3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Networking in adult education in South Africa.(2014-03-26) Roup, DeeIn the fast changing world of a new, democratic South Africa (S.A.), the political, economic and social arenas are rapidly moving in new directions. In order to impact on important new policy developments as they are being developed and to impact on the planned changes in their fields, many adult education organisations saw the need to band together to form networks or associations and the like, through which to present their viewpoints or ideas at policy debates. In this way their views were backed by recognisable stakeholder or constituency groupings. One such networking organisation was established in 1989, well before the fastmoving, radical changes were so extreme in South Africa, namely, the Forum for the Advancement of Adult Education (FAAE). The aim of the FAAE was to inform, support and professionalize the field of Adult Education and Training via their networking activities. A t times it also acted as a structure to support: policy development. These aims continue today, although the work of the FAAE has broadened. This study looks at the role of “Networking” in Adult Education in South Africa to examine its process and its impact. The study explores the views and opinions of practitioners in different parts of South Africa and examines the case study of the FAAE as part of its data gathering, as it asks the questions: how, why, when and where does or should networking occur. What are the potential gains or problems involved in such an activity? The research design, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, attempts to provide quantitative details which accurately portray elements of the data gathered, as well as qualitative data which reflects the rich detail of the data explored. Although networking is being explored within a specific sector or community (adult continuing education), it is hoped that this study will open up ideas and possibilities to assist networking activities in other sectors or communities. It is hoped th at this study will catalyse other studies to explore the concept of “networking” and as a consequence, that more publications addressing this issue might arise.Item Satisfaction of inpatients in a psychiatric hospital with nursing service and communication(2010-10-26) Masilani, Mhakamuni LucyTherapeutic communication skills are vital in psychiatric nursing. They contribute extensively to patients' perceptions about the quality of care received whilst in hospital. The aim of the study was to establish inpatients' level of general satisfaction and satisfaction with nursing communication in a psychiatric hospital, with a view to suggesting recommendations that focus on improving nurse-patient relationships. This study was conducted in a specialist psychiatric hospital in Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa. The target population was 140 inpatients and a sample size of 53 patients was used after the selection process had been completed. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and non-experimental design was selected for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires. The purpose of the study was to determine psychiatric patients' satisfaction of nurses' communication and care in psychiatric hospital. Raw data was pooled and analysed using descriptive statistical analytical procedures. The results were presented in graphs, tables and summaries depicting the responses and highlighting patients' overall experience of hospitalization and nursing interventions and communication. Recommendations to relevant stakeholders are suggested based on the findings of this study in order to improve service delivery in psychiatric hospitals.Item The underlying basis of the communication difficulties of high functioning pervasive developmental disorder(2008-10-22T08:46:12Z) Ridley, Gillian MaryThis study aimed to explore the underlying basis of the communication difficulties in children (between 5.0 and 7.11 years) with high functioning pervasive developmental disorder (HFPDD) (n=26), compared to children with specific language impairment (SLI) (n=26), and children with no history of developmental difficulty (NDD) (n=26). The study looked at: whether different profiles could be obtained for the groups on comprehensive batteries of communication, cognitive processing and theory of mind; which areas measured were best correlated; and which measures best differentiated the groups. Comprehensive communication and theory of mind batteries were devised and conducted. Cognitive processing was measured using the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) (Naglieri and Das, 1997). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Bonferroni t tests, frequency distributions, Pearson correlation coefficients and discriminant function analyses. Kappa coefficients and analysis of variance measures were carried out on 23% of the rated data in order to establish inter-rater agreement and acceptable levels of agreement were reached. On the communication assessment, the HFPDD group experienced the most difficulty on the measures of understanding abstract vocabulary, understanding conversation, pronoun alternation, higher level semantics, narrative ability and pragmatic ability. In contrast, the SLI group experienced the most difficulty on the measures of expressive grammar and narrative clarity. On the cognitive processing assessment, the HFPDD group experienced marked difficulty in the areas of planning and attention, while the SLI group experienced significant difficulty in the areas of successive processing and less marked but still significant difficulty in the area of planning. Within the HFPDD group, a group with simultaneous processing markedly stronger than successive processing, a group with successive processing markedly stronger than simultaneous processing, and a group with simultaneous and successive processing occurring at a similar level, were identified. The HFPDD group experienced significant difficulty on all the measures of theory of mind, although a limited number of HFPDD subjects did not experience difficulty. The SLI group experienced significant difficulty on the two theory of mind measures that were more verbally loaded. Strong correlations were found between receptive language, expressive semantics, narrative ability, pragmatic ability, planning, attention and theory of mind; and between expressive grammar and successive processing. Pragmatic ability, narrative ability, planning, and certain of the theory of mind measures best appeared to discriminate the groups. A combined model of language, cognitive and theory of mind processing is proposed to explain the differences between the HFPDD and SLI groups.Item A review of campaign evaluation and its role in communication for development(2008-05-26T07:20:23Z) Kinghorn, Elizabeth FrancesABSTRACT This conceptual review is an introductory exploration of campaign evaluation's potential to support broader development processes. The review is not conclusive, but maps theoretical and empirical themes, highlights debates, identifies potentially constructive approaches, and notes areas for further investigation. It considers how a critical understanding of social systems, development paradigms and communication models may enhance campaign evaluation's transformative role. The review finds accountability to campaign funders often drives evaluation, rather than a commitment to those who most need to benefit from development. Amongst other factors, this limits evaluation's contribution to social change. The author concludes that 'constructive' evaluation differs from one context to another - each campaign requires a unique approach to optimise and sustain development outcomes. However, there remains considerable scope to develop campaign evaluation theory and practice for public value. This will require extensive dialogue; critical reflection; multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral and interorganisational collaboration; and greater commitment to sustainable development.Item Sexual selection and signalling in the lizard Platysaurus minor(2008-04-08T09:37:37Z) Lewis, Belinda AnnABSTRACT Sexual selection may influence aspects of male morphology associated with territoriality, female choice, aggression and contest success. Attributes that are most commonly selected for include body size, condition, weaponry, endurance and bright coloration. I investigated the relationships between morphology, use of space and home range quality, and access to females. Specifically, I examined the relationships between colour, body size and condition, and whether morphology could predict aggression or contest success. Colour spectral data were analyzed using both traditional measures of colour (hue, chroma, brightness) and principal components. Males with darker, more saturated chests, and more saturated throats, had larger home ranges. Home range quality, as determined by refuge number and prey availability, was associated with blue chests and blue throats and chests, respectively. Males with larger home ranges had higher numbers of associated females and spent more time courting females. Larger males in better condition had darker, more saturated chests. Males in better body condition were also more aggressive. There was a consistent trend for larger males to win more contests, but this relationship was only significant in analyses using traditional measures of colour.Item Factors contributing to employee engagement in South Africa(2007-02-16T11:55:32Z) Cawe, MawethuEmployee engagement is a critical business issue for South Africa if we are to take this country to the next competitive landscape. South African business has been mired by negative perception of underperformance and uncompetitiveness from the international community for years in the past, with an over-reliance on the mining sector. From 1994, this perception has progressively improved and going forward more urgency from business is required in order to progress even further. Whilst employee engagement represents only one factor amongst a number of macro and micro issues, it is central to this country’s economy, business productivity and sustainability. In attempting to assist business in this regard, a study of factors that promote employee engagement has been investigated. The research was qualitative and quantitative in nature. A number of respondents from across the length and breath of South Africa participated in the study. Analysis was done on the results and correlation done to the propositions and the literature. The findings identified employee engagement strategy, the culture of engagement, leadership and management, talent mindset, communication and knowledge sharing, and organisations’ reputation and branding as prominent factors in business in South Africa. Resulting from the research, an employee engagement model is proposed which attempts to integrate key lessons for business.Item Married Couples’ Understandings of Family Planning and their Communication Processes(2006-11-14T11:32:15Z) Chitavi, Salome OmuyomaThis dissertation examines husbands and wives’ understandings of family planning and communication processes. It examines family planning approval, knowledge of contraceptives and motivations for contraceptive use by husbands and wives. The study provides insights into these variables as held by husbands and wives and implications for contraceptive use. The dissertation also provides insights into the nature of communication processes while relating this to couples’ inconsistencies noted from quantitative data, their marital and reproductive history, and contraceptive use implications. The study uses KDHS 1998 survey Western Province couples’ data set that includes 176 married couples. The study further uses data from Focus Group Discussions conducted amongst husbands and wives in Vihiga District of Western Kenya. The study notes that variables such as contraceptive knowledge, approval of family planning and spousal family planning communication continue to have inconsistent and unclear relationship with contraceptive use. The study argues that these variables are not simply related to contraceptive use and need further examination using qualitative methodologies. The culture and political-economy of fertility conceptual framework and its various aspects of levels, process, causality, time and methodology is applied in the examination of husbands and wives’ understandings of family planning and contraceptive use communication between spouses. The findings of this study reveal that family planning understandings by husbands and wives including knowledge, attitudes and motivations for contraceptive use and spousal family planning communication are related to contraceptive use yet the relationship remains complex and can be understood through examining how different contextual levels and processes enhance varied notions of these factors as held by husbands and wives in relation to contraceptive use; the timing in terms of couples’ marital and reproductive history; the various socio-cultural and politicaleconomic processes surrounding the couples and the individual agency of the husband and wife in pursuing their fertility goals. While none of these factors adequately predicts contraceptive use on their own, an examination of husbands and wives within such a framework provides a better linkage to potential for contraceptive use or lack of it at married couple level. Thus while knowledge or approval of family planning perse fails to provide a clear or consistent link to contraceptive use, the study highlights the various notions of knowledge including individual husbands’ and wives’ perceptions about own knowledge of family planning; and differences in approval ranging from widespread general approval in line with community perceptions, twin perceptions of approval and disapproval common at individual level and disapproval of family planning and the fact that these may change across reproductive histories are factors within the concepts of family planning knowledge and approval that provide better understanding for potential for contraceptive use. The study therefore provides further insights regarding how husbands and wives understand variables commonly related to family planning and varied implications for contraceptive use. With regards to communication, the study underlines that spousal family planning communication is not simply linked to contraceptive use. Instead spousal family planning communication is a complex process informed partly by husbands’ and wives’ understandings of family planning; their perceptions of own knowledge regarding contraceptive methods; their various motivations for family planning involvement and their gender based relationship and perceptions of dominance. The study highlights various forms of spousal family planning communication processes and implications for contraceptive use. This study further argues that the potential of spousal family planning communication’ complex relationship with contraceptive use is related to the nature, timing, content of the communication processes and the agency of the individual husband and wife in influencing spousal family planning communication and decision making. The thesis ends with conclusions and provides recommendations for family planning programs and future studies while highlighting limitations of this study.Item Managing diversity and attitude change in a South African food-processing company(2006-11-03T08:34:34Z) Friedman, MichelleThis is a retrospective case study of an intervention aimed at transforming communication and interpersonal relations in a small company in South Africa. The objective was for the Innergize consultancy to integrate black factory workers and white office staff across race and class into one team by healing the psychological effects of Apartheid. The research questioned how change would be recognised and if it could be sustained within an organisation. The workshop method used by Innergize separated the two groups so that conflict within the groups could be resolved, personal growth facilitated and attitudes towards race surfaced. Then the staff joined together and continued the process through communication, cultural exchange and gender awareness. The staff developed on a personal level, interpersonally, and a climate of trust resulted. The success was partly due to individual attention given to each person, clearing the past before addressing the present, and offering tools for sustaining the process. Structures were set up to sustain changes at the organisational level, however the project ended abruptly, due to a number of factors. The study concluded that in order for a transformation process to be successful at both interpersonal and organisational levels, management must remain committed to a longterm process. Keywords: managing diversity; attitudes; healing; race; organisational change; personal growth; South Africa; workshops; communication.Item Nurse's satisfaction with their working environment in a public sector hospital(2006-11-01T09:56:16Z) Selebi, Ogorogile ClementIntroduction: The nursing profession in South Africa has lost skilled nurses due to intense international recruitment drives. This hospital in the West Rand has also failed to recruit and retain skilled nurses. The shortage of skilled nurses has led to a deterioration in the quality of patient care. The aims of this study: The aim of this study was to investigate nurses’ perceptions about their working environment and conditions, and their intention to stay in the workplace in this regional hospital. The methodology: A quantitative, descriptive survey was used. The data were collected using the Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire. The sample included professional and sub professional (staff and auxiliary) nurses. A stratified (random) sampling method was used. Respondents were one hundred and seventeen (117), namely, sixty two (62) professionals and fifty five (55) sub professionals. Results: Generally all the nurses were moderately satisfied with the intrinsic aspects of their job, such as motivation, responsibility, opportunity for creativity and innovation, independence, and recognition. Alarmingly nurses were to a greater extent dissatisfied with the extrinsic aspects of their job, namely, relationships in the workplace, supervisors’ decision-making skills, supervision, working conditions, policies, job security, and compensation. Conclusions: This study indicated that the important extrinsic aspects were not in place. The employer (Department of Health) needs to make major efforts in improving nurses’ salaries, promotion and advancement opportunities, and to empower all unit and area managers in the areas of supervisory skills, decision-making, communication, and mentoring of nurses.Item Multi-Agent Communication and Collaboration(2006-04-24) Van Aardt, Bradley JustinMulti-Agent Systems are becoming a popular paradigm for many engineering applications. However, there is still much research to be performed in this fast growing field. In this thesis, the effect of learning in multi-agent systems on communication and collaboration between agents is investigated. This research focuses on agents learning local cooperative behaviour from a centralised agent, as well as using learning to reduce the amount of communication between agents that use negotiation to achieve their goals. A simple test problem is formulated in MATLAB. The effect of learning is clearly seen to reduce the amount of communication between agents by up to 50%, while still maintaining cooperative behaviour. The agents are also demonstrated to learn to a large degree cooperative local behaviour from a central system.