Dissertations / Theses: 'North-West University'

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Heyns, Cornelius Muller. "Student travel behaviour : North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) / C.M. Heyns." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4426.

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The student market is a large and growing segment of the tourism industry that contributes approximately one billion rand annually to the tourism economy Unfortunately, despite the apparent profitability of this market, students are still disregarded by the South African tourism industry This may be explained by the perception and ignorance by the industry and that little is known about the characteristics, travel motivations and behaviour of this market The literature review revealed that students have specific characteristics which influence their travel behaviour such as money, time, social factors, personal characteristics, motives, special interests and especially cultural or ethnic backgrounds. Thus it is clear that although the student market seems homogeneous, heterogeneous differences do exist In order to capitalise on this market and to comprehensively understand student behaviour, information is needed about the activities which the students pursue, with whom and where these activities are pursued and even more importantly , how the students make the decision to purchase the product to go on holiday Thus the main purpose of this study was to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. This was achieved firstly by analysing motivation (Chapter 2) and conceptualising travel behaviour (Chapter 3) by means of extensive literature reviews. Motivation is understood as the underlying forces that arouse and direct the behaviours in which students engage, in order to realise certain benefits Behaviour can be viewed as a process of internal psychological factors (e.g. needs, wants and goals) which generate tension to some extent Different students have different needs; their purchase decision may be influenced by individual preference and social circumstances at the least The aim of conducting a literature review concerning the total concept of travel behaviour was to analyse the process of travel behaviour and effecting factors including travel motives, in order to understand and how best to attract the student market. In order to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus, a survey was conducted between the 5th and 14th of October 2010 The survey was conducted by means of distributing a Questionnaire among third -year students during contact sessions in each of the different Faculties. From the data obtained from the questionnaire; a profile of the third-year students could be compiled and through factor analyses, the travel behaviour of the students could be determined. ANOVAs and Chi-square tests were used to determine whether the student travel behaviour in the different faculties differed from each other as well as to what extent These analyses were conducted in Chapter 4. Evidently convenience was considered as the most important factor with regard to the travelling characteristics of the students, Relaxation and Having fun as the most important factors influencing the travel motivation of students and Finance was the most important factor influencing the travel behaviour of the third-year students at the NWU, Potchefstroom_ Overall it was clear that the students in each faculty differed in their travel characteristics, activities influencing the holiday experience, motives to go on holiday and factors influencing the choice of destination as well as holiday preferences The Faculty of Theology stood out as the faculty which differed the most with regard to the afore-mentioned, whereas the Faculty of Health Sciences indicated the least differences This research therefore revealed that the third-year student market at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus cannot be seen as a homogenous market since there are definite heterogeneous differences with regard to their travel behaviour. This market is also very complex since the Faculty to which the student belongs, contributes to these heterogeneous differences Knowledge of the travel behaviour of students can aid in segmentation of the student market in order to refine the marketing strategies of the destination as well as the development of target specific marketing messages.
Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Le, Roux Abraham Albertus. "Integrated customer experience management at the North-West University / A.A. le Roux." Thesis, North-West University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/6529.

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Higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing greater challenges in the modern era as a result of globalization, advancement in new technologies and the worldwide recession. As a result of these factors, as well as a decrease in government subsidies, marketing departments at HEIs find it more difficult to recruit and retain quality students. It is therefore necessary to establish what factors can contribute towards creating more satisfied and loyal students using the principles of relationship marketing, with the aim (in theory) to produce more customer advocates that will further their own studies, and actively promote their HEI to other prospective students. This study aimed to determine the customer experience levels of undergraduate students of the North-West University (NWU) in an administrative environment by using a quantitative approach. A questionnaire was distributed to students from ten different modes of delivery and campuses by using primarily a systematic random sampling technique, and self selective sampling to a lesser degree in the ten different learning models and campuses of the NWU. The total population of related administrative staff also received questionnaires, while qualitative, structured interviews were conducted with the registrars of the NWU. The data was analysed and interpreted by using the SPSS software, and frequency tables, reliability tests, factor analysis, correlations and the determination of the statistical analysis in an effort to answer the five research questions. A total of 1,299 students (4,2% of the population), 107 administrative staff members (73,2% of the population) and all four registrars participated in the study. There were significant differences found in the customer experience levels on the different campuses and modes of delivery especially in the direct interactions at service points. A strong positive correlation was reported between a positive customer experience as encountered by students, and their loyalty, as well as their intentions to continue their studies at the NWU, and their intention to actively endorse or promote the NWU to friends and family members (customer advocacy). There was also a strong positive correlation between staff members‘ intention to deliver satisfactory customer experience levels and also between it, their own loyalty and own customer advocacy levels. There was, however, no significant difference in the perceived customer experience levels between younger, on-campus students and older, off-campus students. Lastly, the NWU-PERF service quality tool was found to be a reliable and valid instrument to determine participants‘ perceptions about customer service levels at the NWU in the academic administration environment. Four of the five research questions could therefore be answered from the finding of this study, with only the expected differences in the perceived customer experience levels between younger, on-campus students and older, off-campus students proved as incorrect. It could therefore be concluded that all student populations therefore have the same customer experience desires. Several recommendations were made, including the further development, testing and usage of the NWU-PERF instrument to consistently improve service levels at the NWU, the establishing of policy documents to establish an awareness of a customer-centric approach, the development and use of appropriate technologies, the improvement of service experiences, a central customer service centre, adequate administrative staff, centralized support for off-campus programmes, and a broader, more active alumni association.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Marketing Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Hefer, Daniël Jacobus. "An assessment of intrapreneurship in the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus / D.J. Hefer." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/3720.

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The competitive landscape in which universities operate today is marked by intense competition. Intensifying global competition and rapid technological progress put further pressure on organisations to change. Due to this dynamic nature of the modern organisation, it is imperative that organisations remain receptive to new ideas, approaches and attitudes. During the last few years, there has been a growing interest in the use of corporate entrepreneurship as a means for organisations to enhance the innovative abilities of their employees, and at the same time, increase corporate success through the creation of new corporate ventures. Adaptability, flexibility, speed, aggressiveness and innovativeness are increasingly necessary. This can be achieved by entrepreneurial organisations, through corporate entrepreneurship. The aim of this research was to assess the entrepreneurial climate on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West university. Based on the literature study, thirteen constructs measuring entrepreneurial climate was constructed in a questionnaire to measure the entrepreneurial climate on the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU. Furthermore, a self-assessment of entrepreneurial characteristics by managers and middle managers as well as a superior assessment of entrepreneurial characteristics was done through a questionnaire The study found that although all thirteen constructs measuring entrepreneurial climate are present, it is not yet at a desired level to enhance and promote corporate entrepreneurship. Practical recommendations are made to the management committee to improve the entrepreneurial climate on the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

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Loebinger, Karen Ruth. "University-industry collaboration in the environmental sector in the north west of England." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.488144.

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This thesis investigates links between the Environmental Technologies and Services (ETS) sector in the North West of England and the four universities in Greater Manchester. UK government policy has developed over the last 20 years to try and encourage such links in strategic areas of science and technology, and the ETS sector in the North West has been identified as one such area that has the potential to grow. Development of this sector would help both the economic prospects and the general environment of the region. The aim of the thesis is to study the current situation, including the range of collaborations, the types of government funding initiatives and the role of intermediary organisations, and to suggest ways in which such collaboration could be made more effective. It addresses specific research questions that progressively focus on the general features of these linkages between academia and industry, to the regional and environmental aspects specific to the ETS sector in the North West. The work is based primarily on case studies, with additional input from both archival sources and surveys. The case studies have been selected to cover different types of collaboration, the use of formal and informal networking, and the involvement of student projects and training. The analysis has been carried out to identify the separate perspectives of the academic, industrial and government actors involved. Although the analysis does consolidate much of the general literature, some additional points have been raised by this work. These relate primarily to the advantages and disadvantages that the individual parties to the collaborations have identified, and to the general confusion caused by the range of government initiatives. There is also a general view that communication between the academic and industrial sides still needs to be improved so that easier contact can be made between the relevant research and user groups. Several proposals are made which could help to improve the level and effectiveness of collaborative links between the strong science base in the Greater Manchester universities and the extensive range of industrial and commercial companies in the region's ETS sector. Specific suggestions are aimed at each of the university, industry, intermediary and government sectors involved in the overall collaboration process.

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Kindl, Rita. "Change and continuity : three generations of women's work in North West River, Labrador /." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp01/MQ42403.pdf.

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Wilson, Lizane. "A framework for effective practice in community engagement in higher education in a postgraduate programme at North-West University." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/80351.

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Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
Bibliography
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: During the past number of years, the pressure on universities worldwide, including universities in South Africa, has increased to bridge the gap between higher education and society. This includes becoming active partners with its communities. Therefore, the importance of community engagement as one of the three pillars of higher education, alongside teaching and learning, and research, has gained considerable momentum. Higher education institutions in South Africa are also increasingly challenged to elevate the status of their teaching and to raise their levels of community engagement. This also pertains to the area of postgraduate education, which points to the need for a close relationship between teaching, learning and research. The aim of this study was to develop a contextualised and integrated curriculum framework for community-engaged teaching, learning and research in a postgraduate Play Therapy programme. This was done using a contextualised perspective on higher education with reference to current higher education legislation in South Africa as well as curriculum development in general. A literature review of community engagement provided a perspective on the current state of community engagement - nationally, as well as internationally. The study used a qualitative single case study design and an interpretive paradigm to generate empirical data. The first phase of the empirical part of the study focused on determining the current state of community engagement within the postgraduate Play Therapy programme. Data was generated using questionnaires completed by current students and lecturers. In the second phase of the empirical study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with lecturers from 13 national as well as international higher education institutions to review curriculum frameworks and content from other higher education community engagement models. The last empirical phase included two focus groups, one with current students and one with current lecturers in the postgraduate Play Therapy programme under investigation. From the findings of the study, a curriculum framework emerged which outlines community engagement within the postgraduate programme. The emerging framework points to the need for a stronger integration of teaching and learning with community engagement (service component) through service learning. In the South African context and within the programme that was investigated, service learning provides for engaged learning which includes experiential learning and opportunities for students to engage in interactive and experiential processes. The study has also pointed out that research within the postgraduate programme should reflect, in a much stronger way, links to community-based research. Such links may benefit a scholarship of engagement. Also, the research component of the programme needs to be linked more closely to teaching and learning in order to better inform the curriculum in terms of trends, needs and priorities. These activities need to take place within community partnerships with a reciprocal benefit to both the programme and the communities involved.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Universiteite wêreldwyd, asook in Suid-Afrika, het gedurende die afgelope paar jaar druk ervaar om die gaping tussen hoër onderwys en die gemeenskap te verminder. Dit sluit in om aktiewe vennote van gemeenskappe te word. Die belangrikheid van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid as een van die drie pilare van hoër onderwys, saam met leer, onderrig en navorsing, het dus aansienlik toegeneem. Hoëronderwysinstansies in Suid-Afrika word ook uitgedaag om die stand van hul leer en onderrig te verhoog en die vlakke van hul gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid te versterk. Dit geld ook vir nagraadse opleiding, wat neerkom op 'n hegter verband tussen leer, onderrig en navorsing. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om 'n gekontekstualiseerde en geïntegreerde kurrikulumraamwerk vir gemeenskapsgerigte leer, onderrig en navorsing binne 'n nagraadse program in Spelterapie te ontwikkel. Dit is gedoen deur 'n kontekstuele oorsig van hoër onderwys te gee met verwysing na die huidige hoëronderwys-wetgewing in Suid-Afrika asook 'n oorsig oor kurrikulumontwikkeling. 'n Literatuuroorsig van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid het perspektief op die huidige stand van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid landwyd én wêreldwyd verskaf. Hierdie studie berus op 'n kwalitatiewe enkelgevallestudie-ontwerp en benut 'n interpretatiewe paradigma om die empiriese data te genereer. Die eerste fase van die empiriese gedeelte van die studie was gerig op die bepaling van die huidige stand van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid in die meestersprogram in Spelterapie. Data is gegenereer deur die gebruik van vraelyste wat deur huidige studente en dosente ingevul is. In die tweede fase van die empiriese studie is semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met dosente van 13 nasionale asook internasionele hoëronderwysinstansies gevoer om die kurrikulumraamwerke en inhoud van ander hoër instansies se gemeenskaps-betrokkenheidsmodelle te verken. Die laaste empiriese fase sluit twee fokusgroepe in - een met huidige studente en een met huidige dosente in die meestersprogram in Spelterapie, wat die onderwerp van hierdie studie uitmaak. 'n Kurrikulumraamwerk het vanuit die bevindinge van die studie ontstaan wat 'n uiteensetting van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid in die meestersprogram in Spelterapie verskaf. Die opkomende raamwerk dui op die behoefte aan sterker integrasie van leer en onderrig met gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid (dienskomponent) deur middel van diensleer. In die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks en in die program wat ondersoek is, bied diensleer die geleentheid vir betrokke leer wat die volgende insluit: ervaringsleer en geleenthede vir studente om betrokke te raak by interaktiewe ervaringsprosesse. Die studie het ook uitgewys dat navorsing in die meestersprogram op 'n baie sterker wyse die verband met gemeenskapsgerigte navorsing moet reflekteer. Hierdie konneksies kan ook die vakkundigheid van betrokkenheid versterk. Daarby moet die navorsingskomponent van die program nader aan leer en onderrig beweeg sodat die kurrikulum altyd die jongste tendense, behoeftes en prioriteite weerspieël. Hierdie aktiwiteite moet in gemeenskapsvennootskappe plaasvind om voordele vir die program sowel as die betrokke gemeenskappe te bied.

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Vonkeman, Linell Elsabe. "Understanding student serenading (sêr) on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University / Linell Elsabe Vonkeman." Thesis, North-West University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/10214.

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Sêr is an annual event on the Potchefstroom campus, consisting of the various residence singing groups competing for the title of Sêr winners. The groups of singers sing a repertoire of medleys and individual songs for a student audience, all dressed in costumes based on a specific theme. The groups spend months preparing for this event and a culture of Sêr singers now flourishes on campus, since the tradition turned into a competition in the late 1990s. This study explores how the Sêr culture was formed on the Potchefstroom Campus and how the students understand this culture today. I use Hickerson’s (1977), Nettl’s (1965) and Jones’s (2006) respective definitions of ‘folk music ethos’ in this investigation, with a review of the body of scholarship on folk music and its elements. Sêr as a competition is then explained in more detail and will be discussed in terms of the subculture that it might have become and how the students perceive the Sêr phenomenon in its entirety. Internet questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data and various themes were drawn from the answers to form six categories to explore how Sêr has become a culture in itself. Amongst the various conclusions and discussions that emerged, the one key aspect of participating in Sêr is residence and campus pride, which forges friendships between the singers and strengthens their will to win a place in the top five on campus or even the title of Sêr winners. The way in which the Sêr participants make music together is an informal way of learning music that can be transferred to music education for students.
MMus (Musicology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

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Sharpe, James Leslie. "Chemical mineralogy of supergene copper deposits of the Cloncurry district, North-West Queensland /." View thesis, 1998. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030822.110153/index.html.

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Mmope, Phumzile Pheladi. "The role of senior managers at the North-West University in internal communication and employee engagement / P.P. Mmope." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/3138.

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The rationale that effective internal communication plays a crucial role in aligning employees to organisational goals, and in so doing, inculcate employee engagement and help an organisation to succeed, is remodelling internal communication management within organisations. At the core of the preceding rationale lies the fundamental realisation and acknowledgement that effective internal communication is not the function of the communication department, but in effect a basic prerequisite that must be understood, embraced and practiced by all levels of management. Managers without effective internal communication and employee engagement cannot execute the responsibility of strategic alignment. The challenge is now to ensure that the internal communication process is approached as a properly structured and efficiently managed system, rather than a collection of fragmented messages that often cause confusion among employees and compel disengagement. This study explores to what extent the senior managers at the North-West University understand their fundamental role in facilitating effective internal communication and employee engagement. An extensive literature study revealed that there is a correlation between effective internal communication and understanding of organisational strategy and objectives among employees. In addition, a strong correlation between effective internal communication, employee engagement, employee performance and organisational profitability has been identified in literature. The empirical findings were obtained by means of a qualitative research method in the form of semi-structured interviews with senior and middle managers. The semi-structured interviews explored and described how the managers perceive the nature of their role in facilitating and sustaining effective internal communication and employee engagement. In comparing the actual role of senior managers at the University in internal communication and employee engagement with the ideal state related to D'Aprix's (1996) manager's communication model, as well as the principles of a convergence model of communication, information richness of communication channels, a leadership communication framework and the impact of highest scoring manager activities and attributes, it was concluded that this communication role is still misunderstood by senior managers and not properly structured and executed. Consequently, internal communication is not adequately fulfilling its strategic potential as a means to establish positive relationships, diffuse information, motivate, and align employees' actions and behaviour to the set goals of the University. It is suggested that future studies measure and determine whether the engagement levels of employees at the North-West University have increased as a result of managers fulfilling their internal communication role effectively. Another study could also assess and measure the effectiveness of internal communication channels, with the view to develop an internal communication channel guide or toolkit for managers at the North-West University. The key drivers of employee engagement and related effect on the North-West University's performance could also be explored and measured in future research studies.
Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

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Esterhuizen, Hendrik Daniel. "The integration of learning technologies in open distance learning at the North-West University / Hendrik Daniel (Hennie) Esterhuizen." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/8736.

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North-West University in South Africa is committed to expanding use of learning technologies for contact and distance education students by augmenting the existing NWU teaching and learning policy with an e-learning policy. The School of Continuing Teacher Education at North-West University is currently training about 24 000 in-service teacher students through Open Distance Learning. Only a few students submit assignments in typed format and seldom electronically. Students rarely use electronic technologies to augment their learning, and the SCTE employs few to support students. This does not comply with the South African Government’s policy on e-Education that demands information and communication technology mastery in teacher training. The aim of this research was integration of learning technologies in open distance learning at SCTE NWU through recommendations compiled in a sociologically transformative emergent implementation framework. The researcher followed a concurrent mixed-method sociologically transformative approach, focussing on the use of technology for social empowerment to cross the digital divide, through a theoretical lens of ICT for development. The lived experience in the natural setting of distance education students, lecturers, and involved stakeholders was used as initial data collection, informed by a continuous literature study of emergent learning technology use. Purposeful sampling was used during participant selection. The role of the researcher was that of participant observer, interviewer, and human instrument, from a position of methodological pragmatism as a method of inquiry. Using a design-based research approach, the thesis addresses the main research question through five research papers; each addressing one of the sub-questions as design-based research cycles, while collectively addressing the research problem to address the main research question. Nonstandardised measuring instruments were developed based on themes identified from literature and the analysis of qualitative data. Significant barriers to population-wide ICT adoption exist. Strong intentions of perseverance in attaining functional computer literacy are evident. Support and enablement are required to promote trust to attempt using computers, necessary to obtain self-confidence through accomplishment. In this way perseverance to attain functional computer literacy may be cultivated. The study presents a model for intention to use, confidence, trust and perseverance in attaining computer literacy competence with statistically significant standardised regression weights. In terms of affective responses of students during computer literacy training, a twodimensional model for computer literacy learning emotions is presented. Perceptions during professional development produced a model for faculty development towards socially transformative learning technology integration for open distance learning. The researcher also presents a people-technology interaction in teaching and learning model in the fifth paper. A distinction is made between reactionary interventions and pre-emptive unobtrusive seamless support, based on requirements identified through bottom-up feedback listening to latent requests of participants. Technology-enhanced learning integration should be legitimised through visible commitment from the university as institution. Lecturer training, innovative planning of time issues, acquisition of appropriate infrastructure, buying in from the institution and IT support services, and support of teacher-students are all essential for evolvement towards an e-mature organisation for the delivery of ODL to vast numbers of newly industrialised context clients.
Thesis (PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

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Lilja, Karin, and Sanna Kronqvist. "Building a Rainbow nation : A field study of the integration process at the North-West University in South Africa." Thesis, Växjö University, School of Social Sciences, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:vxu:diva-2446.

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North West University is a creation of one of many mergers between previous universities in South Africa. The process is partly thought to integrate previous advantaged and disadvantaged universities, often also previous white or black dominated universities.

Even though the merger of NWU has been perceived as successful by many, there are still problems and tensions between the campuses. This report will describe the integration process at NWU as well as handle people’s perceptions towards it and towards the changes brought by the merger. The study has been done through thematic open interviews by staff, management and students at two of the three campuses in the merger of NWU, Mafikeng and Potchefstroom. In our report we have found six clusters which we examine; responses to the merger, within and outside group, differences, history, social status, and within and outside process.

All through the report the traces from history and Apartheid are still visible in people’s minds and in the clashes between the groups. History also affects the social status of the groups, affects that today create problems for integration.

The merger was opposed by both parts, however inevitable. People from Mafikeng were found more critical to the merger, highlighting the different power relations between the campuses and fear of being swallowed by Potchefstroom. Potchefstroom in general did not see many changes and white people seem to be more worried about their individual future.

Once united as one university there is still a low grade of integration or interaction between the campuses and between the groups within them. There have been initiatives to enhance integration at an organizational level, this has though not affected the social level in a significant way. One reason to the lack of integration might be the domination of one culture group at each campus, at Potchefstroom Afrikaans, and at Mafikeng SeTswana. This domination has shown to hinder integration since minority groups either feel left out or have to assimilate to fit in. Differences between the groups also create misunderstandings and clashes in the integration process. However we have seen that the persons within the merger process tend to be more positive than the people outside of it. This might be due to increased interaction, better information and a possibility to affect the outcome that makes the people involved more positive then the ones not involved.

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Du, Toit Ina-Marí. "Educational interpreters and the Tomatis method : a mixed methods study at the North–West University / Ina–Marí Du Toit." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4844.

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On the Potchefstroom Campus of the North–West University, where the predominant language of instruction is Afrikaans, non–Afrikaans speaking students are accommodated due to the use of interpreting services. Educational interpreting implies in–class simultaneous interpreting of Afrikaans lectures into English by trained under– and postgraduate students. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of the Tomatis Method, a method of sound stimulation, on educational interpreters and explore their experience of the Tomatis programme. The research set out to answer the following questions: (i) Will attendance of a Tomatis programme impact educational interpreters by: improving interpreting performance; enhancing attention, concentration and personality functioning; reducing negative mood states; and enhancing the positive mood state vigour? (ii) What will participants report about their experience during and after the Tomatis programme? To study the TM’s effects on participants, quantitative and qualitative data were combined using a mixed methods triangulation design. After obtaining informed consent, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 9) and control group (n = 9). Participants comprised of nine male and nine female, under– and postgraduate students between the ages of 19 and 36. The experimental group attended 60 half–hour sessions, during which they listened to gradually filtered music, followed by a two–month break for integration of the sound stimuli and, finally, another 60 half–hour sessions of audio–vocal training. A panel of interpreting experts and a speech therapist evaluated both groups’ interpreting performance (IPE) pre– and post–program. Both groups also completed assessments on personality (NEO PI–R) and concentration and memory (WAIS III) pre– and post programme, while the experimental participants additionally completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) pre–, in– and postprogramme. Three focus group discussions during the course of the Tomatis programme enabled participants to verbalize their experiences of the programme and how it impacted their interpreting process. Despite a bias in favour of the control group during the interpreting performance postassessment, findings suggested that interpreters benefited from the Tomatis programme in several areas of interpreting and in regards to personal experiences. Regarding interpreting performance, a significant improvement concerning Interpreting Technique occurred in favour of the experimental group. This advance can be explained by participants’ qualitative responses regarding improved interpreting efficiency, speech production and listening skills. Experimental participants’ decreased Fatigue–Inertia; increased Extraversion, Activity and Vigour; and experiences of enhanced relaxation possibly contributed to improved interpreting performance. Moreover, the experimental group’s positive feedback about the enriching effect of the Tomatis programme on their personal lives strengthened the value of the TM for individual growth and psychological well–being. The control group showed some enhancement in aspects of interpreting and sub–domains of personality, but only managed to outperform the experimental group on one subscale, namely Feelings, a facet of the domain Openness of the NEO–PI(R). Thus, it appears that the Tomatis programme had a significantly positive impact on interpreters’ performance and that their experience of the interpreting process was enhanced during and after the programme.
Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Hassim, Tasleem. "Resilience in a group of first–year psychosocial science students at the North–West University (Potchefstroom Campus) / Tasleem Hassim." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/8161.

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First–year students entering university for the first time face considerable life changing challenges, from relocating to a new setting to adapting to a new learning environment. For the student to be successful, the level of resilience plays a vital role in the student’s development and future growth. The fundamental aim of this research is to explore resilience amongst first–year students. This exploratory and descriptive study undertook to determine the level of resilience and the risk factors that contribute to the transition to university. The participants in this study were first–year psychosocial science students who enrolled at the North–West University (Potchefstroom Campus) in 2011. Thirty–five students participated in the quantitative study that examined the level of resilience in first–year students. Thereafter 12 of these students participated in the qualitative study that investigated the risk factors in first year students. Data was analysed by means of the Perspective Training College Program and by use of thematic analysis. The results showed significant high levels of stress in first–year students. The scores for expectations, achievements and satisfaction were not in an optimal range of functioning. Many risk factors were associated with first–year students such as stress, lack of social support, self–concept, time management and the fear of fitting into the university set–up. These factors cannot be avoided, nonetheless, literature explains that protective factors can be instilled into the university set–up to assist with students and thus decrease the risk factors associated with the transition to university.
Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

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Venter, Tania. "Glycine conjugate detoxification profiling with sodium benzoate loading tests in a selected population of the North-West University / Tanie Venter." Thesis, North-West University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/1510.

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Prinsloo, Elmari. "The use of emotional intelligence in the management of resistance to change by MBA students of the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus / by Elmari Prinsloo." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/2657.

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Even though change is regarded as a natural phenomenon, the rate of change seems to hasten in many activities, especially for organisations to survive and remain competitive. This can be complex and exhausting, and individuals' emotional experiences may influence their behaviours and attitudes, affecting performances and production. Subsequently, emotions in the workplace can no longer be ignored and management might need to consider this when resistance to change is managed. Although awareness of emotional intelligence and its importance in the workplace has only recently been recognized, MBA students from the Potchefstroom Business School are encouraged to develop their emotional intelligence in order to reason intelligently about emotions and thus become more effective managers. Since emotions are evident during change and any resistant behaviour, it is proposed to determine whether MBA students will use emotional intelligence to manage resistance to change. Perceptions on emotional competencies were used in the empirical study, and results from the empirical study indicated that emotional intelligence is perceived to be important when resistance to change is managed, therefore this suggests that emotional intelligence might be utilized during change management. Emotional intelligence is learned abilities, and the results suggested that these abilities may have developed throughout the MBA programme. Knowledge gained during the programme from complementary modules can also assist students in the use of emotional intelligence during the management of resistance to change. It is recommended that managers are encouraged to become aware of emotions during change initiatives and that training programmes may include emotional intelligence. More research is also needed to validate the importance and need for emotional intelligence skills in the management of resistance to change.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

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Kennedy, Casey David. "Quantifying rates, controls, and spatiotemporal dynamics of water and nitrogen fluxes through the streambed of West Bear Creek, North Carolina, USA." NCSU, 2008. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-08192008-131832/.

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This paper presents results on the rates and spatiotemporal dynamics of the coupled water flux (v) and nitrogen (N) fluxes (mainly fNO3 and fDON for nitrate and dissolved organic N) through a streambed in an agricultural watershed in North Carolina. Physical and chemical variables were measured at numerous points in the streambed of a 0.26 km reach: hydraulic conductivity (K) and head gradient (J), and concentrations of NO3- and other N species in the streambed groundwater, from which water (v=KJ) and N fluxes (e.g., fNO3=v[NO3-]) through the streambed were computed, mapped, and integrated in space. The result was a novel set of streambed maps of the linked variables (K, J, v, N concentrations and fluxes), showing their spatial variability and how it varied over a year (based on 7 bimonthly sets of maps). Mean fNO3 during the study year was 154 mmol m-2 day-1; this NO3- flux, together with that of DON (fDON = 17 mmol m-2 day-1) accounted for >99% of the total dissolved N flux through the streambed. Repeat measurements at the same locations on the streambed show significant temporal variability in fNO3, largely controlled by changes in v rather than changes in [NO3-]. One of the clearest and most temporally-persistent aspects of spatial variability was lateral variability across the channel from bank to bank. K and v had âcenter-highâ patterns (greater values in the center of the channel); this distribution of K (ultimately a reflection of sediment dynamics in the channel) apparently focuses groundwater discharge toward the center of the channel. The opposite âcenter-lowâ pattern was found for J, [NO3-], and (to a lesser extent) fNO3. Contrary to suggestions in some prior work, J was not a good index for v. fNO3 was characterized by localized zones of high and low values that changed in size and shape over time but remained in basically the same locations (the same was true of K, J, [NO3-], though less so for v), with 70% of NO3- flux occurring through about 38% of the streambed area. Lateral distributions of the physical hydrologic attributes (K, J, v) were highly symmetrical across the channel, while those of [NO3-] and fNO3 showed higher values on the right than left, likely a reflection of different N use on opposite sides of the stream. These and other results show the streambed-based approach taken here can offer a number of insights not possible with reach mass-balance approaches in which net exchange between a stream reach and surrounding groundwater is calculated using surface water data.

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Wittezaële, Olivier Laurent. "The relationship between interpreters and users of the interpreting services at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University / O.L. Wittezaële." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/2062.

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Ferreira, Magaretha Aletta. "Biomechanical, anthropometrical and physical profile of the North-West University Club netball players and the relationship to musculoskeletal injuries / M.A. Ferreira." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/2093.

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Minnie, Erick Francois. "Technology roadmap for improvement of the North–West University neutron monitor system of the Centre for Space Research / Erick F. Minnie." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4829.

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The Centre for Space Research (formerly known as the Unit for Space Physics) at the North–West University manages the operation, maintenance and data gathering of four neutron monitors. This is done in order to indirectly study the patterns and reactivity of the Sun. Some of these neutron monitors have been operating from the late 1950’s while not receiving much attention regarding technology upgrades, but were kept alive by merely maintaining the bits and pieces that started giving problems. This is all about to change due to this thesis that will serve as a Technological Roadmap for the Improvement of the North–West University Neutron Monitor System of the Centre for Space Research. It begins by looking at the essential parts needed to count cosmic rays - the primary particles that are affected by the Sun’s intensity and reactivity - and register their collision–products, neutrons. Then it covers the Centre for Space Research’s neutron monitor systems as a whole, including the physical locations up to the logistics needed to change a part. The systems analysis of the neutron monitor operation was done in order to determine the current neutron monitor operational functions and to determine the system’s risk profile. A complete FMECA breakdown of worst–case scenarios and their impact on the system was done, and the mitigating actions were discussed in order to minimize the effect a specific failure mode will have. The project ends by giving a couple of technological and design suggestions in order to maintain and upgrade the system.
Thesis (M.Ing. (Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Franken, Anja. "Monitoring and control of hazardous chemical substances in research and testing laboratories in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the North-West University / A. Franken." Thesis, North-West University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/755.

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This study was launched because of alarming conditions in laboratories and lack of general occupational health and safety. Employees are exposed to a number of chemicals for extended periods of time, and these employees aren't completely informed of the risks involved in working with the hazardous substances. There is a general lack of awareness and concern about employee health and safety in the workplace, especially in laboratories. In this study personal and environmental sampling was conducted in three subject groups with the highest potential risk. With the sampling employee or environmental exposure to ten chemicals could be quantified. Questionnaires were used to assess employee as well as health and safety representative's general knowledge of occupational health and safety. In the course of this study it was found that employees are exposed to low concentrations of a wide variety of chemicals during the workday. The exposure to a combination of chemicals leads to an exceedingly high concentration of overall volatile organic substances. The exposure to these low concentrations takes place over a number of years for permanent employees. During the workday employees are also exposed to short periods of very high concentrations of hazardous chemical substances. These short term exposure levels are complicated to compare with international standards because of the lack of standards available. 'Therefore it is difficult to determine if an employee's exposure does exceed the international limits, and therefore it is difficult to control or prevent this short term exposure. The long term exposure to these hazardous chemical substances may lead to serious detrimental health effects, which often only develop years after exposure occurred. The biggest concern for employees working with hazardous chemical substances is depression of the nervous system and development of cancer. To prevent these negative health effects it is important to control or minimize employee exposure to hazardous chemical substances during the workday. The institution should launch a thorough investigation to determine employee exposure of the various chemicals during the eight hour workday, but also during the short term exposure periods. Control measiures such as ventilation systems or fume cupboards should be installed or repaired to provide adequate control to minimize employee exposure.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Occupational Hygiene))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

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21

Arko-Achemfuor, Akwasi. "Interaction between ethnicity and entrepreneurship in South Africa : Case study of Naledi Municipality." Thesis, [Bloemfontein?] : Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/192.

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Thesis (D. Tech. (Business Administration)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013
This study was carried out to examine the interaction between ethnicity and entrepreneurship in a South African setting. Specifically, a survey using a questionnaire was carried out to determine the influence ethnicity has on entrepreneurial behaviour and attitudes among the Tswana, Afrikaner, Coloured and Indian entrepreneurs in the Naledi Local Municipality in the North West Province of South Africa. A literature review preceded the empirical study to fully comprehend the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the interaction between ethnicity and entrepreneurship among different ethnic groups. In the empirical study phase, a questionnaire was administered to 400 randomly selected entrepreneurs in order to collect data on their motives for starting business, source of start-up capital and their attitudes/behaviours regarding risk in business. Waldinger et al.'s (1996) structure, enclave, cultural and situation theories were used as the theoretical base. Out of a total of 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 338 were usable representing an 84.5% response rate. The chi-square tests found significant differences (p < 0.05) between the four ethnic groups on all the key dimensions of ethnicity on entrepreneurship and the success/performance of the four ethnic groups in business. The chi-square test shows that businesses operated/owned by Afrikaner and Indian ethic groups are more likely to perform better than those owned and operated by their Tswana and Coloured counterparts.

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22

Horn, Hannalize. "The effect of anthropometric parameters, biomechanical malalignments and flexibility of the lower extremities on the prevalence of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in rugby players of the North-West University Rugby Institute / H. Horn." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/6405.

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With the general increase in Rugby union's popularity the past decade, there has been an increase in sport injuries, both from acute and overuse trauma. Approximately half of all sport injuries may be attributed to overuse or repetitive micro trauma rather than a single traumatic event. Although very few overuse injuries have an established aetiology, the fact that over 80% of these injuries occurs at or below the knee suggests that there may be some common mechanisms in the aetiology. It could only be stated with certainty that the aetiology of these injuries is multifactorial and diverse, with both extrinsic and intrinsic factors contributing. Many intrinsic factors (personal) predispose athletes to develop overuse injuries. Intervention of intrinsic injury risk factors is more problematic, as intrinsic risk factors are often difficult to examine and even more difficult to rehabilitate than external factors. Extrinsic risk factors (environmental) that are independent of the injured person can be influenced through the intervention of the extrinsic factors. Main attention should be paid not to the treatment of the site of injury but to the possible cause of the symptoms. It is therefore vital that coaches and medical teams have a complete understanding of the incidence, nature, severity, and causes of injuries in order to review the adequacy of their injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of selected anthropometric parameters, biomechanical malalignment and flexibility on the prevalence of Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) in U/19 university rugby players of the 2006 season of the North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute (RI). A prospective once-off subject availability study was performed that included U/19 rugby union players of the RI of the NWU (n=91). Selected biomechanical and anthropometrical assessments were made. Biomechanical and anthropometrical assessments were preformed on all subjects before the start of the season. All existing injuries were recorded by means of an injury history questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (e.g. mean and standard deviations) and contingency tables were used to analyse the data. Effect sizes were used to decide on the practical significance of the findings. A cut-off point of 0.8 (large effect) was set for practical significance of differences between means. Players with MTSS had a wider Bi-iliocristal width than those without MTSS. There were leg length differences for both players with and without MTSS for Hiospinale, Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral and Tibial lateral length. Iliospinale- and Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral length differences presented with the largest length difference. Iliospinale, Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral and Tibial lateral length difference had a small effect. Only Bi-iliocristal width presented with a medium effect. Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius and Plantaris as well as Soleus and Popliteus flexibility of players without MTSS were tighter than those of players who suffered from MTSS. Only Hamstring tightness had a small effect. Gastrocnemius and Plantaris as well as Soleus and Popliteus presented with a medium effect. Players without MTSS had a more flexible TFL on their right side. All the other flexibility measurements of the Thomas test presented that players without MTSS had a more inflexible profile. Effect size was not analysed because of the small sample sizes in some of the cells. Players without MTSS presented with an overall more inflexible profile than those with MTSS. More players without MTSS supinated at heel contact on both their feet, compared to the players with MTSS. Players without MTSS supinated more on both their feet during mid stance. A small percentage of players with and without MTSS supinated during the propulsion phase. More players without MTSS had a neutral right foot mid stance compared to players with MTSS who had a more neutral mid stance on their right foot. Players with MTSS pronated more with both their feet during propulsion. Players with MTSS pronated mostly during the propulsion phase and mostly had flatter and higher arched feet than players without MTSS. More players with MTSS had a light flat foot, flat foot as well as a high arched foot than players without MTSS. Most of the players with MTSS had normal right arched foot type. None of the players with MTSS had either a light high right foot or a high arched left foot.
Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

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Mosweunyane, Lentswe Donald. "Records management practices of hair salons in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality." Thesis, Bloemfontein : Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/193.

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Thesis (M. Tech. (Business administration)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013
This study was necessitated by the fact that being labour intensive, hair salons provide partial solution to South Africa’s high unemployment, poverty and inequality problems hence need to be supported so that they can grow and continue performing their expected labour absorption role. Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality in the North West Province of South Africa is a socio economically depressed area that depends on hair salons for employment. The prosperity of hair salons is therefore critical to the well-being of the inhabitants of the area. Unfortunately, proliferation of hair salon business in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality since the dawn of democracy in South Africa has created fierce competition for customers leading to lack of profitability and hair salons failures. While many reasons can account for business failure in the face of intense competitive environment, there is consensus from the literature that in the current information economy, appropriate management of records allows for quick access to reliable information and this is key to business success. In fact, resource-based view (RBV) of the firm suggests that a company’s quick access to reliable information that is contained in its resources allows that firm to gain sustainable competitive advantage that allows for superior performance. This calls for proper management of a company’s records. Accordingly, it is crucial that managers/owners of hair salons recognise the importance of good records management in their businesses in order to continuously have timely access to accurate information. Unfortunately, the researcher has informally observed a disturbing trend among some hair salons in Dr Ruth Mompati local municipality that flies in the face of what can be termed good records management. An informal visit to some of the salons in the region revealed an apparent laxity with which transactions were recorded. Worst still, Informal conversations with a few hair salons operators seem to suggests that records management may be a problem among hair salons as some even see it as more a liability than asset. This suggests that hair salons in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality might not be taking records management seriously. The question then is, how wide spread is this negative attitude towards records keeping in Dr Ruth Mompati local municipality? Or could this be the general sentiment in the hair salon industry as a whole? The purpose of this study was to assess the status of records management among hair salons in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. The key finding of this study is that most hair salons in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality do practice records management to a certain extent. However, there are certain records that hair salons in the area regard as of no importance and therefore are neglected. The study also revealed that those hair salons that engage in good records management outperform those that do not. The study further revealed that most of the salons keep paper records although they would prefer electronic format. Lack of access to computers was cited as the greatest problem in keeping electronic records. Details of the study including findings, conclusions and recommendations are presented and discussed in the main report.

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Halperin, James J. "Reforestation planning in the West Usambara Mountains of Tanzania." Connect to this title online, 2002. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-12182002-111412/.

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Jones, Kelly Michelle. "Technology Adoption in West Africa: adoption and disadoption of soybeans on the Togo-Benin border." NCSU, 2005. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-03172005-115144/.

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New agricultural technologies are promoted in developing countries to bring about some combination of economic, environmental, and or health benefit. All of these benefits are considered to improve the livelihoods of the households that adopt them. However, the adoption of these new innovations by farm households is never uniform but is based on each household?s evaluation of the utility of the new technology with relation to that household?s attributes. This study looks at the adoption of a new agricultural crop?soybeans?that has been promoted for its nutritional effects in the Tamberma region of Benin and Togo. Variables affecting adoption and disadoption are based on five broad categories of adoption determinants found in the literature: household preferences, resource endowments, economic incentives, risk and uncertainty, and biophysical characteristics. A sixth category of farmer?s perceptions is added to this model to determine current perceptions of soybean utility in the study area. A Probit model is employed to determine factors affecting adoption and disadoption rates in the study area. Variables statistically correlated with the adoption decision include: education, extension, membership, health, cash cropping, and soil quality. Variables statistically correlated with the disadoption decision include: education, experience, expected price, and type of soil.

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Alford, Brandon Wade. "Robert Searle and the Rise of the English in the Caribbean." UNF Digital Commons, 2019. https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/885.

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This research examines the career of Robert Searle, an English privateer, that conducted state-sponsored attacks against the Spanish and Dutch in the Caribbean from 1655 to 1671. Set within the Buccaneering Period of the Golden Age of Piracy (1650-1680), Robert Searle’s personal actions contributed to the rise of the English in the Caribbean to a position of dominance over Spain, which dominated the region from 1492 until the 1670s. Searle serves as a window into the contributions of thousands of nameless men who journeyed to the Caribbean as a member of Oliver Cromwell’s Western Design Fleet. These men failed in their endeavor to take Hispaniola from the Spanish, successfully invaded Jamaica, and spent the next fifteen years securing England’s largest possession in the region, transitioning Jamaica from a military outpost to a successful plantation colony. These men, including Searle himself, have been overshadowed in the history of English Jamaica by more well-known figures such as Sir Henry Morgan, the famed “Admiral of the Buccaneers.” Searle and his compatriots pursued the objectives of the core in London throughout the contested periphery of the Caribbean region. These goals were first framed as the complete destruction of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and later as achieving trade between Jamaica and Spain’s American colonies. The examination of Robert Searle through the core-periphery relationship between the metropole and the Caribbean illustrates how the totality of his actions contributed to the rising English position in the Caribbean. Ultimately, Searle and his fellow privateers proved vital to Spain conceding to England the rights of trade and formal recognition of their colonies in the region with a series of succeeding Treaties of Madrid.

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Krings, Alexander. "Systematics of Gonolobus and the Gonolobinae (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae): Circumscription based on evidence from molecules and morphology; new species and new combinations; typification, revision, and conservation in the West Indies." NCSU, 2007. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-01312007-103752/.

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Gonolobus Michx. (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) is a New World genus comprising an estimated 100?150 species. The degree of variation in estimated species numbers is largely the result of still poorly known tropical taxa and differences regarding generic limits. Characters historically used to delimit genera such as Gonolobus within Gonolobinae?such as laminar dorsal anther appendages and various follicle morphologies?have been controversial and their evolution remains unknown, not having been explored in a phylogenetic framework. The primary objectives of the current research were to (1) test the monophyly of Gonolobus in the context of a phylogeny of New World Asclepiadeae and (2) explore the evolution of laminar dorsal anther appendages and winged follicles with respect to their potential utility in generic circumscription. Secondary objectives were to revise a tractable monophyletic group as borne out by the phylogenetic analyses and to provide typifications and new combinations as appropriate for Gonolobinae in the West Indies (ca. 50 spp.). Evidence from the chloroplast (trnL-F, rps16) and nuclear genomes (Leafy) presented here supports the monophyly of both the subtribe and the genus Gonolobus in a narrow or broad sense. A transversion in the trnL-F spacer is shown synapomorphic for Gonolobus s.s. Two indels in Leafy, as well as winged follicles, are shown synapomorphic for Gonolobus s.l. Several earlier subgeneric circumscriptions in Matelea, including Ibatia, Heliostemma, Pachystelma, and Ptycanthera, are not monophyletic. Considering the support for a monophyletic Gonolobus s.s., recent taxonomic changes in West Indian taxa, and that several species have been published from the area since the last comprehensive treatment over a hundred years ago, a revision of the genus in the West Indies seemed appropriate and is provided. An index of names and typifications for Gonolobinae in the West Indies is also provided, including numerous lecto- and neotypifications. Twelve new species are described for the West Indies (5 Gonolobus spp., 5 Matelea spp.) and South America (2 Matelea spp.).

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Steyn, Estee. "Die toepassing van Scrivener se kreatiewe produksiestruktuur in die skepping van ruimtelike grafiese ontwerp vir die Ferdinand Postma-Biblioteek / E. Steyn." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4381.

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Die doel van hierdie kreatiewe produksieprojek was om ruimtelike grafiese ontwerp-toepassings te skep vir die Ferdinand Postma-biblioteek van die Noordwes-Universiteit (Suid-Afrika) en om verslag te lewer ten opsigte van die toepassing van Scrivener se Kreatiewe Produksiestruktuur op die kreatiewe- en navorsingsprosesse. Om dié doelwitte te bereik moes navorsing met betrekking tot twee aspekte geskied. Eerstens is teorieë met betrekking tot ruimtelike grafiese ontwerp en verskeie ontwerpbenaderings wat die ontwerpdissipline betrek (identiteitsontwerp, inligtingsontwerp en wegwysingsontwerp) ondersoek. Tweedens is die aard en toepassing van praktykgebaseerde navorsing onder die loep geneem. Die literatuurstudie het gelei na die keuse van Scrivener se Kreatiewe Produksiestruktuur as 'n metode om praktykgebaseerde navorsing te benader. Deur die Kreatiewe Produksiestruktuur wat uit vyf stappe bestaan, toe te pas, was dit moontlik om aan die gevarieerde behoeftes en vereistes van die akademiese konteks waarbinne die projek geloods is, te voldoen: Eerstens is betrokke skeppings- en navorsingsprosesse volledig, rasioneel en reflekterend gedokumenteer en sodoende kon die navorsingsbenadering en geakkrediteerde navorsingstegnieke wat toegepas is, duidelik en deursigtig uiteengesit word. Tweedens het die toepassing van die Kreatiewe Produksiestruktuur gelei tot 'n gestruktureerde geskrewe argument waarin die navorsingsveld en konteks van die studie aangespreek is. In die derde plek het die betrokke skeppings- en navorsingsprosesse gelei na suksesvolle ruimtelike grafiese ontwerptoepassings wat die konteks van die Ferdinand Postma-biblioteek in ag neem en die navorsing beliggaam. Die studie se bydrae tot die veld van ruimtelike grafiese ontwerp is geleë in die wyse waarop dit toon hoe Scrivener se Kreatiewe Produksiestruktuur as 'n metode van praktykgebaseerde navorsing toegepas kan word om suksesvolle en konteksgerigte ruimtelike grafiese ontwerptoepassings te skep.
Thesis (M.A. (Graphic Design))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Cimino, Rachel Lynn. "Variations of Ghrelin, Growth Hormone, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I in the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)." UNF Digital Commons, 2013. http://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/472.

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The metabolic hormones ghrelin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I are influenced by developmental age, sex, and nutritional status in domestic and free-ranging species. However the role these hormones play has not previously been explored in sub-tropical/ tropical mammals. Furthermore, the seasonality of species with less dynamic environmental cues, such as the West Indian manatee, have not been studied. The West Indian manatee is and endangered species distributed in the southeastern United States and throughout the Caribbean basin, and its nutritional physiology is influenced by environmental factors. Understanding the hormone response to nutritional status in this species and its seasonality will enhance our knowledge of the links between season, nutrition, and life history. The purpose of this research is to understand the biology and seasonal patterns of metabolic hormones in free-ranging manatees which will allow us to assess the nutritional status of wild populations. The research objectives include validation assays to accurately quantify hormone concentrations in manatees. Hormones were quantified in manatee serum using heterologous radioimmunoassay. Hormones were then evaluated between summer, fall, and winter and compared to body composition. Developmental patterns were also assessed. Lastly, hormones were examined between Florida and Antillean manatee populations. Manatees exhibited differences in GH, IGF-I, and body composition demonstrating seasonality similar to other species. Manatees exhibited differences between age classes suggesting decreased growth rate as the animals age. Differences were detected between populations. This research suggests that ghrelin, GH, and IGF-I can be used to indicate nutritional status and detect seasonality and developmental age in the manatee. This could prove to be a valuable tool in rehabilitation facilities and during captures and health assessments to provide better veterinary care and further improve overall health and body condition to better manage the survival of the species.

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Rakhudu, Mahlasela Annah. "The nursing student's experiences of PBL at North West University." Diss., 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2847.

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A qualitative exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used to conduct a study. In-depth individual phenomenological interviews with students purposively selected were conducted. Data saturation was reached after interviewing eight students. The following categories emerged: the participants experienced problem-based learning (PBL) as challenging, problematic group collaboration and cohesion, PBL as a good strategy. The challenges experienced included: unfamiliarity with the strategy, inadequate resources in the library, inaccessible computer laboratories because of limited space and operational hours, time pressures and overload. Clinical learning is not given adequate attention and some professional nurses in the clinical areas are not supportive to the university students as compared to college students. Positive conclusions about PBL include that students need the strategy as it promoted critical thinking, improved communication and presentation skills, helped teamwork and learning from others.
Health Studies
M.A. (Health studies)

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Gaearwe, Lucia Moniemang. "Sexual behaviour among the North-West University (Mafikeng Campus) students / Lucia Moniemang Gaearwe." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/15642.

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The main objective of the study was to examine sexual behaviour among students at North-West University (Mafikeng Campus). A high incidence of unplanned pregnancies and STIs among university students is indicative of engaging in various forms of sexual behaviour. Data was collected from registered students in North- West University (Mafikeng Campus) in 2013. A total of 531 questionnaires were completed. The study found that 89.3% of the students had had sexual intercourse. Almost all the male (93.4%) and about 85.4% of the female students participating in the study had had sexual intercourse experiences. More than half (57.5%) of the male and about 33% of the female students had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 17 years old. A little more than two thirds (63.9%) of the students used condoms at the last sexual intercourse, with about 54.5% of the female and 45.5% of the males using condoms at last sexual contact. More than half (54.8%) of the students had had sexual intercourse with another person while still in a relationship. The binary logistic models show that female students were less likely: to have had sex before the age of 17, to use condoms and have sexual intercourse with another person while in a relationship. This study provides empirical evidence which suggest that there is a need to strengthen interventions targeting University students, to enable them to make informed choices about their sexual behaviour.
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2014

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32

Mphatswa, Nolwane Beauty. "A feasibility study on the introduction of an IT Help Desk at the North West University (mafikeng Campus) / Nolwane Beauty Mphatswa." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11281.

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The main focus of the study was to find out whether tertiary institutions such as the University of North-West (now North West University- Mafikeng Campus) can handle the Help Desk effectively, with regard to IT staff workloads and skills, and students' and staff IT skills. The aim of the research was to examine the extent to which users can make use of the help desk for different sectors of the university community (administrative, academic, support personnel and students). The study looked at the structure of a user help desk appropriate for the North West University (Mafikeng Campus), and also examined the distribution and channels to be used for a user help desk. The assumption was made that a help desk at the North West University (1'v!aftkeng Campus) can provide services of high quality to its entire community. A questionnaire was used to solicit the perceptions of the university community towards the introduction of the Information System's helpdesk. The respondents' responses were then analysed with the use of spread sheet tables. The target was 150 respondents of which 120 managed to respond to the questionnaire. Most of the participants agreed that they were prepared to accept changes brought about by the use of help desk. The study also revealed that there were serious problems at the NWU (Mafikeng Campus) regarding shortage of support received from the Information Technology department of the University. The researcher therefore recommends that the automated Helpdesk be introduced as soon as possible so that the users can become familiar with it. In general the skill of staff and students are actually good and most of them will welcome the help desk. The IT staff workload is more with few members of staff, and the recommendation is that there is a need to implement the help desk.
(MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2004

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Marvey, B. B. "Management of students admission process at the University North West : a case study / B.B. Marvey." Thesis, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11362.

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In this study, the management of student admission and registration process at the University of North-West (UNW) was evaluated. The purpose of the study was to determine empirically the challenges facing admission management and the perceptions of students and staff on the admission process. A thorough literature study of management processes was done and a survey method was used to gather data. The subjects of the study were 57 students and 15 admission staff members (manager academic services, admissions officer, administration officers, senior administration officers, faculty secretaries, examination officer, accounts and finance personnel). The empirical investigation conducted has shown that students, the very customers of collegiate education, regard staff attitude as one of the important attributes that reflects on good management and that in their view admission staff at UNW is lacking in terms of their on-the job attitude. The findings also revealed that admission staff, on the other hand, finds their attitude to be normal and acceptable. It is for this reason that management faces a challenge of having to come up with a solution that will best address the matter to restore good student-staff relations on campus. As a possible solution to this problem, a staff induction course on customer relations management (CRM) was recommended for all staff involved with student affairs and admissions~ This would help clear misunderstandings between students and staff, thus creating an environment of mutual respect and trust. It would, further, go a long way in attracting more students to this university once the basics are in place. Furthermore, the study revealed a number of issues including online services, student orientation and planning, that need to be addressed to improve the quality of the admission process at UNW. ln this regard, the study recommends management to consider utilizing online services to offset long queues and fatigue, to fully engage the counselling centre, faculty officers, deans and departmental heads in the career guidance programme and to foster cooperation and coordination across all operational divisions.
Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2003

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Mere, Mothusi Isaac. "An analysis of procurement policies and procedures at the North West University / Mothusi Isaac Mere." Thesis, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11498.

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The aim of this study was to analyse procurement policies and procedures at the University of North West. This analysis might assist the university to formulate a procurement policy that would be effective, efficient and cost effective. There was a need to assess the role that the university of North West procurement policy and procedure play with regard to the procurement of goods and services so that any gaps or limitations can be addressed. The study was conducted at the University of North West from which the sample for the survey was drawn. This is an institution of higher learning in the Republic of South Africa. It is situated in the Capital of North West Province, Mafikeng. In this study three principal methods of enquiry in investigating or exploring the university of North West procurement policies and procedures were used. These were; .literature survey, document study and an empirical investigation which entailed the development of questionnaires. The questionnaire were constructed and distributed to UNW staff members who are responsible for buying in their respective departments. The questionnaire contained thirty seven (37) questions which attempt to validate the research objectives. A total number of seventy (70) potential respondents were targeted and only forty six (46) staff members returned completed questionnaires to the researcher. The sample size for this study was therefore forty six (46). The results were analysed and the findings reflected that in general university of North West procurement policies and procedures need to be reformulated with full participation of the relevant stakeholders. The researcher recommends that the procurement policies and procedures of the university of North West must be revised and user departments must be involved in the whole process. The policies and procedures should also be formulated in line with the government preferential procurement policy framework Act no.5 of 2000.
(M.A.) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2003

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Makondo, Livingstone. "Attration and retention of qualified academics at the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus / Livingstone Makondo." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/14423.

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Purpose This study examined the extent to which the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus (NWU, MC) is managing to attract and retain properly qualified academics. Methodology This predominantly quantitative study has questionnaires responded to by hundred and sixty respondents and survey money responded to by fifty-two respondents were used to gather data from deans, directors and teaching staff at the NWU, MC and from other universities. Findings Attraction and retention of properly qualified and experienced academics emerges as a University's key strategic mandate as such personnel champions an institution's quest to deliver quality teaching-learning, research and community engagement. The study also notes that the NWU, MC is not doing well in terms of attracting and retaining properly qualified academics, a regrettable trend. The need for a proper mix of workload, work and personal life balance, remuneration and promotion among others emerged as key attraction and retention tenets. Conclusion The study concludes that attraction and retention of academics is a global challenge. The NWU, MC and other affected universities need to do all they can to curtail the challenge so that they can attract and retain properly qualified and experienced academics for them to boost their throughput and graduation rates. These achievements, among others would ensure that the university' customers would be satified at the same time the university would attract funding. Recommendation It emerges that a university that offers longer contracts stands better chances to attract and retain academics. To this end, this study shares several pertinent insights that can help the NWU, MC ameliorate the challenge.
Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2012

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Mfati, Lebogang Naomi. "An attitudinal study of North West University students on domestic violence in SOuth Africa / Lebogang Naomi Mfati." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/14330.

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This study focuses on the views and attitudes of students of the Northwest University, Mafikeng campus regarding domestic violence in South Africa. Quantitative research techniques are used. The primary data collection instrument is the questionnaire which is self-administered and the sample comprised of students from the North West University. Factors associated with the cause of domestic violence include power to control, drugs and alcohol abuse, socialization process and depression. Finally, the recommendations include stricter laws for domestic violence cases, educational campaigns on the negative implications of the problem and higher conviction rates for the perpetrators of domestic violence
Thesis (M. Soc Sci) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2012

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Makunye, atiase Matthews. "Academic staff's aparthy towards formal professional development programmes at North west University, Mafikeng campus / Matiase Matthews Makunye." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/15657.

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The purpose of this dissertation was to explore reasons for academics' apathy towards formal professional development programmes at North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. For this study, the research design used was essentially descriptive, employing both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to gather and analyse data. Three techniques, namely, questionnaire surveys, analysis of University documentary sources on professional development, and literature review, were utilised to obtain information pertinent to this study. The researcher established from the literature that the possible reasons for apathy towards professional development could be that people do not feel that their needs coincide with the mission/purpose statement of their organisation; people have conflicting commitments and, as a result, are often unable to expend the levels of time and energy called for by the organisation; and that people believe that they do not play a significant role in the processes that drive their organisation. The literature also highlighted the following major impediments to professional development: low priority and lack of support; lack of reward for or incentives to attend training sessions; existence of panels and committees in charge of professional development, but inactive; lack of time; existing perceptions of staff training; difficulties of timetabling; and lack of specific funding. The questionnaire was structured around the following broad areas identified in the purpose of the study; strategies and activities that may be used to conduct professional development programmes in the University, rationale for participating in professional development programmes, academic staff's perceptions of professional development programmes, outcomes or effectiveness of professional development programmes, factors that are likely to promote professional development initiatives, and factors that are likely to impede professional development initiatives. The last question provided the respondents with the opportunity for additional information that they deemed necessary for the study. Despite all the perceived impediments to professional development, the respondents felt positive that if things are done correctly, the future of professional development in Higher Education Institutions is bright. However, there is an urgent need to take stock of the effectiveness of the current professional development initiatives and the findings from this study would serve as a basis for professional development initiatives in Higher Education Institutions. To this end the University needs to institute periodic needs assessment for professional development for both academics and the Institution as a whole. This will surely go a long way towards achieving the overall objective of professional development, which is the development of the individual and the Institution.
Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2012

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Olivier, Elana. "A needs analysis among students at the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University concerning a primary health care centre." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/10897.

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M.P.H., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2010
Introduction No health care services are available for staff or students on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University. Lack of finances and the notion that the health of the campus community is not the core business of a university are reasons for not providing some form of health care service. The Declaration of Alma-Ata was adopted internationally, stating that essential health care must be made universally accessible to all people. South Africa endorses the Declaration of Alma-Ata and commits itself to ensure equitable access to health care. A needs analysis of the Higher Education AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) demonstrated that most South African universities, within reasonable means, respond to their students' health needs by providing some form of primary health care service. The researcher is adopting an ecological approach using the Healthy Campus Model. The model is based on primary health care principles and values which refer to the health needs of people as this would assist in alleviating the burden of disease and the risks thereof. The Healthy Campus Model also explores equal access and utilization of quality health care whereby these principles of primary health care and community participation would guide such a service. This approach determines whether basic human rights of access to health care have been met. Materials and Methods In this study the research design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. The survey is part of a comprehensive health needs assessment, using a mainly quantitative questionnaire as a data collection tool. The study population consisted of full-time students enrolled at the Potchefstroom Campus. It included subgroups on gender, seniority and place of residence and was chosen specifically to identify possible high-risk activities and influences on student health. A sample size of 370 students and confidence interval of 95% were calculated. Both purposive and a volunteer sampling were used. iii Results The most significant finding is the students' need for an affordable and accessible health care facility with a high level of client confidentiality and quality of service. The survey included data of the financial needs of students regarding their primary source of financial assistance as an indication of their financial wealth. Access to finances specifically allocated for health care shows that almost half of the target population (47,54%) do not have the surety of access to a source of finance to cover their medical expenses. However, the majority (74,32%) are willing to contribute towards cost-effective and affordable health care and do not expect free health care. Accessible health care services are also of major concern. The majority of students (68,38%) stay on or within walking distance from campus. The results indicated furthermore that students’ have specific health needs and preferences. The highest priority of health care were given to acute care or minor ailments (79,5%) followed by counselling care (70,6%). A need for HIV and Aids clinical programmes (69,8%) and health awareness and prevention programmes (67,6%) was indicated. The majority (83,74%) indicated that the services of the proposed health care centre will be preferred and utilized if available and affordable. Discussion The results of the health needs analysis on the Potchefstroom Campus clearly indicate that the students have definite needs for such services. The researcher argues that the institution is at risk by NOT responding to the students’ health needs. Absence of a health care service attributes to the inauspicious health environment of the campus. By supporting the ecological approach, the researcher concurs that a healthy environment has the greatest impact on good health and that health and educational success are interdependent. Conclusion and Recommendation Educational success is a strategic priority and the core business of all institutions of learning. Establishing a primary health care service and acting on the health needs of the students is a risk abatement strategy to surmise educational success. A follow-up survey to determine the top ten health impediments on campus is recommended to measure and manage academic and health-related successes.

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Mothobi, Victor Letswamotse. "The impact of multiculturalism at work on job satisfaction and organisational commitment in a tertiary institution / Victor Letswamotse Mothobi." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11852.

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This dissertation looks at the existence of multiculturalism within the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus after the merger. It also assesses the extent to which there is organisational commitment and job satisfaction within this institution of higher learning. Using frequencies and descriptive statistics, the article provides an overview of the extent of the impact of multiculturalism on organisational commitment and job satisfaction in the identified institution. Furthermore, the article evaluates the extent of relationships between multiculturalism as an independent variable and organisational commitment and job satisfaction as dependent variables. Data collected from 250 respondents using the self-administered questionnaires was analysed using SPSS. The results show that respondents’ self-assessment of their productivity is affirmative. It also indicates that most respondents are satisfied with their work and their responses to the intention to leave the organisation are in the negative. Contrary to the position of most researchers in previous literature, data collected in this study shows that multiculturalism does not result in the sampled employees intending to leave the organisation. It also indicates that the respondents do not show any negative effect of multiculturalism. This positive impact may be attributed to the fact that most respondents indicated their commitment to the institution and satisfaction with their work. The results of this study should be interpreted in the context of academia. In this regard, in a different environment, multiculturalism may be found to result in different findings. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalised to other sectors and industries. In addition, it is safe to generalise the findings only to the Campus at which the study was conducted. Findings of this study show that there is no relationship between multicultural norm and practices and organisational commitment as well as job satisfaction. It nonetheless shows that most employees are productive and satisfied and have no intention to leave the institution. The study recommends that the institution adopts a focused approach to nurturing multiculturalism. In order to improve multiculturalism, it is recommended that the institution creates awareness and trains employees about diversity. It is also recommended that the North-West University enhances job satisfaction through team building activities.
MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

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Komane, Matshidiso Sinah. "The relationship between self-concept, academic achievement and peer counselling among students of the University of North West / Matshidiso Sinah Komane." Thesis, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11403.

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The research attempts to find the relationship between self-concept, academic achievement and peer counselling among students of the University of North West in South Africa. The study covered the following: Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Diplomas. The following questions are the focus of the research: Do you accept criticism objectively?; Do you reward yourself when YSU study?; and Are you comfortable working in a group?. Data for the research were collected by means of questionnaires. Facts, opinions and information were obtained from 100 respondents. An analysis of data revealed some interesting results. Though self-concept, academic achievement and peer counselling were in a way related, it is crucial for all stakeholders to make coherent efforts to assist students to improve drastically in their academic performance.
Thesis (M. Ed.) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2003

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Ndwandwe, Patience Sibongile. "Patrons' perceptions of library services at the Mafikeng campus of the North-West university library / Patience Sibongile Ndwandwe." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11182.

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Academic libraries exist in institutions of Higher learning to satisfy the information needs of their parent bodies. For libraries to offer quality service, they must implement total quality management and use customer service as a tool to achieve customer satisfaction which will in turn ensure participation and involvement of stakeholders resulting in continuous improvement to the satisfaction of customers. Customer satisfaction will change the negative perception of customers and ensure loyalty. Customer satisfaction requires expectations of customers be known to be satisfied and perceptions to be known,, if negative, be changed. The Study intended to investigate the perceptions of users towards library services of the North West University Library at Mafikeng Campus. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire administered to students and staff in all faculties of the University. A sample of 150 students and 150 staff members was used. The library services that were used in the questionnaire were those that impact on customer care such as circulations, information services, collection development, media and special collections and information access. The main findings showed that both staff and students' perceptions of the library services to be negative due to perceived lack of resources (Books and journals), lack of training on library use and e-resources and incompetent staff. The researcher recommended that the library must put in place structures that will be used to communicate information and educate stakeholders about the library and help identify problem areas to be solved. The recommended structures are a Library Council for students and Library Committee for staff. The researcher also recommends that the library consult with stakeholders on issues of common interest such as training, orientation, rules and regulations to ensure cooperation. The researcher further recommends performance evaluation of the library by stakeholders and benchmarking with other institutions. This study suggested an in depth study of user perceptions for each library service offered and a study of user expectations of different user categories of library services as areas of further research.
Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2010

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Kruger, Esti. "The relationship between isokinetic knee extensor and flexor muscle strength and vertical jump performance in university rugby union players of the North-West University." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/15509.

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Introduction: Rugby is a professional sport which places emphasises on strength, power, speed and endurance. Therefore the accurate assessment of rugby performance is very important for sports and exercise therapists to enable peak performance for the players. Lower limb strength is often tested by means of isokinetic testing, whilst functional power is tested by means of the vertical jump test. Sophisticated equipment used in the measurement of performance indicators, are often not available in smaller communities and rural areas. A good correlation between laboratory testing and functional testing could be of great value for determining performance in less fortunate communities. Aim of Study: To determine the relationship between isokinetic strength testing of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups and vertical jump performance in rugby players. Methods: Fifty one male, rugby players who were part of the Varsity Cup Tournament in (2011) participated in this study. Ethical approval was given by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of the University of Witwatersrand. Height and weight were measured. Isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength was tested (Biodex system 4 dynamometer TM ) at 60˚/sec (5 repetitions), 180˚/sec (10 repetitions) and 300˚/sec (15 repetitions). A single leg vertical jump was done using the Vertec and the performance was assessed as maximal height jump in centimetres. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) are reported for all outcomes. The SPSS software (IBM. SPSS version 21) was used for analysis. A Pearson's Product Moment Correlation coefficient was calculated between the isokinetic parameters of quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the vertical jump height and power (watts). An independent t-test and a paired t-test were used to calculate the differences between the forward and backline players and the dominant (Dom) and non-dominant (ND) legs. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.4 ± 1.2 years; they were 1.83 ± 7.4m tall and weighed 99.3 ± 13.8kg. There were 26 forward players (mean height of 1.88 ± 7.2m and mean weight of 109.9 ± 10.3kg) and 25 backline players (mean height of 1.80 ± 5.5m and mean weight of 88.3 ± 6.1kg). The forwards were significantly taller and heavier than the backline players (p = 0.0001). The forwards produced significant greater peak power in the vertical jump than the backline players in both the dominant and non-dominant legs (p=0.0001). The PT (Nm) decreased as the angular velocity increased from 60˚/sec to 300˚/sec. A significant negative correlation (r = - 0.313; p = 0.025) between peak torque (PT) concentric strength from the hamstrings at 60º/sec and the vertical jump height on the non-dominant side were found. Quadriceps PT to vertical power at the higher velocities showed significant correlations at 180º/sec (dominant: r = 0.294; p = 0.011) and 300º/sec (dominant: r = 0.352; p = 0.011; non-dominant: r = 0.293; p = 0.037). No significant correlations were found between peak torque and vertical jump height when corrected for body weight. When correlating PT and vertical jump power corrected for body weight significant negative correlations was found at 180º/sec (dominant: r = 0.319; p = 0.022; non-dominant: r = 0.305; p = 0.030) for the hamstrings. Conclusion: The findings from the presented study found no significant correlation between lower limb isokinetic knee muscle torque parameters and vertical jump performance in rugby union players. Future research should investigate the relationship between isokinetic testing and vertical jump height by including the parameters of a multi joint mechanism.

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Swart, Pianca. "Assessment of food security-related projects of the Student Rag Community Service Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University / Pianca Swart." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/15597.

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Food security is a global concern, experienced at a household level in South Africa (SA). The country experiences income inequality with a high unemployment rate. Many that are employed live under the international poverty line. The Potchefstroom area in the North-West Province of SA has a high unemployment rate. The Student Rag Community Service (SRCS) is a student driven non-profit organisation (NPO) of the North-West University (NWU) that is actively involved in socio-economic development of communities within this area. Some community programmes attempt to address food security, but it was uncertain which SRCS projects address such programmes. Unsustainable programmes may lead to greater food insecurity. Much funding has been used for SRCS projects and if unsustainable, funds were not optimally utilised. Archived documentation of implemented SRCS projects were not stored in a system that supported easy reference. Programmes were not assessed against clear sustainability indicators (SI), thus the sustainability thereof was uncertain. Thus, the research question was: Which of the SRCS projects addressed food security through their activities and programmes and were these projects sustainable? The study aimed to assess the food security-related SRCS community projects to promote sustainable development. A case study was done to assess this in its real-life content. The mixed methods strategy was used through the three data collection phases. Further, a non-probability sampling method and the triangulation design were used to compare data. Firstly, the available archived documentation (September 2007 until August 2011) was compiled in an electronic database. Data from the most recent term were scrutinised (September 2010 until August 2011) and food security-related projects (21/48) were identified and those with feeding schemes (5/21). These projects mostly address the themes: food and nutrition, hygiene and infrastructure. Secondly, these projects were visited and community project members were interviewed to assess their experiences with the SRCS’s project involvement and their opinions towards sustainability. Lastly, the SRCS project leaders’ (n=20), of the previous term (September 2012 until August 2013), knowledge and understanding of project sustainability were assessed through a group administered questionnaire. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and quantitative data were statistically analysed. Results indicated positive and negative expectations of community project members. Students indicated that community project members always or often participate and have sufficient skills and competences, but this was not indicated by community project members. Exposure or awareness was believed to increase project capacity. Available funds influenced the ownership and participation of community project members. Statistical analysis indicated a relationship between capacity building, empowerment and production of own food sources. Although some community project members and SRCS project leaders were able to define sustainability and agreed upon SI, these were not implemented or measured at projects. Within the study, SI based on the livelihood assets from literature, were used to assess projects. Some activities created dependence without focusing on the development of assets. Study limitations included a language barrier between the SRCS and the community, and the accessibility of project leaders after the ending of the annual SRCS term. The study might improve current and innovative SRCS projects to overcome poverty and promote food security.
M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

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Muller, Irene. "Using the resilience assessment approach to evaluate social-ecological systems at the North-West University (Vaal Campus) / Irene Muller." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/15454.

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This research reports on the use of the resilience assessment approach to evaluate the social-ecological systems (SES) at the NWU (Vaal) for a nine month period from March 2013 to November 2013. The research aims to determine the merits of the use of a resilience assessment approach to determine the resilience of the NWU (Vaal) in respect of social-ecological systems. Objectives of the research include the identification of disturbing events to environmental resilience, to construct a conceptual social-ecological systems model of the NWU (Vaal) in order to determine thresholds relevant to resilience and to determine if the resilience assessment approach can be applied at the NWU (Vaal). Data was collected in the form of a literature review, which aided with the construction of a time line for the focal social-ecological system; document reviews, interviews with relevant role players, observation by the researcher and the use of the assessment approach to construct the social-ecological system model. The research findings include identification of possible disturbances and thresholds relevant to resilience of the social-ecological system of the NWU (Vaal). The construction of a social-ecological system model of the NWU (Vaal) aids with proposals to incorporate a stewardship approach which enhance resilience of the focal social-ecological system.
M (Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

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Butler, Ian. "Integrating language and literature in English studies : a case study of the English 100 course at the University of North West." Thesis, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1663.

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This thesis is a case study, conducted within a paradigm of action research, of the English 100 course at the University of the North West (now the Mafikeng campus of North West University), as taught by the author in the years 2000 - 2001. Its aim is to investigate the effect of the integration of language and literature on the first year of the undergraduate programme. The case study is placed in context through a consideration of educational change in South Africa. This includes changes taking place in the study of English as a second language at tertiary level, as well as the broader innovations to South African education brought about by government legislation. Two aspects of the latter are singled out for special attention: outcomes-based education and quality assurance. The case study is also contextualized at an international level through a survey of the theory and practice of an integrated approach to the teaching of language and literature to ESOL students. A survey of the literature, mainly in the last twenty years, reveals a growing interest in this approach. An attempt is then made to encapsulate this research in the form of fourteen statements about the supposed benefits of integrating language and literature. Through a detailed analysis of the performance of the first-year students, the case study subsequently attempts to test the validity of these claims. The study is presented as a process involving syllabus design, materials development, implementation of the course and an evaluation of its efficacy by the teacher-researcher. In line with the methodology of action research, a variety of methods is used to gather data. These include introspection and reflection (through the use of a teacher's journal and lesson reports), the analysis of written work produced by students, classroom observation by a `critical friend', triangulation (through the use of questionnaires, students' journals and self-reflective tasks) and documentation from the Department of English and university administration. The analysis of these data is both quantitative and qualitative. In keeping with the philosophy of action research and current educational practice, an attempt was made to incorporate and act upon the insights of students and colleagues. Reports on work-in-progress were also published in a number of fora: references are given in the thesis. The assumptions of action research are also apparent in the way in which the study is situated within cycles of action, reflection and improvement of pedagogical practice. The conclusion of the thesis is partly stated in terms of quality assurance: an attempt is made to assess the suitability of the integrated approach with regard to its fitness of and for purpose. It is concluded that a number of contextual factors, such as the conditions under which the English 100 course was taught and the under-preparedness of many of the students, militated against its success. The case-study is also assessed in terms of its contribution to international research in the field, and the personal development of the researcher. As is commonly found both in action research and in case study research, the findings of the study are context specific: consequently, no claim is made that they are generalizable to all other contexts.
English Studies
D.Litt. et Phil.

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Pretorius, Hendrina Francina. "Developing a service quality model for an academic library : a case study of the North-West University - Vaal Triangle Campus Library." Diss., 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20099.

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The shifting focus in the role of academic libraries entail a better understanding, awareness and responsiveness to the needs of the library users. In an environment of change and an age of accountability academic libraries have to determine and demonstrate the impact their resources and services are having on their institutional mission. Service quality is not based exclusively on the perception of the librarians, but also dependent on the perception of users. Only customers judge quality; all other judgments are essentially irrelevant" (Zeithaml, Parasuraman, Berry 1999). The reason of this study was to assess quality in the library and to determine the perceptions of the Vaal Triangle Campus Library users as they relate to quality service and to develop a model to improve service quality. The aim was to determine library users' minimum expectations for services, their desired level of service and then to identify the extent of service they currently perceive on three dimensions of service quality: affect of service, library as place and access to information. A triangulation, mixed method research methodology was employed in this study. Data was collected using focus group as well as individual interviews and the LibQUAL questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used to determine participants for the interviews while a total market survey was employed for the questionnaire respondents. Findings indicate that there is a gap between the users' expectations and perception of service quality. The results indicate that there are variations within the different user groups regarding the expectations and perceptions of service quality at the Vaal Triangle Campus library. In view of the findings, the study concluded by developing a service quality model based on Deming's PDCA cycle, the ISO model and the Hoshin Kanri process
Information Science
M. Inf.

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Molefi, Molefakgotla Alex. "Potential problems of diversity management in merging institutions : a case of the Universities of North-West and Potchefstroom / Molefakgotla Alex Molefi." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11465.

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The general objective of the study was to elicit responses of workers on the improvement of diversity management in order to create a conducive working relationship. The purpose of the study was to assist management of the new institution in promoting a consistent approach to diversity management through the findings and recommendations of the study. Questionnaire were used as the data-gathering instrument. The data was coded, read into a computer and analysed. The SAS computer program was used for the analysis of data. There were no surprises findings in this study. The findings show that the majority of the respondents belong to the Christian religion. The new institution need to know that increasing heterogeneity of work population requires greater awareness with regard to work goals and work values.
M.Com (HRM) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005

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Tshidzumba, Ndivhoniswani Aaron. "Critical evaluation of GroupWare for teaching & learning, course administration and internal communication within the University of North West / Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11450.

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The University of Bophuthatswana Act (No. I0 of 1978) led to the appointment, by President Mangope, of the University Council, which held the first meeting on 28 September l 978. The Act charges the Council with the control of the University and all its affairs and activities. "Uppermost in my mind was the wish to create in our own country a university whose structures will be determined by the actual needs of today's people in today's world" (President, Kgosi Dr Lucas Mangope, 1992: 15) Today the universities key goal is teaching and learning. To better serve the need of its students, staff and clients while at the same time achieve its goal, the institution has pursued a vigorous changes on its IT system and IS policy. As part of the institution's communication strategy. it uses e-mail. Internet and Intranet as forms of electronic communication. Because of developments in technology and the high premium placed by the University on quality education. there is a need for the current mail system to be upgraded. This project seeks to provide brief definition of GroupWare systems as well as an overview of its features and benefits ·with particular reference to Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes and Novell GroupWise. This report explores the features of Group Wise 6.0 and highlights some of its benefits to the University of the North West. This entails evaluating options for group-based user computing, collaborative systems and their impact on Teaching & Learning, Course Administration and Internal Communication. This report also compares the use of GroupWare application in production at other institutions and a local company.· Other areas of investigation that can improve the system both for Teaching & Learning. Course Administration and Internal communication are proposed.
M.Admin. (Comm.) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2004

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Bekker, Sonya. "Leadership and team development in higher education : the case of the Faculty of Arts, Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University / Sonya Bekker." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/12005.

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The academic environment in higher education institutions has changed over the last years due to certain factors, which in turn, have influenced the way in which higher education institutions are governed. This has resulted in a shift in the way management and leadership are approached to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in higher education institutions. The role of teams in the academic environment is crucial to assist the institution in meeting institutional goals and adhering to national educational objectives, which in turn assumes that leadership is a key element in the development of successful teams. However, it is necessary to distinguish between leadership and management as these concepts are not synonyms and have different operational functions. The focus of this study is to ascertain what the leadership role of School Directors in the Faculty of Arts of the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University (NWU), is in team development. As the NWU is a higher education institution, it is important to place the focus of the study in this context and, therefore, a description is given of the higher education environment in South Africa. Tuckman and Jensen’s (1977) five-stage model of team development is used to ascertain whether the academic teams in the Faculty of Arts are functioning optimally and whether there is, in fact, team development. This model is furthermore important for this study as it ascertains whether the School Director assists and plays an active role in the development of the team. The study furthermore aims to establish whether a transformational or transactional leadership style, or both, is portrayed by School Directors and which of these styles, or a presence of both styles, enhances the leadership role of School Directors in team development. The empirical findings were obtained by means of a qualitative research method. Semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to academics in all five Schools in the Faculty of Arts, as well as to the School Directors and the high return rate of 91% increase the validity of the study. The questionnaires explored and described how the academics, as well as the School Directors, perceived their leadership roles in team development. The findings from the questionnaires indicated that there were instances when the perception of School Directors differed from the perceptions of academics pertaining to the effectiveness of the team and the leadership style portrayed by School Directors. The analysis of the results from the questionnaires indicated that both transactional and transformational leadership styles were portrayed by School Directors, and that effective team development warranted a combination of these two leadership styles. Recommendations were made accordingly and a strategy proposed to enhance the role of School Directors in the development of academic teams.
M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

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Laura, Onyebukwa Ogochukwu. "An analysis of knowledge and opinions on xenophobia among North West University students, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa (2008-2010) / Onyebukwa Ogochukwu Laura." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/14450.

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The main objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge and opinions on Xenophobia among Students in North West University, Mafikeng Campus, North-West Province, South Africa. The hypotheses tested by the research were that negative opinions about foreigners lead to inclination to xenophobia; positive opinions about foreigners lead to non-inclination toward xenophobia and that economic and sociological factors influence negative opinions about foreigners. The results of the study showed that the major source of opinions about foreigners were mostly through personal contact with foreigners possibly within the university environment as foreign lecturers and students account for a sizable percentage of the university population. The majority of the respondents knew and understood xenophobia as hatred and dislike of foreigners. Many of the respondents were of the opinion that only a few South Africans were xenophobic. Only 2.5% actually admitted to having hatred and dislike for foreigners. It was found that whereas the incIination of respondents to xenophobia decreases with increase in friendships with foreigners, it increases with increase in the opinion that foreigners must not be allowed into South Africa. Al so while inclination of respondents to xenophobia increases with increase in the opinion that foreigners are a threat to locals securing matrimonial partners; in their own words "taking away their women", surprisingly it decreases with increase in the view that foreigners are taking the jobs meant for South Africans. Previous studies have shown that attitudes toward xenophobia arc mostly associated with people with very little or no educational exposure and that fear, dislike and hatred, generally result from ignorance. This appears to be the case regarding xenophobia and negative attitudes towards foreigners in South Africa, the primary challenge identified here is education. Adult education at grass-root level has a role to play. It is recommended that citizens be given access to accurate in formation through all sorts of media such as television programmes, radio, newspapers and magazines, to dispel myths and stereotypes about migrants, immigrants and refugees. In addition, a greater sense of continental ism and international ism should be developed in the country through adult education and curriculum reform at schools and through the public pronouncements of opinion-makers. Service delivery should also be improved in the rural areas and township settlements which evidently arc the areas prone to such incidents of xenophobia. Immigration laws should be revised to provide guidelines regarding the issuance and renewal or permits, as well as implementing more stringent steps to ensure effective border control, thereby limiting and eventually curbing illegal migrants in the country.
Thesis (M. Arts) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2011

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