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Dosimetric consequences of adapting the craniocaudal isocenter distance to daily patient position in craniospinal irradiation using volumetric modulated arc therapy
Personality, Organisational Climate, and Turnover Intentions Among Administrative Staff at a Large Southern African University
A research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Commerce, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, School of Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025The purpose or objective of this study was to interrogate turnover literature and to develop and test a theoretical model that relates individual personality dimensions, organisational climate measures, turnover intentions, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. The overarching goal of the study was to examine associations between individual personality dimensions and turnover intentions when exposed to various moderating and mediating factors as described in the literature. Through the use of structural equation modelling (SEM), hypotheses were tested on a sample of 242 professional and administrative employees from one higher education institution, namely the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. Usable data from 242 respondents, with a response rate of 25%, was analysed using the package for the social sciences software and SEM using Analysis of Moment Structures Software (AMOS). SEM tested the theoretical framework that forecasts specific moderating and mediating effects on the association between individual personality dimensions and turnover intentions. The direct relationship between the individual personality dimensions and intent to quit was tested in the presence of indirect paths (mediators, moderators, and an interaction variable). Results of the SEM showed that individual personality dimensions were non-significantly associated with intent to quit. Tests of mediation found that organisational climate measure (outward focus) fully mediated the association between individual personality dimension (conscientiousness) and intent to quit. Work-life balance did not moderate the association between individual personality dimensions and intent to quit. Results of tests of moderation found that job satisfaction did not moderate the association between individual personality dimensions and intent to quit. This study adds to the existing turnover literature and broadens the discourse by examining turnover intention predictors within a higher education context. Additionally, this study broadens the scope of previous turnover research by reaffirming the similarity of predictors of turnover intentions. It also provides innovative insights into strategies for retaining valuable staff within the context under investigation. The current study adds to the body of information already available on the variables that influence professional and administrative employees’ intent to quit.MM202
Unveiling SolventDependent Divergent Hydrogen Production Pathways during the Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid Using NNIminopyridine RutheniumII Complexes
Implications of competitive tendering on consulting engineering services in South Africa a thematic analysis
The role of shareholder activism in turning around poor performing target companies on the JSE: A case of Value Capital Partners
A research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Commerce (50%) in Finance, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, School of Economics and Finance, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025There is a rising trend of shareholder activism led by activist investors who acquire minority stakes in poorly managed companies with promising business models. The study explores the rising trend of shareholder activism, in which activist investors acquire minority stakes in poorly managed but promising companies to address governance and performance issues. This surge in investor activism, driven by environmental, social, and governance concerns and minority investor rights, aims to enhance the long-term competitiveness of target firms. Focusing on Value Capital Partners, South Africa's first hedge fund activist investment firm, the research evaluates the company’s impact on selected firms from 2014 to 2024. Specifically, it examines Value Capital Partners’ strategies, collaboration with management, and campaign outcomes, using financial reports and investor communications to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of its interventions. The study analyses changes in share prices, financial metrics, and strategic directions to determine the influence of hedge fund activism on corporate performance. Findings indicate that Value Capital Partners generally achieved positive outcomes during the study period, demonstrating the potential of hedge fund activism to improve corporate performance in South Africa. However, impact varied across companies, highlighting both successes and challenges. The research underscores the role of activist investors in promoting sustainable growth and sheds light on the elements that both enhance and hinder their success and lastly suggests future research directions to optimise activist investment strategies in the region.MM202
Review of Fetocides at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Over a Three-Year Period
A research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Medicine, in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Background: Fetocide is necessary where termination of pregnancy is indicated after 24 weeks. Not many studies have been done particularly in a South African context. It is still regarded as a controversial issue in some countries. An earlier diagnosis allows more time for the counselling of parents and decision-making. • Objectives: To establish the demographics of patients offered fetocides procedures and the indications. To determine the gestational age at which the fetocides were performed at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and the techniques (routes) used. • Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study of 58 patients who underwent fetocide procedure for severe congenital anomalies at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Feto maternal Unit. Means with standard deviations (SD) and medians with centiles were used for the continuous variables such as patients’ demographics. Frequencies and percentages were used for categorical and dichotomous variables. The chi-square test or Fisher ‘exact test were used in the descriptive analysis. The data were transferred into the STATA program for analysis. • Results: Fifty-eight patients underwent fetocide procedure. Fifteen percent Potassium chloride was the only agent used. The median age was 30 years (IQR=22-35), the median Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24 kg/m2, the median Gestational Age (GA) was 29 weeks (IQR=26-32). The umbilical vein route was used in 55% of mothers and the median Potassium Chloride volume used was 20 ml. Central Nervous System anomalies were the leading indication and anencephaly the leading anomaly. A total of 25(66%) fetuses had a normal karyotype result and 13(34%) of the 38 patients who had karyotype had an abnormal karyotype result. • Conclusion: Fetocides are a safe and effective method to induce fetal demise. Central Nervous System anomalies were the most common with anencephaly the leading one. There was an increasing risk of congenital anomalies with advanced maternal age, particularly above 35 years old. The umbilical vein route was the preferred route used. Further research is needed to explore especially the ethical implications for both the mother and the health care worker.MM202
The impact of emerging technologies to improve IT service delivery in a South African bank
A 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, 2025The financial services sector is advancing rapidly in terms of innovation and technology. The study sought to explore the impact of emerging technologies on improving information technology service delivery in a South African bank. A quantitative study was undertaken through the distribution of an online survey research instrument. The targeted population for the study is the employees of one South African bank. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The study found top management support impacted the behavioural intention of using emerging technologies, and the behavioural intention to use emerging technologies had a positive impact on information technology service delivery. System quality, information quality, and regulatory support had no positive impact. The study was limited to one South African bank, meaning that the findings may not be generalisable to all banks operating within Africa. This suggests that researchers, banks and policymakers must be more creative in integrating and utilising new technology to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.MM202