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Enhancing Quality Teaching And Learning Through Formal Assessment In Grade 6 Social Sciences
Full text linkDissertationThis study aimed to investigate how Grade 6 Social Sciences teachers enhance quality teaching and learning through formal assessment in the Lejweleputswa area. This study was inspired by the theories of social constructivism and cognitive constructivism, specifically, Piaget’s cognitive constructivism and Vygotsky’s social constructivism. It explored the following question: How do Grade 6 Social Sciences teachers enhance quality teaching and learning through formal assessment? Concurrent triangulation research design was adopted in this research. The respondents to the questionnaire were chosen through simple random sampling whilst purposive sample was used to select interviewees. The sample consisted of 106 Grade 6 Social Sciences teachers who responded to the questionnaire and ten teachers who were interviewed.
The results revealed that most teachers aligned assessment in Social Sciences with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Teachers understood and considered the importance of setting quality assessment tasks and apply Bloom’s taxonomy levels. However, the findings revealed that project question(s) modestly provide learners with opportunities to draw deductions and create universal trends, teachers modestly award marks for simplifying and drawing deductions, modestly grant marks for each ability tested in the project including presentation skills, and modestly award marks for conveying project ideas with suitable clarifications. The findings further revealed that teachers’ implementation of formal assessments did not differ according to their gender, age, teaching experience, professional teaching qualification, class size and school quintile. There was also no difference among Social Sciences teachers who teach at different school quintiles on the application of formal assessment.
The study, therefore, recommends that teachers should use assessment to identify any academic problems experienced by the learners. Teachers who are deemed to be lacking pedagogical content knowledge should attend mandatory training seminars. The amount of mandated topic content and the time allocated to the Social Sciences subfields must be examined to address issues that arise from the rapid pace of the curriculum coverage. The Free State Department of Education must identify overcrowded schools and provide these schools with additional equipment, language, and teaching support material (LTSM), teachers, and extra classrooms for productive and meaningful learning. Teachers must update their Social Sciences pedagogics. They must work in collaboration and share assessment tasks. Subject advisors should conduct in-service training workshops to provide teachers with information and competences for setting sensible project tasks that will allow them to evaluate learners’ skills as set out in the CAPS
Assessing the impact of funding sources and financial literacy on SMME growth in Stadium area constituency Maseru, Lesotho
Full text linkThesis (M.Phil: Management Sciences)--Central University of TechnologySmall, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are critical for both economic and
social development in developing countries. The SMME sector contributes significantly
to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through lowering unemployment, alleviating
poverty, and encouraging entrepreneurship. The purpose of the study is to assess the
impact of funding sources and financial literacy on SMMEs growth in Stadium Area
Constituency Maseru Lesotho. Quantitative approach was used in this study and data
collection was through close-ended questionnaires. Data is analysed and presented in
the form of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study addressed the questions
such as how sources of funding and financial literacy impact SMMEs growth. The study
revealed that, the correlation coefficient between internal financing and entrepreneurial
skills is very weak ( = 0.15), though it is positively correlated with the significant value
of ( < ,001) , and external financing has a significant positive correlation with
entrepreneurial skills( = 0.91), with the significant value of ( < ,001). It is therefore
concluded that,if more resources can be put in external financing, that is, if SMMEs
owners can get external funding either from commercial banks, or from any financial
institutions to acquire entrepreneurial skills, this may lead to SMME growth and its
sustainability which can impact positively to the country’s economy. It is recommended
that, policymakers and decision makers should help entrepreneurs, by designing
curriculum for entrepreneurial skills short courses, to equip SMMEs owners with skills
and knowledge, on how to run their businesses effectively and efficiently, as the way for
sustainability, viability and growth of their businesses
Factors influencing first-year students’ intention to continuously use the Skills Assessment Manager Online Learning Environment at the Central University of Technology, Free State
Full text linkThesis (Master: Information Technology)--Central University of TechnologyIntroduction: With the rapid development of digital technologies, many tertiary education institutions have introduced online learning environments (OLEs) as a component of blended learning. These OLEs bring about possibilities to expand the student population beyond the limitations of the physical boundaries of traditional classroom-based learning. OLEs create interactive and engaging environments in which students have flexible access to learning materials and are able to study more independently in relation to time and place. Advances in new technologies in online learning have increased ubiquitous access, ease of use, functionality, and flexibility. Serious concerns with OLEs are a decline in student persistence in engagement with an OLE, and the likelihood of students dropping out of a course. Students who disengage from OLEs often fail to reap the benefits of the course content. Therefore, an understanding of the factors that influence students’ intention to continuously engage with an OLE will provide information on how to optimise the OLE so that students can achieve maximum learning success. This study was, thus, undertaken to identify the factors that influence students’ intention to continuously use the skills assessment manager (SAM) OLE implemented at the Central University of Technology, Free State, for the delivery of the module Basic Digital Literacy to all first-year students at the university.
Methods: In this three-phase study, a positivist approach was followed. In Phase 1, a literature search was undertaken to identify literature with relevant theories and factors that could be used to devise measurement models for the assessment of a structural model comprising of potential factors and the target factor Continuous Use Intention. In the structural model, linkages between potential factors and the target factor, Continuous Use Intention, were indicated. Thereafter, 13 relational hypotheses between factors were formulated for testing. In Phase 2, the factors were operationalised by specifying measurement models contained in a questionnaire with specific items (observable variables) relating to each factor (latent variables). To gather measurement data, the questionnaire was administered to 1 003 students, of whom 793 responded. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling with the program SmartPLS, to assess the validity and reliability of the measurement models. In Phase 3, the structural model was validated and assessed, after which the relational hypotheses were tested using SmartPLS. Thereafter, the actual factors that influence students’ intention to continuously use the OLE were identified.
Results: Because the structural model was free of collinearity issues, it could be assessed. Twelve of the 13 relational hypotheses were significant at = 0.05. These 12 relationships were used to construct a revised structural model showing six actual factors in relationships with Continuous Use Intention. The actual factors, Flow, Satisfaction and Perceived Usefulness, explained 47.5% of Continuous Use Intention. The actual factors, Confirmation, Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness explained 63.6% of Satisfaction. Information Quality, Confirmation, and Perceived Ease of Use explained 52.4% of Perceived Usefulness. Information Quality, and Confirmation explained 47.2% of Perceived Ease of Use. Information Quality explained 35.9% of Confirmation.
Significance: By identifying factors that influence students’ intention to continuously engage with the SAM OLE while studying Basic Digital Literacy, these factors will inform decisions to optimise the OLE to maximise student learning success
Developing a project management framework for supporting the sustainability of emerging contractors in the Free State
Full text linkThesis (PhD Management Sciences (Project management))--Central University of TechnologyThe purpose of this study was to develop a project management framework that could be used to support the sustainability of emerging contractors in the Free State. Emerging contractors are a key vehicle within the construction industry used by the African National Congress Government to redress the economic marginalisation of previously disadvantaged population groups during the apartheid era. While not sparing resources and policy to assist emerging contractors’ businesses to survive and grow, government efforts do not seem to be yielding the desired results as the sustainability of emerging contractors remains threatened by early and high business failure rates. A major concern is that emerging contractors continue to deliver projects in the construction industry that do not conform to cost, time, scope and quality specifications which are considered generally to be the key measures of project success. Therefore, this shortfall places the sustainability of emerging contractors in question since their inability to deliver successful projects hampers their chances of obtaining further business in the construction industry. Moreover, the construction business by nature is project based and, therefore, requires the use of a project management approach. However, it is often reported that emerging contractors lack knowledge and skills in project management and construction and are thus not using a project management approach in their construction businesses which are constrained further by the limited resources available to emerging contractors. Drawing on pragmatism, an explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods research design was adopted for the study. The quantitative data were analysed statistically, while the qualitative data were transcribed and analysed thematically. In the study, the key components required to develop a project management framework that would be useful for emerging contractors in establishing the sustainability of their construction businesses were identified and emphasised. The findings of the study showed that the project management framework developed could support the sustainability of emerging contractors. The findings showed further that there was a statistically significant relationship between components of the project framework (i.e., project lifecycle, project control cycle, tools, and templates) measured and the components of sustainability (i.e. social, economic, and environmental). It was discovered that the project management framework included sufficient elements to prompt some change in how emerging contractors use project management processes in the construction industry. It is recommended in the study that emerging contractors adopt and use the developed project management framework to ensure their sustainability in the construction industry
The impact of teacher accountability on underperforming schools at Mapela circuit in Mogalakwena district in Limpopo province
Full text linkThesis (Master: Education)--Central University of TechnologyThe majority of South Africa's government-run public schools are experiencing serious challenges with learners’ performance. The Circuit, District, and Province are all impacted by subpar performance. Under pressure, the government is enacting programs to improve the majority of the schools. Public schools, especially those in rural areas, are still far behind in terms of the curriculum due to a lack of funding, inadequate staffing, outdated facilities, and inadequate training for teachers. These encourage teachers to accept accountability for learners’ development. This study will help the government by ensuring that teachers receive the proper training to implement policies in their classrooms to help teachers understand the need of being accountable to their learners. Teachers frequently believe that they are teaching learners without giving their responsibility to the Departmental Heads, Principals, or even the Circuit Managers any serious thought. This qualitative study aims to investigate the impact of teacher accountability on poorly performing schools on the Mapela Circuit in the Mogalakwena region. Qualitative research approach was used to further learn how teacher accountability affects student performance. The researcher used a phenomenology approach to understand the effects of teacher accountability on underperforming schools at the selected schools in the Mapela Circuit. The researcher used a population of 20 primary schools in Mapela Circuit that had learners in grades R through 7. In total, there are 400 primary teachers in the circuit. Teachers from five (5) distinct schools in the circuit were deliberately recruited for this research study. The sample consisted of 16 participants, 5 principals, and 11 department heads. In this study, teachers who participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews were questioned about their sentiments, beliefs, experiences, and convictions regarding teacher accountability. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study produced four key themes. First off, the school and community systems actively promote the causes of poor performance. Second, it can be difficult to hold teachers responsible for learners' poor performance in the classroom. Thirdly, teachers need to address learners who perform poorly during instruction. The improvement of teacher responsibility in schools is mandated under the fourth theme
The Relationship Between Classroom Management Approaches And Learner Achievement At Primary Schools
Full text linkDissertationSouth African society holds the education system accountable for all aspects of learner achievement. At the Department of Education in the Free State, the performance of learners was previously measured based on the matric year-end results only. This has however been re-evaluated as primary schools also make a major contribution to the process of developing learner achievement as these schools are the feeders into secondary schools. In this study, the researcher explored the relationship between classroom management approaches and learner achievement at primary schools. The study was grounded in Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory and Skinner’s operant conditioning theory. It was shaped by the research question: Is there a relationship between classroom management approaches and learner achievement at primary schools? The study used a quantitative approach with a correlation design. It used a survey and simple random sample to select the 162 teachers who completed a questionnaire.
The findings revealed that the success approach was the most applied classroom management approach whilst the assertive approach was the least applied in primary schools. The results indicated no relationship between classroom management approaches and learner achievement at primary schools. The three primary school phases did not significantly differ on the application of the assertive approach, business academic approach, behavioural modification approach, group managerial approach and success approach. However, it should be noted that a significant difference existed between the Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase teachers on the application of the group guidance approach. Intermediate Phase teachers applied the group guidance approach more than Senior Phase teachers. As far as the application of the acceptance approach goes, Foundation Phase and Senior Phase teachers differed significantly, with Foundation Phase teachers applying this approach more than the Senior Phase teachers. Likewise, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase teachers also significantly differed in the application of this approach, with Intermediate Phase teachers applying the acceptance approach more than Senior Phase teachers. Furthermore, the five school quintiles did not significantly differ on the application of the assertive approach, business academic approach, behavioural modification approach, group guidance approach, acceptance approach, success approach in the classrooms. Nevertheless, teachers in Quintile 1 and Quintile 3 primary schools differed significantly in the application of the group managerial approach with teachers in Quintile 1 schools applying this approach more. Still, teachers in Quintile 2 and Quintile 3 primary schools differed significantly on the application of the group managerial approach with teachers in Quintile 2 schools who apply this approach more.
To minimize learner misbehaviour and manage the classroom effectively, this study recommends that primary school teachers should adopt classroom management techniques such as giving learners immediate feedback, applying rewards in the classroom, knowing the socio-economic backgrounds of their learners and providing lockers in the classrooms
Multi-phasic screening of stored cowpea genotypes (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) for cowpea-weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) tolerance and antixenosis resistance: in vitro and ex vivo approaches
Full text linkThesis (Master of Agriculture)--Central University of TechnologyCowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) are an important economic food and nutritional security grain crop in southern Africa for both humans and livestock. Harvested grains suffer enormous damage from pernicious storage insect pests, mainly, the cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.). The objective of multi-phasic screening of cowpea genotypes in germplasm collections is an initial and critical step needed to identify divergent parents when breeding for pest resistance. This study used highly informative and selective DArTseq (genotyping by sequencing) derived SNP markers for a genetic diversity analysis of 92 selected genotypes. Thirty cowpea genotypes were selected from the 92 DArTseq screened genotypes. Ten seeds from each genotype were placed in a permissive, two-compartment petri dish with 2:2 bruchids for no-choice oviposition preference. A tray of 30 wells accommodated 10 seeds from each genotype with 60:60 bruchids for free-choice oviposition preference. Thirteen cowpea genotypes were randomly selected from the previously screened 30 genotypes to be further assessed under a no-choice test. The seeds were then milled and transferred into test tubes for extraction and assaying for bioactive polyphenols. Data was analysed using SAS v9.4m7 software, R studio v1.2.5001-3 software, and XLSTAT 2016 software. Mean values for polymorphic information content, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, major allele frequency and the inbreeding coefficient were 0.345, 0.386, 0.345, 0.729, and 0.113, respectively, and positively validated genetic diversity among the 92 cowpea genotypes. The susceptibility index demonstrated that 25 out of 30 genotypes were resistant to cowpea bruchids during the 35-day infestation period. Most genotypes were pest tolerant under the no-choice test in comparison to free-choice. RV 343, PAN 311, and IT95K-207-15 genotypes showed high levels of tolerance. The 13 infested cowpea genotypes had higher phenolic and flavonoid concentrations than the non-infested genotypes. The free radical scavenging activities of infested genotypes produced the lowest antioxidant concentrations, while non-infested genotypes produced higher concentrations. The genotype 98K-503-1 produced the highest phenolic concentration, followed by Encore, which scored high on flavonoid concentrations, and Oloyin, which had the highest antioxidant activities. The DArTseq derived SNPs of the 92 cowpea genotypes were heterogeneous, and 30 genotypes exhibited high pest tolerance under the no-choice test. Bruchids had a significant influence on the bioactive polyphenol profile of thirteen cowpea genotypes
Drivers of successful commercialisation of indigenous innovation: evidence from the Volta region, Ghana
Full text linkThesis (PhD Management Sciences (Entrepreneurship)--Central University of TechnologyThere is a limited understanding of the commercialization of indigenous innovation by firms in the small-scale industry (SSI) of many Sub-Saharan African countries. Meanwhile, SSIs and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have become important strategic foci for governments in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation because of their potential for growth in terms of GDP, income, and jobs. In countries such as Ghana, a lack of reliable information from empirical studies has constrained appropriate policy formulation. Few studies that have investigated the factors that affect innovation and firm performance have not thoroughly examined the effects of these drivers on the commercial dimensions of sales, profitability, and employment generation of firms engaged in indigenous innovation activities. Even for variables such as finance, with evidence of overwhelming linkages, there are still shortcomings that require further investigations. Therefore, there is a need to thoroughly examine the drivers of commercialisation on the innovation performance of MSEs in order to profess appropriate interventions. The major aim of this study is to examine the impact of regulation, finance, organisational factors, market factors, and technology as key determinants of successful commercialisation of indigenous innovation in terms of MSE performance in Ghana. Theoretically, the study adopts Below-the-Radar Theory of Innovation (BRTI), focusing on the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) and the Frugal Innovation Theory (FIT) as the underlying theoretical frameworks. The study assumes that Ghanaian MSEs engaged in indigenous small scale industrial activities are resource-constrained, serves the poor and deal with institutional voids, and that affordability, availability, awareness, and acceptability are key issues and therefore test the effects of such factors in the commercialisation of indigenous innovation in Ghana. Methodologically, quantitative, and deductive reasoning approaches were used. Deductive reasoning has been adopted purposely to be able to test, confirm or reject various hypotheses presented and therefore make stronger claims which would be more impactful for decision makers. Primary data were collected through a quantitative method using a survey technique. Using stratified random sampling method, a total of 537 questionnaires were sent out in May 2021 to MSEs engaged in indigenous small scale industrial activities in the Volta Region of Ghana to collect primary data. Out of the number sent, 453 questionnaires were retrieved generating a response rate of 85%. Descriptive statistics and PLS-SEM were used to analyse the data. Following the Below-the-Radar Innovation views, and controlling for government incentives and commercialisation strategies, the study established regulation, finance, organisational factors, market factors and technology as the main drivers for the commercialisation of indigenous innovation in Ghana. The findings in respect of the control model suggest government incentives to buyers of indigenous innovation have significant positive effects on all the dimensions of firm performance measured in the study, while incentives to MSEs have mixed effects. Incentives to MSEs have insignificant effect on profitability, significant negative effect on sales and feeling of success, and positive effect on employment. Again, the result of the control model revealed mixed effects of commercialisation strategies on firm performance. Thus, the method of commercialisation is insignificant on sales, profitability and feeling of success, and only has significant positive effects on employment. Similarly, the use of university innovation intermediary services has negative effects on sales but positive effects on profitability, employment and feeling of success, whilist pricing strategy is insignificant on all the indicators. The result of the full model provided evidence that, at a 5% statistical significance level, all the selected variables have impact on MSE performance, except regulation on sales which is insignificant. Some of the commercialisation factors, however, relate negatively to some performance indicators: Regulation has negative impact on profitability; finance has negative impact on profitability and feeling of success; and both organisational factors and technology have negative impact on employment level. The study has made contributions to theory and policy, practice, and methodology. By using the data from 453 Ghanaian MSEs, the developed empirical model tested regulation, finance, organizational factors, market factors and technology as the main drivers of indigenous innovation performance at the firm level in terms of sales, profitability, employment and feeling of achieved success. This model and the resultant framework can be applied in any national innovation system in a developing country context by policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other actors. By synthesizing the innovation literature particularly on indigenous innovation and its commercialisation which has limited research attention, the current study also made contributions to the innovation literature. Other specific contributions of the study include applying BRTI theory to deepen the understanding of the role of MSEs in the Ghanaian national innovation system. It highlights MSEs as the conduit for expansion of the industrial sector, contribution to national income, employment generation and sustenance of entrepreneurship in the national innovation system. The study also provided leading empirical evidence from Ghana on the effect of demand-side incentives on innovation performance
Development of a sustainable freight transportation system in the central regions of South Africa
Full text linkThesis (Master:Engineering: Civil Engineering)--Central University of TechnologyFreight transportation involves the movement of cargo from various destinations using several transportation modes such as rail, road, maritime and airline to meet the market demands. However, this industry faces issues such as traffic congestion, pollution, uneven freight distribution, and increased freight costs. Having realised the issues of freight transportation, this study aims to develop a sustainable freight transportation system with guidelines for an optimal modal split between the freight rail and road transportation system in the central regions of South Africa. The adopted objectives in this study were to assess the current status quo of freight transportation system by examining the economic and operational efficiency of road and rail to develop a model for balanced freight transportation system in the central regions of South Africa. A quantitative research method was chosen as the best approach to address these objectives. This quantitative research method was chosen because it entails data collection via survey questionnaires and can emphasise objective measurement via statistical analysis. The data obtained were able to depict the current state and challenges of the freight transportation system in South Africa's central regions. Consequently, the current status quo reveals that freight road is utilised more compared to rail freight due to convenience and reliability, whilst rail freight proves to be operationally more viable due to large carrying capacity. Thus, road freight is operationally efficient as compared to rail freight; however, road freight is used more for the demand aspect of freight movement whereas freight rail is used more for the supply aspect of freight movement. Correlation, significance test, variance inflation factor, and multiple regression analysis were used in inferential statistical analysis to determine the relationship that exists between dependent and independent parameters and to identify the coefficients of influential parameters to be used in modelling. Furthermore, under various future scenarios, an empirical model known as the Binary Logit model was used to determine the modal split between freight road and rail in terms of freight shares and generalised freight costs. Finally, guidelines were developed from the developed and empirical model used in this study to achieve a balanced and optimal freight transportation system by addressing key features such as service reliability, decreased travel distances, cost efficiency, operational efficiency, safe handling of goods, and optimum loading capacity
Optimisation of recloser placement methods on medium voltage distribution networks
Full text linkThesis (Master: Engineering: Electrical)--Central University of TechnologyRe-evaluating methods in any business is essential, as it reinforces knowledge and improves methodologies. Improving the reliability of electrical distribution networks is key for a utility like Eskom. Having fewer customers without electricity during an outage and more income for the utility is the focus of this study. Eskom’s standard for placing reclosers (automatic breakers) focuses on reaching their performance targets and not on the financial costs and benefits thereof. The purpose of this study is to present a method to optimise the placement of reclosers on the distribution networks. Eskom could, by focusing on the financial benefits of recloser placement, improve their performance targets as well as save more money on fault conditions. A method using cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is used and explained to analyse the placement of reclosers on an electrical distribution network. Mathematical calculations and a matrix table are used to determine the maximum number and sequence of placement of the reclosers to be installed on the networks. The findings of this study show that placing reclosers on the network using this method will pay for itself in a short period. The results show the financial benefits as well as performance improvements. By using the proposed method, the exact placements for reclosers may be indicated and less guesswork will be required from the engineers. The study was done using data from actual distribution networks. Possible future studies can be done by combining recloser placements with other protection-sensing equipment such as Fault Path Indicators or Current Voltage Monitors