. Ngaphezu kwalokho womabili amaphalamende elaseNigeria nelaseMzansi Afrika nabaphathi bezinhlaka zikahulumeni kumele bakhombise ukuzimbandakanya, bakhombise nentshisekelo yokuqinisekisa izimpendulo kumaKhomishini okhetho kulamazwe
Swine preservation
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].Artificial insemination is an important technology in the swine industry; it is of great significance in the preservation and improvement of elite breeds. Conventional methods used in assessing semen lack precision, and the use of low fertile boars in breeding systems is prominent. Using mass spectrometry in fertility studies has gained momentum in the race for new markers of fertility and semen cryopreservation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and optimise a mass spectrometry-based proteomic method suitable for profiling boar seminal plasma. To accomplish this aim, gel-based and in-solution methods were evaluated for depth-of-coverage, reproducibility and throughput. For the gel-based method, one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was coupled to in-gel digestion and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). For the in-solution methods, acetone precipitation was evaluated by either SDS or urea re-solubilisation, followed by semi-automated on-bead protein capture, clean-up, digestion and LC-MS/MS analysis. The gel-based method data were acquired through data-dependant acquisition and protein identifications were generated through a database search (ParagonTM Algorithm of the ProteinPilotTM Software, v5.0.2). The in-solution data were obtained via the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass-data independent acquisition method and protein identification; relative protein quantification was performed using Spectronaut® Software v16. Regarding in-solution analysis, the precipitated and non-precipitated methods performed similarly in terms of the depth of coverage (number of peptides and proteins detected) and reproducibility. Hence, direct analysis of seminal plasma without up-front precipitation was possible. The gel-based method did not improve the identification of peptides and proteins compared with the in-solution workflow. Novel peptide level fractionation was incorporated into the in-solution method to increase protein coverage during a pilot study of eight boars from three breeds (two Large White, three each Kolbroek and Windsnyer). Five hundred and eighty-seven proteins from 233 protein groups were identified across all runs. Thirty-nine proteins were differentially expressed between the Kolbroek and Windsnyer boars. In gene ontology terms, most differentially expressed proteins showed catalytic functions; a very small proportion were identified as directly involved in reproductive functions
Investigating the role of performance incentives in driving performance in a faculty from a comprehensive university in KwaZulu-Natal
Full text linkA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce in the Department of Business Management in Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in the, University of Zululand, 2023.Rewarding employees for meeting the organisation targets is crucial in order to motivate staff members to improve their performance. This is supported by Landry, Schweyer, Whillans (2017) that rewards such as monetary and non - monetary rewards are omnipresent and essential in today's workforce.
The aim of the study was to investigate if the incentive plans and recognition plans given to the employees at the University drive performance. This study intends to recommend practical incentive and recognition plans that can be used to drive performance. The study followed a qualitative approach where data was collected through interviews. An investigation was conducted with Academics in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Administration on the role of Performance Incentives in driving Performance at a Faculty from a Comprehensive University in KwaZulu-Natal. The collected data was analysed using NVIVO. The overall findings of the study showed a strong link between performance incentives and employees' performance. It was found that financial incentives in the form of performance bonuses influenced the employees to work harder to meet the performance targets. Moreover, the study revealed that the possibility of promotion has made staff in the University to work harder because it leads to an increase in sala
receptiveness to Education Application to Mathematics learners
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology Education in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that affect Grade 12 learners’
receptiveness of the Siyavula Education Application (SEA) in the learning of
mathematics. The study was conducted at uMhlathuze circuits schools, King
Cetshwayo District in South Africa. The research used a quantitative approach, in
which quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire. To collect data, this
study adopted stratified random sampling with equal allocation to select respondents.
A representative sample was of 300 participants from a population of 673 Grade 12
learners. A total of 272 participants successfully completed and returned the questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 91%. The study employed the technologyacceptance model (TAM) as its theoretical framework. The study proposed and evaluated the SEATAM, that gives a wide overview of all the factors that affect the actual use of SEA. The SEATAM had eight constructs, namely perceived accessibility (PA), perceived social influence (PSI), perceived skills readiness (PSR), computer self-efficacy (CSE), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), attitudes towards using (ATT) and actual use (AU). The factor analysis was used to analyse the data generated from the survey, with the help of PLS-SEM, using smartPLS software version 3.0. The results indicated that, out of 15 hypotheses that were tested, only five path coefficients are not statistically significant; the rest of the 10 hypotheses were statistically significant, which indicates that most of the model variables were appropriate. To all identified construct for this study, the SEATAM model explained 74.6% of explanatory power, which indicates that the developed model is valid, robust, and suitable for use by stakeholders. The results also show that PU (61.6%) and ATT (61.95) constructs contributed more to actual usage of SEA
Performance management and municipal resources
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].Ever since the commencement of South Africa's democracy in 1994, local government has persistently grappled with challenges that impede the effective provision of basic services to its citizens. Consequently, there are frequent occurrences of violent disruptions known as 'service-delivery' protests, which signify community dissatisfaction with the performance of municipalities.
As a measure to contribute to effective service delivery, the aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of performance management (PM) and the utilisation of municipal resources. The Trading Services Cluster of eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province was used as a case study to investigate the intangible factors associated with the issue of service delivery. The study adopted a qualitative research approach through which face-to-face focus group interviews were conducted to collect data from a sample of municipal employees. According to the study's findings, it is necessary to take significant steps to ensure the effectiveness of the ongoing PM process, as omitting certain steps can lead to process failure. There was an emphasis that employee participation in supporting the organization's objectives is essential for the delivery of quality services. Management can change organizational effectiveness and efficiency in eThekwini Municipality if they execute PM correctly.OKUHUNYUSHWE NGOLIMI LWESIZULU
ISIFINGQO
Selokhu kwaqala ukubusa ngentando yeningi eNingizimu Afrika ngowezi-1994, uhulumeni wasekhaya ubelokhu ebhekene nezinselelo ezithiya ukuhlinzekwa kwezidingongqangi eziyisisekelo kwizakhamizi zawo. Ngakho-ke, kuhlale kuqubuka ukuphazamiseka okunodlame okwaziwa ngelemibhikisho 'yokulethwa kwezinsiza', okukhombisa ukunganeliseki komphakathi ngokusebenza komasipala.
Njengesinyathelo sokufaka isandla ekwethulweni kwezinsiza ngempumelelo, inhloso yalolu cwaningo bekuwukuphenya ukuqaliswa kokulawulwa kokusebenza (Performance Management - PM) kanye nokusetshenziswa kwezinsiza zikamasipala. I-Trading Services Cluster kuMasipala weTheku esifundazweni saKwaZulu-Natali isetshenziswe njengesibonelo ukuze kuphenywe izinto ezingabambeki ezihambisana nodaba lokulethwa kwezidingo. Ucwaningo lwamukele indlela yocwaningo olusezingeni lohlobo lwekhuwalithethivu lapho kwenziwa khona inhlolokhono yobuso nobuso ukuze kuqoqwe idatha kwisampula yabasebenzi bakamasipala. Ngokusho kokutholwe ocwaningweni, kuyadingeka ukuthatha izinyathelo ezibalulekile zokuqinisekisa ukusebenza kahle kwenqubo ye-PM (Performance Management) eqhubekayo, njengoba ukweqa izinyathelo ezithile kungaholela ekuhlulekeni kwenqubo. Kube nokugcizelelwa ukuthi ukubamba iqhaza kwabasebenzi ekusekeleni izinjongo zenhlangano kubalulekile ekuletheni izinsiza ezisezingeni eliphezulu. Abaphathi bangashintsha ukusebenza kahle kwenhlangano kanye nempumelelo kumasipala weTheku uma beqhuba i-PM (Performance Management) ngendlela efanele
Ventiilation on the concentration and distribution of randon
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 Physics and Engineering at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].Epidemiological studies show that radon (222Rn and 220Rn) is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking. Prolonged exposure to high levels of this radioactive gas in various indoor environments is linked to multiple lung cancer-related deaths around the world. It was classified as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Cancer. One of the most effective techniques used to mitigate radon is adequate ventilation, which can be natural (e.g., natural winds) or mechanical (e.g., fans). Recently, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become an efficient and powerful tool for studying radon concentration and distribution in ventilated environments. This is mainly because these codes are time and cost-effective. The current work aimed to study the effects of natural ventilation in the Huguenot second tunnel and mechanical ventilation in the Steenkampskraal monazite mine on the concentration and distribution of radon using a CFD package called ANSYS FLUENT based on realistic values for the radon exhalation and ventilation rates. The radon measurements were conducted at three points along the tunnel and two points in the mine using a combination of the RAD7, Airthings, and Electret Ion Chambers (EICs). The exhalation rates in the tunnel were measured with EIC flux monitors, and in the mine, it was measured using the accumulator method. Additionally, the wind speed and direction in both environments were measured with an anemometer and wind vane. These measurements were conducted in the tunnel in July 2021 (winter) and November 2021 (spring). In the mine, measurements were collected in August 2021. During the CFD analyses, two setups (or cases) were considered for each geometry (mine or tunnel). Additionally, for the tunnel in each case, two sets of simulations were conducted, one for July and one for November, each based on measurements of these respective months. For tunnel Case 1, the exhalation distribution in the walls was based on an average, and in Case 2, it was based on the tunnel geology. Whereas for the mine, Case 1 had no ventilation, and Case 2 had ventilation. Various approximations were made to simplify these models (e.g., simplified geometry and constant wind directions). The tunnel simulation for both Cases and months showed that the 222Rn concentration increases in the flow direction and that the levels depend on the exhalation rate, tunnel geometry (e.g., length), and natural wind velocity (or wind speed and magnitude). This behaviour was further supported by the measurements, which agreed with the simulations, with some relative deviation as low as 4%. This suggested that the tunnel model can be used in future works with only minor improvements. On the other hand, the simulation for the mine with no ventilation showed that the 220Rn concentration decreases exponentially from the source wall's normal direction towards the centre, a behaviour noted in the literature. This highlighted the importance of monitoring points for representative values when studying 220Rn. When there was mechanical ventilation, 220Rn was moderately mitigated. This was because the 220Rn distribution field changed from being inhomogeneous when there was no ventilation to being mostly homogenous when there was ventilation, which reduced the 220Rn by about half in some of the near-wall regions. This overall 220Rn behaviour was in line with the measured general behaviour and existing literature. However, there was a disagreement between the simulated and measured concentration at the monitoring points in the current work. This suggested that the mine model still needs further improvement (e.g., improved geometry)
Research Dara Management
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science in the
Department of Information Studies the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa.Research data is thought to be an essential component that assists researchers in forming the foundation of research output. To increase the amount of reproducibility in research data, the data should be accompanied by extensive documentation, making it more accessible and secure. As a result of the current digital world and the resulting explosion of multidisciplinary research data, Research Data Management (RDM) comes into play. The current study aimed to investigate research data management services in selected public universities in South Africa, particularly those based in KwaZulu-Natal province. This study was underpinned by the issue of varying cultures between disciplines or departments, as well as a lack of skills and infrastructure, as major challenges impeding the provision of RDM services in most higher education institutions. In terms of theoretical foundation, this study used the Community Capability Model Framework (CCMF) in conjunction with the Digital Curation Centre (DCC) Lifecycle Model.
The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and followed the post-positivist paradigm. As research methods, both qualitative and quantitative case studies were used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online via Teams and Microsoft Teams with 23 study participants (Librarians, Library Technicians, Research Directors, Deans / Deputy Deans Research, Deputy Vice-Chancellors Research, and Heads of Departments) to collect qualitative data during the COVID-19 pandemic. To collect quantitative data, questionnaires were converted into Google forms and emailed to 30 NRF-rated researchers.
The findings of this study revealed that participating institutions (University of Zululand- UZ, and Durban University of Technology- DUT) are still in the early stages of providing RDM services, as (UNIZULU) has a planning department that has begun RDM in the institution, though it is not widely known, and (DUT) RDM service provision is in the pipeline, as its RDM policy is still at the draft stage. However, as regards research activities, both institutions support data creation, storage, preservation, sharing, access, use, and re-use. Both institutions also support grant applications and collaborative research as research-related activities and data services, as well as RDM and data citation. DSpace and DUT Open Scholar are institutional repositories (IRs) that are used to permanently store, manage, and archive research data such as journal articles, conference proceedings, theses, and dissertations. Unfortunately, most researchers are unaware of how long their institutions keep research data. The findings also reveal that the majority of researchers store and backup their research data on personal computers, emails, and external storage devices like USBs, external hard drives, and CDs. The RDM service is important for new researchers because it promotes research visibility, data sharing, data storage and availability for researchers, data use and re-use. Research supervisors have the potential to assist emerging researchers in locating and publishing in reputable journals. Furthermore, data sharing contributes significantly to increasing the impact and visibility of research, promoting scientific inquiry and debate, and fostering new collaborations between data users and data creators.
Knowledge and skills in data management, research methodology, data curation, metadata skills, and technical skills were overemphasised as truly necessary RDM competency requirements for both staff and researchers. Fortunately, most researchers understand the importance of ethics such as citation, data sharing, data analysis, searching and retrieval, and data capture. They are, however, lacking in data management and organisation, database development, data curation and re-use, and software skills. Short RDM courses, workshops, and professional body training are all practices that could be used in institutions to develop RDM skills. Furthermore, because the vast majority of study participants had not received RDM training at their institutions, data archiving and curation training are required.
The findings of the study further reveal that UNIZULU currently does not have an RDM policy that facilitates research data management, whereas DUT has a research data management policy that is still in the draft stage. In terms of infrastructure or resources, the findings revealed that UNIZULU lacks resources and well-equipped staff to provide RDM services, whereas the DUT library has adequate resources; however, whether additional resources are to support RDM practices in their institution will be determined by the actual implementation of RDM. However, teaching and research findings at DUT revealed a lack of adequate infrastructure as well as a lack of human resources or capital. There are currently no specific capacity-building programs or strategies for developing RDM skills in the institutions studied. A lack of resources or infrastructure, skilled personnel, getting researchers on board, and adoption, which is about getting people to adopt the institution's culture of managing research data, were cited as major challenges in providing the RDM service. RDM challenges may be addressed through training, workshops, and institutional policies and procedures. Finally, as viable options for developing an RDM framework for South African public universities, the study suggests RDM policy formulation, a collaboration between universities and relevant stakeholders, and a responsible group or body such as NRF and StatsSA.
This study's originality and novelty stems from its scope, subject matter, and application. The study's findings can be widely used in research, teaching, and learning. Furthermore, the study can possibly inform RDM strategy and policy in South Africa and even elsewhere
Community involvement in tourism development
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].The South African government has identified rural tourism as a resolution to poverty, thus giving more attention to rural tourism. Intentions for this study were to find the level of tourism awareness in these rural areas. The study positively impacted on the local communities to find more information on tourism and to enhance their involvement and participation within the tourism developments of the study area. The study was conducted in a rural community of Dokodweni. Dokodweni area is located in the north coast of KwaZulu Natal under the Mandeni Local Municipality located within the iLembe District Municipality.
Literature reviewed highlighted that there are plenty of rural communities like Dokodweni that possesses significant tourism resources however have not been identified as tourist attractions. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the level of awareness amongst local community members on tourism knowledge, as well as their perceptions of tourism development in the area. This process helped to identify the gaps in the community’s understanding of tourism and lack of involvement and participation was identified as challenge. The participatory approach theory was used to generate questions and method of conducting research which was the mixed method. The key findings of the study where structured interviews were conducted to community authorities , izinduna and councillors was that programs and policies were to be developed to guide the community for better understanding of the tourism industry and the potential it has to be involved in tourism projects. Through the survey conducted from community members using questionnaires, it was evident that they did not fully participate in tourism developments. However, the community was aware of tourism developments that should occur. The community indicated that they are not informed of decision makings in the area of Dokodweni. The community indicated that they were not involved in tourism activities and not benefit from the local attractions because of lack of communication from local authorities.
The researcher therefore has recommended that the municipality officials and traditional authorities should introduce tourism campaigns of development to the community and should visit schools to promote tourism to learners. Furthermore, for communication, izimbizo, i.e. community gatherings or meetings ought to be called to expose communities to tourism products. The municipality officials have to conduct training programmes or workshops on specific skills required for tourism development. The trainings were to assist towards providing knowledge and understanding of the tourism industry
High schools financial management practice
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Educational Foundation and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].High school principals‟ financial management practices have been under discussion by various authors. Effectiveness of teaching and learning relies heavily on proper financial management practices of school principals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of high school principals‟ financial management practices in promoting teaching and learning in eSwatini. The study employed a mixed method approach in the collection data. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires from randomly sampled principals in the four regions of eSwatini and qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews from purposefully sampled high school principals and regional in-service officers. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and displayed in tables showing frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics. For qualitative data thematic analysis was employed. The main findings were that some principals had challenges in practices such as budget monitoring; compliance with some items of school financial management legislation which may inhibit teaching and learning. They cited lack of continuous training in school financial management; insufficient finances; late disbursements of OVC grants; and outdated school financial management legislation as a barrier to effectiveness. Most principals also cited lack of financial management skills as fostering negative attitudes towards school financial management. Anxiety, fear and worry were found to be part of the emotional trauma experienced by principals when managing school finances. Other findings were that some principals neglected their financial management duties and delegated most of them to school secretaries. Principals recommended school-based assistance and continuous financial management training; and internal auditing to be used as a preventative control measure as main strategies to improve school financial management. The recommendation was that they manage school finances together with School Management Teams
Tourist visiting protected areas
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].Protected areas, such as national parks, are important for the conservation of wildlife and habitats, but they also offer recreational opportunities for tourists. Therefore, a better understanding of what motivates tourists to visit these areas can help park managers and tourism operators cater for their (tourists) needs and preferences, thus improving visitor satisfaction. The aim of this research conducted within the South African context was to model the key push and pull factors influencing tourists to visit protected areas, using Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa as a case. This research, therefore, based on its scope and objectives, filled a knowledge gap by formulating a statistically validated conceptual model of factors (the key push and pull factors) influencing tourists to visit protected areas.
This study used data collected from a sample of 435 tourists surveyed in key tourist sites within HiP to address the research objectives. Data analysis was conducted in two stages. The first stage of the analysis dealt with data integrity and descriptive statistics, using IBM SPSS software version 28, while the second stage tested the measurement (that is, construct validity and reliability of the instrument) and structural model using composite-based structural equation modelling involving a multivariate analytical technique implemented on WarpPLS software version 7.0.
The study discovered causal relationships between visitation satisfaction, push sub-factors (relaxation, social interaction, family togetherness, and prestige motivations), and pull sub-factors (resources, learning experience, recreational facilities, natural resources, history, and culture). Furthermore, the study assessed the key push and pull factors influencing tourists to visit HiP. The key tourists’ push factors identified in this study are relaxation and family togetherness while the key tourists’ pull factors identified are natural resources, destination resources, learning experience, history and culture. The results further suggest that demographic variables (such as gender, age, nationality, residency, employment status, and visitation satisfaction), have differentiated effects on push and pull sub-dimensions and overall push and pull travel motivation factors.
Based on the findings of this study recommendations were made to the HiP management/parks’ decision makers based on the marketing concept of identifying customer needs and satisfying them to improve services at protected areas. The recommendations were organised into themes or categories (such as the necessity for local community involvement in park management, marketing and promotion of park visits, enhancing visitor expectations, education programmes and regional context). The findings of this research contribute to the literature on tourism in protected areas and provide insights that can inform policy and management decisions in the context of sustainable nature-based tourism development