21838 research outputs found
Sort by
Application of improved density-based algorithms to data stream and performance evaluation
No full textDensity-based algorithms are effective in the detection of clusters with arbitrary shapes and outliers even when information about the number of clusters is not available. Parameter specification in data stream clustering remains a challenge. Selecting a suitable parameter-tuning is germane in having a good clustering quality. The density-based algorithm DenStream is an example of data stream clustering algorithms that require several parameter specifications. In this dissertation, an improved DenStream with a modified distance measure was proposed and demonstrated with parameter-tuning in Massive Online Analysis (MOA) using synthetic and real-world datasets. The modified DenStream algorithm was compared against CluStream, ClusTree and DenStream in the presence of noise levels 0%, 10%, and 30% and manually selected epsilon parameters 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05 respectively. The epsilon parameter range [0.02 – 0.05] was not used due to some algorithm not working on real-world datasets. The effects on clustering qualities were evaluated and demonstrated using performance evaluation metrics CMM, Purity, Silhouette Coefficient, and Rand index on the synthetic and real-world datasets. Finally, the result shows that effectiveness of the algorithms depends on the parameter-tuning and no single algorithm is a one-size-fits-all for the performance metrics.M. Sc. (Computing)School of Computin
Research methodology chapter guiding tool for M & D
Get PDFThis research methodology chapter guiding tool provides a comprehensive guide to writing a research methodology chapter for academic research. The tool is designed to help students, researchers, and academics to structure and present their research methodology chapter in a clear and concise manner. It covers key components of a research methodology chapter, including research design, research approach, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. The tool also includes practical tips and examples to help users develop a high-quality research methodology chapter.Institute for Open and Distance Learning (IODL
Intimate partner violence anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders among married women in Ethiopia: support intervention strategies
Get PDFIntroduction
Globally, intimate partner violence is a concern that affects the international rights and
wellbeing of millions of women.
Aim
The study aimed to assess IPV and the association between anxiety, PTSD symptoms,
and IPV perpetration on married women in Ethiopia. Furthermore, support intervention
strategies on IPV and mental health outcomes for married women were developed.
Methodology
The study followed a quantitative research method. The researcher viewed the problem on
a continuum of cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted in a rural area of
Ambo district, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Married women aged 18-49 years were
selected using a systematic sampling method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire
tailored from a WHO multi-country study on women's health and life events, as well as
PCL-C and BAI scale, was utilized as a data collection instrument.
Results
According to the findings, 34.5% (n=326) of the study participants experienced IPV
considering the past twelve months prevalence. Specifically, psychological violence 25.9%
(n=245), physical violence, 20.8% (n=197), and sexual violence 15.3% (n=145) were
reported by the study participants. Mental health outcome of IPV, 10.2% (n=96) and 11%
(n=104) of the study participants respectively reported anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
The association between anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and IPV perpetration were examined
in this study. Psychological violence, 2.86 (95% CI (1.86- 4.41)), physical violence 2.56
(95% CI (1.63-4.11)) and any form of IPV 2.72 (95% CI (1.77-4.18) predicted anxiety
symptoms. Whereas, the age group from 28-37 years, 2.18 (95% CI (1.07-4.43)) predict a
low level of anxiety. Psychological violence, 2.44 (95% CI 1.60-3.71)), physical violence,
2.23 (95% CI (1.44, 3.46)) and any form of IPV 2.23 (95% CI (1.44- 3.46)) predict an
increased PTSD symptom.
Conclusion and recommendations
This research contributed to developing the support intervention strategies on IPV and
mental health outcomes for married women. The study proposes that supportive
intervention strategies be given at health facilities and the community level.D. Litt. et Phil. (Public Health)Health Studie
A framework for the implementation of ethical procurement practices in the South African public sector : the case of City of Tshwane Municipality
Get PDFThe study focuses on the implementation of ethical procurement practices in the South African public sector, specifically examining the case of the City of Tshwane Municipality. The background of the study shows that governments use procurement as a major economic activity that contributes significantly to the global economy's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, it highlights the susceptibility of public procurement to corruption, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks to curb unethical practices. The research problem stems from the City of Tshwane Municipality's history of negative press due to illegal procurement practices, resulting in unfavorable audit outcomes, declining service quality, and financial concerns. The study aimed to address this issue by proposing a framework for ethical procurement practices, focusing on enhancing transparency, accountability, and trust within the public sector. To answer the research question of how the City of Tshwane can improve ethical procurement practices, the study adopted the qualitative approach where n=10 in=depth semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst staff in different sections of the municipality's procurement department. Thematic analysis was used in data analysis. The key identified themes were corrupt procurement practices, manifestation of nepotism and factors for ethical procurement implementation and these formed the basis for analysis and reporting. Conclusions drawn from the study highlight systemic factors significantly contributing to corrupt procurement practices, including lack of transparency, personal interests overriding integrity, and inadequate oversight. Fraudulent activities such as bid rigging and inflated pricing were identified, along with the impact of nepotism on supplier selection. The study emphasizes the importance of transparency, ethical training, strict oversight, a culture of accountability, and due diligence in fostering ethical conduct. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to refine policies, implement training initiatives, allocate resources for scrutiny, and promote a cultural shift towards transparency and ethical behavior within the organization. Future research is suggested to explore whether an integration of technological solutions (such as blockchain or AI) in procurement processes can be introduced to enhance transparency and help stem fraudulent activities.M.B.A.Graduate School of Business Leadershi
Exploring the value of physical evidence at rape crime scenes in Mamelodi
No full textRape is a severe crime in South Africa, and several cases of rape pass through the courts every year. However, many of these cases fail to get convictions due to problems experienced while collecting evidence from the crime scene where the rape occurred. A worrying trend has grown gradually in South Africa, where the first responders to a crime scene are not suitably qualified to collect and handle evidence properly. This raises the prospect of evidence contamination, eventually rendering it inadmissible in court.
One area where rape remains a severe problem is Mamelodi Township in Tshwane. This study investigated the significance of physical evidence rape crime cases and how evidence contamination can be prevented. Using the Mamelodi police cluster as a case study, the researcher used a qualitative approach to analyse the subject, and evidence was gathered from active police officers who deal with rape crimes and forensic scientists who work for the SAPS through semi-structured interviews.
The findings of the study indicate that out of all the rape cases that are reported at Mamelodi Police Station, about 80% of them never end with a conviction due to several problems relating to physical evidence being inadequate or crime scenes being tampered with and evidence getting contaminated. The study results established that even though the SAPS has laid down clear procedures for physical evidence collection, there were challenges relating to adherence to those procedures, which is the main factor contributing to rape case attrition in the Mamelodi area. The study also established that physical evidence is the best form of evidence in a rape crime case, and if it is well handled, a conviction is guaranteed. The study's primary recommendation was that those police officers who collect evidence at rape crime scenes require regular training in evidence collection and crime scene management procedures to minimise evidence contamination at rape crime scenes.M.A. (Criminal Justice)Police Practic
Socioeconomic and psychosocial factors associated with solidarity and prosocial behavior during COVID-19
Get PDFThe novel virus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, has had a profound global impact on health, social wellbeing, and economies, with especially devastating effects on vulnerable populations. A remarkable response to the pandemic was the large-scale enactments of solidarity and prosocial behaviour in different regions of the world. We explore the factors associated with solidarity/prosocial behaviour (regarded as components of the same construct in this study) among South Africans during the second wave of COVID-19. Specifically, this study aimed to determine whether the financial, social, and psychosocial impact of lockdown, living circumstances and resources, fear of contracting COVID-19, trust in information provided by government and institutions, perceptions of procedural justice affecting COVID-19 mitigation implementation, and support for mitigation measures were associated with solidarity/prosocial behaviour during COVID-19. Using a cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected national sample through Computer-Aided Telephonic Interviews (CATI) and self-completion. Most (67.4%) of the 1686 respondents included in this study were female, with a mean age of 40-45 years (x̄ = 6.76, SD = 3.11). Various psychosocial and economic factors were related to prosocial behaviour. For the full model, the beta weights show that out of the 16 explanatory variables only eight made a significant (p <. 05) contribution to explaining solidarity/prosocial behaviour, and of these, six were positively associated to solidarity and prosocial behaviour. The results demonstrate that overall, South African citizens exhibited a wide range of prosocial and solidaristic behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of financial status, race, or gender.Institute for Social and Health Studies (ISHS
Industrial mathematics curriculum development for Ethiopian Science and Technology universities
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the development and implementation of the new industrial
mathematics curriculum for Ethiopian Science and Technology universities. Ethiopia
is in the process of transforming to industry led economy and to facilitate this
transformation, the government needs competent graduates in science and technology
field. The goal was to gain insight into the process of developing and
implementing the industrial mathematics curriculum by studying the needs of
stakeholders. The study employed the APOS theoretical framework for curriculum
development process of mathematics education.
The study was conducted at two universities of Science and Technology using a
sequential explanatory mixed methods design in which the qualitative analysis followed
from quantitative analysis. Primary data were collected from purposely
selected mathematics, applied science, engineering teachers and industry
personnel who have better links with the two Science and Technology universities,
using questionnaires and focus group discussion methods. Additionally, secondary data
was obtained through document analysis. The collected data were analysed using
descriptive statistics and an inductive content analysis approach.
The findings of the study revealed that the development of the industrial mathematics
curriculum was driven by industry demands, specifically, the need for skilled graduates
who could contribute to productivity and improvement of services. However, the
implementation of the curriculum faced several challenges. These included a weak
connection between universities and industry, lack of information on
graduates' job market performance, scarcity of resources impacting teaching and learning, pedagogical practices not aligned with industry needs, inadequate
knowledge in adopting appropriate technology and ineffective assessment
mechanisms. Based on the study findings, several recommendations
were made to facilitate the successful implementation of the industrial curriculum.
These recommendations include better stakeholder participation in the curriculum
development process, creating awareness and understanding among science
and technology teaching staff about curriculum development and continuous
training for teachers to improve their teaching and assessment skills. In summary, this study explored
the development of an industrial mathematics curriculum in Ethiopian Science and
Technology universities. It identified the needs of stakeholders and highlighted
the challenges faced during curriculum development and implementation. The
recommendations aim to address these challenges and ensure a
successful implementation of the industrial curriculum.D. Phil. (Mathematics Education)Mathematics Educatio
Proposed guidelines for website data privacy policies and an application thereof
No full textBusiness-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce websites have recently increased in South Africa. The extent of addressing privacy requirements in B2C e-commerce websites is still in its infancy in South Africa with the Protection of Personal Information Act which only came into effect recently. A scoping literature review was conducted to define a holistic set of privacy policy guidelines for websites. In total, 14 privacy policy guidelines for websites were identified to aid website owners in developing their online data privacy policies. The research design further included a sample of ten popular South African B2C e-commerce website privacy policies using an embedded single-case study design to illustrate the application of the guidelines and to establish the extent of the content of the sample of website privacy policies in terms of the proposed privacy policy guidelines. The findings indicated that the website privacy policies did not fully address the proposed guidelines. The proposed privacy policy guidelines for websites provide website owners with a way to assess and improve their privacy policy content to contribute to compliance with data privacy requirements and to build consumer trust.School of Computin
Leadership competencies and capabilities in South African banks for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
No full textAbstracts in English, Afrikaans and ZuluThe study aimed to delve into the leadership competencies and capabilities within South African banks amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The rapidly transforming landscape of 4IR - marked by rapid technological advancements, increasing global interconnectedness, and rising levels of complexity - shapes a unique set of challenges and opportunities for leadership in the banking sector.
In investigating the relevance of the existing leadership competency profiles in the face of 4IR and the necessity for a context-specific leadership approach, the research method was devised as a combination of literature review and empirical study. The sample size consisted of Banking Leaders and Learning and Development (L&D) managers from a variety of South African banks, providing a robust data set for the empirical investigation.
The research process began with a comprehensive literature review that helped in grounding the research in the established theories and latest findings about the impact of 4IR on leadership. The literature review underlined the demand for particular leadership competencies and capabilities such as adaptability, resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking in the era of 4IR.
Following the literature review, an empirical study was conducted using a questionnaire survey method to gather primary data. The questionnaires, aimed at Banking Leaders and L&D managers within the banking sector, comprised closed-ended questions that targeted key aspects of leadership competency profiles and their relevance to the 4IR environment. The responses provided first-hand insights into the current leadership development practices within the South African banking sector.
From the collected data, it was revealed that transformational leadership was predominant among the sampled in South African banks. The data showed a positive correlation between transformational leadership and variables such as job satisfaction and performance. This aligns with previous research indicating the effectiveness of transformational leadership in promoting employee engagement and performance, particularly in complex, rapidly changing environments like the 4IR. However, the data also exposed a gap in the alignment of existing leadership competency profiles with the 4IR's demands. The current leadership competency profiles in South African banks appeared to inadequately address the unique challenges posed by 4IR, underscoring the need for a more tailored, context-specific approach to leadership development.
Based on the research findings, a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) framework was proposed. This framework integrates the key leadership competencies and capabilities identified in the literature review and the study findings, tailored specifically to the challenges and opportunities of the 4IR.
The proposed VUCA framework emphasises competencies like adaptability, resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking, identified as critical for 4IR. It also includes elements like collaboration, emotional intelligence, and technological savviness, crucial for navigating the complexities of 4IR.
In conclusion, the study's findings indicate a need for continuous development and adaptation of leadership competencies to align with the rapidly evolving landscape of the 4IR. The VUCA framework offers a practical guide for the South African banking sector to reassess and enhance their leadership development initiatives, thereby equipping their leaders to better navigate the 4IR challenges. The research findings not only contribute to the broader understanding of leadership in the 4IR context but also underline the importance of context-specific leadership development strategies.Die studie het beoog om verdiep te wees in die leierskapbevoegdheid en vermoëns binne Suid-Afrikaanse banke te midde van die Vierde Industriële Revolusie (4IR). Die landskap van 4IR – gekenmerk deur vinnige tegnologiese vooruitgang, toenemende wêreldwye onderlinge verbinding en stygende kompleksiteitsvlakke – skep ʼn unieke stel uitdagings en geleenthede vir leierskap in die banksektor.
In ʼn ondersoek na die toepaslikheid van die bestaande leierskapbevoegdheidsprofiele met die oog op 4IR en die nodigheid vir ʼn konteksspesifieke leierskapbenadering, is die navorsingsmetode as ʼn kombinasie van literatuuroorsig en empiriese studie ontwerp. Die steekproefgrootte het uit Leer- en Ontwikkelingsbestuurders (L&D-bestuurders) van ʼn verskeidenheid Suid-Afrikaanse banke bestaan wat ʼn sterk datastel vir die empiriese ondersoek voorsien.
Die navorsingsproses het met ʼn uitgebreide literatuuroorsig begin wat gehelp het om die navorsing in die bestaande teorieë en nuutste bevindings oor die impak van 4IR op leierskap te grondves. Die literatuuroorsig het die behoefte aan spesiale leierskapbevoegdheid en vermoëns soos aanpasbaarheid, wilskrag, vernuwing en strategiese denke in die era van 4IR beklemtoon.
Na die literatuuroorsig, volg ʼn empiriese studie wat gedoen is deur ʼn vraelys-opname metode te gebruik om primêre data te versamel. Die vraelyste, gemik op L&D-bestuurders binne die banksektor, het bestaan uit ope en geslote vrae wat op sleutel-aspekte van leierskapbevoegdheidsprofiele en hul toepaslikheid op die 4IR-omgewing gerig was. Die L&D- bestuurders se antwoorde het eerstehandse insigte in die huidige leierskap-ontwikkelingspraktyk binne die Suid-Afrikaanse banksektor voorsien.
Die versamelde data het onthul dat transformasionele leierskap oorheersend is onder L&D-bestuurders in Suid-Afrikaanse banke. Die data het ʼn positiewe korrelasie tussen transformasionele leierskap en veranderlikes soos werksbevrediging en prestasie getoon. Dit stem ooreen met vorige navorsing wat die doeltreffendheid van transformasionele leierskap om werknemerbetrokkenheid en -prestasie te bevorder, aandui – veral in komplekse, vinnig veranderende omgewings soos die 4IR.
Die data het nietemin ook ʼn gaping in die opstelling van bestaande leierskap- bevoegdheidsprofiele met die eise van 4IR aan die lig gebring. Dit lyk asof die huidige leierskapbevoegdheidsprofiele in Suid-Afrikaanse banke onvoldoende aandag aan die unieke uitdagings van 4IR gee wat die nodigheid vir ʼn meer toegespitste, konteksspesifieke benadering tot leierskapsontwikkeling onderstreep.
Na aanleiding van die bevindings van die navorsing, is ʼn VUCA-raamwerk (Veranderlikheid, Onsekerheid, Kompleksiteit, Dubbelsinnigheid) voorgestel. Hierdie raamwerk integreer die sleutelleierskapbevoegdheid en vermoëns wat in die literatuuroorsig vasgestel is en die studie se bevindings wat spesifiek op die uitdagings en geleenthede van die 4IR gefokus is.
Die voorgestelde VUCA-raamwerk beklemtoon vaardighede soos aanpasbaarheid, wilskrag, vernuwing en strategiese denke wat kritiek vir 4IR is. Dit behels ook beginsels soos samewerking, emosionele intelligensie en tegnologiese kundigheid, deurslaggewend om die kompleksiteit van 4IR te navigeer.
Ten slotte, dui die studie se bevindings op ʼn behoefte aan volgehoue ontwikkeling en wysiging van leierskapbevoegdheid om met die vinnig ontwikkelende landskap van die 4IR ooreen te stem. Die VUCA-raamwerk bied ʼn praktiese gids vir die Suid-Afrikaanse banksektor om hul leierskap-ontwikkelingsinsiatiewe te hersien en te versterk en op dié manier hul leiers toe te rus om die uitdagings van 4IR beter te navigeer. Die bevindings van die navorsing dra nie net by tot groter begrip van leierskap in die 4IR-konteks nie, maar onderstreep ook die belangrikheid van konteksspesifieke leierskap-ontwikkelingstrategieë.Lolu cwaningo noma lesisifundo besihlose ukuhlolisisa amakhono obuholi namandla ngaphakathi kwamabhange aseNingizimu Afrika phakathi neNguquko Yezimboni Yesine (4IR). Isimo sezwe esishintsha ngokushesha se-4IR - esimakwa ngentuthuko esheshayo yezobuchwepheshe, ukwanda kokuxhumana emhlabeni wonke, kanye namazinga akhulayo okuba yinkimbinkimbi - kwakhela isethi eyingqayizivele yezinselelo namathuba obuholi emkhakheni wamabhange.
Ekuphenyeni ukufaneleka kwamaphrofayili akhona anekhono lobuholi phambi kwe4IR kanye nesidingo sendlela yobuholi egxile komongo, indlela yocwaningo yaklanywa njengenhlanganisela yokubuyekezwa kwezincwadi kanye nocwaningo olwenziwayo. Usayizi wesampula ubuhlanganisa abaphathi be-Learning and Development (L&D) abavela emabhange ahlukahlukene aseNingizimu Afrika, okuhlinzeka ngedatha eqinile yophenyo olusetshenziswayo.
Inqubo yocwaningo yaqala ngokubuyekezwa okuphelele kwezincwadi okwasiza ekusekeleni ucwaningo emibonweni esunguliwe kanye nokutholwe kwakamuva mayelana nomthelela we-4IR ebuholini. Ukubuyekezwa kwezincwadi kugcizelele isidingo samakhono athile obuholi namakhono afana nokuzivumelanisa nezimo, ukuqina, ukusungula izinto ezintsha, kanye nokucabanga kwamasu enkathini ye-4IR.
Ngemva kokubuyekezwa kwezincwadi, kwenziwa ucwaningo olungokomlando kusetshenziswa indlela yocwaningo lwemibuzo ukuze kuqoqwe idatha eyisisekelo. Uhlu lwemibuzo, oluqondiswe kubaphathi be-L&D emkhakheni wamabhange, beluhlanganisa imibuzo evulekile nevaliwe eqondise izici ezibalulekile zephrofayili yamakhono obuholi kanye nokuhlobana kwazo endaweni ye-4IR. Izimpendulo zabaphathi be-L&D zinikeze ukuqonda ngqo mayelana nezinqubo zamanje zokuthuthukiswa kobuholi ngaphakathi kwemboni yamabhange aseNingizimu Afrika.
Ngolwazi oluqoqiwe, kwavezwa ukuthi ubuholi bezinguquko bebugqame phakathi kwabaphathi be-L&D emabhange aseNingizimu Afrika. Imininingwane ikhombise ukuhlobana okuhle phakathi kobuholi bezinguquko kanye nezinto eziguquguqukayo ezifana nokwaneliseka komsebenzi kanye nokusebenza. Lokhu kuhambisana nocwaningo lwangaphambilini olubonisa ukusebenza kahle kobuholi boguquko ekukhuthazeni ukusebenzelana kwabasebenzi nokusebenza, ikakhulukazi ezindaweni eziyinkimbinkimbi, ezishintsha ngokushesha njenge4IR.
Kodwa-ke, imininingwane iphinde yadalula igebe ekuqondaneni kwamaphrofayili akhona obuholi nezimfuno ze-4IR. Iphrofayili yamanje yamakhono obuholi emabhange aseNingizimu Afrika ibonakale ingabhekananga ngokwanele nezinselelo ezihlukile ezilethwe yi-4IR, egcizelela isidingo sendlela ehambisanayo, egxile komongo ekuthuthukisweni kobuholi.
Ngokusekelwe emiphumeleni yocwaningo, kwahlongozwa uhlaka lwe-VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainity, Complexity, Ambiguity). Lolu hlaka luhlanganisa amakhono obuholi abalulekile namakhono ahlonzwe ekubuyekezweni kwezincwadi kanye nokutholwe ocwaningweni, okuqondiswe ngqo kuzinselelo namathuba e-4IR.
Uhlaka oluhlongozwayo lwe-VUCA lugcizelela amakhono afana nokuvumelana nezimo, ukuqina, ukusungula izinto ezintsha, nokucabanga kwamasu, okuhlonzwe njengokubalulekile ku-4IR. Iphinde ifake izinto ezifana nokusebenzisana, ubuhlakani bemizwa, kanye nobuhlakani bezobuchwepheshe, okubalulekile ekuzulazuleni okuyinkimbinkimbi kwe-4IR.
Sengiphetha, okutholwe ocwaningweni kukhombisa isidingo sokuqhubeka nokuthuthuka kanye nokujwayela amakhono obuholi ukuze kuhambisane nesimo sezwe esithuthukayo se-4IR. Uhlaka lwe-VUCA lunikeza umhlahlandlela osebenzayo womkhakha wamabhange waseNingizimu Afrika ukuze ubuyekeze futhi uthuthukise izinhlelo zabo zokuthuthukisa ubuholi, ngaleyo ndlela uhlomise abaholi bawo ukuze bazulazule kangcono izinselele ze-4IR. Okutholwe ocwaningweni akugcini nje ukufaka isandla ekuqondeni kabanzi ubuholi kumongo we-4IR kodwa futhi kugcizelela ukubaluleka kwamasu okuthuthukisa ubuholi obuqondene nomongo.M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)Industrial and Organisational Psycholog
An inclusive clinical trial Research Education Programme for investigators in Health Sciences
Get PDFUpscaling the pool of clinical trial investigators is critical to address the evolving challenges of clinical trials and meet the increasing demand for skilled health professionals. By developing an inclusive clinical trial research education programme for investigators in health sciences, that includes nurses and other health professionals in South Africa, the study aimed to ensure a diverse and well-equipped workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern clinical trials and contributing to advancements in healthcare.
A sequential exploratory qualitative-driven multiple-method quasi-experimental design was employed to achieve this objective, consisting of three projects. The Medical Research Council (MRC) framework was adopted to guide the process, acknowledging the dynamic nature of developing an education programme.
Project 1 explored and described stakeholders’ perspectives of an inclusive clinical trial research education programme. Ten experienced clinical trial professionals were interviewed to develop and validate the programme.
Project 2 involved the programme’s implementation with 28 investigators, including nurses, pharmacists, statisticians, and social workers, registering for participation. This phase was quantitative in nature
Project 3 evaluated the clinical trial research education programme, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative segments. The 28 participants from Project 2 formed the basis of the quantitative evaluation. Pre- and post-questionnaires were used to assess changes in participants’ self-perceived competency and knowledge of clinical trials after the intervention. Additionally, five participants were selected for qualitative evaluation through interviews.
Qualitative findings from the study indicated that participants’ need for clinical trial education was met, while quantitative results supported these findings by demonstrating a significant improvement in participants’ self-perceived competency and knowledge of clinical trials following the intervention.
The developed inclusive clinical trial research education programme provides explicit recommendations for various stakeholders, including nurses, educators, supervisors, and the clinical trial industry, to use the programme and ensure well-trained clinical trial professionals who can contribute to favourable patient outcomes.
In conclusion, upscaling the pool of clinical trial investigators through an inclusive education programme is essential for meeting the challenges of modern clinical trials and the growing demand for skilled health professionals. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of such a programme in enhancing participants’ competencies and knowledge.D.Phil. (Nursing (Health Studies))Health Studie