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The support women in management positions need to be effective managers
Get PDFA dissertation submitted to the Department of Public Administration in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law at the University of Zululand, 2018This study analysed the progression of women to senior management positions in organisations focusing on the support women need to be promoted to senior managerial positions in state owned enterprises in South Africa. It used the specific case of Transnet in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal to understand the phenomenon of women’s under-representation in senior management positions within the framework of Critical Mass Theory. The study’s objectives were; to identify challenges of mainstreaming women into managerial positions in public enterprise organizations such as Transnet, analyse the support structure and systems that women have and need to succeed and recommend strategies that can be implemented for promoting women to senior management positions.
The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm to enable multiple perspectives from participants/target population rather than a single reality. A mixed method was used to benefit the study. In that light, both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were simultaneously used during a single phase of data collection. Primary data was gathered by survey method involving self-administered questionnaires with women employees who were not in the management and through semi-structured interviews with women who were junior managers. The secondary data was gathered by in-depth literature review and document analysis of Transnet policies, and both data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.
Confirming findings from existing literature which show that women are still under represented in managerial positions in public and private institutions in South Africa and worldwide, this study found that women face promotion hurdles to senior managerial positions in Transnet. Preference is given to men compared to women and men have senior mentors while women usually do not. Also, there are hidden difficulties in Transnet that women face and prevent them from moving into higher positions such as fearing criticism. While there are support structures in place to enable women to be promoted to senior managerial positions, however, implementation is a problem due to entrenched patriarchal attitudes. Based on its findings, the study made a number of recommendations was such as underscoring the urgent need for women to have matured mentors who will guide those in senior iv
management with the skills required in management positions and also mentor those who are aspiring. It was also recommended that previous experience, skills and knowledge should be considered for women to be promoted to senior management positions.
An assessment of the effects of xenophobia on social integration in Isiphingo, KwaZulu-Natal province
Get PDFA dissertation submitted to the Department of Public Administration in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law at the University of Zululand, 2018.Over two decades after South Africa’s initial democratic ‘baptism’; the country still struggles with social integration. With clear traces of its segregated, discriminatory past, the country continues to experience high levels of violence against foreign nationals; particularly African foreign nationals. Former President of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela, proclaimed the country as a rainbow nation, one which will accommodate people of different nationalities and backgrounds. However, the world observed the occurrence of the much-publicized xenophobic attacks in 2008 and 2015. These attacks left many foreign nationals destitute, some dead and others displaced.
Historically during the apartheid era, South Africans found refuge in neighbouring African countries, mostly in the Southern African region. However, recent migration pattern reveals a reverse as other parts of the continent face political unrests and wars leading more Africans to seek refuge in South Africa and other parts of the continent and world. Sequel to the 2015 xenophobic violent outburst that first erupted in Isiphingo, the study assessed the effects of xenophobia on Social Integration in the society (Isiphingo). Prior to 2008 much publicized xenophobic violence it is a fact that Black foreign nationals are often attacked compared to other nationals. The study examined the role played by the South African government in enhancing social integration and eradicating xenophobia. The study argues that there are negative implications associated with the persistence of xenophobic violence towards foreign nationals, African foreign nationals in particular. This may hinder regional integration with other African countries in future.
The study reveals that South Africa’s previous experience of isolation from the international arena, government officials and the media are contributory factors which incite violence towards foreign nationals. Citizens lack proper understanding and knowledge in understanding the different categories of foreign nationals and the nature of their problems in their countries of origins. The results reveal that the South African government has been in denial of the existence of xenophobia in the country. Some expectations have been put on the government in correcting the mistakes of the past. However, at the realisation that change is not immediate South Africans retaliate and foreign nationals are used as scapegoats of these frustrations. There is no specific law that addresses xenophobic violence, and there has been a significant failure on the side of the government in addressing the root causes of xenophobia in South Africa. The study came with several recommendations, one being that the government of South Africa should not deny the existence of xenophobia in the country this will help in eradicating
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it. There is a great need to come up with specific laws and policies that address the problem of xenophobia.UNIZULU Foundatio
An evaluation of the perspectives of government and small to medium enterprises on the viability of special economic zones in Limpopo province
Get PDFA Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Master of Commerce (Management) Degree in the Department of Economics at the University of Zululand, 2019.This study investigated the perspectives of government and small to medium enterprises on the viability of special economic zones in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. South African studies by various scholars have documented many challenges faced by South Africa’s experiments with IDZs which prevented them from being the panacea for the huge unemployment and development constraints that the country faced. The research methodology was based on a qualitative baseline study designed to gather primary data, via a purposive sampling approach, from key informants in Limpopo province, namely, the municipalities and SMEs in Tubatse and Musina. Nineteen key informants in the province were interviewed. Additionally, the study was supplemented by the review of national and local government documents regarding the identified SEZs.
Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, the findings suggested that the local government and the small to medium enterprises believed that SEZs were a viable vehicle for attracting investments and promoting SME development in the Limpopo Province. However, there were gaps in terms of information gathering from national, provincial and local government and the SMEs. The main limitation in this study is that the Department of Trade and Industry refused to be interviewed and informants from all levels of government were afraid of shared information being disseminated to the public domain. Furthermore, a group of farmers also refused to be part of the study for fear of losing a plot of land allocated to them.
The main recommendations from this study is that the South African government should not repeat the errors it made with the IDZs in regard to inflexible labour policies and limited incentives; to formulate a successful industrial policy that attracts the investment and skills transfer commitment from all successful South African businesses and international investors instead of relying on certain ‘politically correct’ partners; government and all investors to develop a memorandum of understanding to address the mass unemployment, produce black industrialists and promote SMEs as recommended by the National Development Plan; government’s communications strategy should be transparent with regular information dissemination concerning the ongoing establishment of SEZs; government should create an investor friendly environment through ensuring the protection of private property rights and rooting out corruption and patronage in state owned enterprises and government, and finally the implementation of a business friendly National Development Plan
Innovative communication protocols for teaching in rural secondary schools
Get PDFA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree, Masters of Communication Science in the Department of Communication Science at the University of Zululand, 2018.The enhancement of the quality of education through the digitisation of the learning systems is a national priority in South Africa and beyond. Some academic institutions, both basic and higher level, have responded to this by adopting the use of ICT in their practice. However, the enormous digital divide between urban and rural areas has escalated with its negative effect on the schools. Most rural schools remain underdeveloped with a huge deficit in teaching and learning resources, while technological progressions continue at an unprecedented speed. These advancements in technology come with drastic changes in all spheres of life, particularly in the labour market. Thus, the need for preparing high school learners with relevant skills for the future, which mostly relies on ICT capabilities. This study, therefore, focuses on how the use of ICT in a rural classroom can help bring the learners to speed with the digital revolutions we are witnessing. The study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model as well as the Interactive Model to propose plausible solutions. The data were collected from 121 rural secondary school teachers in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The findings of the study revealed that the lack of ICT skills among teachers, and insufficient resources to support classroom experiences are key barriers to the effective use of innovative communication protocols, which include ICT in the rural classroom. This has policy implications for the department of higher education in terms of human resource development and the provision of appropriate logistics
The influence of time management on teaching and learning at Luvhengo Secondary School
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master Of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies at the University of Zululand, 2018A secondary school has been declared dysfunctional based on the poor matriculation results they have produced over a number of years. This has resulted in teachers’ negative attitude towards the school activities, thus creating management challenges for the school management team. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of time management behaviour among teachers and learners on learning and teaching environment. This case study intended to achieve three objectives, which are to identify time management practices among teachers and learners having impact on learning and teaching; to establish the effect of time management on learning and teaching as well as to suggest strategies that may have positive impact on time management behaviour among teachers and learners. To achieve the objectives of the study, I used qualitative research design collecting data through interviews and observation. I used purposive sampling to select participants for this study. Data analysis was done through ATLAS.ti, which coded data into themes and subthemes. Result of this study showed that learners and teachers were found to have poor time management behaviour which had a negative influence on the quality of teaching and learning.National Research Foundation Of South Africa (Grant Number: CPT160513164973 and 105246
Financial literacy amongst women entrepreneurs in Kenya: a value-added product for economic empowerment.
Get PDFA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor Of Philosophy in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University Of Zululand, 2018Human civilisation has been characterised by numerous revolutions, with the most recent one being the information revolution. Information is driving development in all spheres of life: social, political, economic, health and human services. For effective utilisation of information, a special kind of literacy beyond functional literacy or the ability to read and write is required. This kind of literacy is what is commonly referred to as Information literacy (IL). Researchers are increasingly designating several types of literacy. Financial literacy, which is the ability to understand the fundamentals of money management, namely budgeting, spending, saving, investment, the use of financial products and services like government financial assistance programmes, banking and insurance; basic numeric skills and debt levels, is at the core of this study. The overall aim of the study was to establish the financial literacy competences of women entrepreneurs and determine their impact on women’s economic empowerment. The overall aim of the research was to identify the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs and to study their role in women's economic empowerment. The study's objectives were: 1) To determine the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya; 2) To determine the level of economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs. 3) To determine the relationship between financial literacy and women's economic empowerment and 4) To suggest a model for the enhancement of the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya. The following research questions were addressed to realise the objectives of the study:
1) What are the financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya?
2) What is the level of economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs?
3) What is the relationship between women’s financial literacy and their economic empowerment?
4) Which is the best model for enhancing financial literacy skills of women entrepreneurs in Kenya?
The study used the mixed method approach which is normally associated with Pragmatic paradigm. The study combined the Positivist/postpositivist approach, which is associated with quantitative data, and Constructivist approaches which emphasise the socially constructed nature of reality and are therefore associated with qualitative data. The study was carried out using the survey research design because of its ability to capture the complexities of the issues under study using only a small sample of the population. Purposive sampling was used to select 105 women’s groups who had obtained loans from the Uwezo Fund in Chuka Constituency in the financial year 2013/2014. Both random and stratified sampling technique was applied to select the women entrepreneurs who formed the sample. The number of respondents from each stratum was proportionate to the size of the different strata of enterprises funded. In order to reduce possible sampling error, a total of 400 respondents were selected. Detailed questionnaires with both structured and open-ended questions were used to collect data. Discrete data was analysed using the Statistics and Data (STATA) package to generate descriptive statistics such as frequencies (counts) and percentages to describe data on the various variables. Cross-tabulation analysis was conducted to simultaneously analyse the relationship between two or more variables in the study. Causal analysis that is concerned with the study of how one variable affects changes in another variable, was used to determine how financial literacy skills affect women's economic empowerment, which is one of the research questions. A chi-square test of independence was then carried out to assess the degree of association between these variables. Research findings confirm that financial literacy skills are a major factor in women's economic empowerment, but that some financial literacy skills have a greater impact than others. Women entrepreneurs acquire financial literacy skills through social constructionism. Lack of financial literacy skills is hindering women entrepreneurs from becoming economically empowered. A willingness to invest in a risky business venture 239 (62.57%), lack of basic numeric skills 237 (61.88%), and taking loans without considering the cost 88 (71.42%) is undermining women’s economic empowerment. This is demonstrated by the fact that 78 (20.47%) of the respondents feel that their financial status is out of control and 153 (40.26%) feel uncomfortable about their current debt status. This study proposes that regular assessment of women entrepreneurs’ financial literacy skills be carried out and tailor-made training courses to fulfil these needs be introduced. Priority should be given to topics such as computing, loans, reading and understanding bank statements, budgeting, spending, saving and investing in business ventures. In order to increase the number of women entrepreneurs included in formal financial services, financial institutions should offer women financial products that suit them
Developing women entrepreneurs: the influence of enactus networks on women- owned SMMEs in Kwa Zulu-Natal
Get PDFA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor Of Commerce in Business Management in the Department of Business Management at the University Of Zululand, 2018The extent to which women entrepreneurs interact with the entrepreneurial networks in their local environment as well as the impact that entrepreneurial networks bring to bear on the growth of women-owned Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) during the process of developing their enterprises from 2005 to 2015 was studied. The research explored and described the socio-economic impact of Enactus (a student organisation that works with business leaders and academics to improve the lives of communities using an entrepreneurial approach) ntrepreneurial networks on women-owned SMMEs in the agricultural food processing sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The justification for the study was that despite the growing number of women-led businesses and a significant increase in the number of initiatives, policies and resources designed to promote and develop women’s entrepreneurship have been insufficient. Women that have established SMMEs in South Africa have achieved limited growth. Based on those observations, the study explored the research question: Do entrepreneurial networks empower the growth of women-owned enterprises in developing countries? The Social network theory was adopted in this study as the relevant background theory in dealing with the research problem. Three key concepts are linked to this theory: women entrepreneurship, empowerment through networks, and growth of enterprises owned by women entrepreneurs. These key concepts were critically analysed, gaps explored, and links established and discussed in order to build the theoretical ground. The study utilised a cross-sectional and causal-comparative research design from the case study of 314 respondents sampled for this study. The sample comprised 234 women entrepreneurs, 8 key informants, and 72 programme-facilitators. Engaging in the Enactus networks was the independent variable. The growth of women-owned enterprises was the outcome of interest with the following indicators as dependent variables: an increase of business returns; an increase of assets; expansion of business (vertically or horizontally); an increase of household income; and participation in trade fairs. Measurement of the growth of women-owned enterprises was along two dimensions: economic and socio-cultural arenas. The study utilised an integrated mix of research approaches (qualitative and quantitative) and data collection methods. The study found that a high proportion of women entrepreneurs engaged in Enactus networks in KwaZulu-Natal had become empowered in almost all indicators. However, the translation of this empowerment into actual growth of women-owned SMMEs, for instance from small to medium enterprises, had mixed results; with just fewer than half of the surveyed sample indicating that they had moved from small to medium enterprises. The reasons behind resistance to change from small to medium enterprises were unclear. However, the majority of surveyed women entrepreneurs in the agro-processing sector showed a shift from micro to small enterprises. The study therefore concludes that there is a need to rethink strategies of networking to include both formal and informal entrepreneurial networks, as well as networking successful and young women entrepreneurs to enhance learning for change, and the growth of women-owned SMMEs in South Africa. In this light, the study recommended amongst others, engaging formal institutional structures and processes as well as changing women’s attitudes in an attempt to make entrepreneurial networks work for women to gro
Influence of the post-provisioning model in curriculum implementation at Secondary Schools in the King Cetshwayo District
Get PDFA thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements for the Degree Master of Education in the Department of Educational Foundations and Management at the University of Zululand, 2018.When Post-Provisioning Model (PPM) was implemented in 1998, it appeared as if the need to maintain quality teaching and learning and good working conditions for educators was not taken into consideration. The conditions under which schools have been working since the implementation of the PPM do not appear to have improved curriculum implementation in schools. This has affected the management of implementation, and to a large extent the entire education system in South African schools.
In this study, the researcher investigates the influence of the PPM on curriculum implementation at secondary schools in the King Cetshwayo District of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
The objectives of the study were to:
To establish how principals manage the PPM at secondary schools.
To find out the influence of the PPM in curriculum implementation at secondary schools.
The quantitative approach grounded in the positivism paradigm was used to collect and interpret empirical data from principals of secondary schools in the King Cetshwayo District.
The findings of the study reveal that the influence of the PPM in the management of the schools and in curriculum implementation affects the performance in all spheres of the schools in the King Cetshwayo District. The principals experience contextual problems which affect administration and curriculum implementation.
The main recommendation from the study’s findings is that there is a need for the Department of Basic Education to revise the PPM in order to serve the needs of schools, particularly the previously disadvantaged schools that experience deficits in all areas of teaching and learning
First time entrants’ student support services in contributing to academic success in technical and vocational education and training colleges
Get PDFA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirement for the Doctor of Education Degree in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies at the University of Zululand, 2018.The vision of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is about increasing enrolments and marketing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as viable institutions. The first college entrants often have hurdles that can challenge qualification completion, placing them at high risk of dropping out. The focus of the study was to determine the level of contribution student support services may have on the academic success of first college entrants.
The study was carried out in two public TVET Colleges, purposely selected. Data were collected from a sample of 172 respondents of which 100 were first-year students, 20 entry-level lecturers, 20 Campus Management Team members, 2 Student Support Service Managers, 10 Student Liaison Officers, 10 SSS-SACs, and 10 Career Development Officers, purposively and randomly selected. Thirty two participants were purposively selected from SSS unit personnel for qualitative data collection. The study used questionnaires and structured interviews as data collection instruments. Validity was warranted through the judgement of experts in the SSS unit, CMT and lecturing staff, and made possible by allowing them to have access to the instruments of data collections. Reliability was determined by ensuring that an audit trail was done, and it was made available to all participants. Post-positivism paradigm was employed as the study utilised mixed methodology which incorporate both quantitative and qualitative approaches in one study.
The findings of this study revealed that, students with learning challenges are not adequately supported to better cope with the college lifestyle. It was also discovered that, opportunities provided by the campuses for academic support were not enough to support the first college entrants. Findings revealed that (100 %) respondents agreed that opportunities provided by the campus for academic support were not enough to support the first college entrants. It was evident from the findings that (62, 2 %) percent respondents disagreed that a major share of SSS budget was allocated for academic support programmes. Equality of opportunity and outcomes is constrained by inadequate funding to address under preparedness (conceptual, knowledge, academic literacy and numeracy) for higher education programmes of especially indigent students. The findings revealed that over eighty percent respondents disagreed that they were satisfied with technological facilities.
Furthermore, a majority of participants interviewed remain resolute that the existing infrastructure does not allow effective rendering of support services to students. The study concluded with a recommendation of an initial student integration model, which supports Tinto’s (1993) model of student integration. Adding to that, this study recommended that further research be conducted on academic support focusing primarily on private TVET colleges for comparison purposes, as the present study focus was mainly on public TVET colleges. The study is significant in the sense that its’ findings would provide insight into the TVET college governance councils, management at all levels, SSS managers, SSS units at campus level and policy makers to understand the role of a SSS unit, and the positive impact it may have on students’ academic success
Genetic variation among Zulu sheep sub-populations of South Africa assessed by microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, 2018.Human history has been completely transformed by the domestication of animals and plants over the past 10,000 years. Their domestication had a critical influence on demographic trends and was a requirement for the rise and development of civilisation. In regard to Zulu sheep, the Nguni people brought the ancestors of this breed to the east coast of South Africa (KwaZulu Natal) between 200 and 400 AD. The Zulu sheep are characterised by having either thin or fat tail (carrot shaped), multicolours, and a coat of either wool or hair. The Zulu sheep can be distinguished from other Nguni breeds by their small mouse ears, and they appear to be more woolly. In addition, the dominant colours are brown and white, black and brown, and a unique fawn colour. However, the population of Zulu sheep is reported to be declining, due to crossbreeding with exotic breeds, especially with the Dorper and Merino sheep breeds with the aim of increasing body weight.
The study used two molecular markers (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) to investigate the genetic diversity of Zulu sheep.
In experiment 1, 26 microsatellite markers were used; (i) to confirm or disconfirm the structuration among eight Zulu sheep populations (Eshowe, Jozini, Makhathini research station, Mtubatuba, Nongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi, University of Zululand) revealed by morphological analysis, (ii) to assess the phenomenon of crossbreeding, in particular with Dorper and Merino sheep. The Damara, Dorper and South African Merino breed were included in the experiment to investigate the genetic relationship between these breeds and the Zulu sheep. The results showed that there is considerable genetic diversity among the Zulu sheep populations (expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.57 to 0.69) and the level of inbreeding was not remarkable (ranging from -0.01 to 0.16). The structure analysis results revealed that Makhathini Research Station and UNIZULU research station share common genetic structure, while three populations (Nongoma, Ulundi and Nquthu) had some admixture with the exotic Dorper breed. Thus, there is a need for sustainable breeding and conservation programmes to control the gene flow, in order to stop possible genetic dilution of the Zulu sheep.
Experiment 2 assessed the genetic diversity and origin of Zulu sheep using mitochondrial DNA (D-loop). The results showed overall haplotype and nucleotide diversity
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of 0. 8113 and 0. 0115, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed two haplogroups (A and B). Haplogroup B lineage predominates among Zulu sheep with a frequency of 93%, while A lineage had a frequency of 7%. The analysis of mtDNA showed a high level of genetic diversity among Zulu sheep. The molecular information obtained in the present study will serve as a guideline for management and breeding strategies (reducing inbreeding and crossbreeding) for better utilisation and conservation of Zulu sheep.National Research Foundatio