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The pastoral care of African Christian women suffering from Uterine Myomas
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Theology with Pastoral Studies, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusWomen of reproductive age, especially those who delayed childbirth and who are not nursing a child often face the challenge of uterine fibroids due to the increase of oestrogen levels in the body. This condition can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, weight gain, discomfort during sexual intercourse, infertility, and anaemia, among others. The symptoms of uterine fibroids affect quality of life negatively; it can be life-threatening especially in Africa. This research developed a comprehensive pastoral care program specifically for Christian women who are experiencing the challenges posed by uterine myomas. This pastoral care program is designed not only to address the physical and emotional impacts of uterine myomas but also to offer spiritual and psychological support to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of Christian women grappling with this condition. After having conducted a thorough literature review and empirical qualitative research, the researcher established that many women who silently endure symptoms of uterine myomas suffer emotionally, psychologically, and physically. The descriptive empirical task aims to understand: ‘What is happening?’ The interpretative task seeks to answer the question: ‘Why is it happening?’ The normative task inquires: 'What should be happening?' The pragmatic task explores: 'How can we respond?' The results of the study indicate that women suffering from uterine myomas are concerned about their ability to conceive due to the presence of these growths in the uterus. Moreover, they fear rejection and are concerned about the impact of uterine myomas on their marital relationships and overall well-being. A significant discovery is the fact that many African women live with undiagnosed uterine myomas and untreated uterine fibroids due to a lack of proper medical treatment and affordable healthcare options being limited. In addition, some women are turning to traditional remedies as alternatives to modern medical care
Exploring the barriers faced by South African universities in establishing spin-out companies
Full text linkMaster of Business Administration, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThis dissertation critically examines the barriers that impede spin-out companies' successful establishment and growth within South African universities. The study's primary objective is to identify and analyse these barriers and propose actionable strategies to enhance the commercialisation outcomes of university-based research. Through a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including TTO representatives and university staff, to gain deep insights into the challenges faced by spin-out companies. Five key barriers emerged from the analysis: financial constraints and funding limitations, organisational and bureaucratic inefficiencies, inadequate leadership and entrepreneurial culture, limited adoption of technological tools and digital transformation, and misalignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These barriers are critically analysed using theoretical models such as SWOT analysis and the Business Model Canvas, providing a structured understanding of the complexities within the commercialisation ecosystem. The study also examines the impact of leadership styles within TTOs, explores the potential of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance commercialisation processes, and investigates how spinouts can contribute to SDGs. Findings reveal that ineffective leadership and complex regulatory environments exacerbate the challenges faced by spinouts. At the same time, the absence of a robust ecosystem and limited industry partnerships further hinder their success. Based on these findings, the study presents strategic recommendations to address each identified barrier. These include establishing university-linked seed funds, simplifying bureaucratic processes, fostering an entrepreneurial culture through training and mentorship, leveraging digital tools for efficiency, and advocating for policy reforms that support spin-out development. Additionally, aligning spin-out activities with SDGs is proposed to enhance societal impact and attract sustainability-focused investments. The study’s conclusions emphasise the need for a holistic approach that integrates leadership, policy, technology, and sustainability considerations to create a conducive environment for spin-out companies. The recommendations will guide university administrators, policymakers, and TTO leaders in fostering a vibrant and sustainable spin-out ecosystem within the South African higher education sector. Future research directions are suggested to explore external stakeholders' perspectives, conduct comparative studies with international contexts, and quantitatively assess the impact of digital transformation initiatives on spin-out success. This dissertation contributes to the growing body of knowledge on academic entrepreneurship. It provides practical insights for enhancing the commercialisation of university research in South Africa, ultimately supporting national innovation and economic development goals.Master
The legal nexus between AI-generated creations and intellectual property in South Africa
Full text linkMaster of Laws with Perspectives on Law, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis dissertation examines the intricate intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP) law, focusing particularly on its implications for copyright and patent law both internationally and within South Africa. In recent years, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its ability to generate creative works by simulating human expression is challenging existing legal frameworks and prompting reconsideration of long-established intellectual property principles. Questions emerge whether these AI-generated outputs are protectable at all, whether there is any infringement present during the input or output phases, and who, if any, should be held liable for possible IP infringement. A comparative analysis of foreign jurisdictions reveals divergent approaches to the copyrightability and patentability of AI outputs, and current South African law, like many others, appears ill-equipped to fully address the nuances of AI-generated content. Furthermore, this research delves into ethical considerations, such as the biases embedded within AI training datasets and the unauthorised use of artists' personality rights through deepfakes, and the broader issue of inadequate global regulation surrounding AI. These concerns are juxtaposed with a discussion on whether the possible inability to secure IP protection for AI-generated outputs, could deter investment and development in this field. Ultimately, this dissertation aims to contribute to the discourse on reconciling innovation and creativity with the need for legal safeguards in an AI-driven era.Master
An investigation into student perceptions on higher education transformation at the North-West University, Potchefstroom campus
Full text linkMaster of Arts in Sociology, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions of NWU students on higher education transformation at the NWU, PC. This involved an understanding of the perceptions of students on transformations in the student life, institutional culture and teaching and learning at the NWU. There exists a lack of scholarly research on the perceptions of students on transformation at the NWU. A lack of qualitatively and context driven definitions and conceptualisations of transformation in higher education, particularly at the NWU, PC was also identified. The perceptions were analysed through the interpretation of interpretivist and structuralist perspectives in sociology. This approach necessitated the application of the three spheres of transformation, namely, the personal sphere, the political sphere and the practical sphere. With this model, the personal sphere adopted the five nested levels of consciousness, to assess the nature of perceptions on transformation. In this study, the practical sphere was specifically studied. This consisted of the student life, institutional culture and teaching and learning of the university. The findings were also interpreted through Bourdieu’s theoretical tools. The results of this analysis was that: 1) race is still a critical component in the difference of perceptions of student life and institutional culture satisfaction; 2) Socio-economic status and geographical location influence perceptions of transformation, as indicated in the narratives in the qualitative analysis; 3) the dynamics of the perceptions of transformation at the NWU are still embedded in the levels of capital (cultural, social, economic and political) inherited, the possibility of acquitting capital and the power to practice and use said capital. The study chose a mixed-method research approach as appropriate research methodology, to investigate perceptions of transformation. An explanatory sequential mixed method design was used, enabling the chronological occurrence of a cross-sectional design and then a case study design. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were therefore followed. This practice was preferred, due to the importance of understanding from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, the perceptions of transformation. The survey consisted of 240 structured interviews for the quantitative phase at the PC. This data was then analysed using SPSS to investigate the students’ perceptions of transformation in the quantitative phase of the study. For the case study design, 16 interviews (7 SRC members and 9 SCC members), as well as 3 focus groups at the PC, MC and VC were conducted. The data obtained was sorted into defined categories and through analysis, the perceptions of SRC/SCC members on transformation issues were established.Master
A comparative statutory analysis of the causes of bank failures in Zimbabwe
Full text linkDoctor of Laws with Mercantile Law, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusZimbabwean financial sector has experienced significant periods of financial distress as depicted by numerous bank failures since 1980. Bank failure occurs when a financial institution experiences significant financial distress, rendering it incapable of fulfilling its obligations to depositors, shareholders and other stakeholders. In other words, bank failure is when a financial institution undergoes substantial financial distress rendering it unable to meet its obligations as they become due. In this thesis, the researcher adopted the definition of bank failure which refers to a situation where a bank is in financial distress and is recapitalised either by the central bank or a strategic investor, acquired by another institution, surrenders its license or the license is suspended, or it closes its operations altogether. This thesis reveals that in Zimbabwe bank failures can be attributed to various factors including the failure of regulatory and supervisory systems to detect irregularities in the operations of banking institutions. In addition, poor corporate governance practices such as inadequate oversight, inexperienced management, undue influence by dominant shareholders, nonperforming loans, excessive risk-taking, abusive related party transactions and noncompliance with laws are commonly cited as causes of bank failures in Zimbabwe. Bank failures often pose negative implications to the banking sector and banking stakeholders such as depositors and investors. This owes to the fact that banks serve as intermediaries that facilitate the avenues for deposits and extend credit services to individuals and the production sector of the economy. It is submitted that the proper functioning of banks requires effective and adequate regulatory supervision. Failure to provide robust and effective regulation of banks could lead to bank failures. This thesis presents a comparative analysis of the banking statutory framework of Zimbabwe and those of the UK and South Africa to determine if the banking laws in Zimbabwe are robust enough to prevent bank failures. The thesis reveals that the banking statutory framework in Zimbabwe is not robust enough to curb bank failures in times of stress because it lacks effective regulatory oversight. This thesis further reveals that poor banking regulation, inconsistent enforcement, weak regulatory insolvency procedures, and inadequate supervision framework are some of the weaknesses in the current banking statutory framework which needs to be rectified in order to combat bank failures effectively in Zimbabwe. The Banking Act does not fully incorporate the international best standards on bank supervision to prevent bank failures. Consequently, the banking statutory framework in Zimbabwe does not comprehensively and effectively provide for the prevention of bank failures like those of the UK and South Africa. The robustness of the banking statutory framework is in providing adequate and effective regulatory provisions and enforcement mechanisms that curb bank failures in Zimbabwe. The researcher proposes the adoption of a new model, the Zimbabwean twin peaks model, comprising the Zimbabwean Prudential Regulatory Authority and the Zimbabwean Financial Sector Conduct Authority. It is argued that if the adoption of the twin peaks model is considered and robustly implemented, it can prevent the causes of bank failures in Zimbabwe
A Philosophy of Happiness: The role it can play in designing an adaptive organisation
Full text linkMaster of Philosophy in Philosophy, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis study focuses on the philosophy of happiness and its potential and implications for organisational change. Leveraging the well-known French philosopher Paul Ricoeur’s principles of happiness offered an opportunity to shape the culture of an organisation so that it had a change map to follow from rigidity to adaptiveness. The aim of this study was to provide an alternative to the popular change management theories that focus mainly on structural change, or regard organisational need to change as an occasional occurrence that needed an intervention project – something with a beginning and an end. The journey to organisational adaptiveness was premised on Anné Verhoef’s happiness types, which would provide a secure foothold for the application of Ricoeur’s principles of happiness to explore the complex terrain of an organisation as a social system reinventing itself. With the above as a focus, the study provides a foundation for an organisation to become a sustainable and resilient entity by transformation to a dynamic and responsive social system. This would be possible if the leaders and then ultimately the members of the organisation were to embrace Ricoeur’s principles of happiness, for example, self-reflection, acceptance of human fallibility, respect and acknowledging life’s complexities. It would be possible to do this through the adoption of Verhoef’s happiness type, an ethical way of living. Which, I argue, is the cornerstone of a modern adaptive organisation because it encourages mutual respect, and in turn fosters collaboration, self-awareness and decision making which considers the interest of others and not simply those of the decision maker. Organisational adaptiveness requires flexibility, often referred to as agility, and best practice in organisational management equates agility with ability as a key competence. The type of agility we refer to is not confined to the ability to make quick decisions. It is the speed at which mistakes are admitted and corrections made, coupled with quickness to share ideas, recognise the humanness in self and others, encourage others to learn and respond to opportunities. This study therefore takes full advantage of Ricoeur’s happiness principles as developed by Verhoef as it attempts to offer concrete design principles for an adaptive organisation. One in which happiness as a by-product has the potential to be shared by every member of the organisation
Using artificial intelligence to combat hydro-meteorological hazards in Africa
Full text linkMaster of Science in Environmental Sciences with Disaster Risk Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe rise of hydrometeorological hazards in Africa has caused developmental devastation to the region. This devastation has led to a desperate call for intervention which has involved the likes of artificial intelligence (AI) and other 4.0 technologies. Although AI is a sought-after solution to these hazards, its implementation brings with it many complexities. The likes of which lack research and documentation. Existing research has explored the general use of AI in Africa; however, it neglects stressing hazard specific applications and their ecosystemic complexity. This research aims to explore and present the complexities of AI for reducing hydrometeorological hazards in Africa. It evaluates qualitative data through using a systemic literature review and formulates a network graph using ATLAS.ti.24. The results indicate an inherent mismatch between systemic interactions and the potential output of the phenomenon. For instance, the prominent disparities between the abundance of AI projects and the actual disaster risk reduction results in Africa. Furthermore, the results indicate an increased difficulty in complete comprehension of the system with a persistent gap in fully grasping the impact of AI projects on African hydrometeorological hazards. Consequently, AI for reducing hydrometeorological hazards in Africa is considered a complex adaptive system in need of further research and investigation.Master
The duty of support after life partnership termination: a common law development conundrum
Full text linkMaster of Laws in Estate Law, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusMillions of South Africans live in life-partnership arrangements, but there is a lack of formal legal protection for financially vulnerable individuals. Despite changes to marriage legislation since 1994, there are still gaps in the current legislation. The South African Law Reform Commission’s (SALRC) plans to introduce a single piece of marriage legislation exclude the right to maintenance following the termination of heterosexual life partnerships, leading to legal uncertainty and potential discrimination. Heterosexual life partners are not eligible for the ancillary relief granted to married couples in divorce or the benefits available to surviving spouses when marriage ends due to death. This study examines the historical application of common law in life partnership cases, looks at the post-constitutional developments and the Department of Home Affairs and SALRC’S efforts to protect life partnerships. The study then analyses the findings and makes recommendations.Master
Effect of plant growth stimulants on the response of Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae and moths to tomato plants
Full text linkMaster of Science in Environmental Sciences with Integrated Pest Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusPhthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), the tomato leaf miner, is the most serious pest of tomato in the world and a major threat to cultivation of this crop. Moths of this pest lay their eggs mostly on plants leaves and stems, and the endophytic larvae feed on the parenchyma of leaves. Insecticide applications are the most common strategy used for control of P. absoluta larvae. However, pesticides have detrimental effects on biological control agents and disrupt the use of IPM programs. Phthorimaea absoluta populations have also evolved resistance to chemical insecticides wherever tomatoes are cultivated. Other management strategies for P. absoluta include mating disruption, changes in agronomic practices and the general management of plant health. Plant growth stimulants are commonly used in tomato production to benefit plant health and are reported to result in increased availability of nutrients and increases in various plant growth parameters. One of the benefits of plant growth stimulants is increased plant °Brix, which is considered a measure of plant health and the indicator of total soluble solids in plants. Various plant growth- and biostimulants are used in tomato production in South Africa. These products include Seabrix (RealIPM, Thika, Kenya) and RealTrichoderma (RealIPM) formulated from Trichoderma asperellum and registered for the control of pathogenic fungi. Another such product is NewSil (RealIPM), a product that is applied as foliar fertilizer treatment. The adverse effects of these products on pests are often ascribed to increased plant °Brix. The potential of using watering regimes and plant growth stimulants to manipulate °Brix of crops as a pest management strategy have been investigated in various crop species such as potato and other vegetables, raspberry and grapes. The aim of this study was to determine whether plant °Brix could be manipulated by application of plant growth stimulants, and different soil moisture conditions, and if such treatments result in differences in °Brix which may influence the oviposition and larval preferences of P. absoluta. Experiments were conducted with potted tomato plants maintained in greenhouses and P. absoluta moths and larvae, sourced from an insect rearing colony I maintained throughout the course of this study. Results of the three experiments during which °Brix readings were taken showed that neither soil water conditions nor growth stimulant treatments had pronounced effects on leaf °Brix. °Brix varied significantly over weeks and growth stimulants had only minor effects on °Brix. The differences in °Brix resulting from growth stimulant treatments in this study was, however, masked by the high variation recorded in °Brix at different sampling times. No significant correlation existed between the numbers of eggs laid on plants in no-choice (r = -0.41; p = 0.086) and two-choice (r = 0.039; p = 0.711) tests and larvae only showed preference for leaves of plants in two of the 15 combinations that they were provided with. Results from the study illustrate the difficulty to manipulate °Brix by means of growth stimulants, and showed no relationship between leaf °Brix of tomato plants and the preference of P. absoluta moths, or larval response to plants that were treated with stimulants for prolonged periods. The leaf °Brix of tomato plants in this study was much higher than those reported for tomato in the literature. A lack of knowledge of the relationship between leaf and fruit °Brix was identified during this study. While moths of this pest lays their eggs on plant leaves and larvae feed predominantly on leaf parenchyma tissue,°Brix of tomato plants that were reported to influence the life history parameters of P. absoluta were based on fruit °Brix. The results therefore, provide no support for either a positive or negative relationship between leaf °Brix of tomato plants and the preference of P. absoluta larvae or moths for plants with higher or lower °Brix. °Brix levels alone cannot be used to indicate host plant suitability for this pest.-RealIPMMaster
An Evaluation of the Adoption of Cloud Accounting by SMEs in Zimbabwe
Full text linkJournal Article. School of Accounting Sciences, North-West University, PotchefstroomThis paper investigated the use of cloud accounting by SMEs in Zimbabwe. The research used a quantitative approach and simple stratified random sampling techniques, stratifying according to firm size. A total of 132 questionnaires were used to collect data, and SPSS version 22.0 was used for the analysis. The study findings revealed a very low adoption of cloud accounting among SMEs in Zimbabwe. The foremost reasons for the low adoption rate of cloud accounting are a lack of awareness of the usage of cloud accounting, concerns about data security, and cost implications. The study further revealed that lack of training, data migration challenges, technical difficulties, integration issues, and concerns about data accuracy are the challenges faced by SMEs in implementing cloud accounting. The study recommends that SMEs prioritise training and skill development for their staff to build technical expertise in the utilisation of cloud accounting software. Furthermore, as the main stakeholder, the government should launch public awareness campaigns to educate small businesses about the benefits and opportunities of adopting cloud accounting technolog