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Appropriate versus alternative : litigation in the context of dispute resolution methods in Ghana
Get PDFThe study sought to accomplish three main tasks. These were to clarify ‘appropriate dispute resolution method’, design a mechanism for selecting an appropriate dispute resolution method for use in resolving disputes and finally, settle the age-old debate as to which dispute resolution method is the most appropriate one in Ghana. While quantitative methods were employed in the pursuit of the first two tasks, mixed methods research, that is, sequential explanatory design was used for the third task.
The findings are that, the appropriate dispute resolution method is that which delivers a just, fair, and enforceable outcome. Also, disputants should select dispute resolution methods that ensure reconciliation, fairness, relationship preservation, attainment of expected outcome(s) and decision enforceability. Lastly, this study found that there is no absolutely appropriate dispute resolution method in Ghana. The findings revealed that it is the type and stage of dispute, issues in dispute, disputant’s circumstances, the legal framework, and the dispute resolution practitioner that collectively determine the most appropriate dispute resolution method at any point in time.
It is therefore suggested that policy makers in Ghana should consider amending Sections 1 and 113(c) of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act 798 of 2010 to allow for use of the other methods to resolve disputes relating to matters of the environment and those of public interest and make negotiation agreements binding. Furthermore, it is suggested that a central authority should be set up to certify, train and regulate other dispute resolution practice in Ghana.
Finally, it is proposed that disputants should consider the type of dispute and stage of the dispute, the dispute resolution practitioner (if it is ascertainable), disputant’s circumstances, issues in dispute, and the dispute resolution legal framework for selecting the most appropriate dispute resolution method to settle their disputes.Ph. D. (Law)Criminal and Procedural La
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Chapter Guide
Get PDFTheoretical and conceptual frameworks are the foundation for research studies, providing a framework for understanding and interpreting the results. This guide explores the role of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in research, including their purpose, components, and construction. It discusses the differences between these frameworks, how to develop them, and their relationship to research questions and hypotheses. Additionally, the guide explores how to critically evaluate and refine existing frameworks to ensure their relevance and accuracy. Overall, this guide is a comprehensive resource for researchers seeking to develop and utilize theoretical and conceptual frameworks in their work.Institute for Open and Distance Learning (IODL
Implementation of strategic plan by the North West Department of Education
No full textSouth Africa's government departments generally haven't done well, particularly in the North West. The North West Department of Education's (NWDoE) capacity to implement its strategic plans has deteriorated over time. Unacceptable audit results and the department being placed under administration are undeniable indicators of a capacity issue or insufficient strategic planning implementation. . The NWDoE is similarly rendered ineffective by its inability to achieve the desired results, outcomes, and impact.
Despite the fact that a lot of studies have been done on strategic planning, very few of them have concentrated on the implementation aspect of strategic management. To that extent, there is a gap in the literature because no study has been done on the NWDoE. This made this study necessary and pivotal.
The main objective of this study was to look into how the North West Department of Education is carrying out the implementation of its strategic plan, To that extent look into factors that affect (enhance or impede) the department of education's (NWDoE) implementation of strategic plan.
A number of research sub-questions were created to help achieve the goal. These included: how does the NWDoE implement its strategic plan; what factors enhance how the strategic plan is implemented in the NWDoE; what obstacles exist to the NWDoE implementation of the strategic plan; and whether an implementation plan can be created specifically for the NWDoE.
Okumus Strategy Implementation Frameworks served as the foundation for this study. A qualitative case study design was selected for this study. A constructivist/interpretivist paradigm was used. The methodology of choice for gathering and analyzing both sets of data was qualitative content analysis. Computer assisted data analyses system Atlas/ti7 was used. A qualitative survey and documentary content analysis were used to collect and analyse the data. Over 51 reports from the department's various sections were reviewed. . In addition, a purposive sample of 66 departmental officials representing all levels of the organization were surveyed. Data produced by the two systems were imported into Atlas/ti for qualitative analysis.
The results demonstrated the difficulties and opportunities that public service departments encounter when implementing strategic plans. . The results highlighted different approaches adopted by NWDoE to carry out its strategic plan implementation as well as problems resulting from their decisions. The findings also identified and described elements that enhanced or hampered the NWDoE ability to implement strategic plan. The recommendations were used to develop an empirical framework that emphasizes key factors that must be taken into account concurrently in order to successfully implement strategy. A flow line model and a set of recommendations are presented. This was a remarkable accomplishment despite all the obstacles including effects of COVID.
In conclusion, this case study offered insightful information about the subtle complexities involved in the NWDoE implementation of strategic plans. The goal of the study was to develop a framework for the NWDoE implementation of the strategic plan. It was designed with four objectives in mind: understanding how the NWDoE is carrying out its strategic plan, understanding what enables it to do so, understanding what hinders the department from carrying out its strategic plan, and understanding whether or not a better implementation model can be developed. All government departments may find general use for the study's findings.PhD. (Education Management Studies)Educational Leadership and Managemen
Evaluation of scabies management approach at primary health care in Deder district: Ethiopia
No full textScabies is an ectoparasitic, highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation of the
skin by the human itch mite, and the major cause of morbidity and disease burden in
developing countries. In 2017, the WHO recognised scabies as a neglected tropical disease.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the current management approach to scabies at primary
health care in the Deder district in order to develop a strategy that enhances the management
of scabies.
The study objectives were designed to explore the current knowledge and experiences of
health care users on the management of scabies provided at primary health care facilities.
Furthermore, the study sought to evaluate the current management of scabies, describing in
the process the enablers and barriers thereto. This study also explores and describes the
needs with regard to improving the management of scabies within health care providers'
views and experiences. Ultimately, the study designs and proffers a strategy that would
contribute toward enhancing the management of scabies in primary health care.
A multiphase qualitative research design was used to address the research objectives. Data
were collected using focus group discussion, and in-depth face-to-face interviews with 58
healthcare users and 18 healthcare providers respectively. Thematic analysis was performed
on the verbatim transcriptions using Tesch’s approach. Overall, thirteen themes emerged
from the analysis of the data from phase one and phase two of the study.
The findings of the study identified that the knowledge of health care users on scabies,their
management, prevention and control was limited, and healthcare users experienced different
challenges regarding scabies and the management thereof. This study also verified that there
are different difficulties in diagnosing and managing scabies and identified different
challenges that need serious redress in improving the management of scabies in primary
health care. These challenges contribute to low quality of health service with undesirable
health outcomes.
Accordingly, after a review of diverse but related literature and the Ministry of Health policies,
the researcher used the findings of the study to develop a strategy that enhances the
management of scabies at the primary health care level. Programme managers working at
different levels in the Ethiopian health system also validated the strategy developed here, and
the researcher strongly recommends full utilization of the strategy to enhance the
management of scabies at the primary health care level.D. Litt. et Phil. (Public Health)Health Studie
Children’s rights: The need for care, safety and protection
No full textThis paper aims to highlight the push factors leading to children’s vulnerabilities especially in historically
impoverished communities in post-apartheid South Africa (SA). These push factors are hangovers that Black1
children continue to experience in their daily lives because of the ongoing impact of poverty and family
behavioural patterns. Furthermore, the paper highlights how socially constructed violence is perpetuated in the
form of gangsterism when factors such as unemployment, mental health issues and lack of services contribute
to a lack of care, safety and protection of children, alluding to the State’s failure to provide basic services in
impoverished communities. The lack of access to services coupled with the need to protect the rights of children
promulgated in the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child highlight how the State is directly implicated in the
neglect of SA children’s wellbeing. Data collection included focus group discussions and semi-structured
interviews with adult community members from two South African communities, exploring perceptions and
experiences of everyday violence. Collaborative thematic analyses was used for analyses. Core themes that
emerged centre on perceptions on the various dynamics within the family system that ruptures the family
system and the various pull factors that attracts children to other replacement family systems. These factors
are discussed under sub-themes.Institute for Social and Health Studies (ISHS
The influence of leadership on the success or failure of public secondary schools : a case study of five secondary schools in Ekurhuleni North District, South Africa
No full textIt was anticipated that public secondary schools in Ekurhuleni North District in Gauteng are facing educational leadership challenges; hence, the aim of this study was to explore: The influence of leadership on the success or failure of public secondary schools: A case study of five secondary schools in Ekurhuleni North District, South Africa. The main research question: How does leadership influence the success or failure of selected public secondary schools in Ekurhuleni North District? Due to COVID-19 qualitative case study research was conducted in only five secondary schools in Ekurhuleni North District of Education, Gauteng, South Africa – 39 participants (five principals, five deputy principals, five heads of departments, five SGBs, five members from the Representative Council of Learners, five parents, four Ekurhuleni North District of Education officials) were selected. Data was analysed, by engaging thematic analysis, and themes were developed. The study was supported by instructional, transformational, distributed and compassionate leadership framework. Findings revealed that selected schools in Ekurhuleni North District are facing multidimensional challenges, of which educational leadership is the main challenge.M. Ed. (Educational Management)Educational Leadership and Managemen
Towards a decolonial medical treatment team approach : the case of mental healthcare in South Africa
No full textCollaborative medical treatment teamwork through effective communication can enhance mental healthcare. Therefore, medical treatment teamwork is widely advocated as an approach for treating mentally ill patients, since diverse healthcare professionals, contribute expertise for patient care. Effective communication amongst members of the medical treatment team, is fundamental for effective medical treatment teamwork. Therefore, this research focused on exploring how the medical treatment team interacted in order to achieve effective patient care, from a South African perspective.
Approximately 80 per cent South Africans are influenced by socio-cultural factors when approaching and treating mental illness. Hence, a decolonial medical treatment team approach to mental healthcare, enables the medical treatment team to cater for important aspects such as cultural diversity within the medical treatment team, medical treatment team collaboration with traditional healers, and catering for the patient’s cultural context in mental healthcare. This focus caters effectively for mental healthcare in a South African context. However, there is no single model or theory that caters for important aspects (such as the medical treatment teamwork context and socio-cultural aspects catering for diversity) that influence mental healthcare. Hence, the aim of this study was to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework that was synthesised from literature, which included various health communication theories, medical treatment teamwork theories, decolonial theories and cultural theories.
The conceptual framework was verified using four data collection methods namely, document analysis, observation, face-to-face semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Data was analysed using specific steps from Braun and Clarke (2006) via a thematic analysis. The key findings from this study indicated that collaborative medical treatment teamwork which considers the socio-cultural context in mental healthcare, is beneficial in achieving effective mental healthcare. As a result, a comprehensive conceptual framework for a medical treatment team approach to mental healthcare was proposed as a contribution for this study.Samewerkende mediesebehandelingspanwerk deur doeltreffende kommunikasie kan geestesgesondheidsorg verbeter. Mediesebehandelingspanwerk word dus wyd voorgestaan as ’n benadering vir die behandeling van pasiënte met geestesongesteldheid, aangesien diverse gesondheidsorgpersoneel kundigheid tot pasiëntsorg bydra. Effektiewe kommunikasie tussen lede van die mediesebehandelingspan is die grondslag vir spanwerk in effektiewe mediesebehandelingspanwerk. Hierdie navorsing het dus gefokus op die ondersoek na die wisselwerking tussen die mediesebehandelingspan om effektiewe pasiëntsorg te bereik, vanuit ’n Suid-Afrikaanse perspektief.
Ongeveer 80 persent van Suid-Afrikaners word deur sosiokulturele faktore beïnvloed wanneer hulle geestesongesteldheid benader en behandel. Gevolglik stel ’n dekoloniale mediesebehandelingspanbenadering tot geestesgesondheidsorg die mediesebehandelingspan in staat om voorsiening te maak vir belangrike aspekte soos kulturele diversiteit binne die mediesebehandelingspan, samewerking van die mediesebehandelingspan met tradisionele genesers, en voorsiening vir die pasiënt se kulturele konteks in geestesgesondheidsorg. Hierdie fokus maak doeltreffend voorsiening vir geestesgesondheidsorg in ’n Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Daar is egter geen enkele model of teorie wat voorsiening maak vir belangrike aspekte (soos die mediesebehandelingspanwerkkonteks en sosiokulturele aspekte wat voorsiening maak vir diversiteit) wat geestesgesondheidsorg beïnvloed nie. Die doel van hierdie studie was dus om ’n omvattende konseptuele raamwerk voor te stel wat uit literatuur gesintetiseer is wat verskeie gesondheidskommunikasieteorieë, mediesebehandelingspanwerkteorieë, dekoloniale teorieë en kulturele teorieë ingesluit het.
Die konseptuele raamwerk is geverifieer deur gebruik te maak van vier data-insamelingsmetodes, naamlik dokumentontleding, waarneming, aangesig-tot-aangesig semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude en fokusgroepbesprekings. Data is tematies ontleed aan die hand van spesifieke stappe van Braun en Clarke (2006). Die sleutelbevindinge van die studie het aangedui dat samewerkende mediesebehandelingspanwerk wat die sosiokulturele konteks in geestesgesondheid in ag neem voordelig is in die bereiking van effektiewe geestesgesondheidsorg. Gevolglik is ’n omvattende konseptuele raamwerk vir ’n mediesebehandelingspanbenadering tot geestesgesondheidsorg voorgestel as ’n bydrae vir hierdie studie.Ukusebenzisana kwethimba lokwelashwa ngokuxhumana okuphumelelayo kungathuthukisa ukunakekelwa kwezempilo yengqondo. Ngakho-ke, ukusebenzisana kwethimba lokwelashwa kukhuthazwa kabanzi njengendlela yokwelapha iziguli ezigula ngengqondo, njengoba ochwepheshe abahlukahlukene bezokunakekelwa kwempilo, benikela ngobuchwepheshe bokunakekelwa kwesiguli. Ukuxhumana okuphumelelayo phakathi kwamalungu ethimba lezokwelapha, kubalulekile ekusebenzeni kwethimba lokwelashwa okuphumelelayo. Ngakho-ke, lolu cwaningo lugxile ekuhloleni ukuthi ithimba lezokwelapha lisebenzisana kanjani ukuze kuzuzwe ukunakekelwa kwesiguli okusebenzayo, ngokombono waseNingizimu Afrika.
Cishe amaphesenti angama-80 abantu baseNingizimu Afrika bathonywa yizici zezenhlalo namasiko lapho besondela futhi belapha ukugula ngengqondo. Ngakho-ke, indlela yethimba lezokwelapha elingasekho ekunakekelweni ngokwengqondo, yenza ithimba lezokwelapha likwazi ukubhekelela izici ezibalulekile njengokuhlukahluka kwamasiko eqenjini lezokwelapha, ithimba lezokwelapha ukusebenzisana nabelaphi bendabuko, kanye nokubhekelela amasiko esiguli ekunakekelweni kwengqondo. Lokhu kugxila kusiza ngempumelelo ekunakekelweni kwengqondo esimeni saseNingizimu Afrika. Kodwa-ke, asikho isifanekiso esisodwa noma umbono obhekelela izici ezibalulekile (njengomongo wethimba lokwelashwa kanye nezici zenhlalonhle-zamasiko ezibhekelela ukuhlukahluka) ezinomthelela ekunakekelweni kwengqondo. Ngakho-ke, inhloso yalolu cwaningo kwakuwukuphakamisa uhlaka lomqondo olubanzi olwahlanganiswa ezincwadini, olwaluhlanganisa imibono yezokuxhumana yezempilo ehlukahlukene, imibono yethimba lezokwelapha, imibono yokuqeda ubukoloni kanye nemibono yamasiko.
Uhlaka lomqondo lwaqinisekiswa kusetshenziswa izindlela ezine zokuqoqwa kwemininingwane okungukuthi, ukuhlaziya imibhalo, ukubuka, izingxoxo zobuso nobuso ezihlelwe kancane, kanye nezingxoxo zamaqembu agxilile. Imininingwane yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa izinyathelo ezithile ezivela ku-Braun and Clarke (2006) ngokuhlaziywa kwendikimba. Okutholiwe okubalulekile okuvela kulolu cwaningo kubonise ukuthi ukusebenzisana kwethimba lokwelashwa okucabangela umongo wenhlalonhle-ngokwesiko ekunakekelweni kwezengqondo, kunenzuzo ekuzuzeni ukunakekelwa kwezempilo yengqondo okusebenzayo. Ngenxa yalokho, kwahlongozwa uhlaka olubanzi lomqondo wethimba lezokwelapha ekunakekelweni ngokwengqondo njengomnikelo walolu cwaningo.D. Litt. et Phil. (Communication)Communication Scienc
A framework for implementation of smart card technology in public healthcare
No full textThe proliferation of information and communication technology (ICT) in numerous public
administration sectors has accelerated the transition of government departments from traditional work
into work that is highly dependent on ICT. Smart Card Technology (SCT) has intrinsic benefits for a
range of industries, including telecommunications, finance, transportation and the public sector in the
areas of security, authentication and multi-application capabilities. Medical mistakes still occur often
in public healthcare, which results in poor service. As a result, manual file systems cannot be
depended upon or used and prescription errors resulting from misinformation or inconsistency
regarding the dosage, allergies and interactions must be resolved. This study seeks to develop a
framework for implementing SCT in public healthcare.
The key factors for the application of SCT were enhanced in this study by using a conceptual
framework based on the Healthcare Unified Theory of Acceptance of User Technology Model
(HUTAUT) (2018), DeLone and McLean IS Success Model (2003) and Diffusion of Innovation
theory (DOI) (2003). To achieve its goals, the study adopted a quantitative research methodology.
Respondents were selected using the convenience sample technique. In the Steve Biko Academic
Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, Kalafong Tertiary Hospital and Pretoria West District Hospital
in South Africa's Gauteng area, 406 provided healthcare professionals self-administered
questionnaires. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for data analysis,
and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in this study. It was decided to validate
both the model and the instrument using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Moreover, structural
equation modelling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied.
The quantitative study's findings identified several elements that must be considered when making
decisions for SCT to be implemented in South African public hospitals. Seven hypotheses were found to be supported by the investigation, including those covering behavioural intention (H5), system use
(H8), information quality (H9), communication (H12), compatibility (H13) and trialability (H14).
The performance expectancy hypothesis (H2), on the other hand, was not supported because of its
low reliability. Five hypotheses, however, that dealt with effort expectancy (H1), social impact (H3),
facilitating conditions (H4), user pleasure (H7) and user attitude (H6) were not, for this rationale,
validated in this study. These results indicated that the Department of Health and other stakeholders'
choice to apply SCT in public healthcare is significantly influenced by behavioural intention, system
quality, system use, information quality, compatibility, communication and trialability.
This study explores SCT’s potential application in public healthcare. In addition, the Department of
Health should increase the usage of SCT in public hospitals throughout all provinces where healthcare
reforms are urgently required. This could be addressed by healthcare professionals within public
healthcare by using elements for the implementation of SCT acquired from the study. The study
intends to assist with the implementation of smart card technology, which would increase and
improve the standard of healthcare service delivery in South African public hospitals.Ph. D. (Information Systems)School of Computin
“One Health” perspective on prevalence of co-existing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textAbstract
Background
The Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) bacterial isolates that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) contribute to global life-threatening infections. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of ESBLs in co-existing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from humans, animals and the environment.
Methods
The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) [ID no: CRD42023394360]. This study was carried out following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. One hundred and twenty-six eligible studies published on co-existing antibiotic resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae between 1990 and 2022 were included.
Results
The pooled prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae was 33.0% and 32.7% for humans, 33.5% and 19.4% for animals, 56.9% and 24.2% for environment, 26.8% and 6.7% for animals/environment, respectively. Furthermore, the three types of resistance genes that encode ESBLs, namely blaSHVblaCTX−M,blaOXA, and blaTEM, were all detected in humans, animals and the environment.
Conclusions
The concept of “One-Health” surveillance is critical to tracking the source of antimicrobial resistance and preventing its spread. The emerging state and national surveillance systems should include bacteria containing ESBLs. A well-planned, -implemented, and -researched alternative treatment for antimicrobial drug resistance needs to be formulated