21838 research outputs found
Sort by
Guidelines for the development of a professional nursing identity in South Africa
No full textProfessional nurses vary in their alignment and awareness of their professional identity, which affect their professional power, public image, and the public’s confidence in the profession, prompting the question: Do we understand what constitutes and shapes the identity of professional nurses in South Africa? The purpose of this exploratory sequential mixed methods study was to explore factors that influence and shape the identity and describe how it manifests in the profession to formulate guidelines that support professional nurses and associated stakeholders in the development of a sound professional nursing identity in South Africa. The study was guided by the Identity Theory and the Social Identity Theory. Literature, qualitative and quantitative data were integrated and used to develop and validate the guidelines.
In phase I, interviews were conducted with purposively selected key informants, and four focus group interviews were conducted with professional nurses who were selected using convenience sampling. The data from these findings were used to generate a questionnaire in phase II. In phase III, the findings of both qualitative and quantitative data were integrated to develop and validate guidelines for the development of a professional nursing identity. To establish rigour, the researcher applied strategies to ensure trustworthiness and performed validity and reliability tests.
The qualitative data were analysed by utilising Tesch’s method of data analysis. The themes that emerged as influential were related to nursing characteristics, the image of nursing, institutional and organisational culture, nursing education and corporate governance. The quantitative data (n=254) were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (SPSS version 26). The developed guidelines were validated by field and guideline experts. These guidelines address measures to improve the public image of professional nurses, the status of the profession and the professional persona. The guidelines propose recommendations for professional nurses and stakeholders such as nursing and nurse educators, career counsellors, occupational psychologists, nurse managers, human resource managers, hospital management, SANC and the government to develop a professional nursing identity.Ph. D. (Nursing)Health Studie
A framework for knowledge management system adoption in small and medium enterprises
Get PDFKnowledge is a key competitive advantage for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a way of competing with other organisations. There is a need to investigate SME adoption of knowledge management systems (KMSs). Knowledge management systems can only assist in this task if they are sufficiently adopted. The purpose of this research was to develop a conceptual framework for KMS adoption within an SME context. The research aimed to explore the interdependencies between various contextual KMS adoption factors, namely the technology, organization, environmental and human behavioural contexts. Four mini-focus groups were conducted and included employees in SMEs. Thematic analysis identified nine themes that describe the dynamics that either promote or prevent KMS adoption. The findings provide deeper insights into the influencing factors in KMS adoption to enhance SME performance and competitiveness. The KMS adoption framework can be applied to improve the adoption of technology in SMEs. Future research could include SMEs in specific industries to compare adoption factors and could also include larger organisations.Graduate School of Business Leadershi
A critical analysis of the impact of DevOps on information technology organisations: a case study
Get PDFVolatile market conditions push businesses to develop strategies to adapt. Information technology organisations are no exception, and some of them have adopted DevOps, while others are in the process of implementing it. DevOps is a software development philosophy that involves the working together of various departments, such as development, operations, and other software development departments, with the common aim of accomplishing common business objectives. However, little has been done to establish the footprint of DevOps in information technology organisations, hence, this phenomenon remains inadequately communicated and not fully understood in both the practitioner and academic research communities. The current study therefore used a single case study to build a theory about different scenarios of successful DevOps implementation in a multinational company that is headquartered in South Africa. Various DevOps role players were engaged to obtain their perceptions regarding the DevOps adoption process that the organisation went through. An overview of the existing literature provided information on how organisations have restructured during the DevOps implementation process. The study then compared the existing views on DevOps as found in the literature, with the details of real scenarios that occurred during DevOps adoption. This research study aimed to provide an adequate understanding of an appropriate DevOps restructuring approach that would be suitable for information technology organisations, and this will help other institutions to make informed decisions that positively affect the process of migration towards the adoption of DevOps.M. Sc. (Computing)Science and Technology Educatio
Treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB and its determinants at referral hospitals in Ethiopia
Get PDFBackground
There is limited empirical evidence in Ethiopia on the determinants of treatment outcomes of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) who were enrolled to second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Thus, this study investigated the determinants of treatment outcomes in patients with MDR-TB at referral hospitals in Ethiopia.
Design and methods
This study was underpinned by a cross-sectional quantitative research design that guided both data collection and analysis. Data is collected using structured questionnaire and data analyses was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Multi-variable logistic regression was used to control for confounders in determining the association between treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB and selected predictor variables, such as co-morbidity with MDR-TB and body mass index.
Results
From the total of 136 patients with MDR-TB included in this study, 31% had some co-morbidity with MDR-TB at baseline, and 64% of the patients had a body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m2. At 24 months after commencing treatment, 76 (69%), n = 110), of the patients had successfully completed treatment, while 30 (27%) died of the disease. The odds of death was significantly higher among patients with low body mass index (AOR = 2.734, 95% CI: 1.01–7.395; P<0.048) and those with some co-morbidity at baseline (AOR = 4.260, 95%CI: 1.607–11.29; p<0.004).
Conclusion
The higher proportion of mortality among patients treated for MDR-TB at Adama and Nekemte Hospitals, central Ethiopia, is attributable to co-morbidities with MDR-TB, including HIV/AIDS and malnutrition. Improving socio-economic and nutritional support and provision of integrated care for MDR-TB and HIV/AIDS is recommended to mitigate the higher level of death among patients treated for MDR-TB.College of Human Science
A consumer purchase decision model for the South African personal motor vehicle insurance industry
Get PDFAbstracts in English, Afrikaans and ZuluThe low penetration rate of motor vehicle insurance in South Africa places enormous pressure on the short-term insurance industry. An analysis of individuals in the market and their purchasing habits will allow short-term insurers to understand their consumers and purchasing behaviour. This study aimed to develop a model that would determine the purchase decision process of consumers (insured) and potential consumers (non-insureds) regarding personal motor vehicle insurance in South Africa. It is important for short-term insurance companies need to gain an understanding of purchase behaviour in terms of personal motor vehicle insurance in South Africa, as it will allow them to satisfy consumers’ needs and influence individuals’ purchase decisions. Several decision-making models were evaluated to aid in the development of the conceptual consumer purchase decision for personal motor vehicle insurance model that illustrates the influences and steps in the purchase decision process. Quantitative data was collected through an online questionnaire. The study followed a three-phase model-building strategy of: (1) Exploratory Factor Analysis, (2) Confirmatory Factor Analysis and (3) logistic regression model building to test and refine the model until an acceptable model could be established. The study found that the purchase decision for personal motor vehicle insurance consumers and potential consumers consists of the following influences and steps: company’s marketing efforts (include people, process and price of the policy), sociocultural environment factors (included items such as positive non-commercial sources and negative reference person or group), communication sources (paid-for social media efforts, buzz agent and customised messages); psychological attributes (items such as perception about a certain insurance company and personality), demographic variables (household income, highest level of education and age), and decision-making process steps (pre-purchase search requesting quotations and evaluating alternative prices, quality/standards and brands). The demographic profile of respondents was used to develop a description of the average personal motor vehicle driver and personal motor vehicle insurance consumer. This study provides an acceptable model explaining the purchase decision process of individuals in the personal motor vehicle insurance market in South Africa.Die lae penetrasiekoers van motorvoertuigversekering in Suid-Afrika plaas enorme druk op die korttermynversekeringsbedryf. ’n Ontleding van individue in die mark en hul koopgewoontes sal korttermynversekeraars in staat stel om hul verbruikers se koopgedrag te verstaan. Die doel van hierdie studie is om ’n model te ontwikkel wat die koopbesluitnemingsproses van verbruikers (versekerdes) en potensiële verbruikers (nieversekerdes) rakende persoonlike motorvoertuigversekering in Suid-Afrika bepaal. Dit is belangrik dat korttermynversekeringsmaatskappye koopgedrag rakende persoonlike motorvoertuigversekering in Suid-Afrika verstaan, aangesien dit hulle in staat sal stel om in verbruikers se behoeftes te voorsien en individue se koopbesluite te beïnvloed. Verskillende besluitnemingsmodelle is geëvalueer om te help met die ontwikkeling van ’n konsepmodel vir persoonlike motorvoertuigversekering wat die invloede en stappe in die koopbesluitproses illustreer. Kwantitatiewe data is deur middel van ’n aanlyn vraelys ingesamel. Die studie het ’n driefasige modelboustrategie gevolg, bestaande uit: (1) verkennende faktoranalise, (2) bevestigende faktoranalise en (3) logistiekeregressie-modelbou om die model te toets en te verfyn totdat ’n aanvaarbare model daargestel kan word. Die studie het bevind dat die koopbesluit vir verbruikers en potensiële verbruikers van persoonlike motorvoertuigversekering uit die volgende invloede en stappe bestaan: maatskappy se bemarkingspogings (insluitend mense, proses en prys van die polis), sosiaal-kulturele omgewingsfaktore (insluitend items soos positiewe niekommersiële bronne en negatiewe verwysingspersoon of -groep), kommunikasiebronne (betaalde pogings op sosiale media, gons-agent- en doelgemaakte boodskappe); sielkundige kenmerke (items soos persepsie oor ’n bepaalde versekeringsmaatskappy en persoonlikheid), demografiese veranderlikes (huishoudelike inkomste, hoogste opvoedingsvlak en ouderdom), en stappe in die besluitnemingsproses (vooraankoopsoektog wat kwotasies aanvra en alternatiewe pryse evalueer, gehalte/standaarde en handelsmerke). Die demografiese profiel van respondente is gebruik om ’n beskrywing van die gemiddelde persoonlike motorvoertuigbestuurder en verbruiker van persoonlike motorvoertuigversekering te ontwikkel. Hierdie studie verskaf ’n aanvaarbare model wat die koopbesluitproses van individue in die persoonlike motorvoertuigversekeringsmark in Suid-Afrika verduidelik.Izinga lokungena eliphansi lomshwalense wezimoto eNingizimu Afrika libeka ingcindezi enkulu embonini yomshwalense wesikhashana. Ukuhlaziywa kwabantu emakethe kanye nemikhuba yabo yokuthenga kuzovumela abadayisi bomshwalensi besikhathi esifushane ukuthi baqonde abathengi babo kanye nokuziphatha kokuthenga. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukuthuthukisa imodeli ezonquma inqubo yesimo sokuthenga sabathengi (abanomshwalense) kanye nabathengi abangahle babe nawo (abangewona) mayelana nomshwalense wemoto yomuntu siqu eNingizimu Afrika. Kubalulekile ukuthi izinkampani zomshwalense wesikhathi esifushane zithole ukuqonda mayelana nezindlela zokuziphatha uma umuntu ethengwa umshwalense wemoto eNingizimu Afrika, njengoba izohambisana nokuthi yanelise izidingo zabathengi futhi ibe nomthelela ezinqumweni zokuthenga komuntu. Amamodeli wokuthatha izinqumo amaningana ahlolwa ukuze asize ekuthuthukisweni kwesinqumo somqondo sokuthenga umthengi semodeli yomshwalense wemoto yomuntu siqu ebonisa imithelela nezinyathelo zenqubo yesinqumo sokuthenga. Idatha yobuningi iqoqwe ngohlu lwemibuzo oluku-inthanethi. Ucwaningo lulandele isu lokwakha imodeli lezigaba ezintathu: (1) Ukuhlaziywa Kwezinto Ezihlolayo, (2) Ukuhlaziywa Kwezinto Eziqinisekisayo kanye (3) nokwakhiwa kwemodeli yokuhlehla kwempahla ukuze kuhlolwe futhi ihlolisiswe yini imodeli kuze kusungulwe imodeli eyamukelekayo. Ucwaningo luthole ukuthi isinqumo somuntu sokuthengwa komshwalense kanye nabathengi abangase babe ngabathengi siqukethe imithelela nezinyathelo ezilandelayo: imizamo yokumaketha yenkampani (ihlanganisa abantu, inqubo kanye nentengo yenqubomgomo), izici zemvelo yezenhlalo kwamasiko (okufakwe izinto ezifana nezinto ezinhle ezingezona eziqondile) imithombo yezentengiselwano kanye nomuntu noma iqembu eliyisithenjwa), imithombo yokuxhumana (ekhokhelwe imizamo yenkundla yezokuxhumana, ibhazi ejenti kanye nemilayezo engokwezifiso); izici zengqondo (izinto ezinjengombono ngenkampani ethile yomshwalensi kanye nobuntu), ukuhlukahluka kwabantu (imali engenayo yasekhaya, izinga eliphezulu lemfundo nobudala), kanye nezinyathelo zenqubo yokuthatha izinqumo (ukusesha ngaphambi kokuthenga ucela amakhotheshini nokuhlola ezinye izintengo, ikhwalithi/ amazinga kanye nemikhiqizo). Iphrofayili yezibalo zabantu abaphendulayo yasetshenziswa ukuthuthukisa incazelo yomshayeli wemoto yomuntu ophakathi nendawo kanye nomuntu ongumthengi womshwalense wemoto. Lolu cwaningo luhlinzeka ngemodeli eyamukelekayo echaza inqubo eyisinqumo sokuthengwa kwabantu ngabanye abasemakethe yomshwalense wezimoto eNingizimu Afrika.D. Phil. (Management Studies)Business Managemen
The Characterization of the Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) Using Python/MATLAB/Simulink (PMS)-Hybrid Model
No full textModelling EDLC's (Supercapacitor)This paper investigates the characterization of an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC). In this study, the 300 F and 400 F EDLC supercapacitors are connected in a circuit in a laboratory experiment to produce their charge/discharge profiles at a constant current. The acquired charge/discharge profiles were used to determine the mathematical parameters of the EDLCs using the “Faranda model”, or “two-branch model”, of the EDLC. The parameters extracted from the equivalent circuit model were then used as inputs to a designed Python/MATLAB/Simulink (PMS)-hybrid model of an EDLC. This was simulated to obtain charge/discharge profiles. The resulting experimental and simulated- charge/discharge profiles of the EDLCs were compared with each other, by superimposing
their profiles to determine the accuracy of the PMS model. The PMS model was found to be very accurate. The innovation of this work lies in modeling a supercapacitor, mostly in the Python programming language in combination with a MATLAB/Simulink model. The experimental charge/discharge profiles obtained were used to calculate the equivalent circuit resistance (ESR) and the capacitance of the EDLCs, which were compared with the existing datasheet values of the EDLCs.
The characterization of the EDLC supercapacitor was done to derive a flexible PMS model of the EDLC, which can be used in a microgrid hybrid energy-storage system (HESS) to show the potential of the EDLC in improving battery lifespan.Electrical and Mining EngineeringUniversity of South Africa
ESKOM TESP Gran
Evaluation of the impacts of clay brick production on water quality and socio-economic issues in Dididi Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFNo keywords providedClay brick production forms one of the preferred economic activities in rural areas. However,
there is “a competition for land and resources between brick production and other subsistence
agricultural activities. This study was conducted to assess water quality and socio-economic
issues related to small-scale clay brick production in Dididi village, Limpopo province South
Africa. This study utilised positivism research philosophy and adopted a mixed-method
research design in data collection. Questionnaires were adopted for this study together with
field data collection measuring water parameters. Fifty (50) respondents provided input to the
designed questionnaire, and 54 % of the respondents stressed on the negative impacts of clay
brick production on the environment. Majority of respondents (84 %) reported that clay brick
manufacturing provides business opportunities, hence a source of income. Clay brick
production uses significant amounts of firewood in the kiln process leading to vegetation
destruction, air pollution from the smoke, and potentially human respiratory challenges.
Furthermore, liquid waste from the processes flows back in the river, increasing the total solids,
suspended solids and this is an eyesore to the environment. From the collected water samples,
the analysis showed no adverse effects in the river source for domestic water use according to
standards stipulated by the Department of Water Affairs. For example, pH values were within
the permissible regulatory range (between 6.0 and 9.0). However, continued monitoring of the
activities in the area is recommended in policing environmental degradation since there was an
indication of land degradation as a result of excessive use of sand.M. Sc. (Environmental Sciences)Environmental Science
The impact of #MeToo in the South African film and television industry, within a historical framework
Get PDFThe study is a history project and is concerned with tracking the impact of #MeToo in the South African Film and Television industry in South Africa. Its main premise were the findings made public by a South African organization, Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT) in 2017, that found that sexual harassment in the television and film industry was not just a norm but a crisis. The core focus of the study was on the development and impact of the #MeToo movement, which entailed investigating the manner in which women reacted to the hashtag (#MeToo), the reaction of their male counterparts, as well as the reaction and actions taken by the various bodies, institutions and organisations in the Film and Television industry, which included; broadcasters and production houses alike. This study begins by giving a concise background of the movement by firstly, historicising various female-led movements and comparing and contrasting them with the rise of digital movements or digital activism. The historicisation involves a brief comparison of past and present women-led activism, as well as a brief review of other hashtags like #AmINext and #Enough, on which #MeToo has had an influence. It goes on to investigate the development of #MeToo movement and to discuss the responses of the industry and individuals to the movement.
The study embarked on a data collection quest by interviewing eleven female television and film practitioners in South Africa. Their ages ranged from 20 to 55. The findings of the research revealed that female practitioners were still being harassed post #MeToo, although subtly. The lack of unity amongst women in the sector was cited as one of the reasons behind the ongoing harassment. Gender parity and equity was also still lacking in the South African television and film industry. This study emerged in the midst of activism and scholarship seeking to unravel the norms of South African sexual harassment and rape culture against women. Thus, the study focused on the changes and transformations brought about by the hashtag within the industry. With South Africa’s historical background and the current circumstances around Gender Based Violence (GBV), this study was concerned with tracking whether or not digital activism had in some way been able to aid change and transformation. In particular, this study looked at the impact of the MeToo phenomenon on the women in the industry, the extent to which it empowered them, what they began to say and how they began to act. The study also explored South Africa’s ‘rape culture’ as South Africa has been proclaimed the ‘worlds rape capital’. It reflected on the colonial rule as the perpetuation of patriarchy and male entitlement over female bodies. Patriarchy in the industry was also confirmed by the findings and through data analysis, as one of the key factors in the emergence of #MeToo in South Africa, and in the utilisation of the hashtag by women in the sector to speak up against sexual harassment.Histor
Group Exhibition - When Rain Clouds Gather: Black South African Women Artists, 1940 – 2000
No full text1. Amarhoqololo kaKim Season 1 series (1-8) 2021 Eight panels of colourful tapestries (120cm x 350cm).
2. Gender Based Violence (GBV) 2021 (80cm x 100cm) Digitally edited image on canvas
3. Lala ngoxolo Nomontoza 2021 (100cm x 200cm) Digitally edited image on canvasThis Series is composed of eight panels of printed tapestries/textiles and further reinterpretation of two of the panels’ subject matter reproducing images that encapsulate the theme of this series, which is self-forgiveness. It started as a conscious retrospective reflection of my earlier works some of which were representing painful events, I had experience. The series was inspired by my daughter Kimberly Bediako, hence the title Amarhoqololo kaKimn (Kim’s scribbles). The first one in this series Irhoqololo likaKim 1, meaning Kim’s scribble 1, is derived from a work entitled “Please help 1988” which was commenting on domestic abuse now referred to as Gender Based Violence (GBV). Kim used textile design techniques to reinterpret this work expanding its meaning to the current state of GBV where women are encouraged to report violence they experience and speak out without fears of being stigmatized, as was the case in the past. I applied this recreation process to a selection of my earlier works some which expressed issues I wanted closure with. The eight panels were deliberately presented like flags symbolising celebration and denoting acceptance, and self-reconciliation. Self-forgiveness enabled me to accept my “responsibility and pain in processing the emotions of remorse” associated with the painful events expressed in these works (Enright 1996). Additionally, self-forgiveness facilitated Alexander Pope’s (1711) famous quote “To err is Human; to Forgive is divine” towards personal transcendence (http://eserver.org/poetry/essay-on-criticism.html)). These earlier works expressed my lived experiences and some societal aspects I observed as social commentary. While expressing these experiences at the time seemed enough and fulfilling however it became apparent that there were issues that I needed to put behind. I wanted to shed the baggage I had carried for years and forgive myself where necessary, or move on, without fear of failure or regret for things I could not change. The series challenge the viewer to see beyond superficial representation of subject matter but to engage with the works at deeper level.
The recreation process involved re-evoking/reliving the historical authorship thus resisting my death as “the author” while consciously metamorphosising these works into massive and intricate new formations (Roland Barthes 1968). Thus, I became an author (creator) and a reader (critique/interpreter) simultaneously towards original authenticity.
The two reinterpreted works GBV 2021 and Lala ngoxolo Nomontoza 2021 represent the main epitome of forgiveness and acceptance. They were created by combining performative acts of remorse, pain, and acceptance while evoking suppressed emotions towards self-veneration and healing. “Part of the healing offered through self-forgiveness involves an acceptance of who one is despite perceived shortcomings” (John Beiter 2007). These works also sought to evoke suppressed emotions metaphorically reliving the pain or uncovering an unhealed wound attending to it towards healing it permanently. Lala ngoxolo Nomontoza 2021 is derived from a work entitle “The Vigil 1988”, and it combines the original work transformed into a gigantic cross epitomising death with performance of remorse and grief. The cross and the crown of thorns reference the biblical event of the death of Jesus Christ as well as the belief that he died on the cross for our sins. Lala ngoxolo Nomontoza means rest in peace Nomontoza similarly to the phrased usually said to acknowledge death of a loved one. Nomontoza is a pseudo name I gave to the pregnancy I lost through a forced abortion. GBV and Lala ngoxolo Nomontoza were to release painful emotion towards healing. Uzo Uzo a Nigerian born Artist who lives in Houston, United States that I follow on Instagram asserts, “I create intense personal moments created by means of rules and omissions, acceptance and refusals, luring the viewer to look and see beyond the obvious”. Similarly, to Uzo Uzo when viewing Amarhoqololo kaKim Series the viewer is coerced to see beyond superficial representation of the subject matter. Thus, alternating creation and interpretation processes enhanced the final products as these processes complement each other responding to the theme what was being addressed in the ‘When Rain Clouds Gather”. It delt with the themes of political and social change, science versus traditional ways, tribalism, race, gender etcetera, which most of the themes in amaRhoqololo kaKim were portraying.Art and MusicNon
