21838 research outputs found
Sort by
Student experiences of e-learning in teaching practice modules at an open distance university
No full textAbstracts in English, Sepedi and ZuluThe devastating consequences of COVID-19 changed the education system across the world, and universities had to move to remote learning. Old methods of instruction were replaced by e-learning to ensure education continued, which required electronic gadgets, internet connectivity and knowledge of computers. The introduction of applied science in learning brought challenges that affected students and their lecturers, including the lack of technology education and prior experience of using digital devices, and issues related to acceptance of and attitudes towards online e-learning. This situation was subject to research with the aim of finding possible solutions and methods to remedy these setbacks. This study explores students’ experiences in using e-learning in Intermediate Phase Teaching Practice modules at an open distance e-learning institution. The purpose of the study is to explore students’ experiences in using e-learning in Intermediate Phase teaching practice modules at an Open Distance e-Learning institution.
Experiential learning theory and the technology acceptance model were selected as the theoretical framework that supported this study. The study uses interpretivist paradigm and follows a qualitative approach with phenomenological case study approach. Sampling is purposive, semi-structured interviews and reflective diaries were used for data collection. Students completing their BEd Intermediate Phase degree in Teaching Practice were selected from the university. Thematic data analysis was used in this research study. Findings revealed that e-learning motivated students and led them to develop organisational skills and collaboration. It was discovered that there is flexibility in online learning and students developed confidence in the use of digital platforms for learning. They also developed skill in individualised learning and responsibility. It was also revealed that technical challenges, power cuts, connectivity issues and lack of computer skills were still barriers to effective implementation of online education, because with e-learning students have to submit online, and if there are technical challenges, power cuts and connectivity issues it becomes impossible to submit portfolios and assignments, and learning becomes negatively affected. Lack of computer skills contributed because students had to use electronic gadgets to navigate the learning management systems to complete their activities, and it became difficult for students without that web knowledge.This study recommends that e-learning should be implemented in all tertiary institutions and universities, with related support and training for students, increased staff for effectiveness and accelerated service, and that e-learning be extended to the GET and FET schools so that students have basic computer skills before they reach the tertiary instruction level.Ditlamorago tša COVID-19 tše di šoro di fetotše ka mo go feletšego thuto le go tutuetša diphuku tša thuto go ya thutong ya kgolego ya elektroniki. Mekgwa ya kgale ya go ruta e ile ya fetolwa ka go diriša e-learning, go netefatša gore thuto e tšwela pele. Se se be se nyaka didiriswa tša elektroniki, kgokagano ya inthanete le tsebo ya diritibatsi tša khomphutha. Tsenyo ya saense ya tiragatšo thutong e tlišitše diphephetšo tše di amilego baithuti le barutiši ba bona, go akaretša le go hloka tsebo ya theknolotši le boitemogelo bja pele bja go šomiša didiriswa tša elektroniki, gammogo le mathata a amago go amogela le maikutlo mabapi le e-learning ya inthaneteng. Maemo a bjalo a ile a hlahlobiwa ka dinyakišišo go leka go hwetša ditharollo le mekgwa ya go lokiša mathata a ao.
Tlhahlobo ye e sekaseka maitemogelo a baithuti ka ga tiragatšo ya e-learning go ya ka dithuto tša Teaching Practice tša Intermediate Phase mo setšhabeng sa thuto sa kgolego ya elektroniki (Open Distance e-Learning). Maikemišetšo a dinyakišišo ke go utolla maitemogelo a baithuti ka ga e-learning mo dithutong tša Teaching Practice tša Intermediate Phase mo setšhabeng sa thuto ya kgolego ya inthaneteng.
Khuduego ya thuto ya maitemogelo (Experiential Learning Theory) le mohlala wa go amogela theknolotši (Technology Acceptance Model) di kgethilwe bjalo ka motheo wa teoritikale go thekga dinyakišišo tše. Dinyakišišo di šomišitše pono ya Interpretivist gomme tša latela mokgwa wa boleng (qualitative approach) ka mokgwa wa phenomene (phenomenological case study). Go kgethilwe mohlala wa boithati (purposive sampling), mekgwa ya go kgoboketša tshedimošo e akaretša dipotsolo tša mehutahuta (semistructured interviews) le didaiari tša boipiletšo (reflective diaries). Baithuti bao ba phethago lengwalo la BEd Intermediate Phase mo Teaching Practice ba kgethilwe go tšwa yunibesithing. Mokgwa wa go hlalosa tshedimošo ka dihlogo (thematic data analysis) o šomišitšwe mo dinyakišišong tše.
Dipoelo di bontšhitše gore e-learning e tutuetša baithuti gomme ya ba thuša go hlabolla bokgoni bja go beakanya le go šoma mmogo. Go hweditšwe gore thuto ya inthaneteng e na le maemo a go ikamahanya le maemo, gomme baithuti ba hlabolla boitšepo ka go šomiša dipolanete tša dijithale thutong. Ba ithutile bokgoni bja go ithuta ka noši le boikarabelo. Go ile gwa hweletšwa gape gore mathata a thekniki, go kgaolwa ga mohlagase, mathata a kgokagano ya inthanete le go hloka bokgoni bja khomphutha ke ditšhitlo tša go tšwelapele mo tiragatšong ya thuto ya inthaneteng. Ka ge e-learning e nyaka gore baithuti ba romele modiro ka inthaneteng, ge go na le mathata a thekniki, go kgaolwa ga mohlagase le mathata a kgokagano, go a thatafatša go romela diporfolio le ditiro, gomme se se ama thuto ka tsela e mpe. Go hloka bokgoni bja khomphutha go be go le mongwe wa mabaka, ka gobane baithuti ba swanetše go šomiša didiriswa tša elektroniki go ikgokaganya le tsamaiso ya thuto (Learning Management System), gomme ba ba se nago tsebo ya inthanete ba hweditše go le thata.
Tlhahiso ya nyakišišo ke gore e-learning e swanetše go tsenngwa mo ditšhabetšing ka moka tša thuto ya godimo le diyunibesithi, ka thekgo le tlhatlhamololo ya baithuti, go oketša bašomi go dira gore e be le pšhika, le go akofisa ditirelo, gomme e-learning e phatlalatšwe le mo mafapheng a GET le FET go thuša gore baithuti ba be le tsebo ya motheo ya khomphutha pele ba fihla lefelong la thuto ya godimo.Imiphumela ebuhlungu ye-COVID-19 iguqule ngokuphelele uhlelo lwezemfundo emhlabeni jikelele, kwaphoqa izikhungo zemfundo ephakeme ukuthi zidlulele ekufundiseni kude ngogesi. Izindlela zakudala zokufundisa zathathelwa indawo ukufunda nge-inthanethi (e-learning), ukuqinisekisa ukuthi imfundo iyaqhubeka. Lokhu kudinga amadivayisi kagesi, uxhumano lwe-inthanethi kanye nolwazi lwekhompyutha. Ukungeniswa kwesayensi esebenzayo ezifundweni kulethe izinselele ezathinta abafundi nothisha babo, kuhlanganisa ukungabi nolwazi lobuchwepheshe, ukungabi nakho ekusebenziseni amadivayisi edijithali, kanye nezinkinga zokwamukela nokuba nemibono ehlukene nge-e-learning. Lezi zimo zaphenywa ngenhloso yokuthola izixazululo nezindlela zokulungisa lezi zinselele.
Lolu cwaningo lubheka okuhlangenwe nakho kwabafundi ekufundeni nge-e-learning ezifundweni zokusebenza zokufundisa (Teaching Practice) zesigaba se-Intermediate Phase esikhungweni semfundo ekude nge-inthanethi (Open Distance e-Learning). Inhloso yocwaningo wukuhlola okuhlangenwe nakho kwabafundi ekufundeni nge-elearning kulezi zifundo zesigaba se-Intermediate Phase.
Kusetshenziswe i-Experiential Learning Theory kanye ne-Technology Acceptance Model njengesisekelo setiyori kulolu cwaningo. Ucwaningo lusebenzisa indlela eguqukayo yokuhlola (interpretivist paradigm) nolwazi lobunjalo (qualitative approach) ngesimo socwaningo lwecala lobuchwepheshe bokuhlola (phenomenological case study). Kwenziwa ukukhetha ngabomu (purposive sampling), kwasetshenziswa izingxoxo eziyimibuzo evulekile neshiywe kancane (semi-structured interviews) kanye namadayari okubuyekeza (reflective diaries) ukuqoqa ulwazi. Abafundi ababeqeda iziqu ze-BEd Intermediate Phase ekufundeni okusebenzayo bakhethwe esikhungweni semfundo ephakeme. Ukuhlaziywa kwedatha kwenziwe ngendlela yokuhlaziya izindikimba
(thematic analysis).
Imiphumela yocwaningo iveze ukuthi ukufunda nge-e-learning kugqugquzela abafundi futhi kubasize bathuthukise amakhono okuhlelela nokusebenza ngokubambisana.
Kutholakele ukuthi ukufunda ku-inthanethi kunezinga eliphakeme lokuguquguquka, futhi abafundi bathuthukisa ukuzethemba kwabo ekusebenziseni amapulatifomu edijithali ukufunda. Baphinde bathuthukisa amakhono okuzifundela bodwa kanye nomthwalo wemfanelo. Kuphinde kwavezwa ukuthi izinselele zobuchwepheshe, ukusilela kukagesi, izinkinga zoxhumano lwe-inthanethi kanye nokuntuleka kwamakhono ekhompyutheni zisezithiyo ezinkulu ekusetshenzisweni kahle kwe-e-learning. Njengoba i-e-learning idinga ukuthi abafundi bathumele umsebenzi ku-inthanethi, lezi zinkinga zenza kube nzima ukuthumela ama-portfolio nemisebenzi, okuphazamisa ukufunda. Ukuntuleka kwamakhono ekhompyutheni kube yinkinga enkulu ngoba abafundi kudingeka basebenzise amadivayisi edijithali ukufinyelela ezinhlelweni zokufunda (Learning Management System), kwaba nzima kulabo abangazi kahle ukusebenza ku-inthanethi.
Isiphakamiso socwaningo ukuthi i-e-learning kufanele ifakwe kuzo zonke izikhungo zemfundo ephakeme, kuhlanganiswe nokuqeqeshwa nokwesekwa kwabafundi, kwandiswe nabasebenzi ukuze kukhuphuke ukusebenza kahle nokusheshisa izinsiza. Ie-learning iphinde inwetshwe nasezikoleni ze-GET ne-FET ukuze abafundi babe nolwazi oluyisisekelo lwekhompyutha ngaphambi kokufinyelela ezingeni lemfundo ephakeme.M. Ed. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)Curriculum and Instructional Studie
Prof Tinashe Mugwisi
No full textThe article sought to investigate the existing quality standards governing service being provided by academic libraries to improve and promote the quality of service offered in South African university libraries. Although these libraries are providing similar services to their constituencies across South Africa, it is crucial to set and document standards for service provision in South African university libraries. The study was conducted in selected academic libraries in South African universities. Although both quantitative and qualitative approaches were applied, the quantitative approach was predominantly used in executing the study. A survey was also applied as the study’s design. For academic libraries to offer effective service provision to the academic community, service quality standards should be developed and complied with by all academic libraries in South African universities. The study revealed that although academic libraries in South Africa provide similar services, there is, however, no documentation of standards for academic library service provision. Academic libraries in South Africa rely on the benchmarking of service provision developed by first-world academic libraries, thus applying international standards for service provision. It is hoped that this article will be beneficial to academic libraries in South Africa as it seeks to standardise service provision and promote adherence to the stipulated standards. The study adds value to the body of knowledge on academic library service provisionUnisa Librar
Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity in ODeL: Emerging Challenges and Institutional Responses
No full textAcademic integrity is essential, both in academic institutions and in society. It is crucial to foster moral behaviour in students if we want to uphold the reputation of academic qualifications and the integrity of educational institutions. The authors of this study aimed to explore the difficulties of academic integrity and suggest how to encourage ethical behaviour. The authors used an exploratory case study and a constructivist paradigm to see how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can successfully guide students regarding academic integrity in our technological domain. The authors, moreover, wanted to discover new ways to build a culture of honesty, responsibility, and ethical behaviour. They generated data through open-ended e-mail questionnaires, focusing on technology and academic integrity. Fifty (50) student teachers were purposefully selected, and they ended up with responses from 31 participants. The authors discovered that tools such as ChatGPT have their advantages and disadvantages regarding academic integrity. Institutions should find a balance when using AI tools reasonably in education so we can avoid breaching academic integrity. HEIs should develop clear and up-to-date policies and guidelines about the ethical use of AI tools like ChatGPT. HEIs should adopt more of an educational method instead of just a punitive one.Curriculum and Instructional Studie
Examining the effects of management strategies on the sustainable growth and profitability of SMMEs in the Western Cape Province in South Africa
No full textText in English with summaries in Xhosa and VendaThe purpose of this study was to examine the management strategies adopted by small, medium, and microenterprises (SMMEs) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, with the aim of understanding how these strategies contributed to sustainable growth and profitability. The study was motivated by the need to identify effective practices that could strengthen the resilience of SMMEs in the face of ongoing economic challenges. A qualitative research approach was used, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve purposefully selected SMME owners and managers within the retail and transport industry. Thematic Analysis, supported using Atlas.Ti software was applied to analyse the interview data.
Findings revealed that SMMEs in the Western Cape implemented a range of strategies, including sound financial management, customer retention initiatives, and innovative marketing practices. However, several internal and external barriers limited their success. These included limited access to finance, high operational costs, weak managerial capacity, and regulatory constraints. The merging of related codes such as high interest rates, economic fluctuations, and lack of access to finance into broader themes like financial and economic constraints enabled a more structured understanding of these challenges. Despite these barriers, the adaptability and pre-existing strengths of some enterprises supported their continued operation and growth.
The study recommends that targeted support be provided to enhance managerial capabilities, improve access to financial services, and develop more inclusive policy frameworks. In addition, SMMEs should adopt localised, innovative strategies to improve market engagement and customer loyalty. These findings contribute to efforts aimed at reducing SMME failure, promoting inclusive economic growth, and building long-term sustainability within the sector.Injongo yolu phandolwazi ibikukuphonononga izicwangcisoqhinga zolawulo ezisetyenziswa ngamashishini amancinci, aphakathi namancinane (iiSMME) kwiphondo leNtshona Koloni loMzantsi Afrika, ngenjongo yokuqonda ukuba ezi zicwangcisoqhinga zinegalelo njani kuhlumo oluzinzileyo kunye nengeniso. Olu phandolwazi lukhuthazwe yimfuneko yokuchonga iinkqubo ezisebenzayo ezinokuphucula ukunyamezela kweeSMME phakathi kwemingeni eqhubekayo yezoqoqosho.
Kusetyenziswe indlela yophandotyilwazi, ebandakanya ukuqokelelwa kwedatha ngodliwanondlebe olucwangciswe mayane kunye nabaphathi nabanini beeSMME abakhethwe ngenjongo kumashishini okanye iivenkile zokuthengisa kunye nezothutho. Kusetyenziswe uhlalutyontyilwazi lomongo, oluxhaswe yisoftiwe yeAtlas.ti, lusetyenziselwa ukuhlalutya idatha yodliwanondlebe.
Iziphumo zibonise ukuba iiSMME zaseNtshona Koloni zisebenzisa izicwangcisoqhinga ezahlukileyo, ezibandakanya ulawulo lwemali olufanelekileyo, amanyathelo okugcina abathengi kunye neendlela ezintsha zokuthengisa. Nangona kunjalo, imiqobo emininzi yangaphakathi neyangaphandle iyithintele impumelelo yazo. Le miqobo ibandakanya uthintelo ekufikeleleni kwezemali, iindleko eziphezulu zokusebenza, ukuba nako ukulawula okubuthathaka kunye nemiqobo yolawulo. Imigaqo eyeleleneyo, efana neqondo lenzala eliphezulu, ukuguquguquka kwezoqoqosho kunye nokunqongophala kufikelelo lwezemali, idityaniswe ngokwemixholo ebanzi, efana nemiqobo yezemali neyezoqoqosho, enikeza ukuqonda ngakumbi le miba. Ngaphandle kwale miqobo, ukukwazi ukumelana notshintsho kunye namandla asele enawo amashishini athile athe axhasa ukuqhubeka nokusebenza kunye nokukhula kwawo.
Olu phandolwazi lucebisa ukuba kubekho inkxaso ejoliswe ekuphuculeni ukuba nako ukulawula, ukuphucula ukufikelela kwiinkonzo zemali kunye nokuphuhlisa izikhokelo zomgaqonkqubo ezibandakanya wonke umntu. Ukongeza, kufuneka iiSMME zamkele izicwangcisoqhinga zasekhaya ezivela ngokuntsha zokuphucula ukubandakanyeka kwezentengiso kunye nentembeko yabathengi.Ndivho ya ngudo iyi ho vha u ṱola zwiṱirathedzhi zwa ndangulo zwo ṱanganedzwaho nga mabindu maṱuku na a vhukati (dzi SMME) kha vunḓu ḽa Western Cape Afrika Tshipembe, hu na ndivho ya u pfesesa uri zwiṱirathedzhi izwi zwi shela hani mulenzhe kha nyaluwo ya tshifhinga tshilapfu na i vhuedzaho. Ngudo yo ṱuṱuwedzwa nga ṱhoḓea ya u topola maitele a shumaho ane a nga khwaṱhisa u konḓelela ha dzi SMME musi dzo livhana na khaedu dza ikonomi dzine dza khou bvela phanḓa. Kuitele kwa ṱhoḓisiso ya khwaḽithethivi kwo shumiswa, nahone data yo kuvhanganywa nga kha inthaviwu dzo dzudzanywaho na vhaṋe na vhalanguli vha SMME vha fumimbili vho khethiwaho hu na zwe zwa sedzwa nga ndivho na vhalanguli kha nḓowetshumo dza u rengisa na vhuendedzi. Musaukanyo wa thero, wo tikedzwaho nga u shumisa sofuthiwee ya Atlas.ti, wo shumiswa u saukanya data ya inthaviwu.
Mawanwa o bvisela khagala uri dzi SMME dza Western Cape dzo shumisa zwiṱirathedzhi zwo fhambanaho, hu tshi katelwa ndangulo ya masheleni i pfadzaho, vhurangeli ha u dzudza vharengi na maitele a vhubveledzi ha mbambadzo. Naho zwo ralo, zwithivheli zwo vhalaho zwa nga ngomu na zwa nnḓa zwo ita uri vha si bvelele. Izwi zwo katela u sa swikelela masheleni, mitengo ya nṱha ya mushumo, vhukoni ha vhulanguli vhu songo khwaṱhaho na u phimo dza ndaulo. U ṱanganela ha khoudu dzi elanaho, u fana na phimo dza nṱha dza nyingapfuma, u gonya na u tsa ha ikonomi na u sa swikelela masheleni, kha thero dzo ṱanḓavhuwaho, u fana na zwithivheli zwa masheleni na ikonomi, u konisa zwihulwane u pfesesa ho dzudzanyeaho ha khaedu idzi. Naho hu na zwithivheli izwi, u kona u ṱanganedza na maanḓa e a vha e hone phanḓa ha maṅwe mabindu zwo tikedza kushumele kwavho ku yaho phanḓa.
Ngudo i themendela uri thikhedzo yo livhiswaho i ṋetshedzwe u itela u khwinisa vhukoni ha vhulanguli, u khwinisa tswikelelo ya tshumelo dza masheleni na u bveledza furemiweke dza mbekanyamaitele yo katelaho. U engedza kha zwenezwo, dzi SMME dzi tea u ṱanganedza zwiṱirathedzhi zwapo, zwa vhubveledzi u itela u khwinisa u dzhenelela kha mbambadzo na u fulufhedzea ha vharengi. Mawanwa aya a shela mulenzhe kha vhuḓikumedzeli ho livhiswaho kha u fhungudza u kundelwa ha SMME, u ṱuṱuwedza nyaluwo ya ikonomi yo ṱanganelaho na u fhaṱa u bvela phanḓa ha tshifhinga tshilapfu nga ngomu ha sekithara.M. Com. (Business Management)Colleges of Economic and Management Science
Innovating the future of food and feed: Linking nutrition to circular economy solutions
No full textAgriculture and Animal Healt
A model for cybersecurity awareness amongst students: a case study of a rural-based university
No full textText in EnglishIn today's digitally connected world, it is important to understand students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards online risks and threats in cyberspace. This study investigated the extent to which students from a rural-based university are aware of online risks and threats when engaged in various online activities, encompassing email usage, password management, information handling, social media engagement, and internet usage. The current study further proposes the students' online threats awareness model (SOTAM) to improve students' information security awareness. The influence of the internet on education and social life may expose students to online risks and threats. The SOTAM seeks to empower students to navigate cyberspace safely and mitigate potential risks and threats they may encounter.
The study employed quantitative research methodology. The case study and survey research strategies were implemented by administering the adapted Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire (HAIS-Q) to 511 students registered at the rural-based university in the 2020 academic year.
The study’s findings provide insights into specific vulnerabilities and areas of strength among rural-based university students. The students exhibit a strong understanding and awareness of the information that can be shared on public platforms like social media. However, the students have limited knowledge about internet use and password management. The students demonstrate a positive attitude when conducting online activities. Improving students' behaviour regarding internet use and password management is required. Consequently, students who use the same password across different accounts and share login credentials with other users increase their chances of being attacked.M. Sc. (Computing)College of Engineering, Science and Technolog
Luminescent dynamics of magnesium tantalite
No full textText in EnglishSolar, bio-imaging, toy decoration, safety, and road marking are just a few of the many uses for Persistent luminescent (PersL) materials. By providing PersL materials that do not require external sources, these materials are intended to address the growing demand for energy-saving. In this work, Magnesium Tantalite (MgTa2O6), MgTa2O6: 1 mol% Cr3+, x mol % Al3+ (x =2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) and MgTa2O6: 1 mol% Cr3+, x mol Si4+ (x = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) compounds were prepared with the intention of developing suitable materials for persistent luminescence, which, by increasing the number of electron trapping centers, may be tuned. After milling the combined precursors for an hour, MgTa2O6 was synthesized using a traditional solid-state chemical reaction method at 800 ⁰C for 8 hours. This moderate temperature processing thus allows synthesis with low energy consumption and a more environmentally friendly method compared to the typical high temperature oxide synthesis methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of the MgTa2O6 compound. The material exhibits a strong absorption band around 283 nm (4.34 eV), which corresponds to band-to-band electron transitions as observed from the diffuse reflectance spectrum. The compound showed different types of electron trapping centres, and the depth of the electron trapping centres was approximated as 0.75 ± 0.04 eV, 1.28 ± 0.07, and 1.55 ± 0.02 eV, respectively, for peaks (i), (ii), and (iii).
By XRD, MgTa2O6 co-doped with Cr3+ (1 mol% %) and Al3+ (6 mol% %) ions was confirmed to be a single phase of the material without impurities. Incorporating Cr3+ and Al3+ into the host reduced the optical energy band gap of the material from 4.34 to 4.31 eV. The results showed that adding Al3+ can improve the photon absorption of the Al3+ co-doped MgTa2O6: 1mo% Cr3+, enhancing its emission intensity.
Moreover, a traditional solid-state chemical reaction was used to synthesize Magnesium Tantalite (MgTa2O6), at different preparation temperatures of 600 ⁰C ≤ x ≤ 1600 ⁰C for 8 hours, after ball milling the mixed precursors for 1 hour. The MgTa2O6 compound’s phase was confirmed using XRD. The optical band gap of different materials, which was estimated from diffuse reflection measurements, showed variations due to the different sample preparation temperatures, from 4.42 ± 0.09 eV to 4.28 ± 0.04 eV as the preparation temperature was increased. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed a red shift in the emission bands from 571 nm to 595 nm on increasing the annealing temperature. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves were also significantly affected by the preparation temperature, which led to the complete fading of the high-temperature signal of the sample prepared at 1600 ◦C. A conventional solid-state chemical reaction method was used to prepare a composite MgTa2O6/Mg4Ta2O9:1 mol% Cr3+ phosphor. The PL Spectra displayed a broad emission between 700 and 850 nm when the samples were excited with a 320 nm beam, with the maximum at 800 nm.
Finally, the first and second-order exponential decay equations were used to fit the phosphorescence decay curves, which showed improved lifetimes in milliseconds.
In this thesis, we attempt to unravel some of the remaining mysteries of MgTa2O6, in particular the features of the trap system and electron trapping process. The results obtained in this thesis demonstrate that MgTa2OMgTa2O6 is a promising material for the future development of PersL applications, according to experiments conducted in this study.D. Sc. (Physics)College of Engineering, Science and Technolog
Framework for the preservation of medical records in selected public healthcare facilities in Malawi
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the preservation strategies of medical records at selected public healthcare facilities in Malawi with a view to proposing a framework for the preservation of these records. Through a pragmatic research paradigm, the investigation integrated quantitative and qualitative methodologies, employing a mixed methods approach, to comprehensively comprehend the subject matter. The study targeted 415 healthcare staff from five public healthcare facilities in Malawi. Additionally, documents such as policies, standards, and budget documents were sourced from healthcare facilities as primary data for document analysis. The study employed stratified and purposive sampling techniques, with a sample size of 200 healthcare staff. Data collection methods consisted of questionnaires, interviews, observations, and document analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences, and results were presented through frequencies, percentages, and tables. Qualitative data was analysed using ATLAS.ti, and results were presented through verbatim extracts. This multifaceted approach enabled a nuanced analysis of diverse facets of preservation. The overall significance of the study is in its potential to offer a reshaping policy direction on the preservation of medical records in healthcare facilities in Malawi. By examining the aspects of preservation, the research offered practical insights for policy formulation, institutional strategies, standards and best practices, thereby steering healthcare facilities towards evidence-based medical practice. The study showed that implementation of preservation strategies was inadequate with a lack of metadata for preserving records; lack of relevant policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and legislation; lack of robust technologies for storage of medical records such as cloud storage, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and Deoxyribonucleic acid storage; and low level of knowledge and skills of staff handling records. The study concluded that the preservation of medical records in the public healthcare facilities in Malawi was somewhat poor. Based on the findings, the study recommends the development of specific policies, standards, guidelines and procedures for preserving records; the Ministry of Health and all relevant stakeholders such as Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust and Lighthouse should support healthcare facilities in Malawi in improving its ICT infrastructure; and healthcare facilities in Malawi should support staff to attend short courses, seminars, and workshops on preservation of records.Ph. D. (Information Science)Information Scienc
Addressing language as a methodological issue in cross-language research: guidelines for research in psychology
No full textText in English with Abstract in Afrikaans and TswanaLiterature on cross-language research shows that researchers do not adequately, if at all, report on
how language, as a possible methodological issue, was addressed or mitigated in their studies. A
lack of guidelines may be the reason. The aims of this study were, first, to explore language issues
researchers experience and strategies they implement to address or mitigate these and, second, to
draw on the findings to develop guidelines for addressing this issue. This qualitative study was
approached from the social turn theoretical perspective. Document analysis was used to collect data.
Seven theses (research in the South African context) were sampled from university e-repositories to
explore how students report on (if at all) cross-language issues and how they address them. The
researcher also sampled guideline forms of six South African universities to explore the emphasis
they place on addressing language issues in cross-language research in the human and social
sciences and the standards they set for such research. Thirty-four research articles were also
sampled (through EBSCOhost) and analysed to explore language issues researchers reported and
strategies they employed to address or mitigate them. Both datasets were managed and analysed
in Atlas.ti 9. Main- and subthemes were identified and discussed, whereafter a metasynthesis was
presented. The findings guided the development of guidelines for cross-language researchers in the
field of psychology. In the South African context, it was clear that universities and postgraduates,
respectively, lagged behind regarding requirements for and reporting on cross-language research.
The data from the research articles showed that researchers had moved beyond the tendency to
play a dual role (as researcher and translator) towards including transdisciplinary research teams in
their studies. These teams comprise bilingual persons who assist in reflecting on and making
decisions around addressing or mitigating language barriers that emerge in different research
stages. The data revealed that researchers consider pre-research planning crucial and use a
combination of methods to address language barriers. Also, limited access to suitable translators,
and limited funds and time may be impediments. The importance of presenting a transparent
research report to ensure rigour and trustworthiness was underscored. Finally, 16 guidelines for
addressing language as a methodological issue were suggested. Although the guidelines are fieldspecific
(psychology), other researchers in cognate fields may adopt, adapt, and implement them.Literatuur oor kruistaalnavorsing onderstreep dat navorsers nie voldoende, indien enigsins, verslag
doen oor hoe taal(hindernisse), as ʼn moontlike metodologiese kwessie, in hul studies hanteer of
versag is nie. ʼn Gebrek aan riglyne kan die rede hiervoor wees. Die doel van dié studie was eerstens
om kruistaalkwessies wat navorsers ervaar en strategieë wat hulle implementeer om dié kwessies
te hanteer of te versag, te verken, en tweedens om die navorsingsbevindinge te gebruik om riglyne
te ontwikkel vir die hantering van taal as ʼn metodologiese kwessie in kruistaalnavorsing. Hierdie
kwalitatiewe studie is vanuit die sosiale wending teoretiese perspektief benader. Data is deur middel
van dokumentanalise ingesamel. Sewe tesisse (navorsing in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks) is uit
universiteits-e-bewaarplekke versamel om te verken hoe studente verslag doen (indien enigsins) oor
kruistaalkwessies en hoe hulle hierdie kwessies in sulke navorsing hanteer. Die navorser het ook
riglyndokumente van ses Suid-Afrikaanse universiteite versamel om ondersoek in te stel na die klem
wat hierdie instellings plaas op die hantering van taalverwante vraagstukke in navorsing in die mensen
sosiale wetenskappe en die standaarde wat hulle vir sulke navorsing stel. Vier-en-dertig
wetenskapsartikels is ook versamel (deur middel van EBSCOhost) en ontleed om kruistaalkwessies
wat navorsers rapporteer het en strategieë wat hulle aangewend het om hierdie kwessies te hanteer
of te versag, te verken. Beide datastelle is in Atlas.ti 9 bestuur en ontleed. Hoof- en subtemas is
geïdentifiseer en bespreek, waarna ʼn metasintese aangebied is. Die bevindinge is gebruik om
riglyne vir kruistaalnavorsers in die veld van sielkunde te ontwikkel. In die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks
was dit duidelik dat hoëronderwysinstellings en nagraadse navorsers, onderskeidelik, agter geraak
het betreffende vereistes vir en verslagdoening oor kruistaalnavorsing. Die data toon voorts dat
navorsers verby die neiging beweeg het om ʼn dubbele rol (as navorser en vertaler) in
kruistaalnavorsing te speel deur transdissiplinêre navorsingspanne by hul studies in te sluit. Sulke
spanne bestaan uit tweetalige persone wat help om te besin en besluite te neem oor die hantering
of versagting van taalhindernisse wat in verskillende navorsingstadiums kan ontstaan. Dit blyk
duidelik uit die data dat navorsers voorafbeplanning vir navorsing as noodsaaklik beskou en ʼn
kombinasie van metodes gebruik om taalhindernisse te hanteer. Boonop kan beperkte toegang tot
geskikte vertalers, ʼn streng navorsingsbegroting en beperkte tyd belemmerings wees. Die data het
die belangrikheid van die aanbieding van ʼn deursigtige navorsingsverslag beklemtoon om
nougesetheid en geloofwaardigheid te verseker. Laastens is 16 riglyne vir die hantering van taal as
'n metodologiese uitdaging in kruistaalnavorsing voorgestel. Hoewel dié riglyne veldspesifiek
(sielkunde) is, kan ander navorsers in verwante velde dit kies, aanpas en implementeer.Mo dingwageng tse di fetileng, dikwalo tse di buang ka dipatlisiso tse di dirwang ka dipuo tse di
farologaneng le kgolagano ya tsona di bontshitse fa babatlisisi ba sa bege ka botlalo, fa e le gore ba
kile ba dira jalo, ka ga pegelo ya maparego a a mo puong (dikgoreletsi), jaaka kgangkgolo ya mmeo,
eo e neng ya rarabololwa kgotsa ya fokodiwa ka teng mo ditlhotlhomising tsa bona. Seno se ka
tlholwa ke go tlhoka dikaelo mo ntlheng eno. Maikaelelo a tlhotlhomisi eno, e ne e le, sa ntlha, go
sekaseka kgang e e amanang le dipuo tse di farologaneng le kgolagano ya tsona, tseo babatlisisi
ba itemogelang tsone le maano a ba a dirisang go rarabolola kgotsa go fokotsa kgangkgolo tseno
mme, sa bobedi, e ne e le go dirisa diphitlhelelo go tswa mo patlisisong eno, go tlhama dikaelo tsa
go samagana le puo jaaka kgang ya mmeo mo patlisisong ya dipuo tse di farologaneng le kgolagano
ya tsona, bogolosegolo mo dipatlisisong tsa lephata la tsa saekholoji. Tlhotlhomisi eno ya khwalitetifi
e remeletswe mo tioring ya phetogo-loago. Dinewane di kokoantswe ka go sekaseka ditokomane.
Sa ntlha, dithuto di le supa (patlisiso e e dirilweng mo maemong a Aforikaborwa) di tlhophilwe go
tswa mo mabolokelong a ileketeroniki ya yunibesithi go sekaseka ka fa baithuti ba begang (fa e le
gore ba a bega) kgang ya dipuo tse di farologaneng le kgolagano ya tsona le ka fa ba rarabololang
kgang tseno ka gone mo patlisisong ya morago ga kalogo. Mmatlisisi o ne a tsaya gape diforomo
tsa dikaelo tsa diyunibesithi di le thataro tsa Aforikaborwa go batlisisa ka fa ditheo tseno, ka nako
eo di neng di gatelela ka teng go rarabolola mathata a a amanang le puo mo dipatlisisong tsa saense
ya botho le ya loago, segolobogolo fa go diriwa patlisiso le babui ba dipuo tse dingwe, le ditekanyetso
tse ba di tlhomang mo ntlheng eno. Sa bobedi, ka go dirisa webosaete ya dipatlisiso ya EBSCOhost,
go ne ga tlhophiwa diathikele tsa dijenale di le 34 tse di sekasekilweng ke baitseanape, mme di ne
tsa tlhatlhobiwa le go sekaseka dikgwetlho tsa dipuo tse di farologaneng mme di amana tseo
babatlisisi ba di begileng le maano a ba a dirisitseng go rarabolola kgotsa go fokotsa dikgwetlho
tseno go fitlha ka nako ya tlhotlhomisi ya ga jaana. Ditlhopha tseno ka bobedi tsa dinewane di ne
tsa laolwa le go sekasekiwa mo go Atlas.ti 9. Ditlhogo konokono le ditlhogo potlana di ne tsa supiwa
le go atlhaatlhwa, morago ga moo ga tlhagisiwa mokgwa wa tshobokanyo le thanolo ya diphitlhelelo.
Diphitlhelelo tseno di ne tsa dirisiwa go tlhama dikaelo tsa babatlisisi mo lephateng la tsa saekholoji.
Mo maemong a Aforikaborwa, go ne go bonala sentle gore ditheo tsa thuto e kgolwane le babatlisisi
ba morago ga kalogo, ka go latelana, ba ne ba salela kwa morago mo go fitlheleleng ditlhokego tsa
go dira dipatlisiso le go bega ka ga dipatlisiso tse di akaretsang babui ba dipuo tse dingwe. Mo
godimo ga moo, ntlhakgolo go tswa mo dinewaneng tsa diathikele tsa dijenale e ne e le gore
babatlisisi ba sutile mo go direng jaaka petlela ya malemela gotlhe (e leng go dira jaaka babatlisisi
le bafetoledi) ka bobone mo ditlhotlhomising tsa dipuo tse di farologaneng mme ba akaretsa ditlhopha tsa mefameng e e farologaneng mo dipatlisisong tsa bone. Ditlhopha tse di jalo di akaretsa
batho ba ba buang dipuo tse pedi ba ba ka ba thusang go akanya le go tsaya ditshwetso mabapi le
go samagana le kgotsa go fokotsa dikgoreletsi tsa puo tse di ka tlhagelelang mo dikgatong tse di
farologaneng tsa thulaganyo ya patlisiso. Go ne go bonagala sentle go tswa mo dinewaneng gore
babatlisisi ba tsaya thulaganyo ya pele ga patlisiso e le botlhokwa mme ba dirisa mekgwa e e
kopantsweng go samagana le dikgoreletsi tsa puo. Mo godimo ga moo, dikgwetlho tse di jaaka
phitlhelelo e nnye ya bafetoledi ba ba maleba, madi a mannye a go dira patlisiso le nakonyana e
lekanyeditsweng di ka nna tsa kgoreletsa patlisiso ya dipuo tse di farologaneng mme di amana.
Dinewane di gateletse botlhokwa jwa go bega pegelo e e seng bofitlha ya patlisiso go tlhomamisa
gore e boammaaruri e bile e a ikanyega. Kwa bokhutlong, babatlisisi ba lephata la saekholoji ba ne
ba tshitshinyediwa dikaelo di le 16 tsa go samagana le puo jaaka kgwetlho ya mmeo mo patlisisong
ya dipuo tse di farologaneng mme di amana. Le fa dikaelo di lebile lephata le le rileng (saekholoji),
di ka amogelwa, tsa tshwanediwa le go tsenngwa tirisong ke babatlisisi ba bangwe mo mefameng e
e nyalelanang.Ph. D. (Languages, Linguistics and Literature)Linguistics and Modern Language
Assessing factors contributing to delinquency among street kids in Blantyre, Malawi
Get PDFThe delinquency of street kids is a social issue in many developing countries. Yet, there is a dearth of research regarding delinquent street children, especially in Africa. This study was conducted in Blantyre to analyse factors contributing to children’s delinquency on the city’s streets in Malawi. Guided by the General Strain Theory and the Good Lives Model, the study was grounded in the interpretivism research paradigm. It employed a phenomenological qualitative research design in studying the lived experiences and views of 40 purposively selected street children, incarcerated juveniles, parents and officials using semi-structured questionnaires. The key findings were that children were found on the streets mainly due to poverty. Delinquent street children began their street lives begging and scavenging but gradually drifted into delinquent activities such as pickpocketing, prostitution, robbery and violence due to peer pressure and after outliving the begging phase of street life. It was concluded that there was a need to have strategies in place primarily aimed at ensuring that children are not found on the streets. Child protection policies need to be strengthened to benefit children on the streets, in foster homes and in children's reformatory centres.M.A. (Corrections Management)Corrections Managemen