39624 research outputs found
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Citizen science reveals socioeconomic influences on solitary bee abundance across multiple scales in a Global South city
No full textExuberant Granulation Complicating an Episiotomy Wound Case Report on the Treatment Using Surgical Excision and Estrogen Vaginal Cream
No full textCollaborative learning and knowledge building in a mathematics teacher educator professional learning community in Ghana
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, to the Faculty of Humanities, Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study investigates how collaborative professional learning experiences support the development of Mathematics Teacher Educators’ (MTEs’) knowledge and practices for teaching mathematics in pre-service teacher education in Ghana. Despite the critical role MTEs play in shaping future mathematics teachers, their own professional development needs and the specific knowledge required for their work remain underexplored, particularly in developing educational contexts. This research utilised a qualitative case study approach with data collection occurring in two phases: March to May 2022 and February to April 2023, following ethical clearance. Phase One examined collaborative practices within a Professional Learning Community (PLC) of MTEs from one teacher education institution in Ghana, while Phase Two explored the role of critical friendships in supporting MTEs’ professional growth. Grounded in sociocultural learning theory, the study integrated Desimone’s framework for effective continuous professional development, Wenger’s dimensions of practice, and McCrory et al.’s knowledge of algebra for teaching framework as lenses through which data was analysed in the two phases. Data collection methods included PLC observations, focus group interviews with MTEs, individual interviews with MTEs and their critical friends, and classroom observations of MTEs’ teaching practice. The analysis involved both deductive and inductive thematic approaches, employing the theoretical frameworks to examine collaborative learning dynamics and knowledge development among MTEs. Key findings reveal that content-focused and domain-specific professional learning are crucial for MTEs’ development, supporting findings from prior research. The study identified three core knowledge domains vital for MTEs: Pedagogical content knowledge, subject-matter knowledge, and knowledge of educational contexts. Collaborative learning within PLCs and critical friendships were found to enhance MTEs’ professional knowledge and practices substantially, fostering reciprocal expertise development and catalysing pedagogical innovation. The study also highlighted the complex, specialised nature of knowledge required for teaching teachers, extending beyond what is typically considered for school-level mathematics teaching. However, challenges were noted in translating collaborative learning into individual classroom practices, including time constraints and varying levels of participation and commitment of MTEs in the PLC activities, which led to uneven professional growth. This research contributes to the field by providing an integrated theoretical framework for understanding MTE professional development, offering methodological innovations in studying critical friendships, and identifying specific knowledge domains crucial for MTEs. The findings have substantial implications for policy and practice in mathematics teacher education, suggesting the need for sustained, collaborative professional development models and curriculum reforms in MTE preparation programs. While contextualised in Ghana, the study offers insights relevant to the broader international discourse on mathematics teacher education, particularly in developing educational contexts. It opens avenues for future research on the longitudinal impacts of MTE professional development, cross-cultural comparisons, and the scaling of successful collaborative learning models in diverse educational settings.Wits postgraduate merit awardMMM202
The influence of South African electrical transmission operational management on the safety culture in the era of loadshedding
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study investigates the safety culture within Eskom's Transmission division, focusing on the impact of operational management practices during load shedding periods. Despite the implementation of a SHEQ policy advocating "Zero Harm," Eskom continues to report safety incidents, injuries, and fatalities, revealing a critical misalignment between policy intent and practical execution. The research addresses key gaps in the literature, including the lack of empirical studies on safety culture during operational disruptions like load shedding, inconsistencies in safety perceptions between hierarchical levels, and the underexplored efficacy of training programs under crisis conditions. Employing a quantitative survey-based methodology, structured questionnaires were administered to 156 employees and 37 management personnel to assess safety protocol adherence, communication effectiveness, leadership involvement, and training efficacy. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing (chi-square, t-tests) revealed significant disparities: while 85% of employees and 90% of management reported awareness of safety protocols, only 70% demonstrated consistent adherence during load shedding. Communication was rated as effective by 70% of employees and 75% of management, yet 30% of employees identified inefficiencies. Leadership engagement was perceived as strong by 65% of employees, but 35% reported limited involvement. Training programs were deemed ineffective by 40% of employees, highlighting a need for tailored interventions. The study's findings underscore the fragmented nature of Eskom's safety culture under load shedding pressures, with notable gaps in policy-practice alignment, communication, leadership visibility, and training relevance. Key recommendations include conducting regular safety audits, developing crisis-specific protocols, implementing multi-channel communication strategies, enhancing leadership accountability and revitalising training programs with scenario-based drills. These measures aim to bridge the identified gaps and foster a resilient safety culture. The research contributes to the broader discourse on operational safety by providing empirical evidence of the challenges posed by load shedding and proposing actionable solutions. Future studies should adopt mixed methods approaches to explore qualitative insights and validate interventions across Eskom's divisions. This study not only advances academic understanding but also offers practical strategies for improving safety culture in high-risk environments.MM202
Evaluating cybersecurity governance challenges in South African fintechs
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This research paper examines the key drivers and challenges of cybersecurity governance within South African fintech companies. The study found that compliance and risk management are the primary drivers for cybersecurity governance in fintechs. Compliance is regarded as a core responsibility for cybersecurity personnel, with achieving compliance objectives being a critical success factor for operating in the payments industry. Additionally, cybersecurity governance is integrated into a broader risk management approach, as fintechs consider cybersecurity as critical to ensuring business continuity and safeguarding reputational risk. However, the study also found several challenges in implementing cybersecurity governance within fintechs. These include financial constraints, a shortage of cybersecurity talent, low perceived value of cybersecurity, and a lack of alignment between the cybersecurity function and the broader business. The study recommends that fintechs address these challenges by enhancing executive oversight on the cybersecurity function, adopting quantitative risk analysis frameworks, leveraging technology more effectively, and distributing cybersecurity responsibilities across the organisation.MM202
Black women entrepreneurs perceptions of the value of entrepreneurial coaching a qualitative study on business success in South Africa
No full textPregnancy outcomes post high intensity focused ultrasound at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Background: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising non-invasive treatment for uterine fibroids, offering effective management while preserving fertility. Objective: This study assessed the effects of HIFU on pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine fibroids at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 160 reproductive-aged women who underwent HIFU treatment between October 2015 and June 2022. Women intending to conceive post-treatment were included, whereas those with contraceptive use or hysterectomy after HIFU were excluded. The primary outcome was pregnancy status, and secondary outcomes included miscarriage, delivery, and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 15.0, with chi-square tests to analyse pregnancy rates (p < 0.05). Results: The pregnancy rate after HIFU was 33.8% (54/160) with 59 pregnancies. The spontaneous pregnancy and delivery rates were 94.4% and 73.3%, respectively. There were 13 miscarriages (21.7%) and three ongoing pregnancies (5.0%). Among the 44 live births, 8 (18.2%) were preterm, and 2.3% were early and late neonatal deaths. The average age of women who conceived was 32.3 years, significantly younger than those who did not (36.2 years). Pregnancy rates were higher in women without chronic illnesses (38.1%) than in those with a history of chronic diseases (21.4%). Conclusion: While HIFU may be an alternative treatment for women with fibroids wishing to preserve their fertility, this study underscores the need for further research with larger samples to strengthen the evidence on HIFU's efficacy in this regard.MM202
Mergers and Acquisitions by South African Mining Companies as a Strategy to Create Value for Shareholders: Evidence Between 1998 and 2022
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science, in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Mining Engineering , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025The objective of this study was to determine if acquiring of assets by mining companies has been beneficial to the shareholders from 1998 to 2022. This study seeks to answer the null hypothesis stating that transaction announcement does not create cumulative average abnormal return for buying mining companies and does not create value for shareholders. Data for the study was acquired from Standards and Poor’s database and streamlined down to 41 transactions. The samples were then grouped into full sample, diversified metal and mining, gold, precious metals, steel, and 1998 to 2022 five year periods sample grouping. This quantitative research uses an event study that serves as a statistical method to evaluate the influence an event has over the value of a company. The event window includes buying company share price starting at 250-days preceding the announcement date and 10 days after. Then, 21 days (-10, 0, 10), was strategically chosen to capture results 10 days before and after the event announcement. This method allows the computation of average abnormal returns and cumulative average abnormal returns. The results are presented using a structure that includes: sample descriptive statistics, average abnormal returns and cumulative average abnormal returns, cumulative average abnormal returns weighted, solver (to minimise sample variance), correlation, covariance and efficient frontier (to plot a graph which conservative to aggressive investors can extract return on investment). All samples cumulative average abnormal returns were plotted on a graph and on average, it reduces leading up to event day and increases after the event day. The null hypothesis was accepted across all sample groups and the study outcomes indicate that acquirers did not generate statistically significant positive abnormal returns. An opportunity exists for researchers to research gold companies and the value created using a long-term event study methodology.MM202
Domestic tax relief for South African taxpayers on technical service income received from foreign jurisdictions
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Commerce, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025South African tax legislation provides for domestic tax relief measures in s 6quat of the Income Tax Act 58 of 19621 which cater for scenarios where taxpayers have suffered double taxation on certain income received. This is typically seen in instances where income is earned from a foreign jurisdiction, has been subject to tax in that foreign jurisdiction and is subsequently taxed in South Africa as well. The intricate application of the provisions of s 6quat provides for significantly different relief to taxpayers insofar as the s 6quat deduction is available versus the s 6quat rebate. This research will evaluate different scenarios where certain international tax aspects, such as double tax agreements and permanent establishments, impact the relief available to South African taxpayers, specifically focusing on technical service income earned from foreign jurisdictions. With an imperative focus on the ‘source’ of technical service income earned from a foreign jurisdiction, the analysis will highlight the role a permanent establishment and double tax agreement respectively play in the relief afforded to taxpayers domestically, by quantifying the effective relief afforded in different scenarios. The research suggests that the absence of a permanent establishment results in lesser relief available to South African taxpayers insofar as the s 6quat rebate would not be available but rather the s 6quat deduction.MM202