Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'University of KwaZulu-Natal – Employees – Attitudes'

Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa, Performance Management Systems (PMSs) are widely implemented in municipalities to monitor and evaluate service delivery mechanisms for the purpose of improving organisational performance. The implementation of an effective PMS depends on several factors, including human elements. Therefore, the purpose of this research at Newcastle Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal was to assess the available managerial knowledge, skills and attitudes required for implementing an effective PMS for organisational performance. A qualitative research design was employed to describe the performance management processes currently implemented at Newcastle Municipality and the characteristics of these processes. A quantitative survey method was useful for collecting data and for precluding the management and performance practitioners identified through a stratified sampling method from providing data that was not within the scope of this research. The research found that managerial knowledge and skills were available and adequate at Newcastle Municipality. Despite these findings, there was a minor but significant need to improve existing managerial skills. Furthermore, the research uncovered mixed reactions towards managerial attitudes and it was difficult to determine the purpose of the implementation of PMS at the municipality and the attitude of members towards it. This was because the majority of respondents provided neutral responses to the question of whether there was a lack of positive attitude towards PMS from members in the organisation and because an equal number of respondents agreed and disagreed that PMS was implemented to comply with legislation rather than used as an internal control measure. Other attitudinal data contradicted the abovementioned findings on managerial knowledge and skills owing to the common feeling among respondents that knowledge and skills pertaining to the implementation of PMS were lacking in the municipality and that the municipality did not have the capacity or sufficient resources to implement PMS. It was concluded that the interaction between performance managers and existing Knowledge Management (KM) sharing practices at Newcastle Municipality probably contributed to an increase in managerial knowledge and skills. Future research is proposed to confirm this assumption. Furthermore, owing to discrepancies in feedback on managerial attitudes, the entire study conducted at Newcastle Municipality should be replicated in a similar setting in order to improve the reliability of its findings. It is recommended that future research should utilise a combination of quantitative and qualitative data-collection methods to grant participants the opportunity to explain their rationale for indicating a particular attitude in the questionnaire. This will also assist prospective researchers to formulate a specific viewpoint of respondents’ attitudes towards the implementation of an effective PMS, which will contribute to the corpus of scientific knowledge about PMSs by highlighting the real causes of PMS implementation failure.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In Suid-Afrika word prestasiebestuurstelsels (PBS’e) algemeen in munisipaliteite geïmplementeer om dienslewerigsmeganismes te monitor en te evalueer. Die doel hiervan is om organisatoriese prestasie te verbeter. Die implementering van ʼn effektiewe PBS berus op verskeie faktore, onder andere menslike elemente. Daarom was die doel van hierdie navorsing om kennis, vaardighede en ingesteldheid met betrekking tot bestuur, wat verlang word om ʼn effektiewe PBS in munisipaliteite te implementeer, te assesseer ten einde organisatoriese prestasie te verbeter. Hierdie studie is by Newcastle Munisipaliteit in KwaZulu-Natal uitgevoer. ʼn Kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp is gebruik om die prestasiebestuurprosesse wat tans by Newcastle Munisipaliteit geïmplementeer word, asook die eienskappe van hierdie prosesse, te beskryf. ʼn Kwantitatiewe opname is gedoen om data in te samel en te verhoed dat bestuurders en prestasiepraktisyns, wat deur ʼn gestratifiseerde steekproefmetode geïdentifiseer is, data voorsien wat buite die bestek van hierdie navorsing val. Daar is deur middel van hierdie navorsing bevind dat kennis en vaardighede ten opsigte van bestuur sowel beskikbaar as voldoende is by Newcastle Munisipaliteit. Ten spyte van hierdie bevinding, is daar bepaal dat daar wel ʼn klein, maar beduidende behoefte daaraan is om bestaande bestuursvaardighede te verbeter. Verder het die navorsing gemengde reaksies ten opsigte van bestuursingesteldheid ontlok en dit was moeilik om te bepaal wat die doel van die implementering van ʼn PBS in die munisipaliteit is en wat lede van die organisasie se ingesteldheid teenoor hierdie stelsel is. Die rede hiervoor is dat die meeste respondente ʼn neutrale stand ingeneem het teenoor organisasielede se moontlike tekort aan ʼn positiewe ingesteldheid teenoor die PBS en omdat dieselfde hoeveelheid respondente beweer en daarvan verskil dat die PBS geïmplementeer is om aan wetgewing te voldoen eerder as om gebruik te word as ʼn interne beheermaatreël. Ander data oor ingesteldheid het die bogenoemde bevindinge oor bestuurders se kennis en vaardighede weerspreek, aangesien respondente oor die algemeen voel dat kennis en vaardighede om ʼn PBS in die munisipaliteit te implementeer, te kort skiet en dat die munisipaliteit nie die kapasiteit en genoegsame hulpbronne het om ʼn PBS te implementeer nie. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat prestasiebestuurders en die bestaande praktyk by Newcastle Munisipaliteit om kennisbestuur te deel, waarskynlik bygedra het tot ʼn toename in bestuurskennis en -vaardighede. Verdere navorsing oor die onderwerp word aanbeveel om hierdie aanname te bevestig. As gevolg van die teenstrydighede in terugvoer oor bestuursingesteldheid, word daar aanbeveel dat verdere navorsing onderneem moet word waarin die hele studie wat by Newcastle Munisipaliteit onderneem is, in ʼn soortgelyke omgewing gerepliseer word. Dit sal die betroubaarheid van studie se bevindinge kan verbeter. Vir die doel hiervan word daar aanbeveel dat verdere navorsing van ʼn kombinasie van kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe data-insamelingsmetodes gebruik moet maak om aan deelnemers die geleentheid te bied om te kan verduidelik waarom hulle ʼn bepaalde ingesteldheid in die vraelys aangedui het. Voornemende navorsers sal ook hierdeur in staat gestel word om ʼn spesifieke perspektief oor respondente se houdings teenoor die implementering van ʼn effektiewe PBS te formuleer. Dit sal bydra tot die korpus van wetenskaplike kennis oor PBS’e deur die werklike redes aan die lig te bring waarom die implementering van ʼn PBS kan misluk.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-61).
Disabled students face a number of challenges in accessing equitable education within higher education institutions. The University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, as stated in the Policy on Students and Staff with Disabilities, is committed to making tertiary education accessible and inclusive for all students. However, it has been observed that physically disabled students are under-represented in the science and engineering fields, as there is a misconception that disabled students cannot fulfil all the criteria required to complete these programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the attitudes of academics to the possibility of admitting physically disabled students with the Undergraduate Civil Engineering Programme at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. A qualitative approach was adopted where data was collected by carrying out in-depth interviews with five permanent full - time academics within the Civil Engineering Programme. The participants included 2 professors, 2 senior lecturers and one lecturer who have been teaching courses in Civil Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for periods between 3 and 20 years. The results of the study revealed that the academics interviewed all displayed a positive attitude in accommodating physically disabled students within their program. However, some challenges were identified, which included site / field work in the curriculum. All the participants indicated that these challenges can be met and are willing to provide the support that may be required by physically disabled students. Recommendations were made, that it implemented, will result in changes being made not only to the physical environment, but also as to how curricula can be planned and delivered.

This study examines the challenges and opportunities that face the merging of Higher Education institutions with the focus on staff’s responses to the merger at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN). The focus of the study was based on staff’s attitudes and their varying experiences since the merging of former University of Durban Westville (UDW) and University of Natal (UN) forming the new institution of UKZN. It examines the barriers, challenges and opportunities of the Heads of School, Academic staff and Administrative staff in the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences (HDSS) and the Faculty of Management Studies. The study also reviewed the international or rather global experiences of mergers of Higher Education Institutions and brought into perspective examples of mergers such as in the UK, Australia, United States, Netherlands and Norway. The study then shifted focus to a much more local level in terms of UKZN in assessing the ethos of governance in terms of dialogue and inclusivity and how they perceived the merger of the two former institutions. Since the study is a qualitative, judgmental sampling technique was utilized in this study since it allowed me the researcher to use my own discretion as to who is in the best position to be knowledgeable about the subject under investigation. Therefore a structured interview was employed in this study with a set of inter-related questions, asked in the same order to all participants of this study. Issues of governance, mismanagement of finances, degree scandals, demoralized staff, wage disputes and academic freedom are some of the negative aspects that are perceived to riddle the new institution.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Euthanasia has emerged as one of the leading ethical and moral issues of our time. This practice has been debated ever since ancient times. Medical and religious organizations are the front runners of this debate. At present, people of all classes have joined in and euthanasia movements have increased. Arguments in favour of euthanasia focus on the principles of self-determination and autonomy. The opponents on the other hand stress the danger of abuse of the practice and benefits of palliative care. The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes of university students towards the practice of euthanasia. The sample comprised three-hundred and ninety-two students from the faculties of Theology (100), Human Sciences (96), Law (99) and Medicine (99). Convenience sampling method was used to select the sample. Four different scales were used to collect data. MANOVA was used to analyze data. The results of this study showed that age and gender were not associated with the students' attitudes towards euthanasia, experiences with regards to end-of-life situations, level of religious beliefs and beliefs in autonomy. The students' year of study was also not associated with their attitudes towards euthanasia, level of religious beliefs as well as beliefs in autonomy. However, the findings showed that senior students had more experiences with regards to end-of-life situations, followed by post graduate while first- year students had the least experiences. Faculty was found to be associated with attitudes towards euthanasia, experiences with end-of-life situations as well as level of religious beliefs. Theology followed by Medical students showed the most positive attitudes towards euthanasia. Human sciences had the least positive attitudes towards euthanasia. Theology students had more experiences with regard to end-of-life situations while Human sciences showed the least experiences. Theology students were the most religious of the groups while Human sciences were the least. Medical students had the highest autonomy more than Human sciences students.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

Throughout history the discipline of psychology has been dominated by the study of mental illness as opposed to mental wellness. The introduction of positive psychology has caused a shift from the bias towards mental illness to a focus on psychological wellbeing. The aim of positive psychology is to begin to catalyse a change in the focus of psychology from preoccupation only with repairing the worst in life to building positive qualities. This has resulted in an increase of studies on positive traits and feelings. In light of this, work engagement has become a focus area particularly given that research has shown that disengagement or alienation at the workplace is central to the problem of employees’ lack of commitment and motivation. It is therefore important to understand why some employees stay engaged at work even whilst facing challenges with constant change and why others disengage at work. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between three psychological conditions namely psychological meaningfulness, psychological safety, and psychological; availability; job characteristics; and work engagement. Furthermore, the study sought to investigate the mediating effects of psychological conditions on the relationship between work engagement and job characteristics. A survey design was used with a questionnaire as a data gathering instrument. The sample consisted of 150 employees of a university. Descriptive statistics (e.g. mean and standard deviations), Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and multiple regressions were used to analyse the data. The results showed that psychological meaningfulness was the strongest predictor of work engagement and that it fully mediated the relationship between job characteristics (job enrichment, work role fit and rewarding co-worker relations). Psychological availability did not predict work engagement but indicated a statistically significant correlation with cognitive, emotional and psychical resources. Limitations in this research are identified and recommendations are made for future research.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

This study assessed the sexual attitudes and behaviours of the students at the University ofKwaZulu-Natal, Westville campus. The relationships between high risk sexual behaviour and sexual attitudes were explored. The sample was obtained from the second and third year psychology classes, and III questionnaires were analysed using a quantitative, correlational analysis. The findings indicate that the majority of the students are engaging in high risk sexual behaviour. These high risk behaviours were found to relate to more traditional attitudes towards rape myths and sexual coercion, as well as more traditional attitudes towards sexuality issues. These findings can be used to inform future research on the campus, as well as to "inform future intervention strategies.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004

South Africa has one of the highest prevalence of HIV infections in the world. Sexual transmission is the primary mode of transmission across the country’s population. Misinformation about AIDS, negative attitudes to HIV testing and AIDS’ stigmatizing beliefs represent potential barriers to seeking HIV testing. Youth between 15-24 years have the greatest risk of HIV infection but only 37% of students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) had undertaken HIV counselling and testing (HCT) according to the HEAIDS (2008) report. Prevention of HIV and behaviour change includes knowledge about, and adequacy of, HIV counselling and testing (HCT) resources on campuses. The aim of this study was to investigate students’ perceptions about HCT at UKZN and make recommendations regarding improvements. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study of UKZN undergraduate students on the five campuses was conducted. Participants completed anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Of 965 surveyed students, 663 (71%) had tested for HIV among whom 545 (58%) were females and 501(52%) were 20-25 years. Fear of positive results, perceived low risk of acquiring the infection and having confidence in his/her partner influenced student HIV testing behaviour (p<0.001). A significant difference was also found in positive attitudes towards HCT on campus between people who had tested (median score 20) and people who had not tested (median score 18) (p < 0.05). Since one third of students at UKZN had not tested for HIV, HCT at UKZN needs to be advertised more effectively so as to increase HIV testing by students on campuses.
Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Retirement from work can be viewed from a number of standpoints: economic; medical; administrative and social. In South Africa research has mainly focused on social and economic factors with a strong bias towards state old age pensions and how retired people are more vulnerable to poverty as they are forced to share their pensions with their families and look after HIV/AIDS orphans (Noumbissi and Zuberi, 2001:45). This research will fill a gap by exploring the administrative aspect, the various policies that regulate retirement, and how these affect decisions to retire on individuals and the perceived effect on the performance of an organization. Gustman and Steinmeier (1991:98) argue that exits through retirement are one of the important labor market flows that shape the age structure of faculty, and help to determine the quality and costs of higher education thus it is worth investigating the policies that regulate this labor flow.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

This study identified the quality of education in regard to pedagogical content knowledge, personal characteristics of lecturers, and teaching and assessment strategies practices in the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), as experienced by student teachers. The study is an interpretive study following a qualitative approach, and focuses on students' understanding of their lived experiences. This is a case study of Fourth year B.Ed. students registered at UKZN in 2011 for Foundation and Intermediate (F & I) phase. 24 students were selected and had agreed to participate in the study but 15 actually participated in interviews. Student teachers argued that most lecturers employed by UKZN are good quality lecturers. There were some lecturers who were considered poor quality lecturers. Student teachers categorized poor quality lecturers as those who do not know how to teach, those who do not have experience, and those who were always away attending conferences or on sabbatical leaves. Student teachers considered an outstanding lecturer as a fully qualified person who is always on time and available for lectures and consultations. Student teachers claim to have acquired sound pedagogical content knowledge from the university. They concur that lecturers employed various assessment strategies which challenged students' higher order thinking abilities. The study revealed that the most common lecture delivery methods employed by lecturers are lecture method and reading (where the lecturer reads course materials in class). The student teachers noted that these methods were used with minimal variation. There were some lecturers who utilized resources such as overhead projectors while a few used PowerPoint presentations and some engaged students in discussion. Most student teachers regarded teaching practice as a programme which developed their teaching skills, helped them in developing confidence to address audience, and with planning and presenting lessons. But they claim that there was poor organisation of teaching practice. In the final chapter it is argued that quality as experienced by teacher education students in the 4th year is a complex phenomenon which covers especially areas of teaching practice, lecture delivery. This excludes other areas that pivotal in judging quality of high institution of education such as curriculum balance, financial resources and admission criteria.
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2012.

This exploratory study investigates the factors that facilitate or inhibit the uptake of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) among students aged 18-24 at the Howard College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It also examines the sexual behaviour of the students in order to determine if, and to what they are at risk of HIV infection. The study used a self-completed survey questionnaire to elicit participants' responses. On one hand, the key factors that were found to motivate the students to undergo VCT include: the desire to know one's HIV status, peer influence, future planning and commitment to long-term relationships. On the other hand, factors that inhibit VCT uptake among students include lack of awareness, low risk perception, stigma, fear of an HIV positive test result, lack of confidentiality, long waiting period to secure an appointment, and perceived lack of benefits of counselling . The study also established that among the sexually active students, some engage in risky sexual behaviour such as involvement with multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use. In the light of the findings, the study recommends measures that would be taken to improve VCT uptake amongst students, and contribute in curbing the spread of HIV.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

M. Tech. Human Resources Development
The aim of this research is to establish whether there is a significant relationship between employee engagement and discretionary effort at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. It also investigates the factors that relate to employee engagement and discretionary efforts and also to determine how different demographic groups perceive employee engagement and discretionary effort at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.

The casting of the votes for the first time for all South Africans irrespective of race, gender, social class and language brought hope of a better life for all in South Africa. There were fears and uncertainty but many were optimistic about the future in our country. The new democratic South Africa had challenges that needed drastic transformation. That included understanding each other in terms of social identities and power relations since these challenges involved the end of discrimination of any kind, living together, losing some privileges to those who had them, and sharing some powers. Before 1994 when South Africa was under the spell of apartheid, South Africans were divided into social groups that forbade people to know each other. Some people for example White people, men and upper class people who had privileges enjoyed their privileges in the expense of others who had no privileges like Indians, Coloureds, Africans, women and lower class people. These groups that were powerless were oppressed and discriminated against. That resulted into anger, hatred and dissatisfaction among people. They became far apart from each other. Therefore all South Africans (privileged and non privileged) had to renegotiate their social identities and change their understanding of who they are. That could not be done automatically, strategies had to be implemented so as to influence these kind of changes in people. This research was done in order to find if students on the Diversity and Learning (DaL) module of Social Justice Education have developed in their understanding of social identities. Interviews were done at the University of KwaZulu Natal Edgewood Campus. Literature concerning social identities was examined. A qualitative research design was used. A non - probability sampling method was used with reliance on available subjects. The snowball method was used to find 8 students, comprising of 2 Whites, 2 Blacks, 2 Coloureds and 2 Indians where both sexes were involved. Data was collected through an in-depth interview to enable self - reports from the samples. The finding of the research shows that students on the DaL module do seem to have gone through some changes, and these changes are in the areas which DaL module addresses, that is, race and gender.
Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

There is a paucity of South African data concerning the cross-cultural incidence of attitudes and behaviours associated with eating disorders. Research in this area has recognised that acculturation to a Western value system appears to have a pathogenic impact on the prevalence of disordered eating among non-Western ethnic groups. This study aimed to explore the relationship between acculturation and disordered eating, and to compare the level of disordered eating (as measured by the Eating Disorders Inventory [EDI]) among black and white female university students in KwaZulu-Natal. The roles of Body Mass Index (BMI) and socioeconomic status were also examined. The sample consisted of one hundred and twenty-two white female undergraduate students from the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg), fifteen black female undergraduate students from the University of Natal (Pietermaritzburg), and one hundred and fifty-four black female undergraduate students from the University of Zululand. It was found that although black subjects obtained significantly higher scores on the Drive for Thinness subscale of the EDI, white subjects obtained significantly higher scores on a combination of the three subscales designated to assess disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. Black subjects obtained significantly higher BMI scores than white subjects, and BMI was positively correlated with Body Dissatisfaction in both groups, and with Drive for Thinness in the white group only. No relationship was found between socioeconomic status and disordered eating. Similarly, no relationship was found between acculturation and disordered eating. This latter result is partly a function of problems experienced with the measures of acculturation. A comparison of black subjects from the two universities suggests that greater contact with white students is influential in terms of the development of disordered eating. The above results are discussed in terms of the available literature, and recommendations for future research are made on the basis of the limitations of this study. The data from this study is included in a nation wide cross-cultural study of eating disorders initiated by the Eating Disorders Co-ordinating Committee.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

This study examines the relationship between hegemonic masculinity and drunken driving behaviour among male students. Hegemonic masculinity is the most dominant form of masculinity and can be described as an ideological model of what is considered to be a 'real man' (Kimmel 2000:11). According to Wetherall (1996:323) hegemonic masculinity is essentially 'robocop'; tough, assertive, aggressive, all- conquering, cool and big. This research hypothesised that men who drink and drive are much more likely to display characteristics of hegemonic masculinity. Excessive drinking has always been synonymous with student culture and this research focuses on alcohol being viewed as a rite of passage for young male students into adulthood. Socialisation theories are used to explain how patterns of alcohol consumption among individuals are related to the socio-cultural context in which they live. These theories also explain how the ideals of hegemonic masculinity are acquired through the reproduction of norms, values and beliefs in a society or group of people. Thus this research project focuses on how alcohol consumption is considered part of the 'male domain' and due to this, men feel great pressure to drink in order to maintain their masculine identity. The research involved male students at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Quantitative methods were used in the form of a survey questionnaire. The survey provided statistical information about the incidence of drunken driving relating to masculinity discourse. The sample consisted of male student drivers who drank alcohol. Overall the sample consisted of young adult males with 215 male students participating in the survey with an average age of 22 years. The survey data was statistically analysed using a computer programme known as the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was divided into two groups, namely, the responses of sober male drivers and the responses of drunk male drivers. The sober drivers served as the control group while the drunk drivers served as the experimental group. The responses from these two groups were used to conduct independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests in order to assess which group displayed more attributes of hegemonic masculinity and whether or not there was a difference. Student responses from the open-ended questions were included as direct quotes to highlight the findings in the related closed questions. The findings reveal that the male students who drink and drive were more likely to display characteristics of hegemonic masculinity than the sober male drivers. These characteristics included: risk-taking, recklessness, strength, control and independence.
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

This study explores the experiences of oppression Lesotho students studying at the University of Natal (Durban). The study explored the experiences in relation to oppression in relation to racism, xenophobia and sexism. Interviews and observation were the research tools used in this study. The results reveal that most of these students experience a vertical racism in the same way black South Africans experience it and they also experience xenophobia from black South African students.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

Background: There is global concern about the impact of lifestyle related diseases which have been on a steady increase in recent years. Poor nutrition, reduced physical activity and cigarette smoking have been documented as the main lifestyle behaviors that result in an increase in prevalence of the three most common occurring chronic diseases of lifestyle namely: diabetes, hypertension and cardiac diseases. Healthcare workers are frontline personnel and are seen as role models by their family, friends and the community they serve. It is therefore important that positive healthy lifestyle behaviors are practiced and encouraged by healthcare workers themselves. Objectives: To develop an initial descriptive profile of hospital employees with regards to their general knowledge, attitudes and practices about healthy lifestyles and to make appropriate recommendations to the hospital management on how the workplace can support the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Methods: The study was conducted at one health institution using the permanently employed staff as the study population. An exploratory descriptive study design was used in context of the precede-proceed planning framework. Self-administered questionnaires and consent forms were distributed in English and isiZulu. Collection boxes were placed in all wards and departments. Data was captured using the SPSS version 13 statistical package. Results: The response rate was 42%. Respondents were classified into the administrative, general staff and health professional categories. There was a significant difference (p=0.03) between the staff body mass index and their weight perception. Knowledge and attitude had mean indices of greater than 70% and the practice indices were lower for all three categories at less than 45%. A significant difference was found between certain staff categories in the knowledge and attitude indices but no significant difference existed in their practices. Conclusion: All categories of staff possessed adequate knowledge and attitudes but this is not transferred into positive health promoting practices. The possibility of workplace health promoting interventions was well supported by staff especially with regards to healthier meal choices at the staff dining room and an onsite gym facility. The main limitations of the study were the non-standardized data collection tool, and the poor response rate, which make the generalization of the study findings difficult.
Thesis (M.PH.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

This research attempts to find the ideal ratio of IT staff to end-user at the University of Natal. It also examines the organisational structure of the Information Technology Division of Natal University. This study first examines available literature to establish the suggested structure and ratio. Next the IT function of a small sample of universities around the world is examined. The structure and ratio found at the University of Natal will be compared to the suggested model and to those of the other universities examined. From this study will emerge the ideal structure and ratio for the Information Technology Division of the University of Natal.
Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio)
The incidence of HIV/AIDS appears to be stabilizing in South Africa. However, it is stabilizing at an extremely high number. The South African youth are the most vulnerable to the virus with the main route of transmission being heterosexual intercourse. In South Africa KwaZulu-Natal is the epicenter for the virus, while in the Western Cape has the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours and sources of HIV/AIDS information among university students at two tertiary institutions in South Africa. Method: The study was a quantitative, cross - sectional, descriptive and comparative survey. Students from the University of the Western Cape and the University of KwaZulu Natal (Westville Campus) participated in the study. The study instrument was a questionnaire which was complied from other questionnaires based on literature. The questionnaire consisted of questions to gather information pertaining to the students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours and sources of HIV/AIDS information. The questionnaires were then tested for validity and reliability for South African students.The response rate for the questionnaires was 66% (N = 663). The main findings from the study showed that university students had a good general knowledge on HIV/AIDS.However students scored poorly in modes of HIV transmission. UKZN students scored higher than UWC students in the knowledge questionnaire. Males scored lower than females and there was also a significant association noted between age and knowledge.Students from both universities had a positive attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. There was a significant association between age and gender in terms of attitudes. Students from UWC deemed themselves as having less of a chance of contracting the disease compared to students from UKZN. UWC on the other hand students participated in more riskier behaviours than UKZN students. The media was the main source of HIV/AIDS information for students (79.9%). In terms of religiosity many students stated that the attend places of worship infrequently (35%).Recommendations: campus health care facilities need to be more proactive in informing the students about HIV/AIDS; alcohol and substance abuse needs to be addressed along with HIV/AIDS; campuses should draw up a full course on HIV/AIDS, courses to empower female students need to be offered and ongoing research needs to be done in this area to evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes being run.

This survey was conducted to describe the awareness, attitudes and behaviours regarding HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) among students of the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the Howard College Campus residences. A quantitative descriptive study design and a simple random sampling technique were used in this study. One hundred and seventy - eight students who lived in residences of Howard College Campus voluntarily participated in the study and completed the anonymous questionnaires. The questions in the questionnaire were designed to collect the demographics information of the participants and to address their awareness, attitudes and behaviours regarding VCT. Analysis of findings revealed that the level of awareness of VCT was high among the students. The majority of the participants have heard of VCT before this survey and knew that campus clinic provided VCT service. To students, the two most major sources of VCT information were TV/radio and friends/classmates. A positive attitude towards VCT was found among the students. The participants perceived the benefits and importance of undergoing VCT as well as the value of counselling. Sixteen percent of all participants have received VCT and twenty - two percent intended to go for VCT within the following 6 months. The main reasons cited by students for undergoing VCT included: to know their health status, to recognize the risk to be exposed to HIV, and to seek for information about maintaining health. The main reasons for not seeking VCT were assuming their HIV status negative and unlikely exposure to HIV because they always practised safe sex. A need for VCT information was found in this study. Some barriers to VCT existed, such as perception of negative consequences of uptake of VCT (e.g. HIV - related stigma), low risk perception to HIV infection, and lack of VCT information. The findings suggest that there is a need for communication campaigns at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, to address knowledge gaps, reduction of stigma, and promoting awareness of vulnerability to HIV. The findings of this study could be used to assist to plan HIV prevention programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

The present study sought to understand the relationship between attitudes and prevention knowledge of HIV I AIDS among matriculation students. HIV infection rates has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa and has serious consequences for individuals, particularly for adoiescellts as they make up the largest percentage of the vulnerable age group aged between 15 and 29. Given the high risks that adolescents are faced with, many awareness and prevention programmes have been implemented. These programmes have focused particularly on attitudinal and behavioural change towards HIV I AIDS prevention. The reason for this is that all sexual behaviour is mediated, facilitated and or justified by cognitions and beliefs (Vanwesenbeeck, Bekker & Van Lenning 1998). The sample was selected from a boys school, which chose to remain anonymous and a girls high school in Westville, Durban. Questionnaires aimed at assessing knowledge regarding the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS were administered. Questionnaires aimed at assessing their attitudes towards prevention of HIV/AIDS were also administered to learners. Learners had been exposed to awareness and life skills programmes as part of their curriculum. Festinger's (1957) theory of cognitive dissonance was used as a framework to understand the relationship between one's attitudes and behaviour. The findings indicated that most respondents had adequate knowledge regarding HIV I AIDS spread and prevention. The results also indicated that there was a correlation between knowledge and attitudes but it was not a strong relationship suggesting that there may have been external factors that may have impacted on the relationship thus placing adolescents at a relatively high risk to the HIV infection. This according to Festinger's (1957) theory suggests that there is some inconsistency between attitudes and behaviour towards HIV I AIDS prevention amongst learners. The findings of the study also highlight the need for future research in this area, which would better inform and improve intervention programmes that have been targeted at adolescents in high schools.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

The overall purpose of this study was to analyse the perceptions and experiences of students from disadvantaged schools regarding their academic progress at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The study focused on the students’ material and social circumstances, their learning environment while at University, their connections to their home community, and their career aspirations. It set to answer three key research questions, namely: (1) what are the contours of disadvantage that can be discovered through investigating samples of students from disadvantaged schools at UKZN? (2) How do the ‘contours’ seem to co-occur with factors relating to academic progress? (3) What are the perceptions of students from disadvantaged schools at UKZN about their pre-university experience and the learning environment at university? The notion of disadvantage was defined using the Department of Education (DoE)’s classification of schools into the quintile system which is based on measurements of the poverty of the catchment community. Thus, this study shows that the notion of disadvantaged students in higher education can be investigated through class-based, rather than merely racially-based definitions. This study was conducted within a three-fold conceptual framework based on sustainable livelihoods approaches (SLA), social capital theory and social justice ideology. The SLA approach teaches us that livelihoods can only be understood and captured in particular contexts. This research project therefore aimed to gain a clearer understanding of such a context, in this case, the campus environment. Through the phenomenological approach of the openended questions in the interviews, this thesis taps into the perceptions of students themselves about their environment and how they cope. Social capital theory postulates five spheres: the academic, the social, the economic, the support, and the democratic. These were probed in both a survey of a sample of disadvantaged students, and by interviewing eight students. With regard to academic progress, the measurements used were the matric aggregate, the grade point average for salient years and programmes, and the time it took for students to graduate or dropout. Comparisons are made between the norm of students, the disadvantaged (those from low quintile schools), and those in the sample. The purpose of utilizing such measurements is to contribute to the social justice discourse about university education based on Taylor’s notion of Fair Equality of Opportunity (FEO), where disadvantaged students’ abilities and aspirations can best be developed and exercised, leading to the attainment of self-realization. Until disadvantaged students show academic progress that fits the norm, the contours of their disadvantage need to be continually investigated; it is hoped that the findings of this thesis will contribute to further research and concrete proposals which can be implemented to improve conditions so that students who are already disadvantaged as a result of their schooling are not further disadvantaged while at University .
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

This thesis explores gender and impoliteness in the multilingual and multicultural context of the University of Natal, South Africa. My study uses respondents' perceptions of impoliteness to investigate how male and female students of different African cultures and language backgrounds construct and reconstruct their identities through their choices to use the languages available at the University of Natal. The study was motivated by a perceived dearth of research into gender-sensitive accounts of multilingual situations. The goal of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the invention of identities in a multilingual, multicultural and multiracial environment, while interrogating the relationship between impoliteness, whether perceived or intended, and the gendered identities available to the different African subgroups at the university. Hence the thesis reviews recent theoretical approaches to intercultural communication, impoliteness and gender, and attempts to identify a suitable framework for the understanding of gendered aspects of multilingualism in the university. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies was adopted for the study. I used several modes of data collection which included indirect observation carried out through the reporting of perceived impoliteness, questionnaire surveys for evaluations of instances of impoliteness and focus group discussions with different categories of students. Discourse analysis was drawn on for the presentation of the data. The body of data reveals that while there are some general perceptions of impoliteness amongst the students that transcend culture and language diversity, differences in the perceptions of and responses to impoliteness impact greatly on the ability of individuals to communicate effectively. The study shows that the different groups identified in the study: Zulu bradas, dilute males, Model C guys, diverse males, modern Zulu women and decisive females, whilst they are attending university, decide on and construct their identities according to their preferences. This is not necessarily a matter of their original cultural identity, especially in the case of the modern Zulu women, decisive females and Model C guys. A range of different identities from which the individual may choose is made possible at the university, given that the university has its own, non-ethnic culture. The preferred identity varies amongst the students: for instance, the Zulu bradas' desire to be seen as 'traditional' pushes them to construct a 'traditional' - as they see it - Zulu identity. The decisive females in contrast are far less culture-conscious and construct an identity that is related to their personal needs. Consequently, some respondents construct communal and others individual identities. The students' interpretations and judgements of impoliteness reveal that the preferred identities influence their evaluations of behaviour. Similarly, the gender of perceiver or speaker may influence the interpretation and assessment of the degree of impoliteness. A majority of the male respondents draw on gendered cultural expectations in their judgements, while the female respondents were more egalitarian in their approach. Identity in this study emerges as crucial for the understanding of impoliteness. The study further shows that whenever the individual's constructed identity is seen to be under attack, a student may respond with equal impoliteness to defend him/herself. While this research is specifically located in the context of the University of Natal, it is relevant to the South African workplace today, where linguistic and cultural diversity may enhance or impede racial integration and gender equality.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

Relationships between „madams‟ and „maids‟ have been the subject of various South African works, detailing the lives of domestic workers and their daily struggles. This study however aims to turn the focus on the madam and questions the complex intimacy at work between her and her maid. It is this intricate association between „madam‟ and „maid,‟ as well as the context of the home, which creates a site for a unique personal relationship that extends beyond the constraints of the working contract. In order to investigate this relationship, I explore the preconceived notions Muslim madams of North Beach have when recruiting the ideal domestic worker as well as the way everyday life between madams and maids shapes their relationship. In demonstrating the types of relationships and levels of intimacy between them, this thesis focuses on three aspects of everyday life between Muslim madams and maid. Firstly, I explore the „home‟ as a contradictory location – being both a private space for the employer and a workspace for the maid, paying particular attention to the creation of boundaries and negotiations of space within the home. The second key aspect I examine is the extent to which religion influences the relationship between madam and maid. Religion is a thread running through this thesis as a determining factor in the recruitment of a domestic worker and a way in which space is produced. Thirdly, I discuss the sharing of gender between madam and maid and the question of „sisterhood‟ between them. These are underlying elements of the types of relationships between madam and maid which, I argue are characterised by levels of cultivated intimacy. The project is based on the qualitative results gathered from 20 in-depth interviews with Muslim madams, two focus groups and five key informant interviews with domestic workers. My thesis contributes to the existing research exploring the relationships between madams and maids and opens further avenues for research. It demonstrates that there are key elements besides race and class that shape the relationships between madam and maid, which contribute to levels of cultivated intimacy between them.
Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Technology: Public Management, Durban University of Technology, 2012.
Access to medical care remains a challenge worldwide. It is particularly severe in developing countries and it is estimated that one million more health care workers are needed in Africa to meet the health related Millennium Development Goals. Though many countries have made significant strides in improving health service delivery by increasing their spending on health care, many health systems remain weak. The situation is no different in South Africa. Community health workers (CHW’s) are thought to be an answer to improving health care delivery. They can be trained to do specialized tasks, such as providing sexually transmitted disease counselling, directly observed therapy and act as birth attendants. Others work on specific programmes performing limited medical evaluations and treatment. With proper training, monitoring, supervision and support, CHW’s have shown to be able to achieve outcomes in terms of health care service delivery. The researcher undertook this study to investigate the perceptions of CHW’s on the training services offered by Masikhulisane (MK). A case study of Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) used a mix method approach to determine the perceptions of community health workers on the training services offered by Masikhulisane. The researcher distributed questionnaires to six groups of CHW’s in the INK area at different venues. The findings of the study are useful in making evidence-based improvements in the MK education programme that targets various sectors, including CHW’s. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that CHW’s can make a valuable contribution to improved access and coverage of communities with basic health services. It is recommended that the Masikhulisane training programme should be accredited, the Masikhulisane sectoral approach should be broadened to reach more sectors not reached before and the training content should be revisited to ensure acceptability and appropriateness for targeted sectors.

submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic and Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016.
Background: The recent increase in the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the Chiropractic profession and the call within the profession for validation of its claims has seen a growing interest in good quality research. It is advocated that the future of Chiropractic research and thus the success of the profession is dependent on future practitioner and student research endeavours. It was the aim of this study to evaluate the student research agendas at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Secondly, local Chiropractors were asked what they perceived to be clinically relevant Chiropractic research agendas. The agendas that were under-studied by the students, but perceived as important by the practitioners, were recommended as suggestions for more clinically relevant future student research. The intention of this was that future student research would become more congruent with local and international Chiropractic research trends. Methodolody: The study was a prospective exploratory study, which utilised a mixed method approach. Documented evidence giving an overview of student research completed at the DUT was combined with a qualitative questionnaire that was circulated to all Chiropractors practicing in KwaZulu-Natal. The questionnaire aimed to give insight into the research agendas perceived to be most relevant for future research by Chiropractic professionals. Incongruence between the research completed at the DUT and the research that is perceived to be of highest professional relevance by Chiropractors in KwaZulu-Natal was determined. All the Chiropractors practicing in KwaZulu-Natal as per the AHPCSA list received the questionnaire. A neutral third party at DUT collected the returned questionnaires and data analysis followed. The student research completed at the DUT between 1994 and 2013 was obtained from the Institutional Repository (IR) and library archives. These studies were descriptively analysed and compared with the respondents’ perceptions of clinically important Chiropractic research. Data analysis highlighted the overlap of agendas and gaps in the research. Following this was a statistical analysis of the questionnaire responses using Pearson’s chi square tests for two independent samples. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results were interpreted using frequency tables and bar charts for categorical variables, while summary statistics such as mean, standard deviation and range were used for continuous variables. A descriptive comparison was performed to determine the congruency between the student research agendas and the research perceived to be of relevance by Chiropractors practicing in KwaZulu-Natal. Results: The response rate of 66.3 % was regarded as representative of the entire Chiropractic population. The overall practitioner perception of research was positive with 64.4% of the respondents perceiving improved Chiropractic abilities due to previous research experience. The prevailing practitioner reason for research conducted was that it increased recognition as an EBP, increased development within the profession and validated its claims and theories. An investigation into the student studies found that the majority of the research agendas recommended by the respondents had been undertaken at DUT. Future research into the following areas is encouraged:  Neurological testing.  Orthopaedic testing.  Reduction of posture related disorders.  Gross anatomical changes as a result of the Chiropractic manipulation.  Range of Motion (ROM) assessment.  Muscular testing, motion and/ or static palpation.  Gait and posture assessment. The respondents were asked to give recommendations for future Chiropractic research; the majority was willing to contribute a database of shared research ideas. It was anticipated that the sharing of the practitioner ideas with the students would result in more clinically relevant student research being produced. Conclusion: A comparison of the DUT student research agendas and those of Chiropractors in KwaZulu-Natal highlighted an incongruence of purpose between the two. The research agendas recommended by the Chiropractic respondents were recommended for future student uptake. A shared database of student and practitioner research ideas aimed to encourage future student research that is more clinically relevant and in line with local and international research trends.
M

The present study investigated the nature of desegregation as observed by the use of space by the diverse racial groups at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg). The researcher observed and recorded participants as they used the Hexagon Cafeteria at the University. Observations and systematic recordings were conducted in the first week in term on Monday and Tuesday over four consecutive weeks. Participants were recorded as they sat at a table and when they left the table. Their race, gender, time and table number were captured, forming data for the final analysis. The study revealed that black students were the least represented race group, in number, and were the mostly segregated from the other racial groups. Perhaps this study would have yielded different results if there were a higher proportion of black students throughout the six-day observational period. Indian students were the majority at the Cafeteria in comparison to other racial groups. It seems that the Hexagon Cafeteria is a popular meeting place for most Indian students. It can also be speculated that the Hexagon Cafeteria appears to be an ideal meeting place for most female students as they outnumbered the male students throughout the six-day observational period. Despite persistent racial segregation, points of contact (integration) were observed between the three racial groups.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.