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Exploring workplace English competence : e-learning strategies, orientations and effectiveness in a CODeL University in South Africa
No full textEnglish for Specific Purposes and English for Business Purposes as modules are key approaches to support English language development in higher education institutions. However, the emergence of the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions have developed traditional pedagogy into digitally driven, technology-integrated practices. Despite these developments, limited research exists on the implementation and effectiveness of innovative e-learning strategies in comprehensive open distance e-learning and in relation to Workplace English instruction. This study focuses on a Workplace English module at the University of M (pseudonym) in South Africa, which has recorded failure rates ranging from 27% to 42% between 2021 and 2024. The study further explores how e-learning strategies can be implemented to improve Workplace English competence and orient students toward effective workplace communication.
The main research objective is to examine how e-learning strategies within the PWE1453 module enhance students’ Workplace English competence and guide their professional communication skills. Two sub-objectives support this aim: (1) to investigate how these strategies influence students’ orientation in the PWE1453 module, and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of various e-learning approaches in promoting language competence.
A qualitative design with open-ended evaluation questions and structured observations was used to collect data from a sample of 75 students selected from a population of approximately 30,000. The study draws on Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, Krashen’s Input Hypothesis, and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework to analyse the intersection of pedagogy, language acquisition, and technology. Key findings reveal that effective e-learning strategies can positively impact Workplace English development, even within resource-constrained comprehensive open distance e-Learning contexts. The study further contributes to ongoing debates on digital inequality through the provision of innovative, context-sensitive solutions to bridge the digital divide in distance education contexts. It acknowledges persistent challenges such as internet accessibility issues and technical barriers that highlight the urgent need for ongoing infrastructure support to ensure equitable learning experiences. Currently, many higher education institutions continue to struggle with addressing digital disparities. The findings of this research provide pedagogical perspectives into how e-learning tools and strategies can enhance the acquisition of Workplace English skills, inform curriculum design, and support inclusive teaching methodologies aimed to improve student outcomes. The study discusses the importance of both innovation and sustained support to advance digital equity and professional language competence. The study further demonstrates the importance of both innovation and sustained support to advance digital equity and professional language competence by guiding practitioners in the effective integration of e-learning strategies.M.A. (English)English Studie
Effects of stemming and timing on rock fragmentation and downstream crusher throughput at a selected quarry in South Africa
No full textThe optimisation of a quarrying operation depends on the effectiveness of rock fragmentation and the resulting throughput of the primary crusher. However, a typical quarry in South Africa is experiencing inconsistent rock fragmentation, with excessive oversize material, known as boulders. As a result, efficiency has decreased due to expensive secondary breaking. This study examines how stemming length and inter-hole delay affect fragmentation and crusher throughput in a granite quarry.
Six controlled blasts were carried out on site for different combination of stemming lengths and inter-hole delays. Blasts #1, #2, and #3 focused on the inter-hole delay timing set at 17, 9, and 6 ms respectively. The remaining blasts #4, #5, and #6 explored the stemming lengths of 2 m, 1.5 m, and 1 m respectively. The resulting fragmentation sizes were analysed using the WipFrag software while crusher performance was measured in terms of throughput. The Kuz-Ram model and the Kuznetsov-Cunningham-Ouchterlony (KCO) model were then used as part of the sense-making exercise. Finally, at the primary crushing plant, the run-of-mine feeds from the six blasts were measured while stoppages and throughput rates were monitored over a period of a month.
The data analysis revealed that the KCO fragmentation model was the best fit for the quarry. Finer fragment sizes and higher crusher throughput were noted for shorter stemming lengths (1 m). On the other hand, fragmentation quality decreased with longer stemming (2 m) producing oversized fragments that impeded throughput. The adequate stemming may therefore be around 1.5 m. With the inter-hole delay timing, larger fragments were produced with shorter (≤ 6 ms) and longer (≥ 9 ms) delays. Optimal delay would therefore be between 6 ms and 9 ms for the granite quarry. Lastly, the crusher throughput improved by 8% (from 277 tph to 300 tph), approaching the required 325 tph with stemming and delay adjustments.M. (Engineering
Evaluating technical vocational education and training college students’ digital skills versus throughput rate
No full textThe lack of digital skills among Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students is a challenge that
negatively affects their academic performance, leading to the college’s poor throughput rate. This study aimed to evaluate
the digital skills and knowledge of TVET college students of Newcastle, South Africa, about their throughput rate.
This is achieved by examining their ability to apply digital skills to succeed in their academic quest. Digital skills are now
characterised by globalisation, digitisation, robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and
various other emerging technologies consuming the world. The study employed a descriptive quantitative approach,
where respondents completed a four-point Likert scale questionnaire for data collection. The student’s assessment
records were explored to establish the college throughput rate. Data were descriptively and inferentially analysed by
using Microsoft Excel. The relationship between the TVET college’s low throughput rate and students’ lack of digital skills
was statistically significant. An existing digital skills gap calls for educational institutions to equip students with modern
and innovative technology-related skills to enhance the throughput rate.Curriculum and Instructional Studie
Investigation of an operational sustainability model to improve financial performance of XYZ (Pty) Ltd
No full textIn South Africa’s highly competitive economy, organisations must adopt effective strategies to enhance performance and remain sustainable. Despite, employing operational improvement strategies, including Lean Six Sigma (LSS), many firms struggle to achieve long-term financial success. This study investigates an Operational Sustainability Model to improve financial performance of XYZ (Pty) Ltd, a trading company that adopted LSS but experienced stagnant financial growth.
This study seeks to assess the impact of an operational sustainability model designed to address these challenges. The model incorporates key inputs-implementation planning, employee training, leadership commitment, and incentive schemes-to drive outputs such as sustainable methodology adoption, cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and enhanced financial performance.
A positivist paradigm and quantitative approach were adopted, with data collected through web-based surveys distributed to employees using systematic sampling. Statistical analysis, including descriptive and inferential methods, was applied to interpret the data, while ethical principles ensured transparency and participant protection.
Findings revealed that sustainable financial performance is strengthened through: (i) the strategic integration of sustainability into business planning, (ii) investment in employee training and development, (iii) leadership commitment to sustainability, and (iv) incentive schemes that motivate employees toward sustainable practices. This study’s results offer valuable impact to the existing literature on improvement frameworks by illustrating how the integration of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) with sustainability-oriented strategies can strengthen organisational resilience and improve financial performance in competitive environments.M. Sc. (Industrial Engineering)College of Engineering, Science and Technolog
Measuring work-life wellness: A South African validation study
No full textValidation of the Work-Life Wellness Scale (WLWS) in the South African contextOrientation: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards flexible work arrangements, highlighting concerns about work-life balance and employee well-being. To address these issues, a reliable and validated measurement instrument to measure work-life wellness in South African workplaces is essential.
Research purpose: The study’s main aim was to validate and assess the dimensionality of the Work-Life Wellness Scale (WLWS), developed by Como and Domene (2022), within the South African context. We also tested for approximate invariance of the measure for age groups.
Motivation for the study: Limited research exists on the construct of work-life wellness (WLW), and no validated instrument is available to measure this concept in South Africa. Validating and providing empirical support for the dimensionality of the WLWS will provide researchers and practitioners with a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing WLW effectively. Approximate measurement invariance is a prerequisite for studying differences between age groups.
Research approach/design and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, obtaining 323 completed responses from full-time employees of a South African retail organisation. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, bifactor model analysis and measurement invariance across age groups.
Main findings: A bifactor model analysis revealed that the WLWS is essentially unidimensional, with a dominant general work-life wellness factor. While items related to work-life functioning (WLF) and work-life interference (WLI) are included, they primarily reflect this overarching construct. Measurement invariance testing largely supported configural, metric and scalar invariance across age groups.
Practical/managerial implications: The findings offer guidance for using the WLWS in practice, emphasising the interpretation of the overall WLW score. Organisations can use this validated tool to assess employee work-life wellness and develop targeted interventions to improve well-being.
Contribution/value-add: This study adds value by providing an instrument for assessing WLW in South Africa, contributing to local employee wellness research and informing culturally relevant HR policies and practices.Human Resource ManagementNon
Exploring dynamics of unexcused lecturer absenteeism in community learning centres in the Johannesburg metropolitan municipality
No full textThis study investigated the complex issue of lecturer absenteeism at Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. which is influenced by personal factors, socioeconomic factors, and institutional factors. The research study used an interpretive research methodology to investigate the causes of lecturer absenteeism, how it affects teaching and learning, and how it is addressed. The study examined how management styles affect lecturer absenteeism and institutional effectiveness using Hood's four approaches (hierarchist, egalitarian, individualist, and fatalist), as well as investigating the root cause of absenteeism and direct operational efficiency impacts, teaching quality, and general learning experiences within these centres in relation to such absenteeism. In addition, Cultural Theory Framework of Public Management Styles (1998) examined the main reasons why lectures at Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality miss work. This research attempted to highlight the internal problems that allow for such absenteeism while also demonstrating the lack of substantial effectiveness in the current mitigation strategies. This investigation is situated within the larger academic discourse on lecturer absenteeism through a thorough analysis of the pertinent literature, paying special attention to policy documents and other related resources. The literature illustrates the prevalent and concerning nature of absenteeism in adult education settings by placing it within the local and global educational environments. It also emphasises that absenteeism is a systemic problem that is complicatedly woven into institutional and social contexts rather than just being a behavioural issue affecting individuals. The research used an exploratory research design based on qualitative methods. It used semi-structured interviews, observations, and extensive document analysis to create a comprehensive, triangulated dataset. A total of fifteen participants, which included centre managers, lecturers, and students, were drawn from three strategically selected Community Learning Centres in Johannesburg's metropolitan area, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The data were methodically interpreted using thematic analysis, which was guided by Hood's theoretical framework. This research study employed Christopher Hood's Cultural Theory Framework of Public Management Styles (1998) to examine the main reasons why lecturers at Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality miss work. Finding the tactics used to reduce absenteeism and its implications on teaching quality and institutional performance, as well as investigating the underlying causes of absenteeism and its impact on student accomplishment, are the main goals. The study identifies personal, socioeconomic, and institutional factors as key contributors to lecturer absenteeism. The persistence of absenteeism is exacerbated by gaps in lecturer well-being and accountability, even in the face of institutional awareness of leave policies. The investigation contributes to the expanding body of knowledge on adult education absenteeism by applying Hood's theoretical framework to better understand management problems in CLCs centres. The findings of this study will have significant policy and practice consequences, with policymakers and education authorities being encouraged to strengthen managerial capacities and establish a suitable working environment. Future research should expand on this study by researching on how principles such as accountability, efficiency, and responsiveness are embedded in institutional policies, influence of lecturer absenteeism on students' academic achievement, and by conducting large-scale quantitative investigation to uncover nationwide trends and reasons can be conducted. The study recommends stricter policy enforcement, improved working conditions, and stronger institutional oversight. It also advocates for targeted support, including interventions for issues like alcoholism and to balance accountability with lecturer well-being.D. Phil. (Adult Education)College of Educatio
Advocacy communication in enhancing community health among the pastoralist communities of Kenya : Maasai of Kajiado County
No full textCommunication plays a critical role in community and societal development. In Sub-Saharan Africa, communication methods have evolved from traditional to modern forms; however, this evolution has not been uniform across all communities. Marginalized groups, such as the pastoralist communities in Kenya, often face unique challenges in accessing effective communication and healthcare services. This study aimed to investigate and explore the use of advocacy communication as a panacea for improved community health among these marginalized populations, with a specific focus on the Maasai community in Kajiado County. The study was guided by specific objectives aimed at addressing key gaps in the use of advocacy communication in promoting health outcomes. The objectives focused on how stakeholder engagement, community participation, effective advocacy communication channels, and audience motivation strategies can be integrated to enhance health communication planning and promote participatory decision-making in addressing health challenges among the Maasai community in Kajiado County. The study was theoretically grounded in the Social Mobilization Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). Anchored in a mixed methods research design, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using primary research tools such as Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for quantitative data and NVivo for qualitative data. Quantitative results were presented in tables and graphs, while qualitative findings were showcased through thematic analysis and pictorials, enabling detailed and visual communication of results. The findings revealed that advocacy communication had a direct influence on community health issues, particularly among pastoralist communities whose nomadic lifestyle contributes to frequent health challenges. The research demonstrated that advocacy communication significantly contributes to policy, behavior, and attitude change by promoting awareness and message sharing within the community. In conclusion, the study determined that advocacy communication is an effective tool in enhancing community health, especially among marginalized groups like the Maasai. It recommended strengthening advocacy communication through increased support, training, provision of equipment, and improved mobility for communication agents. Additionally, it emphasized the need for both county and national governments to ensure robust communication structures, resource allocation, and management of health facilities to prevent disease outbreaks and improve healthcare accessibility for nomadic communities.Ph. D. (Communication Science
Study of the rare ternary decays of 252cf(sf) using the “double-hit” experimental approach
No full textThis work is about the study of rare ternary decay of low-excited heavy nuclei, with
strong attention to the collinear cluster tripartition (CCT) phenomenon demonstrated
using 252Cf fission. The first proposed approach, known as the ’missing
mass’ method, involved detecting only some of the fragments, where the mass difference
between the parent nucleus and the sum of the detected fragments would
indicate ternary fission. In contrast, the new ’double-hit’ experimental approach
will be explored in detail below whereby all three fragments are obtained under
certain experimental conditions.
The work highlights the methodological challenges associated with heavy ion timeof-
flight (TOF) mass spectrometry, which a!ect energy and time measurements
due to pulse-height defect (PHD) and plasma-delay e!ects (PDE). As a result different
algorithms to reconstruct the heavy-ion mass are presented (Parab, Parabline
and Paraspline) and the Paraspline seems to be the most reliable amongst
the three. The experimental set up is discussed in detail and proceeding sections
outline double-hit event analysis. In order to achieve reliable data capture, it
highlights the significance of calibrating detection parameters and presents many
strategies for reconstructing heavy-ion mass. Setup of the experiment and the
double-hit event analysis, both of which are necessary for confirming the existence
of CCT are dealt with in depth. Through the elimination of random coincidences
of alpha particles, the study confirms the occurrence of ternary decay events. The
results underline how important double-hit events are in advancing the theoretical
framework surrounding CCT and contribute to a deeper understanding of multibody
decay processes in nuclear physics.
Overall, this work addresses methodological advances in the detection of ternary
decays and establishes a foundation for further investigations, but also lays the
foundation for future explorations into complex nuclear decay mechanisms.M. Sc. (Physics)Physic
Mental health and offending : South Africa women's narratives on pathways to incarceration
No full textText in English, with abstracts and keywords in English, Afrikaans and TswanaWomen comprise 2.6% of the correctional population in South Africa. Often marginalised in society, women are also overlooked once incarcerated. Most literature on women in corrections compares them with their male equivalents. Assumptions about women's paths to offending have predominantly been based on existing knowledge of men and their offending behaviour, whereas women have been disregarded. The importance of mental health in women's offending behaviour has been inadequately approached despite their struggles with mental health concerns before and after detention. This study aimed to investigate female offenders' intra- and interpersonal experiences during childhood and how these experiences have affected their development and later behaviours. The study investigated and attempted to respond to the research questions through 20 in-depth interviews with female offenders at the Mahikeng Correctional Centre, using a narrative approach according to a developmental psychopathology framework. By examining their narratives and acknowledging systemic influences, the study refocused on women and created a profile of female offenders in South Africa. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between abuse, especially in childhood and at the hands of extended family members, and later adverse outcomes and offending behaviour. These findings suggest that intervention methods that focus especially on the mental health of adolescents, are needed earlier in the developing teenagers’ lives if negative outcomes are to be curbed.Vroue verteenwoordig sowat 2.6% van die gevangenis-populasie in Suid-Afrika. Vroue, wat dikwels gemarginaliseer en misken word in die samelewing, word ook dikwels misken wanneer hulle in die gevangenis opgeneem word. Die meeste literatuur wat oor vroue in gevangenis bestaan, is bestudeer in vergelyking met hulle manlike eweknieë. Aannames oor vroue se pad na oortreding is hoofsaaklik gegrond op dit wat reeds bekend is oor mans en hulle oortredingsgedrag, terwyl vroue op die agtergrond geplaas is. Verder is daar nie ’n fokus geplaas op die rol wat geestesgesondheid speel in hulle oortredingsgedrag nie, ten spyte van vroue se stryd teen geestesgesondheidskwessies, voor en ná aanhouding. Die huidige doktorale studie se doel is om die intrapersoonlike en interpersoonlike geleefde ervarings van vroulike oortreders in hulle kinderjare te ondersoek, asook hoe hierdie intra- en interpersoonlike geleefde ervarings die ontwikkeling en latere gedrag van vroulike oortreders beïnvloed. Die navorser het met die studie probeer om die navorsingsvrae te ondersoek en te beantwoord deur gebruik te maak van 20 diepgaande onderhoude met vroulike oortreders in die Mahikeng-gevangenis, deur ’n vertellende benadering te volg, volgens ’n ontwikkelingspsigopatologie-raamwerk. Deur te luister na hulle vertellings en al die sistemiese invloede te oorweeg het die navorser deur die studie probeer om die fokus weer op vroue te plaas en uiteindelik te probeer om ’n beskrywing te vorm van die Suid-Afrikaanse vroulike oortreder. Resultate het 'n beduidende positiewe korrelasie getoon tussen mishandeling, veral in die kinderjare en deur uitgebreide familielede, en latere negatiewe uitkomste en aanstootlike gedrag. Hierdie bevindinge dui daarop dat intervensiemetodes wat veral op die geestesgesondheid van adolessente fokus, vroeër in die ontwikkelende tieners se lewens nodig is as negatiewe uitkomste beperk moet word.Basadi ba dira 2.6% ya baagi ba dikampase tsa kgolego mo Aforika Borwa. Gantsi ba a kgetholwa mo setšhabeng, basadi ba a lebalwa le fa ba sena go tsenngwa kgolegelong. Bongwe jwa dingwalwa tse di buang ka basadi mo dikampaseng tsa kgolego bo ba bapisa le banna ba ba tsenngwang kgolegelong. Dikakanyo ka ditsela tsa basadi tsa go dira melato di theilwe thata mo kitsong e e leng teng ka banna le boitshwaro jwa bone jwa go dira melato, fa basadi bone ba lebalwa. Bohlokwa jwa boitekanelo jwa tlhaloganyo mo boitshwarong jwa basadi jwa go dira melato ga bo a sekasekwa sentle, le fa ba lebana le mathata a boitekanelo jwa tlhaloganyo pele le morago ga go tsenngwa kgolegelong. Thutopatlisiso e e ne e ikaeletse go sekaseka maitemogelo a basadi ba ba dirileng melato mo bonganeng jwa bone le gore maitemogelo ao a amile jang kgolo ya bone le boitshwaro jwa bone morago. Thutopatlisiso e ne e sekaseka le go leka go araba dipotso tsa patlisiso ka dipoledišano tse di tseneletseng le basadi ba ba dirileng melato ba le 20 kwa Khamphaseng ya Tshokologo ya Mahikeng, go dirisiwa mokgwa wa polelo, go ya ka sebopego sa thutopatlisiso ya boitekanelo jwa tlhaloganyo. Ka go sekaseka dipolelo tsa bone le go lemoga ditlamorago tsa tsamaiso, thutopatlisiso e ne e ikaeletse go lebisa tlhokomelo mo basading le go tlhama porofaele ya basadi ba ba dirileng melato mo Aforika Borwa. Dipholo di supile kgolagano e e siameng magareng ga tshotlakako, segolo thata mo bonyaneng le mo diatleng tsa maloko a lelapa, mme morago ga moo ditlamorago tse di sa siamang le maitsholo a a sa siamang. Dipatlisiso tseno di supa gore mekgwa ya tsereganyo e e tsepameng segolobogolo mo boitekanelong jwa tlhaloganyo jwa basha, e tlhokega go sa le gale mo matshelong a basha a a golang fa ditlamorago tse di sa siamang di ka fokodiwa.Ph. D. (Psychology)Psycholog
Developing strategies to address persistence and recrudescence of trachoma in Southern Ethiopia
No full textText in EnglishPurpose: Despite the implementation of the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) recommended strategy for several years persistence and recrudescence of Trachoma are common problems faced by endemic districts in Ethiopia. The purpose of the study is to understand the factors contributing to the persistence and recrudescence of Trachoma and to develop strategies to address the delay in the elimination of Trachoma beyond 2030 in Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A three-phased explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 1,522 randomly selected respondents across 52 clusters. Qualitative data was gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with 56 purposively recruited discussants and 11 key informants from Uba Debretsehay and Nyangatom districts. The development and validation of strategies followed the Delphi method. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, while qualitative data were thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti version 24.1.1.30813.
Results: Poorer households with individuals who did not receive optimum treatment as per the WHO’s guideline during mass drug administration are associated with increased risk of manifesting symptoms of Trachoma. In contrast, households with optimally treated members and practicing face washing with soap were less likely to report the symptoms. The districts are characterised by segments of the population missing standard treatment, poor hygiene, and sanitation practices. Many populations have never been treated or sub-optimally treated due to refusal associated with misconceptions, fear of adverse events and being not offered due to limited social support, logistics and terrain. Treatment slippage is of particular concern arising from treatment fatigue, misinformation, and unavailability of treatments. Limited engagement of the local leadership has been reported. During the strategy development, 28 interventions aligned with the health systems building blocks were developed to address the persistence and recrudescence of Trachoma.
Conclusion: Persistence and recrudesce of Trachoma are an evolving challenge for Trachoma elimination in Ethiopia particularly in the study area. This pioneering study explored various socio-ecological factors contributing to the persistence and recrudescence of Trachoma. Based on the evidence generated, expert informed strategy has been developed to address persistent Trachoma.Ph. D. (Public Health)Health Studie