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A nanotechnology strategic key research areas foresight model for improved innovation and technology transfer
Get PDFAbstracts in English, Afrikaans and ZuluNanotechnology revolutionised industrialisation and economic development and is predicted to drive the next Schumpeterian wave of economic growth. Most countries are strategically positioning themselves to benefit from nanotechnology, being a general-purpose technology. Hence, to ensure prudent use of limited resources, countries must select and focus on key strategic nanotechnology research areas that have the potential to generate competitiveness and return on investment. However, no model currently exists on critical success factors for nanotechnology innovation management. Also, there is a lack of effective nanotechnology-specific foresight models. Furthermore, although nanotechnology foresight relates to the Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) analysis, the use of MCDM methods in a foresight context has not been thoroughly explored yet.
This research developed the Nanotechnology Innovation Diamond, a model for successful nanoscience research and development. The model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) from a survey of 167 nanotechnology experts from South Africa. The results indicated that, at a 95% confidence level, the model satisfied the minimum CFA model fit requirements. The research further developed a nanotechnology-specific foresight model that integrates the Nanotechnology Innovation Diamond, technology mining, scientometrics, and the Analytical Hierarchical Process Multi-criteria Decision Making (AHP-MCDM) model.
The AHP-MCDM foresight model was empirically tested in South Africa. The results showed that South Africa’s nanotechnology publications grew exponentially from 68 papers in 2000 to 1 672 in 2019, representing an increase of 2 459%. Compared to the other BRICS countries, namely, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, South Africa has the lowest nanotechnology productivity, scoring an activity index of 0.68. Universities are the most prominent publishers on nanotechnology, while the private sector has produced few publications. Only 48 patents were identified compared to 11 265 publications, and a meagre 3.5% of papers were found to report on nano-enabled products. This lack of reporting on nano-enabled products can negatively impact the commercialisation of nanotechnology. The top collaborating countries, top researchers, top institutions, and nanotechnology economic hubs are reported in this study. The key strategic research areas identified for South Africa include nanomaterials, nano-photoluminescence and optics, nanomedicine, nanocatalysis, nanoelectronics, nanobiotechnology, and energy. The results were benchmarked using an expert-survey foresight method, which gave 70% similar priority fields of research. The research contributes to the discourse on nanotechnology innovation management, technology-specific foresight methods, nanotechnology-specific foresight methods, and the utilisation of quantitative tools in foresight.Nanotegnologie het ’n omwenteling in industrialisering en ekonomiese ontwikkeling teweeggebring en daar word voorspel dat dit die volgende Schumpeterse golf van ekonomiese groei sal aandryf. Die meeste lande is besig om hulself strategies te posisioneer om uit nanotegnologie voordeel te trek, aangesien dit ’n meerdoelige tegnologie is. Om dus verstandige gebruik van beperkte hulpbronne te verseker, moet lande strategiese sleutelnavorsingsareas in nanotegnologie wat die potensiaal het om mededingendheid en opbrengs op belegging te genereer, kies en daarop fokus. Daar bestaan egter nie op die oomblik ’n model ten opsigte van kritiese suksesfaktore vir nanotegnologie-innovering-bestuur nie. Boonop is daar ’n tekort aan doeltreffende nanotegnologie-spesifieke toekomsbeplanningsmodelle. Hoewel toekomsbeplanning vir nanotegnologie verband hou met die Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM)-ontleding, is die gebruik van MCDM-metodes in ’n toekomsbeplanning-konteks nog nie behoorlik ondersoek nie.
In hierdie navorsing is die Nanotechnology Innovation Diamond ontwikkel – ’n model vir suksesvolle nanowetenskap-navorsing en -ontwikkeling. Om die geldigheid van die model te bepaal, is bevestigende faktorontleding (CFA) van ’n opname onder 167 nanotegnologiekundiges van Suid-Afrika gebruik. Die resultate het aangetoon dat die model aan die minimum CFA-modelgeskiktheidvereistes voldoen het, met ’n 95%-vertroubaarheidsvlak. Verder het die navorsing ’n nanotegnologie-spesifieke toekomsbeplanningsmodel ontwikkel wat die Nanotechnology Innovation Diamond, tegnologie-ontginning, scientometrie, en die Analytical Hierarchical Process Multi-criteria Decision Making (AHP-MCDM) -model integreer.
Die AHP-MCDM-toekomsbeplanningsmodel is empiries getoets in Suid-Afrika. Die resultate het getoon dat Suid-Afrika se nanotegnologie-publikasies eksponensieel gegroei het van 68 artikels in 2000 tot 1 672 in 2019 – dit verteenwoordig ’n toename van 2 459%. In vergelyking met die ander BRICS-lande, naamlik Brasilië, Rusland, Indië, en China, het Suid-Afrika die laagste syfer ten opsigte van nanotegnologie- produktiwiteit, met ’n bedrywigheidsindekssyfer van 0.68. Universiteite is die mees prominente uitgewers wanneer dit by nanotegnologie kom, terwyl die private sektor ’n paar publikasies opgelewer het. Slegs 48 patente is geïdentifiseer in vergelyking met 11 265 publikasies, en daar is bevind dat ’n skamele 3.5% van die artikels oor nano-geaktiveerde produkte verslag doen. Hierdie gebrek aan verslagdoening oor nano-geaktiveerde produkte kan ’n negatiewe uitwerking op die kommersialisering van nanotegnologie hê. In hierdie studie word verslag gedoen oor die lande, navorsers, instansies, en nanotegnologie- ekonomiese middelpunte wat die voortou neem. Die strategiese sleutelnavorsingsareas wat vir Suid-Afrika geïdentifiseer is, sluit nanomateriale, nano-fotoluminessensie en optika, nanomedisyne, nanokatalise, nano-elektronika, nanobiotegnologie, en energie in. Die resultate is genormeer met behulp van ’n kundige-opname-toekomsbeplanningsmetode, wat 70% soortgelyke-prioriteit-navorsingsvelde gelewer het. Die navorsing dra by tot die gesprekvoering oor nanotegnologie-innoveringsbestuur, tegnologie-spesifieke toekoms beplannings metodes, nanotegnologiespesifieke toekomsbeplanningsmetodes, en die benutting van kwantitatiewe middele in toekomsbeplanning.Igatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu nokubekezelelana liguqule ukuthuthukiswa kwezimboni nokuthuthukiswa komnotho futhi kubikezelwa ukuthi liza ngomkhulu umfutho olandelayo le-Schumpeterian lokukhula komnotho. Amazwe amaningi azibeka esimweni esifanele ukuze ahlomule egatsheni lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana kuhlobene nokuhlaziywa kocwaningo Lokwenziwa Kwezinqumo Ngemibandela eminingi (LKNE), ukusetshenziswa kwezindlela ze-LKNE esimweni elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana, okuwubuchwepheshe benjongo evamile. Ngakho-ke, ukuze kuqinisekiswe ukusetshenziswa okuhlakaniphile kwezinsizakusebenza ezilinganiselwe, amazwe kufanele akhethe futhi agxile ezindaweni ezibalulekile zocwaningo lwegatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana ezinamandla okukhiqiza ukuncintisana kanye nembuyiselo ekutshalweni kwezimali. Kodwa-ke, ayikho imodeli ekhona njengamanje ezicini zempumelelo ezibalulekile zokuphathwa kokusungulwa kwegatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana. Futhi, kukhona ukuntuleka kwamamodeli okubona into engakenzeki aqondene negatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana. Ngaphezu kwalokho, nakuba ukubona into ingakenzeki kwegatsha lobuchwepheshe sokubona izinto zingakenzeki akukahlolisiswa ngokugcwele okwamanje.
Lolu cwaningo lwenze igatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana kuhlobene Nokwenziwa Kwezinqumo Ngemibandela Eminingi, imodeli yocwaningo nokuthuthukiswa kwesifundo sezinto, izenzakalo esikalini senanomitha. Imodeli yaqinisekiswa kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziya isici sokuqinisekisa (UIS) ocwaningweni lochwepheshe abayi-167 beGatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana baseNingizimu Afrika. Imiphumela ibonise ukuthi, ngezinga lokuzethemba elingama-95%, imodeli yanelisa ubuncane bezidingo zemodeli ye-UIS. Ucwaningo luqhubekile nokuthuthukisa imodeli yokubona okungakenzeki okuqondene neGatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana ehlanganisa iGatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana Kokuqamba kabusha kweDayimane , izimayini zobuchwepheshe, isayensi yamametrikhi, kanye nemodeli ye-Analytical Hierarchical Process Multi-criteria Decision Making (AHP-MCDM). Imodeli ye-AHP-MCDM yokubona okungakenzeki kwahlolwa ngokunamandla eNingizimu Afrika. Imiphumela ikhombise ukuthi izincwadi zaseNingizimu Afrika zeGatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana - likhule kakhulu lisuka kumaphepha angama-68 ngonyaka wezi-2000 zaya kuyi-1 672 ngowezi-2019, nokumele ukukhula nge-2 459%. Uma kuqhathaniswa namanye amazwe e-BRICS, okuyiBrazil, Russia, India, neChina, iNingizimu Afrika inokukhiqiza okuphansi kweGatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana , ithole inkomba yemisebenzi engu-0.68. Amanyuvesi abashicileli abagqama kakhulu ku-egatsheni lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana, kuyilapho imboni ezimele ikhiqize izincwadi ezimbalwa. Amalungelo obunikazi angama-48 kuphela ahlonziwe uma kuqhathaniswa nokushicilelwe okuyi-11 265, futhi kwatholakala ama-3.5% omncane wamaphepha ukubika ngemikhiqizo enikwe amandla yinano. Lokhu kuntuleka kokubika ngemikhiqizo enikwe amandla enano kungaba nomthelela omubi ekuhwebeni kwegatsha lobuchwpheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana. Amazwe aphezulu asebenzisanayo, abacwaningi abaphezulu, izikhungo eziphezulu, nezizinda zezomnotho zegatsha lobuchwepheshe elibhekene nobukhulu kanye nokubekezelelana kuyabikwa kulolu cwaningo. Izindawo zocwaningo zamasu ezibalulekile ezihlonzwe eNingizimu Afrika zihlanganisa izinto zenano, inano yephotholuminensi kanye ne-opthikhi, igatsha lemithi yenano, ikhathalysisi yenano, i-elektronikhi yenano, ubuchwepheshe bebhayiloji, namandla. Imiphumela yalinganiswa kusetshenziswa indlela yokuhlola kungakenzeki into yochwepheshe, enikeze ama-70% izinkambu zocwaningo ezibalulekile ezifanayo. Ucwaningo lunikela enkulumweni emayelana nokuphathwa kokusungulwa kwegatsha lobochwepheshe benano, izindlela zokubona izinto kusengaphambili eziqondene nobuchwepheshe obuthile, izindlela zokubikezela kusengaphambili eziqondene netheknoloji yenano, kanye nokusetshenziswa kwamathuluzi obuningi ekuboneni kusengaphambili.D. B. L.Business Managemen
Macroeconomic determinants of domestic private investment : a comparative analysis of three Southern African countries
No full textAbstracts and keywords in English, Tsonga and SothoThe study examined the macroeconomic determinants of domestic private investment in South Africa, Botswana and Malawi for the period from 1980 to 2018, as well as the causal relationship between domestic private investment and its determinants. It also examined whether public investment crowds in or out private investment. Using the ARDL model (Model 1), the study found that public investment and domestic credit to the private sector are key determinants of domestic private investment in South Africa and Botswana. Economic growth is a determinant only in South Africa, while real interest rate is a determinant in Botswana and Malawi. Inflation is a determinant in South Africa and Malawi, while trade openness is a determinant of private investment in all the three countries. Using the NARDL model (Model 2a), the results showed that public investment has significant asymmetric effects on private investment in South Africa, Botswana and Malawi. Using the ARDL model, Model 2b and 2c of the study found that infrastructural public investment crowds in private investment in South Africa, in both the short- and long-run and it crowd out private investment in Botswana in the short-run. With non-infrastructural public investment, crowding out occurs in South Africa and Malawi in the long-run, while in the short-run, crowding out occurs in South Africa, and crowding in occurs in Botswana. In Model 3 there is bidirectional causality between i) private investment and public investment in all the three countries, (ii) private investment and trade openness in all the three countries, (iii) private investment and inflation in South Africa and Malawi, (iv) private investment and credit to the private sector in South Africa and Botswana, (v) private investment and interest rate in Malawi, and (vi) private investment and trade openness in South Africa and Malawi. The causality results also showed that that there is unidirectional causality from (i) economic growth to private investment in South Africa and from private investment to economic growth in Malawi, (ii) interest rate to private investment in Botswana and private investment to interest rate in South Africa, (iii) private investment to credit to the private sector in Malawi, and (iv) trade openness to private investment in Botswana. Based on the findings, policy-makers should pursue policies that will create a conducive environment that will promote private sector investment.Ndzavisiso lowu wu kambele swikumisisi swa ikhonomikulu swa vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo bya le tikweni eAfrika-Dzonga, Botswana na Malawi eka nkarhi wa 1980 kufika 2018, xikan'we na vuxaka lebyi nga na xivangelo exikarhi ka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo bya le tikweni na swikumisisi swa byona. Wu tlhele wu kambela loko vuvekisi bya mfumo byi ri na xitandzhaku xo hlengeleta kumbe xo hangalasa eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo. Hi ku tirhisa modlolo wa ARDL (Modlolo wa 1), ndzavisiso lowu wu kume leswaku vuvekisi bya mfumo na xikweleti xa le tikweni eka sekitara leyi nga riki ya mfumo i swikumisisikulu swa vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo bya le tikweni eAfrika-Dzonga na le Botswana. Ku kula ka ikhonomi i xikumisisi xa vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo bya le tikweni ntsena eAfrika-Dzonga, naswona mpimo wa ntswalo wa xiviri i xikumisisi eBotswana na le Malawi. Inifulexini i xikumisisi xa vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo bya le tikweni eAfrika-Dzonga na le Malawi, naswona mpfuleko wa mabindzu i xikumisisi eka matiko lamanharhu hinkwawo. Hi ku tirhisa modlolo wa NARDL (Modlolo wa 2a), mivuyelo leyi yi kombe leswaku vuvekisi bya mfumo byi na switandzhaku swa nkandzingano swo tivikana eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo bya le tikweni eAfrika-Dzonga, eBotswana na le Malawi. Hi ku tirhisa modlolo wa ARDL, Modlolo wa 2b na 2c ku kumeke leswaku vuvekisi bya mfumo bya switirhisiwakulu byi hlengeleta vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo eAfrika-Dzonga eka havumbirhi bya nkarhi wo koma na wo leha naswona byi hangalasa vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo eBotswana eka nkarhi wo koma. Hi mayelana na vuvekisi bya mfumo eka leswi nga riki switirhisiwakulu, ku hangalasa swi humelela eAfrika-Dzonga na le Malawi eka nkarhi wo leha, naswona ku hangalasa swi humelela eAfrika-Dzonga, kasi ku hlengeleta swi humelela eBotswana eka nkarhi wo koma. Eka Modlolo wa 3, ku na xivangelo xa matlhelombirhi exikarhi ka (i) vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo na vuvekisi bya mfumo eka matiko lamanharhu hinkwawo (ii) vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo na mpfuleko wa mabindzu eka matiko lamanharhu hinkwawo, (iii) vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo na inifulexini eAfrika-Dzonga na le Malawi, (iv) vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo na xikweleti eka sekitara leyi nga riki ya mfumo eAfrika-Dzonga na le Botswana, (v) vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo na mpimo wa ntswalo eMalawi, na (vi) vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo na mpfuleko wa mabindzu eAfrika-Dzonga na le Malawi. Mivuyelo leyi nga na xivangelo yi tlhele yi komba leswaku ku na xivangelo lexi yaka etlhelo rin'we (i) kusuka eka ku kula ka ikhonomi kuya eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo eAfrika-Dzonga na kusuka eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo kuya eka ku kula ka ikhonomi eMalawi, (ii) kusuka eka mpimo wa ntswalo kuya eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo eBotswana na kusuka eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo kuya eka mpimo wa ntswalo eAfrika-Dzonga, (iii) kusuka eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo kuya eka xikweleti eka sekitara leyi nga riki ya mfumo eMalawi, na (iv) kusuka eka mpfuleko wa mabindzu kuya eka vuvekisi lebyi nga riki bya mfumo eBotswana. Hi ku ya hi swikumiwa, vaendlatipholisi va fanele ku landza tipholisi leti ti nga ta tumbuluxa mbangu lowu wu nga ta kondletela vuvekisi bya sekitara leyi nga riki ya mfumo.Nyakisiso ye e sekasekile dintlha tsa makheroikonomi tseo di huetsago dipeeletso tsa phoraebete ka Afrika Borwa, Botswana le Malawi mo lebakeng la 1980 go fihla ka 2018, gammogo le kamano magareng ga sya phoraebete ya dinaga le mabaka a dipeeletso. Nyakisiso e sekasekile gape ge e ba dipeeletso tsa mmuso di hlahlosa goba di phuhlamisa kelo ya tswala go dipeeletso tsa phoraebete. Ka go somisa mmotlolo wa ARDL (Mmotlolo wa 1), nyakisiso e hweditse gore peeletso ya mmuso le sekoloto sa naga go lekala la phoraebete ke dintlha tse di laolago dipeeletso sphoraebete ka Afrika Borwa le Botswana. Kgolo ya ikonomi e laola dipeeletso tsa phoraebete ka Afrika Borwa fela, gomme kelotswala ke laola ka Botswana le Malawi. Infleisene e laola dipeeletso tsa phoraebete ka Afrika Borwa le Malawi, gomme kgwebisano ya boditshabatshaba e a laola ka dinageng tse tharo ka moka. Ka go somisa mmotlolo wa NARDL (Mmotlolo wa 2a), dipoelo di laeditse gore peeletso ya mmuso e na le dipoelo tsa go se lekalekane go dipeeletso tsa phoraebete ka Afrika Borwa, Botswana le Malawi. Ka go somisa mmotlolo wa ARDL, Mmotlolo wa 2b le 2c nyakisiso e hweditse gore dipeeletso tsa mmuso tsa mananeokgoparara di hlahlosa kelo ya tswala go dipeeletso tsa phoraebete ka Afrika Borwa go nako ye kopana le ye telele gomme di phuhlamisa dipeeletso tsa phoraebete ka Botswana go nako ye kopana. Go dipeeletso tsa mmuso tseo e sego tsa mananeokgoparara, phuhlamo ya kelo ya tswala e ba gona ka Afrika Borwa le Malawi ka nako ye telele, gape phuhlamo ya kelo ya tswala e ba ka Afrika Borwa gomme hlahloso ya kelo ya tswala e ba ka Botswana ka nako ye kopana. Mo mmotlolong wa 3, go na le kamano magareng ga (i) peeletso ya phoraebete le peeletso ya mmuso go dinaga tse tharo ka moka, (ii) peeletso ya phoraebete le kgwebisano ya boditshabatshaba go dinaga tse tharo ka moka, (iii) peeletso ya phoraebete le infleisene ka Afrika Borwa le Malawi, (iv) peeletso ya phoraebete le sekoloto go lekala la phoraebete ka Afrika Borwa le Botswana, (v) peeletso ya phoraebete le kelotswala ka Malawi, le (vi) peeletso ya phoraebete le kgwebisano ya boditshabatshaba ka Afrika Borwa le Malawi. Dipoelo tsa kamano di laeditse gape gore go na le kamano ya tsela e tee (i) go tswa go kgolo ya ikonomi go ya go peeletso ya phoraebete ka Afrika Borwa le go tswa go peeletso ya phoraebete go ya go kgolo ya ikonomi ka Malawi, (ii) go tswa go kelotswala go ya go peeletso ya phoraebete ka Botswana le go tswa go peeletso ya phoraebete go ya go kelotswala ka Afrika Borwa, (iii) go tloga go peeletso ya phoraebete go ya go sekoloto go lekala la phoraebete ka Malawi, le (iv) go tswa go kgwebisano ye e bulegilego ya dinaga go ya go peeletso ya phoraebete ka Botswana. Go ya ka diphihlelelo, boramolao ba swanetse go tla ka melawana yeo e tlago hlola sebaka sa go hlohleletsa dipeeletso go makala a phoraebeteD. Phil. (Economics)Economic
The idea of social grants in post-apartheid South Africa: a decolonial interpretive analysis
No full textThis thesis examines the meanings of a social grant in South Africa using a decolonial
interpretive analysis. The main objective of the research is to decode possible meanings of the
social grant programme in South Africa by examining its possible transformative role in
poverty and inequality, using the lived experiences of the beneficiaries of this programme. The
thesis deploys a qualitative case study design to examine the extent to which the idea of social
grants in South Africa contributes or fails to contribute to meaningful change to the power
structure that produces and perpetuates poverty and inequality. The thesis employs the
theoretical framework of structure and agency to evaluate the agential role of the social grant
programme in the power structure of modernity/coloniality – a power structure that is at the
forefront of producing continuing poverty and inequality in South Africa. Thus, the decolonial
epistemic paradigm is used to determine whether the social grant intervention in the South
African development discourse produces a diachronic change or a synchronic continuity to the
power structure of modernity/coloniality that continues to play a generative role in the poverty
and inequality experienced by the peoples of South Africa. The fieldwork for this study was
conducted among the poor communities of four communities in the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan Municipality, namely the townships of Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Soshanguve
and Winterveld (one participant resided in Hammanskraal but spent more time in Mamelodi).
A central aspect of the data collection was constructing a profile of social grant beneficiaries in order to determine the transformative impact of the social grant programme by examining
its potential to address the twin challenges of poverty and inequality. One key finding in the
study is that the recipients were born in families that endured poverty; in their adult lives, they
find themselves still trapped in the cycle of poverty. Participants differ in how they see social
grants: some see it as a “helping hand”, while others see it as “free money”. It was clear that
the social grants do provide some relief. Results show, however, that social grants are a ‘repetition without change’ as they are embedded in a prescriptive structure. Social grants
reproduce the structure of coloniality of power that is hidden in development approaches. The
key finding of the thesis is therefore that the idea of social grants in South Africa plays an “anti politics” role which cushions rather than eradicates the extreme effects of poverty and
inequality – a role that sustains rather than transforms the power structure of coloniality that
produces these effects. It is therefore concluded that social grants cannot bring about the change
that its recipients need in order to truly develop and break the cycle of poverty. Social grants
provide a safety net, and this safety net deprives the recipient of an opportunity to begin
thinking of another world, one of equality where there are systems in place to assist citizens to
develop and to break the continuous cycle of poverty.Ph. D. (Development Studies)Development Studie
Character delineation in some novels of O.K. Matsepe
No full textThe aim of this study is to make a critical survey of the techniques of character delineation used by Oliver Kgadime Matsepe in three of his eight novels. In the introductory chapter reasons are given why Matsepe has been chosen from among the Northern Sotho authors as providing a suitable example for a study of this nature. The second chapter deals with factors which are essential for an understanding of Ma tsepe' s delinea tiori: of characters. In the third chapter our focus is on the main characters and the manner in which they expose themselves through their deeds, actions and sayings. The fourth chapter attempts to show h ow fellow-characters contribute in the portrayal of other characters. The role a ·nd significance of the "narrating character" who controls the norms of the novels also receive special attention. The concluding chapter is a synthesis of the various tech= niques Matsepe uses in deline~ting his characters.M.A. (African Languages)African Language
The effects of using a graphic calculator as a cognitive tool in learning grade 10 data handling
No full textThe integration of technology in the mathematics classroom is believed to have an
influence on how the learners learn and change their perception of mathematics.
Therefore, technology tools are developed to enhance the learners’ cognition by helping
them to improve their thinking skills in mathematics. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the effects of using a graphic calculator as a cognitive tool for learning Grade
10 Data Handling. This study drew on Dubinsky’s development of APOS theory, where
the learners’ thinking process is influenced by the integration of a technology tool in order
to construct the mathematical concepts. In this study, a graphic calculator is a tool used
to enable learning and assist learners to build appropriate mental structures. Furthermore,
this study draws from a positivist stance with a focus on authenticating the scientific
knowledge and understanding of human behaviour through scientific methods of
experiments. Therefore, this is a quantitative study, based on a quasi-experimental
research design, utilising pre-test – post-test non-equivalent group design. Participants
were 136 learners from the Vhembe district who were conveniently sampled. They were
classified into two groups, that is, 93 learners from Vhembe East were allocated the
experimental group, while 43 learners from Vhembe West district were allocated the
comparison group. For the purpose of this study, the experimental group was taught using
a graphic calculator as a technology tool for learning, while the comparison group was
taught using the usual conventional learning methods. A pre-test and a post-test were
administered to both groups, and learners completed a closed-ended questionnaire to
gather information on their perception of the use of graphic calculators in enhancing
cognition in the learning of mathematics. Teachers (N= 6) also participated in the study
by completing a closed-ended questionnaire on their perception of implementing the use
of graphic calculator as a cognitive tool of learning into their teaching. A paired t-test was
used to determine the statistically significant difference, and the results revealed that the
learners who were exposed to the use of graphic calculator in learning Data Handling
improved with a mean difference of (M= 7,385; SE= 4,968) as compared to their
counterparts who were not exposed to the use of a graphic calculator, with a mean difference of (M= 1,488; SE= 4,574). The use of a graphic calculator had a significant
impact on learners in the experimental group with t= 14,179 to be significant as p=0,000,
p0, 8. This emphasises that
the use of a graphic calculator in learning Data Handling has contributed significantly
towards enhancing the learners’ cognition. This study has shown that the formalist
approach, that is, traditional learning, also referred to as conventional learning, influences
learners to search for one answer to a mathematical problem and this does not promote
a high level of thinking and understanding. Therefore, this study asserts that the use of a
graphic calculator enhances the learners’ cognition by promoting their conceptual
understanding, visualisation, problem-solving skills, positive attitude towards the subject,
and deepening their understanding of Data Handling.M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)Mathematics Educatio
The role of social housing in urban regeneration : the case of Johannesburg
Get PDFThis study focused on social housing in Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) and programmes under Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO). The role of social housing in the value chain of urban regeneration was analysed in terms of economic, spatial, and social integration. Threats to the financial sustainability of Social Housing Institutions (SHIs) were outlined and financial management strategies evaluated. The dilemma between social and business interests was scrutinised to establish what could be common ground be-tween stakeholders. Data was collected through document analysis, semi-structured question-naires, and interviews. The findings were grouped into themes and presented through a dis-cussion, graphs, and figures. The study revealed that the intertwined goals of urban regenera-tion and social housing have ensured that low-income earners are included in Johannesburg CBD, but there is still much to be done to improve acquisition of bad buildings, stakeholder relations and financial sustainability of SHIs.M.A. (Development Studies)Development Studie
Student midwives' experiences regarding completion of midwifery register at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore and describe experiences of student
midwives regarding completion of midwifery register at a nursing college in the
Eastern Cape. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was
employed. Ten participants were encompassed, and a non-probability sampling
technique was used. Data collection involved unstructured face-to-face interviews.
Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim, and data analysis followed Tesch‟s
eight-step method. Findings revealed enormous trials such as lack of resources,
deficiency of support by midwives and lecturers. The following themes regarding
completion of midwifery register emerged from data analysis; positive experiences,
personal experiences, challenges experienced, deterrent factors and finally impact of
non-completion of midwifery register. Recommendations were done centred on
research findings for midwifery academics, clinical midwife practitioners, student
midwives, nursing institutions, and lastly, further research.M. A. (Nursing Science)Health Studie
The role of parents in supporting learning during COVID-19 at a primary school in Gauteng
No full textAbstracts in English, Venda and TswanaThe study investigated how the school management of a primary school in the D12 district in Gauteng can support parents to ensure academic success during COVID-19. A quantitative approach was used in this study. A random sampling method was used to select respondents for this study. The respondents were limited to parents of Grade 3-7 learners from a selected school in Johannesburg in the D-12 district. Data were collected using an item-format combined questionnaire. The findings revealed that parents need support to support their children and help them achieve academic success. It is recommended that schools implement the OPEN supportive model to help parents be supportive towards their children’s academics and help them succeed in their learning. These findings confirmed that these recommendations would ensure academic success during and after COVID-19.Thodisiso iyi yo vha yo sedza uri ndi nga ndila de hune vhulanguli ha zwikolo zwa phuraimari kha tshitiriki tsha D12 Gauteng vhu nga tikedza vhabebi kha u bvelela kha zwa akhademi musi hu na dwadze la COVID-19. Ngona dza khwanthithethivi dzo do shumiswa khathodisiso iyi. Ho do vha na vhathu vho nanguludzwaho u dzhenelela kha iyi thodisiso. Ndi vhabebi fhedzi vhane vha vha na vhana kha Grade 3–7 vho dzhenelelaho kha zwikolo zwo nanguludzwaho Johannessburg kha tshitiriki tsha D-12. Mafhungo o do wanala nga u shumisa bammbiri la mbudziso lo dzudzanywaho. Mawanwa a thodisiso o do sumbedza uri vhabebi vha fanela u tikedza vhana vhavho zwine zwa do thusa vhana uri vha kone u bvelela. Ho do themendelwa vho na uri zwikolo zwi fanela u ita modele wo vuleaho wa u tikedza u itela u thusa vhabebi uri vha kone vho u tikedza vhana kha zwa akhademi zwine zwa do thusa vhana uri vha bvelele kha u guda ha vho. Mawanwa a thodisiso o khwathisedza uri themendelo idzi dzi nga ita uri hu kone u vha na u bvelela kha zwa akhademi musi hu na COVID-19 na nga murahu ha yo.Tlhotlhomiso e, e batlisisitse ka mo botsamaisi jwa sekolo-potlana se se mo kgaolong ya D-12 mo Gauteng bo ka tshegetsang batsadi ka gona, go netefatsa go fitlhelela katlego mo mererong ya thuto ka nako ya COVID-19. Tlhotlhomiso e dirisitse molebo wa khwaletatifi. Go dirisitswe mokgwatlhopho o o sa totobadiwang go tlhopha baikarabedi go tsaya karolo mo tlhotlhomisong e. Baikarabedi ba ne ba lekanyeditswe go batsadi ba barutwana ba mephato ya 3-7 go tswa mo sekolong se se tlhophilweng mo Gauteng mo kgaolong ya D-12. Go kokoantswe Data ka go dirisa thulaganyo ya ntlha-ka-ntlha e e kopantsweng le dipotsolotso. Diphitlhelelo di senotse fa batsadi ba tlhoka tshegetso gore le bona ba tle ba kgone go tshegetsa bana ba bona le go ba thusa gore ba atlege mo mererong ya thuto. Ka jalo, go atlenegisiwa gore dikolo di diragatse mmotlolo wa tshegetso e e BULEGILENG go thusa batsadi gore ba nne le tshegetso mo mererong ya thuto ya bana ba bona le go ba thusa gore ba fitlhelele katlego mo dithutong tsa bona. Diphitlhelelo tse, di tlhomamisitse fa dikatlenegiso tse di tlaa netefatsa katlego mo thutong ka nako ya COVID-19 le morago ga yona.M. Ed. (Educational Management)Educational Leadership and Managemen
The effectiveness of project portfolio management as a decision-making tool : a case of a project based state owned company in South Africa
No full textProponents of the concept of project portfolio management (PPM) suggest that, the best way to achieve long-term goals is to group and manage projects as a portfolio, as opposed to managing them as individual entities. In this way, projects facilitate the achievement of the organisation’s intended strategy and business objectives. They continue to argue that this is also true for state-owned companies (SOC). SOCs are in most cases intended to drive both a political and social-economic development agenda. However, despite the growing body of knowledge on PPM, there is still a lack of guidance on how best to use the PPM concept, especially in SOCs, where projects are implemented in a dynamic environment with limited resources and yet there are a multitude of stakeholders with competing and conflicting interests.
Against this background, the study investigated the effectiveness of PPM as a decision-making tool in a selected state owned organisation in South Africa, code named ABC SOC. A multiple data collection method was used consisting of first, reviewing key documents relating to the PPM process and associated practices. Second, key informants working in ABC SOC, in upper and middle management positions were interviewed to comprehend the PPM process and practices and hence assess its effectiveness. The multi-method was necessary in facilitating an in-depth inquiry through triangulation of data sources. .
The major finding was that, PPM was inadequate to implement projects in a successful manner in an environment characterised by variabilities and political interference. Three major factors were identified as the major causes of the deficiency. First, the current approaches were ineffective in selecting projects that are aligned to the strategy to provide intended benefits; second, the PPM was not appropriately configured to adapt to an environment dominated by excessive variability and third, there was insufficient application of PPM methods and practices.
Resulting from these gaps and as part of the contribution to knowledge, the study developed a PPM framework to guide decision-making in ABC SOC to ensure that optimal and balanced portfolios are implemented. The framework is intended to provide a balanced, structured, and holistic view of the PPM process to enable the decision-makers to consider key factors, especially those hinging on political and social-economic agendas of the state.D.B.L.Graduate School of Business Leadershi
