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Embeddedness, resilient networks and the likelihood of demand inducement behaviours in the South African private healthcare market
No full textAbstract in English, Sepedi and IsiZuluBackground and introduction
Currently, there is no single health economic model that illuminates growing private healthcare spending in South Africa.
Purpose and problem statement
Faced with a healthcare social and agency dilemma, where market failure is evident, the purpose is to create another look at private healthcare as many opposing views of all the interested roleplayers, unsettled debates around the roots of escalating private healthcare costs and demand volumes still exist. At the same time the question arises as to whether embeddedness and resilient networks contribute significantly as potential contributors to Supplier-Induced Demand (SID) and increased costs. Against the background of escalating costs, prices and demand volumes, the study addresses embeddedness and network ecosystems in relation to SID.
Aim
The interconnectedness of health systems and market mechanisms when analysing embeddedness, resilient networks, and the likelihood of demand-inducing behaviours aligns with inductive and deductive research paradigms. Additionally, the study incorporates elements of an abductive research approach, as it combines aspects of induction and deduction, where the foundational process of classic grounded theory is conceptualisation. Consequently, this thesis strives to answer the following questions: 1) What attributive relationships contribute to escalating expenditure, costs, and utilisation in the South African private healthcare market? 2) How likely are embedded and resilient networks to influence supplier-induced demand in the South African market-based private healthcare systems? 3) What discretionary resilient networks and relationships exist between healthcare financiers, providers and consumers that are likely to influence demand induction? The interconnectedness of health systems and the market mechanism when analysing embeddedness, resilient networks, and the likelihood of demand inducement behaviours coincide with inductive and deductive research paradigms. Besides, the study includes elements of an abductive research approach, as it combines elements of induction and deduction, where the foundational process of classic grounded theory is conceptualisation.
Methodology and method
The study used a sequential mixed method design to interpret and evaluate core relationships, how they contribute to the escalation of the costs, and how they are likely to lead to demand inducement. For this reason, the study presents a composite descriptive and ANT/SNA (Actor Network Theory/Social Network Analysis) mixed method to sequence embeddedness and resilient networks in relation to supplier-induced demand as networks determine the competitive strengths of markets.
Findings
1. Nine roleplayers (agents) within the health system accounted for over 87% of the industry benefits. All doctors—general practitioners, medical specialists, surgeons, and support specialists—are considered physician agencies. 2. Internal markets intricately involve health insurers, health administrators, managed care organisations, hospital admissions, costs, physician behaviour, and health consumers in complex SID observations. 3. Due to data caveats, the case types related to SID offer the best response to relatively high costs of adverse health events. The analysis indicates that further academic effort is also needed in exploring the impact of competition on physician behaviour, especially the behaviour pathology, medicine dispensed and the impact of defensive medicine.
Contribution to knowledge
Contributing to the existing pool of literature, this research concludes by highlighting the relevance of variable theoretical complex applications of embeddedness, resilient networks, and the likelihood of supplier-induced demand. In summary, it synthesises insights into how one may address complex challenges related to demand inducements in the future.Isendlalelo nesingeniso
Njengamanje, asinalo nolulodwa uhlelo lwezomnotho emkhakheni wokunakekelwa kwezempilo olugqamisa ukusabalala kokunakekelwa ngezempilo ngokuzimele eNingizimu Afrika.
Inhloso kanye nesitatimende sokudingidwayo
Uma kubhekwa inhlalakahle yomphakathi kanye nophiko lokunakekelwa ngezempilo, nokuyilapho kubonakala khona ukwehluleka kwezimakethe, inhloso yalolu cwaningo ukuhlola kabusha indlela yokunakekelwa ngezempilo ngokuzimele, njengoba kusenemibono eminingi ephikisanayo phakathi kwababambiqhaza, izinkulomompikiswano eziqhubekayo mayelana nokwanda kwezindleko zokunakekelwa ngezempilo ngokuzimele, nokwanda kwabadinga usizo. Ngesikhathi esifanayo, umbuzo uwukuthi ukujula nokungaguquguquki kokubambisana kunamuphi umphumela ekufuneni okubangelwa umhlinzeki (SID) kanye nokukhuphuka kwezindleko. Uma sibheka ngokomsuka wokukhuphuka kwezindleko, amanani nesibalo esiphezulu sokudingeka kwempahla, ucwaningo lubheka ukujula kanye nokuphilelana ngokumayelana ne-SID.
Imibuzo yocwaningo
Ukuxhumana kwezinhlelo zezempilo kanye nendlela yemakethe lapho kuhlaziywa ukucindecezeleka kokusebenza komnotho ucindezelwa izinhlaka okungezona ezomnotho, amanethiwekhi aqinile akwazi ukumelana nezinkathi ezinzima, kanye namathuba emikhuba yokuziphatha egqugquzelwa yisidingo okwenzeka ngesikhathi esisodwa nama-pharadigms ocwaningo olufundisayo nalolo olulandela indlela yokucabanga elandelekayo. Ngaphandle kwalokho, lolu cwaningo luhlanganisa izingxenye zendlela yocwaningo olusebenzisa indlela efundisayo naleyo elandelekayo yokuchaza lokho okubhekiwe , lapho indlela eyisisekelo yethiyori ingukucabanga. Ngenxa yalokhu osekubaliwe, lolu cwaningo luzozama ukuphendula le mibuzo elandelayo:
1. Yibuphi ubudlelwano obubambekayo obunomthelela ekwenyukeni kwezindleko zokunakekelwa ngezempilo, izindleko kanye nokusetshenziswa kwezimakethe zezokunakekelwa ngezempilo ngokuzimele eNingizimu Afrika?
2. Ngakube ukujula kanye nokungaguquki kokusebenzisana kungaba namuphi umthelela kulokho okufunwa abahlinzeki ezinhlelweni zezimakethe zezokunakekelwa ngezempilo ngokuzimele eNingizimu Afrika?
3. Ngakube yiziphi izindlela ezingaguquki kanye nobudlelwano obukhona phakathi kwabaxhasa ngezimali kwezokunakekelwa ngezempilo, abahlinzeki bezinsiza kanye nabadinga usizo okungase kube nomthelela ekudingekeni kwezinsiza?
Indlela esetshenzisiwe
Lapha umcwaningi usebenzise uhlelo oluhlanganisa ukuhlola iqophelo nezilinganiso ukuze ahumushe futhi ahlole ubudlelwano obuyisisekelo, ukuthi lokhu kuzikhuphula kanjani izindleko, nokuthi lokhu kusidala kanjani isidingo sezinsiza. Ngenxa yalokhu, ucwaningo lucacisa ngokuhlanganisa uhlelo oluchazayo netiyori yokusebenzisana (ANT) kanye nokuhlaziywa kokusebenzisana nomphakathi (SNA) ukuze kulandelaniswe ukujula kanye nokungaguquki kokusebenzisana kulokho okufunwa abahlinzeki njengoba ukusebenzisana kuyikho okuhlahla indlela yokuncintisana ezimakethe.
Okutholakele/ Imiphumela
1. Bayisishagalolunye ababambiqhaza (ama-ejenti) ngaphansi kohlelo lwezempilo oluzimele abahlomule ngaphezu kwama-87% wezinsiza kulo mkhakha. Bonke odokotela - abahlengikazi, ochwepheshe bezokwelapha, odokotela abahlinzayo kanye nochwepheshe abangabasekeli - bachazwa njengama-ejenti angabelaphi.
2. Izimakethe zangaphakathi zibandakanya izinkampani zomshwalense wezempilo, abaphathi bezempilo, izinhlangano zezokunakekela, ukulaliswa esibhedlela, izindleko, ukuziphatha kwabelaphi kanye nalabo abanakekelwa ngezempilo ngaphansi kohlelo oluxubile lwe-SID.
3. Ngenxa yedatha, izindaba ezihlobene ne-SID ziveza okungcono kakhulu ngokwezindleko eziphezulu mayelana nezehlakalo ezingezinhle zezempilo. Lolu cwaningo luveza ukuthi kusanesidingo sokuba kwenziwe olunye ucwaningo ukuze kuhlolwe umthelela wokuncintisana ekuziphatheni kwabelaphi, ikakhulu abezifo ezahlukene, imithi ekhishiwe kanye nemithi yokuzivikela.
Ukunikelela ekuhlinzekeni ngolwazi
Ukunikelela eqoqweni lezincwadi ezikhona, lolu cwaningo luphetha ngokugqamisa ukuhambisana kwezicelo zamatiyori ahlukahlukene ekujuleni, ukungaguquki kokusebenzisana, kanjalo nalokho okufunwa abahlinzeki. Ngamafuphi, lolu cwaningo luhlanganisa imininingwane yokuthi zingaxazululwa kanjani izinselelo ezahlukahlukene mayelana nokwanda kokudingeka kwezinsiza esikhathini esizayo.Tshedimošo ya mathomong le matseno
Gabjale, ga go na le mokgwa o tee wa tlhokomelo ya maphelo wa go seketša tšhelete wo o hlohleletšago go godiša tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete ye e golago ka Afrika Borwa.
Maikemišetšo le setatamente ka ga bothata
Ka lebaka la seemo seo se gakantšhago go tša leago le nyakego ya ka pela ya tlhokomelo ya maphelo, fao go palelwa ga mebaraka go lego nyanyeng, maikemišetšo a dinyakišišo tše ke go lekola leswa tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete, ka ge go sa na le maikutlo ao a thulanago gareng ga batšeakarolo, ka ga dingangišano tše di tšwelago pele mabapi le seo se dirago gore ditefelo tša tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete di hlatloge, le bontši bja nyakego ya tlhokomelo ye ya phraebete. Go sa le bjale, potšišo ke ge eba go e bota le dinetweke tše di kgotleletšego di na le seabe kudu go nyakego yeo e laolwago ke baabi (SID) le ditshenyegelo tšeo di okeditšwego. Ka lebaka la tshedimošo mabapi le ditefelo tšeo di hlatlogago, ditheko le bontši bja nyakego, dinyakišišo di ahlaahla go bota tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete le dinetweke tše di kgotleletšego ge go bapetšwa le SID.
Dipotšišo tša dinyakišišo
Mafelelong, dinyakišišo tše, di nyaka go araba dipotšišo tše di latelago:
1. Naa ke dikamano dife tša seemo tšeo di hlohleletšago tshenyegelo, ditefelo le tšhomišo yeo e hlatlogago ya tlhokomelo ya maphelo ka mmarakeng wa tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete ka Afrika Borwa?
2. Naa go bota tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete le dinetweke tše di kgotleletšego go na le kgonagalo ya gore go ka huetša nyakego yeo e laolwago ke baabi ka mmarakeng wa tshepedišong ya tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete ka Afrika Borwa?
3. Naa ke dinetweke dife tše di kgotleletšego tša boithatelo le dikamano tše di lego gona magareng ga bathekgi ba tlhokomelo ya maphelo, baabi le badiriši veo go nago le kgonagalo ya gore di ka huetšago koketšego ya nyakego?
Mokgwa
Monyakišiši o šomišitše mokgwatatelano wa tlhakanyo go hlatholla le go sekaseka dikamano tša motheo, ka fao di nago le seabe mabapi le go hlatloga ga ditheko, le ka fao go nago le kgonagalo ya gore di ka feletša ka koketšego ya nyakego. Ka lebaka le, dinyakišišo di hlagiša mokgwa wa tlhalošo ka kakaretšo le teori ya netweke ya batšeakarolo (ANT) le tshekatsheko ya kamano ya setšhaba (SNA) go latelanya go dineteweke tša go bota tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete le dinetweke tše di kgotleletšego mabapi le nyakego yeo e laolwago ke baabi ka ge dinetweke di laola maatla a bokgoni bja mebaraka.
Dikutollo
1. Batšeakarolo ba senyane (badiredi) ka gare ga tshepedišo ya tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete ba bile tekano ye e fetago 87% ya dikholego tša ka intastering ye. Dingaka ka moka – dingaka tša malwetši ka moka, ditsebi tša malwetši, dingaka tša karo le ditsebi tša thekgo – di bonwa bjalo ka ditheo tša dingaka.
2. Mebaraka ya ka nageng e akaretša kudu baabi ba diinšorentshe tša maphelo, balaodi ba tša maphelo, mekgatlo ya tlhokomelo ya maphelo ye e laolwago, dikamogelo tša ka sepetlele, ditheko, maistwharo a dingaka le badiriši ba tlhokomelo ya maphelo ka ditemogong tša SID tše di hlakahlakanego.
3. Ka lebaka la ditemošo tša tshedimošo, mehuta ya seemo ya go amana le SID e fana ka phetolo ye kaone ya go amana le ditheko tše godimo kudu tše di amantšhwago le ditiragalo tša maphelo tše di mpefetšego. Tshekatsheko e laetša gore dinyakišišo tše dingwe di swanetše go lekola seabe sa phadišano ya maitshwaro a dingaka, kudukudu tekodišišo ya maitshwaro, dihlare tše di abjago le dinyakišišo ka ga tšhireletšo ya dingaka kalafong.
Seabe go tsebo
Ka ge di na le seabe go dingwalwa tša bjale mabapi le hlogotaba ye, dinyakišišo tše di fetša ka go gatelela go ba maleba ga teori ya ditirišo tše di hlakahlakanego tša go bota tlhokomelo ya maphelo ya phraebete, dinetweke tše di kgotleletšego, le kgonagalo ya nyakego yeo e laolwago ke baabi. Ka kakaretšo, e lekodišiša ditsebo mabapi le ka fao ditlhohlo tše di hlakahlakanego tše di amanago le koketšego ya nyakego di ka rarollwago ka moso.D. Phil. (Economics)Economic
What does it mean to be human? In conversation with Daniel P. Veldsman’
No full textNAWhat does it mean to be human? This article engages with the work of Prof Daniel P. Veldsman, investigating his narrative on human identity, evolution and self-understanding. Veldsman’s contribution to Christian anthropology engages with the natural sciences, acknowledging that to be human is to be part of the unfolding evolutionary processes. In addition, to be human is not only to know our limitations, to be present in the ‘now’, but also to dare to transcend ourselves by means of curiosity, mystery and a propensity for the divine. Lastly, this article explores the communal nature of being human; that to be human is to be part of something bigger than the individual.Research Institute for Theology and ReligionN
Labour brokering at public universities in South Africa : a case study of an institution of higher learning
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of employees placed by labour brokers at a public university in South Africa to understand the challenges and experiences of these employees. The study also examined policies and procedures that are followed when insourcing employees previously employed by labour brokers and assessing the alignment of labour brokering practices with the legislative framework. Labour brokering has become a critical issue in South Africa that raises serious concerns about job security, the treatment of employees, and fair labour practices. Understanding its effects on employees placed within the institution of higher learning is important to ensure fair labour practices. This study employed a qualitative case study approach and used purposive sampling to select participants. The sample included seventeen (17) employees placed by labour brokers in the Information and Communication department (ICT), three (3) union representatives, and three (3) HR practitioners at the institution of higher learning. A qualitative methodology was used to collect research insights, where a total of 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted: 17 with employees, 3 with union representatives, and 3 with HR practitioners. Additionally, document study was used as a supplementary data source. The findings reveal that although labour brokers can offer temporary advantages, such as flexibility and reduced cost, they also come with disadvantages, such as reduced job security and employee morale. The study also found that there were discrepancies when it came to compliance with labour laws and that the employees placed by labour brokers were disconnected from the institution in which they were placed. The study emphasises that the university should ensure that the labour broker whose services are used aligns its practices with South African labour legislation. This study contributes to the discussion on social and ethical impacts on organisations by examining employee perceptions. The focus is on academic institutions, where employee retention and institutional belonging are important for operational success.M. Com. (Business Management)Business Managemen
Role of school management team in managing discipline in urban primary schools of Tshwane South District
No full textDespite the critical role of discipline in shaping effective learning environments, limited research has focused on context-specific discipline management strategies for overcrowded and socio-economically challenged urban primary schools in South Africa. This study addressed the challenge of inadequate discipline management in urban primary schools within the Tshwane South District, significantly impacting the learning environment and learner academic performance. Urban primary schools in Tshwane South District are characterised by overcrowded classrooms, socio-economic challenges, and a lack of effective discipline strategies, contributing to disruptions in teaching and learning. The purpose of this research was to explore effective discipline management strategies that can be implemented by school leadership and educators to foster a conducive learning environment. The study was guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and social learning theory, emphasising the interplay between various systems affecting learners’ behaviour and discipline in schools. A qualitative research approach was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of the problem and its context. The research utilised a single case study design to explore discipline management practices in selected primary schools. Exploratory and interpretive research designs were employed to investigate the lived experiences and strategies of school stakeholders. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with teachers and school heads, focus group discussions with learners, and supplemented by document analysis of school discipline records and observation. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns and themes in the data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the underlying issues and potential solutions. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of South Africa, and the study adhered to principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, ensuring no harm to participants. The findings revealed the importance of collaboration and communication between the School Management Team and the community in shaping disciplinary measures and fostering a supportive and conducive learning environment in urban primary schools. They also revealed that parental involvement in learner discipline further impacts learner performance by creating a better relationship between the home and school environment and encouraging good behaviour. Lastly, the study revealed that teachers and school leaders lack consistent training in discipline management strategies and policies. The study recommended
that the Department of Education provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for educators and the School Management Team on effective disciplinary strategies, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and understanding child development. It recommended that schools should continuously review and update disciplinary policies to ensure they are clear, consistent, and aligned with the needs of the school community. It also recommended that parents and the community should actively engage in their children’s education and school activities and work together to promote values such as respect, responsibility, and fairness among learners.Educational Leadership and Managemen
The impact of green human resource management and internal green supply chain management practices on operational performance in manufacturing industry in Ethiopia
No full textThis study investigates the impact of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) and Internal Green Supply Chain Management (IGSCM) on the operational performance of manufacturing firms in Ethiopia. Although prior research has examined GHRM and GSCM as separate domains, little empirical evidence exists on their integration and combined effects. Addressing this gap, the study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. Quantitative data were collected from 983 respondents across 219 medium- and large-scale firms in the leather, textile, agro-processing, and cement sectors, and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicated that IGSCM practices, particularly eco-design and internal environmental management, significantly enhance operational performance. GHRM was found to cultivate a supportive organisational culture that reinforces eco-design and internal environmental management, and it indirectly improves operational performance through IGSCM practices. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with twelve participants, which corroborated the quantitative results and provided deeper insights into the mechanisms linking GHRM and IGSCM to operational performance. Interview findings highlighted the instrumental role of these practices in improving quality, reducing costs and waste, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening customer loyalty. Based on these findings, the study recommends that manufacturing firms invest in green training and awareness programs, promote a positive organisational culture, and integrate environmental considerations systematically into human resource and supply chain functions. Generally, the study contributes to the literature on sustainable human resource management and supply chain management by offering an empirically grounded framework that links environmental practices with operational performance. The research provides practical guidance for managers in emerging economies to adopt integrated sustainable practices that balance economic, social, and environmental objectives, thereby enhancing competitiveness and long-term organisational performance.This study investigates the impact of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) and Internal Green Supply Chain Management (IGSCM) on the operational performance of manufacturing firms in Ethiopia. Although prior research has examined GHRM and GSCM as separate domains, little empirical evidence exists on their integration and combined effects. Addressing this gap, the study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. Quantitative data were collected from 983 respondents across 219 medium- and large-scale firms in the leather, textile, agro-processing, and cement sectors, and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicated that IGSCM practices, particularly eco-design and internal environmental management, significantly enhance operational performance. GHRM was found to cultivate a supportive organisational culture that reinforces eco-design and internal environmental management, and it indirectly improves operational performance through IGSCM practices. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with twelve participants, which corroborated the quantitative results and provided deeper insights into the mechanisms linking GHRM and IGSCM to operational performance. Interview findings highlighted the instrumental role of these practices in improving quality, reducing costs and waste, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening customer loyalty. Based on these findings, the study recommends that manufacturing firms invest in green training and awareness programs, promote a positive organisational culture, and integrate environmental considerations systematically into human resource and supply chain functions. Generally, the study contributes to the literature on sustainable human resource management and supply chain management by offering an empirically grounded framework that links environmental practices with operational performance. The research provides practical guidance for managers in emerging economies to adopt integrated sustainable practices that balance economic, social, and environmental objectives, thereby enhancing competitiveness and long-term organisational performance.D.B.L.Business Managemen
A framework for the employee user experience of intelligent process automation within financial institutions
No full textUser experience is increasingly acknowledged for its practical impacts and two-fold affordances: hedonic, which refers to the emotional and psychological aspects of the experience, and pragmatic, which focuses on usability and functionality. With the increased digitisation of workplaces and the growth of intelligent process automation, it is essential to consider employees’ user experiences within financial institutions. Even with the optimisation and maturity of intelligent process automation technologies, a poor user experience might unintentionally compel employees to find workarounds against the effectiveness, elicitation of contentment and success of these technologies.
A review of existing frameworks published between 2020 and 2024 reveals notable shortcomings concerning the specific topic. These frameworks often address either the UX or IPA, but rarely in conjunction. Furthermore, no single framework has been identified that specifically examines the UX of employees affected by IPA within the financial sector.
The Main Research Question addressed in this study is: How can employee user experience of intelligent process automation be enhanced within financial institutions? This research intended to develop a well-designed framework to enhance the employee user experience of intelligent process automation to the prospective advantage of financial institutions and their employees.
An interpretivist philosophical paradigm underpinned the current research, and the study employed a design science research approach in three phases. The first phase was a comprehensive literature review of user experience to develop the conceptual framework. The next phase was an empirical case study with employees impacted by the automation of processes in the financial industry to fine-tune the framework. The last phase comprised evaluations by industry experts and professionals to complete the framework. Some of the most remarkable findings of this research were the employees' apparent indifference to the aesthetic aspect of intelligent process automation. This observation sharply contrasts with the literature on user experience in other studies.
Surprisingly, the research supports the notion that both pragmatic and hedonic aspects help produce a positive employee user experience. In addition, the study uncovered other novel factors important to creating confidence in intelligent process automation, including security, privacy, and ethical concerns. These factors are essential since they influence employees’ trust and acceptance of the automation system. The framework points to factors for consideration while designing intelligent process automation in the context of financial institutions.
The primary contribution of this study is the development of the EUXIPA framework, which emphasizes the elements of employee user experience that facilitate the acceptance of Intelligent Process Automation within South African financial institutions. By integrating employee user experience with Intelligent Process Automation, the EUXIPA framework aims to promote the adoption and effective utilization of Intelligent Process Automation, thereby potentially increasing financial institutions' investment in this technology.
An additional contribution of this study is the validation of the Hedonic-Motivation System Adoption Model theory, while also proposing the inclusion of trust as a critical component when examining the user experience of Intelligent Process Automation. This research has demonstrated that trust is essential for enhancing employee UX and can be cultivated through various inherent characteristics of IPA.D. Phil. (Information Systems
The perceived influence of public sector communication on employee compliance with departmental policies in South Africa
No full textAbstract and text in EnglishThe concept of public service communication (PSC) has faced resistance and limited recognition, contributing to a scarcity of literature on communication of policies in government. This study aimed to develop a conceptual model for the influence of PSC on employee compliance with departmental policies, addressing the inadequacies in PSC, which have been identified as a problem that expose employees to risks of maladministration, corruption and fraud.
A sequential exploratory mixed methods research design was used to explore the perceived influence of PSC on employee compliance with departmental policies in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster departments of the South African public service. Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted with participants in the first phase of the study. The qualitative findings were used in the second phase to develop a quantitative measurement instrument, which was tested and found to be valid and reliable, despite a small sample size.
The results show a significance shift from traditional communication channels to digital platforms such as email, intranet and Outlook. Respondents indicated that digitalisation of policies enhanced their engagement with policies by providing convenience, rehearsability, real-time access and feedback. However, preferences for communication channels revealed a combination of traditional and digital methods, with over 80% of the respondents indicating a preference for written communication, awareness sessions, intranet and emails, complementing the qualitative findings that identified workshops as valuable.
Data analysis confirmed that PSC positively influences compliance, with a reported compliance rate of 74.8% (daily compliance) and an excellent Cronbach’s alpha of 0.906. Critical themes include targeted training for senior managers on legislative framework and public service regulations, tailoring workshops to specific operational groups and using simple language in policies. The practical implications for organisational communication include the proposed conceptual model and the measurement instrument, which serve as innovative tools for enhancing employee compliance with policies.
The findings identify unique contributions made by the communication strategy in promoting policy compliance, highlighting principles for compliance with departmental policies, the digitalisation of policies, raising awareness of policies through digital platforms and best practices such as policy development frameworks and a web-based compliance monitoring tool.Die konsep van staatsdienskommunikasie (SDK) het weerstand en beperkte erkenning in die gesig gestaar, wat bygedra het tot ʼn gebrek aan literatuur oor die kommunikasie van beleid in die regering. Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om ʼn konseptuele model te ontwikkel vir die invloed van SDK op werknemers se nakoming van departementele beleid, en die tekortkominge in SDK te bespreek,
at geïdentifiseer is as ʼn probleem wat werknemers blootstel aan die risiko’s van wanadministrasie, korrupsie en bedrog.
ʼn Opeenvolgende verkennende gemengdemetode-navorsingsontwerp is gebruik om die waargenome invloed van SDK op werknemers se nakoming van departementele beleid in die Justisie-, Misdaadvoorkoming- en Sekuriteit- (JCPS) korfdepartemente van die Suid-Afrikaanse staatsdiens te ondersoek. Twintig kwalitatiewe onderhoude is met deelnemers in die eerste fase van die studie gevoer. Die kwalitatiewe bevindinge is in die tweede fase gebruik om ʼn kwantitatiewe meetinstrument te ontwikkel, wat getoets en as geldig en betroubaar bevind is, ten spyte van ʼn klein steekproefgrootte.
Die resultate toon ʼn beduidende verskuiwing van tradisionele kommunikasiekanale na digitale platforms soos e-pos, intranet en Outlook. Respondente het aangedui dat digitalisering van beleid hulle betrokkenheid by beleid verbeter deur gerief, herhaalbaarheid, intydse toegang en terugvoer te bied. Voorkeure vir kommunikasiekanale het egter ʼn kombinasie van tradisionele en digitale metodes getoon, met meer as 80% van die respondente wat ʼn voorkeur vir geskrewe kommunikasie, bewusmakingsessies, intranet en e-posse aangedui het, wat die kwalitatiewe bevindinge aanvul wat werkswinkels as waardevol geïdentifiseer het.
Data-analise het bevestig dat SDK nakoming positief beïnvloed, met ʼn gerapporteerde nakomingskoers van 74.8% (daaglikse nakoming) en Cronbach se alfa was uitstekend met 0.906. Kritieke temas sluit in geteikende opleiding vir senior bestuurders oor wetgewende raamwerk en staatsdiensregulasies, die aanpassing van werkswinkels vir spesifieke operasionele groepe en die gebruik van eenvoudige taal in beleid. Die praktiese implikasies vir organisatoriese kommunikasie sluit in die voorgestelde konseptuele model en die meetinstrument, wat dien as innoverende instrumente om werknemers se nakoming van beleid te verbeter.
Die bevindinge identifiseer unieke bydraes wat deur die kommunikasiestrategie gemaak word om beleidsnakoming te bevorder, met die klem op beginsels vir die nakoming van departementele beleid, die digitalisering van beleid, die verhoging van bewustheid van beleid deur middel van digitale platforms en beste praktyke soos beleidsontwikkelingsraamwerke en ʼn webgebaseerde moniteringsinstrument vir nakoming.Muhumbulo wa vhudavhidzani ha tshumelo ya tshitshavha (PSC) wo sedzana na u hanedzwa na u sa dzhielwa nṱha, zwine zwa shela mulenzhe kha u ṱahela ha maṅwalwa a vhudavhidzani ha mbekanyamaitele kha muvhuso. Ngudo iyi yo vha yo sedza kha u bveledza modele wa muhumbulo wa ṱhuṱhuwedzo ya PSC kha u tevhedza ha vhashumi mbekanyamaitele dza muhasho, u tandulula u sa lingana kha PSC, zwe zwa topolwa sa thaidzo ine ya vhea vhashumi khomboni dza u sa langa zwavhuḓi, tshanḓa nguvhoni na vhufhura.
Nyolo ya ṱhoḓisiso ya nḓila dzo ṱanganaho dza u ṱola dzo tevhekanaho yo shumiswa u ṱola ṱhuṱhuwedzo ine ya dzhiiwa ya PSC kha u tevhedza ha vhashumi mbekanyamaitele dza muhasho kha mihasho ya kiḽasiṱara ya Vhulamukanyi, Thivhelo ya Vhugevhenga na Tsireledzo (JCPS) ya tshumelo ya tshitshavha ya Afrika Tshipembe. Inthaviyu dza vhuimo ha 20 dzo itwa na vha dzhenelaho kha luṱa lwa u thoma lwa ngudo. Mawanwa a khwaḽithethivi o shumiswa kha luṱa lwa vhuvhili u bveledza tshishumiswa tsha u ela tsha tshivhalo, tshe tsha lingiwa tsha wanala tshi tshi shuma na u fulufhedzea, hu sa londwi uri tsumbonanguludzwa ndi ṱhukhu.
Mvelelo dzi sumbedza u shandukiswa ha ndeme u bva kha nḓila dza vhudavhidzani dza mvelele u ya kha pulatifomo dza didzhithala dzi ngaho imeiḽi, inthanethe na Outlook. Vhafhinduli vho sumbedzisa uri u ita uri mbekanyamaitele dzi vhe dza didzhithala zwo khwinisa u ṱanganelana havho na mbekanyamaitele nga u ṋetshedza zwithu zwo leluwaho, u ḓiḓowedza, tswikelelo ya tshifhinga tsha vhukuma na vhupfiwa. Fhedziha, zwine zwa takalelwa nga nḓila dza vhudavhidzani zwo bvisela khagala u ṱangana ha nḓila dza mvelele na dza didzhithala, hune vha fhiraho 80% vha vhafhinduli vha sumbedza u takalela vhudavhidzani ho ṅwaliwaho, sesheni dza u ḓivhadza, inthanethe na dziimeiḽi, zwi tshi ḓadzisa mawanwa a vhuimo e a topola miṱangano ya mushumo sa ya ndeme.
Tsenguluso ya data yo khwaṱhisedza uri PSC i ṱuṱuwedza zwavhuḓi u tevhedza, na tshikalo tsho vhigwaho tsha u tevhedza tsha 74.8% (u tevhedza ha ḓuvha ḽiṅwe na ḽiṅwe) na Cronbach’s alpha yavhuḓi ya 0.906. Thero dza ndeme dzi katela vhugudisi ho livhiswaho kha vhalanguli vhahulwane nga ha muhanga wa mulayo na milayo ya tshumelo ya tshitshavha, u ṱanganya miṱangano ya mushumo na zwigwada zwo khetheaho zwa mushumo na u shumisa luambo lwo leluwaho kha mbekanyamaitele.
Zwine zwa shuma kha vhudavhidzani ha ndangulo zwi katela modele wa muhumbulo wo dzinginywaho na tshishumiswa tsha u ela, zwine zwa shuma sa zwishumiswa zwa vhuṱali zwa u khwinisa u tevhedzwa ha vhashumi kha mbekanyamaitele.
Mawanwa a topola miṋeelo yo khetheaho yo itwaho nga tshiṱirathedzhi tsha vhudavhidzani kha u ṱuṱuwedza u tevhedzwa ha mbekanyamaitele, u sumbedzisa milayo ya u tevhedzwa ha mbekanyamaitele dza muhasho, u ita uri mbekanyamaitele dzi vhe dza digithaḽa, u ḓivhadza nga ha mbekanyamaitele nga kha pulatifomo dza didzhithala na maitele a khwine u fana na muhanga wa mveledziso ya mbekanyamaitele na tshishumiswa tsha u ṱola u tevhedzwa ha mbekanyamaitele tsho thewaho kha webusaithi.(PhD) in CommunicationCommunication ScienceCommunication scienc
Tungsten selenide quantum dot-based electrocatalytic detection of lamivudine and zidovudine
No full textText and abstract in EnglishThe increasing spread of (human immune-deficiency virus) HIV and (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) AIDS has fostered an increase in the administration, consumption, and excretion of antiviral drugs, including lamivudine (LAM), and zidovudine (ZID) in urine into wastewater. Despite the two drugs’ being lifesaving medicines, they pose unwanted adverse health effects to humans and a disruption to the ecosystem. As most parts of the world are relying on wastewater as a source of drinking water, there is an increased human exposure as there is a notable increase in the occurrence of LAM and ZID in wastewater and treated water around the globe, posing health hazards to human health, aquatic life and poses an imminent threat of antiviral drug resistance. Due to the health hazards and risks associated with the inherent human and ecosystem exposure, researchers have taken advantage of the reactivity of these antiviral drugs and their affinity to form various bonds with novel nanoparticles, to foster more convenient and environmentally friendly methods of wastewater monitoring of antivirals using nanomaterials in sensor fabrication. The deviation from the conventional methods of wastewater monitoring seek to overcome the inefficiency, tediousness and complexity of sample preparation of the conventional methods. A naturally abundant and cost-effective material, tungsten di-selenide (WSe2), has attracted a lot of interest in sensing and monitoring of organic pollutants in water due to its outstanding electron-rich properties and excellent electrical conductivity for charge transfer. Due to the ability of LAM and ZID of forming various bonds with nanoparticles, WSe2 nanomaterials were a promising choice of material used in this study. Miniaturizing WSe2 material to quantum dot (QD) nano-size further increased its dynamism in unique physical and electrical properties because QDs have an increased advantage of big surface-to-volume ratio, a unique set of structural, optical, and electronic properties. Taking advantage of the remarkable properties of WSe2 in QD size, an effective material well suited for electrochemical sensing was accomplished. A convenient cost-effective colloidal synthesis method was developed and used to synthesize L-cysteine (L-Cys) capped WSe2 QDs under inert conditions. The successful capping and functionalization of the QDs was done using a cost-effective bi-dentate capping and stabilizing agent, L-Cys, and it was confirmed by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
With the introduction of L-Cys capped WSe2QDs to a pre-activated glassy carbon electrode (GCE), using nafion as the binder, L-cys-WSe2QD/Nafion-GCE sensor was fabricated for the detection of LAM and ZID in water. Small angle and X-ray scattering (SAXS) and Zetasizer analytical studies revealed the formation of QDs of sizes less than 10 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) revealed quantum dots with curved rugged edges presented in a layered morphology and the highly crystalline nature of the synthesized QDs was reviewed through a well-resolved lattice structure with contrasting zigzag chains of tungsten atoms arranged periodically. Though the electrochemical behavior of LAM on L-Cys-WSe2QDs/GCE was established for the first time, LAM was irreversibly reduced at negative potentials and this is in agreement with previously reported work done using voltametric techniques. The L-cys-WSe2QD/Nafion-GCE fabricated sensor exhibited a lower limit of detection (LOD) and excellent electrochemical sensing efficiency as compared to previous reports of a WSe2 bio-sensor and also a previous report on electrochemical sensing of LAM using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The sensor served simplicity of use as it eliminated the need for the tedious sample pre-treatment and sample preparation methods required by the conventional laboratory-based analytical tools, the sensor also surpassed their LOD, cost-effectiveness, and was more time convenient. The L-cys-WSe2QD/Nafion-GCE showcased LOD of 0.1 nM and 6.6 nM in detecting LAM and ZID, respectively, using the square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique in wastewater effluent. The linear range for the L-cys-WSe2QD/Nafion-GCE sensor was effectually low, for LAM it was 2 pM – 10 pM, and for ZID, 0.4 nm – 1.4 nm. The exhibited electro-catalytic activity of L-cys-WSe2QD towards LAM and ZID was reductive. The sensor exhibited good coefficient of determination (R2 value) of 0.993 and 0.969 as calculated from the linearity and range towards LAM and ZID respectively. The method is therefore linear, and accurate across the measured concentration range. L-Cys-WSe2QD/Nafion-GCE sensor retained good stability after 7 days by retaining 87.2% and 78% of functionality analyzed for the detection of LAM and ZID respectively. A novel strategy using an environmentally safe monitoring system platform for detecting LAM and ZID simultaneously in wastewater has been developed.M Sc. (Chemistry)Engineering, Science and Technolog
Strategies for nurses providing holistic end-of-life care within a tertiary hospital
No full textPurpose: The purpose of the study was to develop strategies for nurses providing holistic end-of-life (EOL) care within a tertiary hospital setting.
Methodology: Employing a qualitative, hermeneutic, and phenomenological design, the study involved ten face-to-face individual interviews with professional nurses and two focus groups comprising 11 enrolled and auxiliary nurses. A second phase of focus group interviews followed, focusing on developing a SWOT analysis and strategies for future implementation post-analysis.
Findings: The study revealed five primary themes: the emotional toll on staff, palliative care provision within the hospital setting, nursing challenges, patient-family dynamics, and proposed improvements. It underscored the need for collaborative management of EOL care, emphasising a more holistic approach within the tertiary environment and advocating for inclusive, supportive family involvement.
Outcome of the study: The SWOT analysis identified four strategic objectives: coordinated care, workforce training, debriefing and reflective counselling sessions, and enhanced management support. These strategies are posited to significantly enhance the quality and development of holistic EOL nursing care in tertiary settings.D. Phil. (Nursing Public Health))Health Studie