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1
Qanga, Enathi Jongikhaya. "Perceptions on risk management at Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3802.
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With the rise in the complexity of business transactions and emerging prominence of worldwide corporate governance, companies are required to adhere to certain minimal standards of governance and risk management. Organisations take various kinds of risks depending on their operating environments and the gravity of their organisational needs (risk to a return trade-off). Taking risks can either provide benefits to an organisation or cause problems for it. Given the importance of risk management, studies conducted by universities throughout the world reveal serious concerns. The primary objective of this study was to establish perceptions on risk management at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The literature review of the study provided a discussion concerning best practice as far as the COSO internal control framework, COSO enterprise risk management framework and key aspects of the Kings III report on risk assessment and risks faced by modern business. The study adopted the quantitative research approach using a case study design. A survey was conducted by distributing questionnaires to a selected sample of, Campus management (Deans), Internal auditing III students, Lecturers in commerce, Head of departments and support service personnel of WSU. A random sampling procedure identified thirty three participants and all the participants completed questionnaires across all campuses at WSU. Graphic presentation from Microsoft excel, inferential and basic descriptive statistics from SPSS were used to analyze and interpret data to generate findings. The study revealed that, all principles for the COSO components on internal control, COSO- ERM and the King III report are regarded to be present at WSU. Respondent perceptions falls within the positive zone being “neutral”, “effective” and “highly effective”. The population score is probably also in the neutral zone indicating a not sure respondent’s perception on whether the component or principle is effective or not effective. The Cronbach’s Alpha was conducted to test the internal reliability and consistency of the data. A Cronbach’s Alpha of summated score of 0.974 was achieved on 84 principles that could contribute to the effectiveness of risk management. The researcher recommends creating a risk-awareness culture throughout WSU rather than a silo approach to risk management. Monitoring on the effectiveness of the system of internal control need greater attention at WSU. In addition, the alignment of risk management to institutional strategy needs to be improved, and the University needs to establish and develop an enterprise-risk management policy (ERMP) and create a platform for further studies on risk management.
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Mpepo, Bulelwa N. "An exploration of employee readiness for change at Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4455.
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Higher education institutions are faced with pressure to change to meet academic as well as socio-economic needs. These changes are often aimed at achieving financial viability, increased institutional efficiency, and solving problems of fragmentation in the university. Universities can change in their structure, operations, systems, or and in the use or adoption of technology. The effective implementation and management of these requisite changes is the key challenge to organisations facing change. Walter Sisulu University, a comprehensive university in the Eastern Cape, has formulated a strategy to turn the university around. Included in the strategy is a project on the academic enterprise. The level of readiness for change is viewed to be a determining factor in making any change successful. Since readiness is not automatic, there is a need to prepare individuals to have a positive attitude towards the change and to embrace the proposed change initiative. This study is informed by the quest to know what will encourage and prepare employees for the implementation of the new Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) at the University. The study therefore sought as its main purpose to explore factors influencing individual readiness for change in the PQM at Walter Sisulu University. A qualitative approach was adopted in the study. Models of change readiness were reviewed to identify themes that would be used to explore the levels of readiness amongst university academic employees who were to implement the new Programme and Qualification Mix. Documents were analysed to understand the change in PQM and face-to-face, semi-structured interviews held to solicit the views of academic employees regarding enablers or inhibiters of their readiness. Results highlighted the poor preparation of academic employees at Walter Sisulu University to support and implement the change. Key concerns of employees included dissatisfaction with the inadequate and inappropriate communication strategies, uncertainty about the suitability of the changed PQM, doubt regarding leadership support for change, as well as the perceived risk of the change. However, the main enablers were the comprehension by WSU employees of the need for a new PQM to address the poor alignment with university vision and HEQSF requirements, an appreciation of the lack of social relevance of the programmes, and confidence that they have the requisite skills and qualifications. The perceived benefits for the institution provided the needed spur for embracing the new PQM.
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Garcia-Jardon, Mirta. "Perception of integration in the MBChB III programme at Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/79901.
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Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since the SPICES (S: student centred; P: problem-based learning; I: integration; C: community based/hospital based; E: electives; and S: systematic apprenticeship based) model of medical curriculum was proposed by Harden, most medical schools worldwide have introduced curriculum changes toward a paradigm shift in teaching and learning. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) introduced such changes in 1992 when problem-based learning (PBL) was implemented in the medical school. This research assignment examines the level of horizontal integration within the WSU Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB III) programme. The purpose of the study was to determine the students’ and tutors’ perceptions of integration in the curriculum.
A cross-sectional descriptive survey was designed and piloted in 2009 and the questionnaire was then administered to MBChB III students who agreed to form part of the study. The tutors’ opinions on integration were also explored. A questionnaire on integration using a five-point Likert scale, was administered to both the students (12 questions) and the tutors (six questions). Six open-ended questions on integration were added to the students’ instrument and one to the tutors’ instrument, for qualitative analysis and to assist in triangulation. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the tutors individually.
As a result of the survey, it seemed that all the students were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the level of integration of content and learning. All the tutors were aware of the need for integration, but some were not familiar with how the learning environment could be modified to enhance students’ approach to integration.
MBChB III students at WSU highly valued the integration of learning and teaching during tutorials. Thirty-three per cent of the tutors, though, believed that integration increased their workload. All the tutors thought that integration facilitated students’ learning skills and promoted student engagement, learning and interaction with faculty.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sedert Harden die SPICES-model as mediese kurrikulum voorgestel het, het die meeste mediese skole in die wêreld kurrikulumveranderings ingevoer as ʼn paradigmaskuif in onderrig en leer. (S – studentgesentreerde; P – problemgebaseerde leer; I – integrasie; C – gemeenskaps-/hospitaalgebaseer; E– keusevakke; en S – gebaseer op sistematiese vakleerlingskap.) Die Walter Sisulu-universiteit (WSU) het in 1992 sulke veranderings aangebring toe probleemgebaseerde leer (PBL) in die mediese skool geïmplementeer is. Hierdie navorsingswerkstuk ondersoek die mate van integrasie in die Baccalaureus in Geneeskunde-program en Baccalaureus in Chirurgie-program (MBChB III) aan die WSU verder as die PBL-tutoriale kan vorder. Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal wat studente en studieleiers se persepsies oor die integrasie van die kurrikulum is.
ʼn Beskrywende deursnee-opname is in 2009 opgestel en ’n loodsstudie is gedoen. Die opname is weer gebruik met MBChB III-studente wat ingestem het om aan die studie deel te neem. Studieleiers se menings oor integrasie is ook ondersoek. ʼn Vraelys oor integrasie volgens 'n vyfpunt Likert-skaal, is aan die studente (12 vrae) sowel as die studieleiers (ses vrae) gestel. Ses oop vrae oor integrasie is by die studente se instrument gevoeg en een by die vraelys vir die studieleiers ter wille van kwalitatiewe ontleding en triangulasie. Daarbenewens is ʼn semigestruktureerde onderhoud met elke studieleier individueel gevoer.
Na afloop van die toepassing en ontleding van die opname was al die studente “tevrede” of “baie tevrede” met die vlak van integrasie van leer, met begrip en met die vlak van integrasie van inhoud. Al die studieleiers was bewus van die behoefte aan integrasie, maar sommige was nie vertroud met hoe die leeromgewing aangepas kan word om die studente se benadering tot integrasie te bevorder nie.
MBChB III-studente aan die WSU het 'n hoë waarde geheg aan die integrasie van leer en onderrig tydens tutoriale. Drie-en-dertig persent van die studieleiers het egter geglo dat integrasie hulle werkslading verhoog. Al die studieleiers was van mening dat integrasie die studente se leervaardighede fasiliteer en die studente se deelname, leer en interaksie met akademiese personeel bevorder.
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Mpofu, Malibongwe. "An assessment of factors influencing staff turnover at Walter Sisulu University: 2010-2012." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020629.
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Staff turnover is a human resource management aspect which occurs in any organisation. It involves the replacement of incumbents who have vacated their posts and left the organisation by the appointment of new incumbents in those posts The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing the high staff turnover at Walter Sisulu University and to explore strategies which could be utilized to address it. Management has a responsibility of ensuring that staff turnover remains at acceptable levels within the organisation. Causes of labour turnover and their consequences were investigated. High staff turnover could have negative consequences for an organization. It can dent the image of the institution and also have a negative impact on the productivity, especially when it involves the loss of highly skilled and productive workers. Measurement of staff turnover and models of turnover are also discussed and analysed. Job dissatisfaction as a determinant of voluntary turnover is categorically discussed as well as its components. The relationships between management, job satisfaction, performance and turnover as well as the possibility of reducing staff turnover are also explored. An empirical study was undertaken to determine individual, job, organisational and environmental factors influencing staff turnover among staff at all levels at WSU. Interviews were used in gathering data and the findings include the fact that the high staff turnover at this university is attributed to, among others, job dissatisfaction, lack of job security, lack of development and promotion opportunities. Recommendations were made to address factors that may have an impact on staff turnover at WSU as well as strategies that could be utilised to retain staff.
5
Cingo, Sindiswa. "User satisfaction in academic libraries: a case study at Walter Sisulu University, Ibika Campus." Thesis, Walter Sisulu University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006642.
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User satisfaction and library use are multidimensional concepts. The scope of every library as a service institution is to provide satisfaction to its users and to strive continuously for their betterment. The aim of this study is, therefore, to determine the satisfaction of users with library services at the circulation desk at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Ibika Campus. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: To determine the levels of satisfaction of users, especially at the circulation desk; to determine the reasons for any dissatisfaction expressed by the users; to determine the use of databases by the users, and to determine how the Ibika Campus library is rated in general. In this study, a survey was used to determine the levels of satisfaction of users with library services. Questionnaires were distributed to hundred and twenty users, and ninety users responded to these. From the findings, it was clear that most of the respondents were in general satisfied with the library services at WSU, Ibika Campus. Dissatisfaction was expressed by approximately twenty percent of the respondents, because of various reasons which include library opening hours, noise level, temperature, photocopying facilities, the accuracy of the searches, including the use of OPAC. There were also some suggestions from the respondents that entail more staffing, training, expansion of the library building, twenty-four hour reading room facilities and more cubicles for senior students and staff. The expansion of the library building may reduce the noise level because there will be more space, and that will limit group discussions inside the library. Group discussions will be done outside the library in the suggested twenty-four hours reading room. In one of the recommendations, it is suggested that library management should provide ongoing training for all library staff. This will result in enhancement of services. The training will assist the circulation staff to possess excellent interpersonal skills together with a strong service orientation. Lastly, further research needs to be done on library satisfaction in terms of the problems that have been identified, for example, extension of the library building.
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Badi, Mzwanele. "Perceptions of students regarding the information literacy programme: a case study of Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013.
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Information literacy is universally considered one of effective means through which one’s information skills are developed, more especially at higher education Institutions. It has been part of the WSU library’s tradition to promote and offer units of Information Literacy instruction to all students at WSU, although it was initially on ad-hoc bases until 2010 when the Faculty of Education introduced it as a module or a program as a credit-bearing subject to all first year level Bachelor of Education students. The study is intended to understand the perceptions of students that are currently enrolled in Bachelor of Education Degree level one regarding the Information Literacy Program at Walter Sisulu University. The Information Literacy Program is offered in two campuses of WSU, that is Mthatha and Butterworth campuses. This study was conducted using first year level B. Ed students in Butterworth campus only. This may be regarded as a limitation of the study. The study is largely informed by a literature review of scholarly journal articles, books, internet sources and academic libraries in South Africa. The study applied quantitative method using semi-structured questionnaires as the main data gathering instrument. The sample was drawn from 80 first year B Ed students. A total of 80 questionnaires were distributed and 65 were received back. In the study the significant changes in the higher education in the post-apartheid South Africa are discussed. The historical evolution of information literacy as a course in South Africa and internationally is also discussed. The study reveals that information literacy has contributed positively to students’ study approaches. It has helped the students to learn how to apply computing and internet skills to improve on their studies. More importantly, the study reveals that information literacy has helped the students to learn different ways to search for and use information for the purpose of working on their assignments and enhancing their knowledge generally. Furthermore, the study reveals that it has helped the students to know how to tailor their search for information using specific databases such as OPAC, PROQUEST, EBSCOHOST, and SABINET etc.
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Shwababa, Fundiswa. "The implications of the merger on the morale of staff at the Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021091.
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The merger has consequently brought about a lot of challenges on Walter Sisulu University (WSU) employees. While the amalgamation of the three historically disadvantaged institutions remains a noble initiative, on the other hand, it has brought about inequalities, such as disproportionate salaries among employees of the three campuses, poor work performance, which can only be attributed to lack of motivation and reluctance amongst the staff members to accept new conditions of service under WSU. A substantial number of those employees, some of whom were employed before the amalgamation, have terminated their service long before the merger even took place. The aim of this study was to explore the implications of the merger on the morale of employees at WSU. The objective of this study aimed firstly, to provide an understanding of those inherent factors, which adversely affected the morale of staff at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and secondly, to reflect on the impact of the restructuring process on employees. This study employed a quantitative descriptive research design to analyse the data, using statistical procedures. Target population for this study was fifty academic and fifty non-academic staff members from the three sites of Walter Sisulu University, namely East London, Ibika and Umtata. There were, therefore, 100 questionnaires distributed electronically (e-mail), and also a few hand-delivered to the offices of the respondents, in order for them to complete at a time convenient to them. This study used purposive sampling because it is based entirely on the judgment of the researcher. The study established that indeed the merger had negative implications on WSU employees, even though these implications varied from category to category. Through the findings that emerged in this research, conclusions could be drawn that the merger brought about many challenges on WSU employees, namely staff development, human resource and management issues, job security and work environment. Suggestions and recommendations are espoused to eliminate the situation.
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Makiwane, Nonzwakazi Beauty. "An appraisal of support services to students with disabilities: the case of Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1220.
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The provision of effective support services in an efficient manner is a critical part of any university’s role to ensure that students with disabilities achieve academic outcomes. In South Africa universities are categorized into three types, namely traditional universities (offer theoretically-oriented degrees); universities of technology (offer vocational-oriented diplomas and degrees) and comprehensive universities (offer a combination of the other two). With their constitutional and policy framework obligations, universities are responsible for accommodating students with all types of disabilities. Pertaining to the awareness of social disparities, the quality of support services to students with disabilities still remains a concern. From various platforms it is evident that quality of support services to students with disabilities in South African universities is poor and in some instances crucial support devices do not exist at all. The pressures being felt by universities from external forces and the problems encountered in the extent of quality of support services has created the need for an appraisal. The purpose of this study, then, is to investigate and describe the quality of the support services provided to students with disabilities in a university context.
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Boti, Z. T. "Assessing the role of Walter Sisulu University on economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo (Eastern Cape)." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015138.
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This mini-dissertation assesses the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The aims of the study were: Assess the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in KSD. Assess the strides and achievements that Walter Sisulu University as an institution for higher learning has achieved in terms of advancing economic development in KSD municipality. In accordance with these aims, an investigation of respondent’s perceptions the role played by WSU was undertaken. The participants were 20 staff members from three faculties and two units in Nelson Mandela Drive campus of Walter Sisulu University. Using purposive sampling to select the research respondents, data was collected. The researcher also used journals, articles and books, both published and unpublished to collect data. A quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used in order to draw conclusions about the strides taken by WSU, and satisfaction of respondents with the existing programmers offered at Walter Sisulu University. Empirical evidence concerning problems with implementation of research initiatives that support community-based research and business research as supported by the mission and vision of the institution has been uncovered. In spite of the clearly articulated mission statement and the vision of this comprehensive university, the research revealed that the institution is lagging behind in delivering its mandate. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for enhancing economic development in KSD were put forward.
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Nkaule, Nomnqweno Princess. "Utilisation of print and electronic media by students at zamukulungisa campus of the Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Walter Sisulu University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007152.
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The study looks at how the library users at Zamukulungisa Campus of the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape in South Africa perceive the print media versus electronic media as sources of information for their requirements. The study is aimed at investigating the extent of use of these media by the users of the institution under study and their reaction to print versus electronic media. It is understood that the Zamukulungisa Campus of the WSU users come from different backgrounds. Some come from underdeveloped rural areas where there are no basic amenities available such as running water, toilets, telephones or even electricity and libraries. These types of users depended on information from text books and from their teachers only. The rationale for the study is to examine the students‟ use of print and electronic materials available in the library of the institution under study with the view to identifying the gaps that need to be addressed in order to make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the service provision of information to the users by the librarians. With this purpose in mind, the study looks at: the frequency of library use; the nature of the media available in the library; the tools utilized by the users to access the media in the library; the preference of the library users for media usage; the users‟ perceptions and reactions to print and electronic media; the effects on users and; the background to the use of print and electronic media. A questionnaire was used to collect data for this research study from sampled students at Zamukulungisa Campus of the WSU. The findings may lead to potential solutions based on the users‟ reactions to the recommendations of their use of the print and electronic media. The references used are shown in the bibliography. Keywords: print media, electronic media, library users, different backgrounds, underdeveloped rural areas, basic needs, recommendation of the use of print and electronic media, service provision, provision of information, media usage, users‟ perceptions, users‟ reactions, study operations, presentation of findings, analysis of data, discussion of results, levels of study.
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Soha, Sandi. "An exploration of the role of a strategic internal communication system in the merging Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1458.
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The merger of institutions of higher learning in South Africa has demonstrated to the study an exploration of the role of strategic internal communication system – in the merging of the Walter Sisulu University. The purpose of the study is to determine to what extent employees of the Walter Sisulu University have perceived that the internal communication system of this university has contributed towards an effectively merged organisation. The study was conducted after three historically disadvantaged institutions of higher learning merged to form one comprehensive university. The three merged institutions are: the Border Technikon, the Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. It was foreseeable during the process of the merger, that combining three institutions could possibly result in lower staff morale and uncertainty. The study has explored the theoretical framework for understanding the role of strategic internal communication systems in an organisation. The study was approached from a systems' perspective and that of a transformational model. A survey research design was utilised for the purpose of this study – in order to assess the validity and reliability of the data. A qualitative research design was used for the purpose of this study – in order to acquire the desired outcomes of the research. Questionnaires were used and the sample was drawn from a large population of the Walter Sisulu University – from, four campuses – with the aim of allowing one to make inferences about the population as a whole. The questionnaire was structured in four main sections namely: Biographical information, internal-communication systems, tools of internal communication, and line-management communication. The findings of the study aids the understanding behind the view of internal communication systems as having contributed – or not contributed – to a successfully merged university.
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Sotshangane, Nkosinathi Owen. "Working Towards Improved Facilitation of Research Capacity Development at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Using Action Research (AR) Methodology." Thesis, Walter Sisulu University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11260/901.
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This study was originally undertaken to change and improve the way I do my practice at Walter Sisulu University as a Research Associate whose responsibility is to facilitate research capacity development and research excellence within the University, amongst academics and postgraduate students. The success of the Research Resource Centre that I manage depends on the way I promote research culture and research productivity amongst academics and postgraduate students. According to Leedy and Ormrod (2013, p. 2), research is a systematic process that is used to collect, analyse, and interpret data in order to increase my understanding of the phenomenon about interest and concern about a given/identified phenomenon. In this case my own practice changed and improved for the better. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the reasons behind the decline in research productivity in terms of research output and how this could be reversed through action research study intervention in order to enhance research productivity at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) allocation of research output units for WSU indicated that there was a decline in research output from 2005 to 2010. The extent to which my practice improvement could contribute towards changing or improving research productivity was a question which this study addressed through a quantitative, qualitative and self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry. I organized sample strategies of this study as follows: For quantitative data, I used 120 lecturers as my respondents through questionnaires (females = 47 and males = 73) who were randomly selected; For qualitative data, I used 24 lecturers as respondents who were randomly selected with whom I conducted interviews; and For self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry I used 7 Transformative Education/al Studies (TES) project group members as my focus group. My research findings concluded that the heavy teaching workload at WSU was problematic and lecturers/academics could not devote time to do research. My recommendation is that research should be made compulsory so that academics become aware that at least one or two published articles are required from them, for the benefit of annual university research productivity. Some research participants also recommended that the Research Resource Centre must include programs that focus directly on active participation in research in order to increase the capacity of individual researchers so as to build a critical mass of competent researchers, perhaps by even including incentives as a reward for doing research. According to Koshy (2010), action research is a specific method of conducting research by professionals and practitioners with the ultimate aim of improving practice. My new knowledge, therefore, in respect of how a concerned Research Associate, from a Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI), provided the impetus to create a collaborative practice in a higher education institution which was forced to merge with two former technikons (which lacked understanding of what a university means by research productivity and research output). I consequently developed the Nkosinathi Sotshangane’s cyclic practice improvement model through self-reflective action research, from which I believed other research practitioners could learn by doing something similar in their own context.
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Oladimeji, Olawumi Kate. "Sources of advertisement messages and their impacts on purchasing behaviour: a case study of Walter Sisulu University students." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015413.
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The purpose of this research was to investigate the sources of advertisement messages and the impacts they have on the buying behaviour of students of Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and examine whether traditional mass media advertising still influences the students’ decision to buy and whether advancement in communication technology affects how the students receive information. This study also investigated the impact of traditional mass media advertising in comparison to new media advertising. Questionnaires were administered to students of WSU, Mthatha campus. The survey was conducted within the period of February 2013 – March 2013. The desired sample size was 270 students. A final sample of 220 valid responses was analysed, representing 81% of the desired sample. The study revealed that majority are aware of television while billboards and direct mails have the least awareness. The results also revealed that 78% of the respondents felt that traditional mass media still influences their buying behaviour, (90%) of the respondents prefer the traditional mass media advertising. This study demonstrated that the students of WSU are aware and exposed to the various sources of advertisement messages. In addition, existing literature and this research report have shown that the various mediums have distinctive characteristics which make them unique. In spite of the advent of modern technology, the traditional mass media still influences buying behaviour with television being the most influential media.
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Sabalele, Tabisa. "The potential use of e-learning to support teaching, learning and assessment in Information Systems at Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006209.
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This research is an investigation of the potential means to make the Information Systems (IS) course more accessible to Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students. As some IS students at this institution are unable to attend classes on a regular basis, this study aims to establish if and how the WSU Accounting Department (which offers the IS course) could use e-Iearning to support the teaching, learning and assessment of IS. This qualitative study was approached from an interpretive perspective. The study has undergone one cycle of an action research approach. The methods used in the study include surveys, an expert review and focus group interviews. The data was elicited from participants using questionnaires and an interview schedule. A staff questionnaire was used to elicit information from IS staff from four contact universities in South Africa to determine their experience of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for e-learning in an IS course. A student questionnaire was used to determine the WSU IS students' reasons for absenteeism, their learning needs, and their current computer access and skills. Data from both of these surveys informed the development of the WSU IS pilot website. An expert review questionnaire ascertained the subject expert's opinions about the newly developed WSU IS pilot website. The website was found to be of good quality with respect to the four aspects that Harvey and Green (J 993 cited in Lomas 2002) use to define quality. Some modifications were made to the WSU IS pilot website as a result of the expert's comments. After the website was used by the IS students, two focus group interviews were conducted to determine the students' perceptions of the value of the website. The data was analyzed, interpreted and linked to the literature surveyed. The main findings indicate that the WSU IS pilot website could be part of a more globalised higher education offering than the paper-based IS course offered before. However, the staff and the student surveys revealed that ICT has opened the gap in equity at the higher education institutions, highlighting that access to a university does not mean equal access to lectures and computers. The WSU IS pilot website endeavoured to capitalise on students' physical access to computers by supporting epistemological access to the curriculum, by encouraging them to exercise control over their learning. This study has ideally enabled the Accounting Department to deliver its services to students and this in turn will hopefully help WSU retain its part-time students and improve the student pass rates.
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Saunderson, Ian P. "HIV/AIDS at a South African University : investigating the role of Walter Sisulu University's prevention role players and student behaviour at the Institute for Advanced Tooling." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2013. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/4574/.
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This thesis investigated perceptions of HIV/AIDS at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU), situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study focused on understanding opinions related to HIV/AIDS using data derived from interviews with twenty HIV/AIDS key role players from across the entire institution, and twenty students at the Institute for Advanced Tooling (IAT), a postgraduate section of the Mechanical Engineering Department in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (FSET) in Chiselhurst, East London. A key concern of the study was to examine the way in which local cultural beliefs and practices may shape understandings in relation to HIV/AIDS and to help inform more sensitive prevention campaigns in the future. The study, methodologically utilising Denzin’s concept of interpretative interactionism,and Giddens’ structuration theory, found that there was no single ‘cultural belief’ regarding health or related issues, but that cultural beliefs were always expressed in personal and contextual ways. The investigation into nutrition, health and general well-being and perceived causes of HIV/AIDS revealed that research informants subscribed to cultural beliefs for different reasons in personal constructs, and the study concluded that cultural issues surrounding these factors would need to be socially debated in intervention efforts. Perceptions of gender, as the most significant factor, were highly contested, with differing beliefs expressed regarding female sexual agency. It was further stated by research informants that the ABC approach lacked contextual consideration of environmental factors. The thesis therefore argues that for effective preventative action, there is a necessity, firstly, for a health-enabling environment to be created that includes strategies for alleviating nutritional deficiencies in a culturally contextual fashion. Second, based on the data, it was established that in relation to respondents’ orientation towards cultural beliefs, social HIV/AIDS debate programmes should be introduced in conjunction with health officials, the community and traditional healers in a peer-oriented approach. It was thirdly established that this approach should include addressing contextual factors from a ‘lived experience’ perspective, and that social positioning by the WSU should occur towards certain social issues (for example, constructions of gender) identified within this study.
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Gwele, Xolani. "Explorative study on the efficacy of the Total Quality Management System as a performance enhancement instrument: the case of Walter Sisulu University (Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa)." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013544.
Full textAbstract:
With the advent of a democratic South Africa in 1994, national public administration has effected reforms to improve government performance and service delivery. The importance of education for the development of excellence, expertise and knowledge leading to overall development in economy cannot be undermined. This has necessitated a sound strategy for the development of higher education in South Africa. Establishing leadership in this country is possible only when there is a developed system of higher education in which efficiency remains the sole criteria to evaluate performance. Higher education institutions are faced with an increasing number of complex challenges including implementing and maintaining a quality management system. This study seeks to explore the efficacy of total quality management as the performance enhancement instrument at Walter Sisulu University, in the Eastern Cape Province – South Africa. Relevant literature regarding quality, quality assurance, total quality management and performance management has been reviewed in order to establish and test if this study is researchable. Interviews with students have been conducted in order understand a sense of student perception towards quality assurance in the university. Observations and Staff questionnaires have been used to collect more data on total quality management and performance management system. The data collected is analysed and interpreted in chapter four and chapter five provides for findings and recommendations in concluding this study.
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Ntsaluba, Doris Nomonde. "An evaluation of the effectiveness of Walter Sisulu University's teaching practice as a context for student teachers' competence development." Thesis, Walter Sisulu University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007761.
Full textAbstract:
This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practice as a context for the development of student teachers’ competences at Walter Sisulu University. The study was necessitated by the lack of information on whether teaching practice really provides an effective context or not. A literature study focusing on planning of teaching practice, preparation of student teachers for teaching practice, placement of student teachers for teaching practice, mentoring during teaching practice as well as supervision and assessment of teaching practice was conducted. The activity and situated learning theories provided a theoretical framework for studying teaching practice. The mixed-methods approach consisting of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used and data was collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The participants in the study were: thirty (30) student teachers in their third year of study; ten (10) host teachers who were hosting student teachers at the time of data collection for this study and ten (10) university supervisors responsible for teaching practice supervision. Data from closed-ended questionnaire items were analysed statistically. Frequencies and percentages were derived. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the study revealed that there was a serious lack of communication between the university and the schools used for teaching practice and as a result student teachers were subjected to a wide range of treatment when they arrived at the schools. The findings also showed that student teachers were inadequately prepared for teaching practice. Student teachers were faced with serious challenges with regard to placement and there was no common programme of mentoring. The schools, as a result, did not provide a sufficiently-appropriate environment for teaching practice to become an effective context for student teachers‘ competence development. The recommendations made include suggestions for the improvement of the general organisation of teaching practice with the university and the schools working as partners in all the activities of teaching practice. The introduction of a formal programme for the preparation of student teachers for teaching practice is suggested and a teaching practice model is also proposed.
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Mgweba, Chulumanco. "Assessing communication strategies at higher education institutions : a case of Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/2564.
Full textAbstract:
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for Masters in Management Sciences specialising in Public Relations, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa. 2017.<br>In South Africa the National Plan for Higher Education (NPHE, 2001) brought with it distinct changes to the higher education landscape. Amongst the major changes were the mergers of various higher education institutions. In 2005, the Walter Sisulu University for Technology (WSU) was established through the merger of the former Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. The University caters for students from the Eastern Cape’s Border and Kei regions resulting in communication with a large number of stakeholders. Effective communication as well as developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders therefore become pivotal. This study set out to examine the perceived effectiveness of communication strategies between the Walter Sisulu University and students. A mixed method approach found that although respondents felt that communication was satisfactory, concerns were however, raised about the effectiveness of the communication strategies being utilised. The study recommended e-communication as a key strategy to facilitate communication with students.<br>M
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Jack, Luthando Phillip. "The strategy development process at Walter Sisulu University : implications from a complexity theory perspective." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/9793.
Full textAbstract:
The study was about the strategy development process at Walter Sisulu University from a complexity theory perspective as an underlying theoretical framework. The complexity theory was used to draw implications for strategy development from the perspective of this theory.
The principal rationale for the study was to comprehend the process of strategy development and to unearth the underlying theoretical paradigms that inform the strategy formulation process at the university. The study was moreover intended to look at available or possible models for strategy implementation. The research approach used to conduct the study was from a qualitative paradigm. However, when it came to data collection techniques, elements of the qualitative and quantitative paradigms were combined. The sampling method used was the purposive sampling which is one of the non-probability sampling types.The study has found that in the main the approach the university used to develop its strategy is anchored on the traditional, positivist and modern approach to strategy. This is a progeny of the dominant theories of strategic management underpinned by
classical and scientific management theories. There is however, awareness and consciousness in the university to the reality that the organisation operates in a turbulent and unpredictable world. This is premised from the understanding that today’s organisations evolve and co-evolve with their environments and as such there is need to create an internal environment for agility, flexibility and innovation as well as self-organisation. The study also found that there is no clear model for the implementation of complexity theory in organisations. The study recommends that more studies on approaches, guidelines and techniques for the application of complexity theory be encouraged as a model may be an anti-thesis to the
fundamental meaning of the theory particularly given the reality that the theory is also a subject of itself. The above recommendation is premised from the fact that there are few cases on the applied side of complexity theory. There is also need to embed the complexity theory in the academic content of strategy in the academia.<br>Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.
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Ntakana, Khuzekazi Nonkuthalo. "The effectiveness of student support programmes at a tertiary institution: a case study of Walter Sisulu University." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1074.
Full textAbstract:
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, Faculty of Education, at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2011.<br>This study examined the effectiveness of student support programmes at a
tertiary institution. The aims of the study were:
To determine the students’ perceptions about the existing support
programmes.
To determine the students’ satisfactions about the existing support
programmes.
In accordance with these aims, an investigation of students’ perceptions of
different student support programmes was undertaken. The participants were
198 full-time, trained undergraduates assisting in providing/rendering/offering
the various student support programmes at different sites/campuses of Walter
Sisulu University. Using purposive sampling to select the research respondents,
data was collected. A quantitative data analysis was used in order to draw
conclusions about the effectiveness and satisfaction of respondents with the
existing student support programmes offered at Walter Sisulu University.
Research results indicated that:
The objectives of the support programmes are clearly stated and that it is
possible to achieve set objectives.
The support programmes contribute to the holistic development of the
students.
The majority of the respondents were satisfied with the effectiveness of
the support programmes.
On the basis of the findings, recommendations for enhancing or contributing to
the holistic student support and development were put forward.<br>Walter Sisulu University
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Bester, Lynette. "Investigating the problem-solving proficiency of second-year Quantitative Techniques students : the case of Walter Sisulu University." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/14214.
Full textAbstract:
Quantitative Techniques is traditionally a subject with a poor pass rate at Walter Sisulu
University. In search of a turnaround strategy, the purpose of this study was to determine the
level of problem-solving proficiency of Quantitative Techniques students, which is suspected
to influence achievement in this subject. A descriptive survey design was used in this
research. Second-year ND (Marketing) students (128) took part in the study. A questionnaire
and a written test were used to collect data. A profile of participants’ problem-solving was
determined. Their weaknesses and strengths in problem-solving were investigated. The
problem-solving proficiency of participants with regards to the biographical variables of
Gender, Age, Mathematics background and whether they took Data Handling training at
school or not were explored.
A model, based on Polya’s four stages of problem-solving, was used to measure the students’
level of problem-solving proficiency, which was 59,16%. Findings suggest that the students
achieved highest in understanding a problem (72,29%) and making a plan to solve the
problem (73,77%). They are weakest at interpreting their results (29,38%). MANOVA results
showed no statistical significance for the biographical variables. The univariate results
suggest that age, Data Handling training at school and Gender could affect problem-solving
proficiency. Since the findings of this study indicate a strong relationship between participants’ problem-solving proficiency and their actual achievement, some intervention is
recommended. An intervention could be in the form of a section on problem-solving in the
course, supplemental instruction or an introductory course. Course and curriculum content should be revised to address students’ proficiency in problem-solving.<br>Mathematical Sciences<br>M. A. (Statistics Education)
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Goba-Malinga, Nhlanhlenhle Una. "Sexual harassment in the workplace : a case study of women's experiences at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Eastern Cape." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/7567.
Full textAbstract:
This study looks at sexual harassment of women on the staff at Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
in the Eastern Cape, a province in South Africa. The topic also has relevance for other
institutions which fall under the Department of Higher Education and to the world of work
generally where women are usually more vulnerable than men to this type of unsolicited
attention.
Despite the Labour Relations Act (LRA) of 1995 and the Employment Equity Act (EEA) Act 66
of 1995, sexual harassment is an insidious problem which often goes unreported.
When permission was granted to conduct this study at WSU (see Appendix E), 25 female
academics and 10 female members of the support staff agreed to participate. Qualitative
research was the methodology used and included face-to-face interviews with the above
individuals and also focus group interviews.
Participants felt demeaned by the fact that gender was used as a form of social control.
Patriarchal issues in society were seen to be linked to male domination and thus power and
privilege for the perpetrators.
In academia most disciplines now have feminist associations. The study draws from, and
contributes to, bodies of knowledge that fall under gender studies: anthropology, history,
sociology and psychology. In addition, there are references to the postmodern feminist theory,
the radical feminist theory, and theories pertaining to sexual harassment.
This is an effort to make a contribution to research on this type of chauvinism, and it is hoped
that the findings, when published, will elicit appropriate action at WSU and in other affected
environments where this scourge rears its head.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.
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Mbundu, Irene Ntombentsha. "A critical evaluation of job satisfaction levels during the transitional period of a merger : the case of Walter Sisulu University." Diss., 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/5301.
Full textAbstract:
The restructuring of the South African higher education system ranges widely across
mergers and incorporations, the creation of new institutional forms, regional-level
programme collaboration and rationalisation. The Council on Higher Education (CHE)
calls for greater productivity and more cost-effective deployment of resources. Such
changes need to be managed effectively in order for staff and managers to adapt and
find new ways to operate effectively within the changing environment and to maintain
job satisfaction. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate job satisfaction levels
during the transitional period of merger in the case of Walter Sisulu University (WSU),
as organisational excellence can be achieved when employees experience job
satisfaction. The research method employed to gather data was that of quantitative
design. The sample consisted of academics and non-academics of WSU employees
from the former Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon and University of
Transkei. The instrument used to collect data was a modified version of the 1977
Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Of the 130 respondents 69 were
academics and 61 non-academics. Key findings of the study indicated that there are
more factors that contribute to job dissatisfaction compared to those factors that
contribute to job satisfaction dimension. The results also indicated that the majority of
respondents were dissatisfied with most of the job satisfaction factors. The paper
recommends that, during a transitional period, human capital issues should be accorded
the proper attention and should be addressed early in order to maintain high staff
morale (job satisfaction). This will create a smooth transition during which employees
will feel valued and experience job satisfaction.<br>Business Management<br>M. Tech. (Business Administration)
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Ceza, Nomnqophiso Prudencia. "Challenges faced by staff members in information and communication training at a public university in the Eastern Cape." Diss., 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8833.
Full textAbstract:
The introduction of e-learning in teaching and learning has necessitated the training of staff members in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This study focuses on the challenges that staff members, who are the facilitators of learning, experience when undergoing training in ICT. The research design employed a qualitative methodology which involved focus groups from a public university. Data was collected from the participants through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that the challenges that staff members experienced during ICT training are related to a lack of computer competence, lack of time, an information overload, the non-involvement of staff in the planning of their training, facilitation limitations, lack of technical support and institutional challenges that involve infrastructure. The study further revealed that the principles of adult learning play a reciprocal role in the staff’s professional developmental challenges. In view of these findings, this study offers recommendations for improving the ICT training of staff members.<br>Educational Studies<br>M. Ed. (Adult Education)