scholarly journals Resetting the Compass: An Immersive Intervention to Develop Abilities in Construction Management

10.29007/v4h6 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Smallwood ◽  
Christopher Allen
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Construction Management ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Annual Basis ◽  
Building Activities ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Students’ post-intervention perceptions of an event provide insight relative to their understanding and appreciation of the intervention, as well as the impact thereof.Experience and anecdotal evidence indicate that Honours students experience challenges in terms of completing the academic year.The purpose of the study reported on is to determine the impact of a one-day team building event on participants directed at, inter alia, developing their ability to manage themselves, work as a team, and interface with each other, and their ability to strategise, plan, evolve tactics, and take action, based upon a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted in a South African university. The students were surveyed after the completion of the event.The salient findings include - the team building activities impacted on participants in many ways, contributed to an enhancement of their ability to strategise, plan, evolve tactics, and take action, and participants enjoyed and benefited from the team building activities.It can be concluded that the one-day team building event had the desired impact in terms of the development of participants’ ability to manage themselves, work as a team, and interface with each other, and their ability to strategise, plan, evolve tactics, and take action.It is recommended that the one-day team building event continue to be staged at the beginning of the Honours year, and that the post-event research be conducted on an annual basis.

scholarly journals The impact of a first-year orientation team building exercise

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Smallwood ◽  
Chris Allen
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Team Building ◽  
First Year ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Building Activities ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Experience and anecdotal evidence indicate that first-year students experience challenges in terms of adapting to our university construction management course environment. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of a team building event on first-year students’ skills, core competencies, ability to manage themselves, work as a team, interface with each other, strategize, plan, evolve tactics, and take action.. A quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey in a South African university post completion of the event determined the perceptions of the students. Findings include that the team building activities contributed to enhancing participants’ skills, their understanding and appreciation of core competencies and the development thereof, and their ability to communicate with first-year colleagues; built confidence in their abilities including that of completing a task, and enhanced participants’ alternative thought processes, ability to be creative, strategize, evolve tactics, take action, and plan. The students benefited from, enjoyed the team building activities and believed that it contributed to improving their time management skills. Based upon the findings, conclusions are that the one-day first-year orientation team-building event had the desired impact in terms of the development of the first-year students’ abilities. Recommendations are that the one-day first-year orientation team-building event is staged annually, and a study pertaining to the impact of the intervention on student performance be determined following the completion of a full academic year and again post-graduation.

scholarly journals A food-based dietary strategy lowers blood pressure in a low socio-economic setting: a randomised study in South Africa

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1397-1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen E Charlton ◽  
Krisela Steyn ◽  
Naomi S Levitt ◽  
Nasheeta Peer ◽  
Deborah Jonathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
South African ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Intervention Effect ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cation Content ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of a food-based intervention on blood pressure (BP) in free-living South African men and women aged 50–75 years, with drug-treated mild-to-moderate hypertension.MethodsA double-blind controlled trial was undertaken in eighty drug-treated mild-to-moderate hypertensive subjects randomised to an intervention (n40) or control (n40) arm. The intervention was 8-week provision of six food items with a modified cation content (salt replacement (SOLO™), bread, margarine, stock cubes, soup mix and a flavour enhancer) and 500 ml of maas (fermented milk)/d. The control diet provided the same quantities of the targeted foods but of standard commercial composition and 500 ml/d of artificially sweetened cooldrink.FindingsThe intervention effect estimated as the contrast of the within-diet group changes in BP from baseline to post-intervention was a significant reduction of 6·2 mmHg (95 % CI 0·9, 11·4) for systolic BP. The largest intervention effect in 24 h BP was for wake systolic BP with a reduction of 5·1 mmHg (95 % CI 0·4, 9·9). For wake diastolic BP the reduction was 2·7 mmHg (95 % CI −0·2, 5·6).ConclusionsModification of the cation content of a limited number of commonly consumed foods lowers BP by a clinically significant magnitude in treated South African hypertensive patients of low socio-economic status. The magnitude of BP reduction provides motivation for a public health strategy that could be adopted through lobbying of the food industry by consumer and health agencies.

The Role of the Legal Profession in the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-298
Author(s):  
Heidy Rombouts ◽  
Stephan Parmentier
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Legal Profession ◽  
Transition To Democracy ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Truth Commission ◽  
The South ◽  
Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

In situations of a transition to democracy, the legal profession tends to have a strong impact. While this is quite clear in the case when criminal prosecutions are initiated against perpetrators of gross human rights violations, and when amnesty provisions are enacted for some violations, it is far less obvious in cases when a truth commission is set up. The current article looks into the role that the legal profession, i.e. the judiciary, the bar and the non-governmental organisations, has played in the notorious case of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It draws on the systems analysis of political life by David Easton, which identifies how demands (input) that rise in society, are processed (conversion) and produce results (output), which provide new inputs to the political system. This ‘flow model’ is applied to two separate processes during the life of the TRC: the Special Legal Hearing of October 1997, and the legal challenges put to the Commission in Court in 1996. Our analysis reveals a number of interesting conclusions. One is that the organised profession approached the Special Legal Hearing from a very legalistic point of view, despite the non-judicial character of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at large. This stands in contrast with the position of the Constitutional Court, which recognised the limits of the traditional judicial system and came out in support of the TRC. Another conclusion is that, although the participation of the judges and the magistrates in the Special Legal Hearing was limited to written submissions, their influence proved very large, as they threatened the TRC with a constitutional crisis. Finally, throughout the two processes under review, breaches became visible within the legal profession, between the ‘progressive’ non-governmental organisations and the ‘conservative’ organised profession on the one hand, and between the organised profession on the one hand and the judges on the other hand. In sum, it can convincingly be concluded that the impact of the legal profession remains quite important when a truth commission is opted for in a context of transition to democracy.

scholarly journals 74. Interrupted Time Series Analysis of the Impact of Fluoroquinolone Cascade Reporting

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S55-S55
Author(s):  
Matthew Nestler ◽  
John D Markley ◽  
Andrew Noda ◽  
Emily Godbout ◽  
Jihye Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Positive Change ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Significant Positive Change ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Cascade reporting is a form of selective reporting where antibiotic susceptibility results are revealed in a sequential order to optimize antibiotic use. On May 1, 2019, Virginia Commonwealth University Health implemented cascade reporting for ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin for E. coli from urine cultures. We hypothesize that suppressing fluoroquinolone (FQ) results for urine isolate E. coli susceptibility panels using cascade reporting led to a decrease in the overall rate of inpatient FQ use. Methods We compared inpatient FQ use (in days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient days (PD)) for the one-year pre-cascade period (May 2018-April 2019) to the one-year post cascade period (May 2019-April 2020). Inpatient FQ use for May 2018-April 2020 was modeled as an interrupted time series (ITS) using ordinary least squares regression. The regression model followed the form of Y = B0 +B1T + B2 X + B3 XT with Y = (DOT/1,000 PD), T = time in months, X = cascade reporting represented with a binary digit, and XT= time since cascade reporting was implemented. Results were examined for autocorrelation and lag effects. Analysis conducted using Microsoft Excel and Python Statsmodel library v0.11.1. Results A segmented regression model was successfully fitted with R^2 = 0.73 (Figure 1). The pre-intervention slope (T), intervention change (X), and post-intervention slope (XT) were -3.9, -2.3, and 3.8 DOT respectively. A significant positive change in pre versus post intervention slope was detected (p = 0.01). Conclusion Results showed no significant change in FQ DOT/1000 PD when cascade reporting was implemented in May 2019. This may be due to empiric prescribing of FQs in the inpatient setting, due to the fact the rate of FQ use was already decreasing prior to cascade reporting adoption, or due to other factors. We detected a significant positive change in the slope of FQ from -4 to 4 DOT/1000 PD each month post-cascade reporting. Our hospital has had a decrease in FQ use over the past 8 years so this may be due to a ‘floor’ effect where the true minimum of necessary FQ use was reached; further investigation is warranted. We believe our data will be of interest to other Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs considering cascade reporting. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Impact of funding on academic performance: An exploration of two South African universities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelique Wildschut ◽  
Ebenezer Megbowon ◽  
Amanda Miselo
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Student Success ◽  
South African ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
South African Universities ◽  
Student Funding ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
Average Individual

Empirical evidence on the relationship between student funding and academic performance is unclear. Some studies have found a positive relationship, some have suggested a negative one, while others maintain that there is no relationship between them. Acknowledging that a range of factors, other than funding, impact on student success, in this paper, we aim to contribute to a small, but emerging, body of literature on the relationship between student funding and academic performance, proxied by the average individual academic mark for the year. We applied descriptive and inferential statistics to a dataset of 29,619 students registered at two South African universities for the 2018 academic year. The results highlight that in an examination of the impact of being funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in a bivariate context, it is possible to find a negative relationship with performance. However, at an aggregate level and controlling for the impact of other variables, a positive (albeit weak) and statistically significant correlation between being NSFAS funded and average academic performance emerges.

scholarly journals The impact of digital copyright law and policy on access to knowledge and learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tana Pistorius ◽  
Odirachukwu S. Mwim
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Copyright Law ◽  
Digital Form ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Digital Copyright ◽  
Balanced Approach ◽  
The One ◽  
Access To Knowledge ◽  
The Impact

Background: The evolution in digital technologies has had an enormous impact on traditional copyright notions. Works in digital form have uniform characteristics and these works can be copied, distributed and stored with ease.Objectives: The focus of this article was how to attain a balance between the need to promote access to works and therefore knowledge and learning, on the one hand, and the protection of the interests of copyright holders, on the other.Method: Technological protection measures (TPMs) are applied to copyright works in digital form to curb infringement. The authors explore the extent to which TPMs impact on access the knowledge and learning.Results: The findings of this article suggest a need for possible countermeasures in promoting knowledge and literacy through legislative reform that address the needs of creators and users in developing communities.Conclusion: The authors conclude that TPMs may hinder data literacy, access to works, teaching and learning, particularly in developing communities. For example, recent attempts to revise South African copyright law have not attained a balanced approach.

scholarly journals 1173. Expanding the MAGIC: Engagement of Frontline Nursing Staff in Device Stewardship

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S420-S420
Author(s):  
Katherine Linsenmeyer ◽  
Kalpana Gupta ◽  
Suzanne Mosesso ◽  
Christine House ◽  
Judith Strymish
Keyword(s):  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Appropriateness Criteria ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Nearly 40% of all peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placements may be inappropriate. Validated appropriateness criteria (Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters or MAGIC) were developed to improve patient safety and decrease adverse events from PICC line use. Recent studies have demonstrated the impact of MAGIC implementation with success but involve multimodal interventions that may not be sustainable. We evaluated the effect of a nursing-driven MAGIC-derived triage tool online utilization. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental before and after study evaluating the effect of a MAGIC-derived triage tool including all patients for whom a PICC consult was ordered. The triage tool was implemented January 1, 2018 as part of the consult order and required providers to identify an indication for placement. All consults were reviewed by the IV Team Nurses who collaborated with ID providers when warranted. Providers were contacted if MAGIC criteria suggested alternate access was more appropriate and encouraged to either place a mid or peripheral line or to consider an oral medication. Rates of line utilization and line infections pre-intervention and post-intervention were compared. Results Overall, 242 consults for PICC lines were placed during the one year intervention period January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. Indications included: antibiotics (54%), TPN/chemo (21%) difficult access (17%), no response (8%). Thirty-five PICCs were averted directly related to the intervention. Appropriate indication of PICC placement with the tool was 88%. During this same time period, the line utilization ratio (lines/1,000 patient-days of care) decreased from a mean of 3.8 (range 3.3 to 4.2 for years 2015–2017) to 2.6, a 32% reduction (IIR 0.72; P < 0.05). Central line bloodstream infection rates (infections/1,000 line days of care) also decreased from a mean of 0.81 (range 0.56 to 1.18 for years 2015–2017) to 0.37, a 54% reduction (IIR 0.4; P = 0.10). Conclusion Even in a setting of low line infection and line utilization rates, further reductions in potential device harm can be achieved using point of care feedback tools. This intervention empowers nursing involvement in device stewardship, thus expanding the range of their involvement in stewardship activities. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Youth Ice Hockey Coaches’ Perceptions of a Team-Building Intervention Program

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Newin ◽  
Gordon A. Bloom ◽  
Todd M. Loughead
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Personal Communication ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Building Activity ◽  
Building Activities

The purpose of the current study was to explain youth ice hockey coaches’ perceptions of the effectiveness of a team-building intervention program. Eight Peewee-level hockey coaches implemented the same team-building activities with their teams throughout the regular season. Data were gathered using 3 methods. Specifically, coaches answered questions on a pre- and post-intervention form after each team-building activity, coaches’ behaviors were observed by members of the research team, and each coach completed a semistructured exit interview after the completion of the regular season. Results highlighted the benefits of the team-building intervention program. Specifically, coaches felt athletes enjoyed this experience and improved or acquired a variety of important life skills and abilities. Coaches also felt that athletes bonded during activities and improved their abilities to work together as a group. Finally, coaches felt that their own personal communication skills improved.

scholarly journals The impact of packaging, price and brand awareness on brand loyalty: Evidence from the paint retailing industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manilall Dhurup ◽  
Chengedzai Mafini ◽  
Tshepiso Dumasi
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Brand Awareness ◽  
Pricing Strategies ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
The One ◽  
Competitive Pricing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of packaging, price and brand awareness on brand loyalty.Rationale: The study sought to extend empirical evidence on the association between brand loyalty and product-related factors: packaging, price and brand awareness.Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative survey approach and was conducted in a paint retailing environment. Data were elicited from a conveniently selected sample of 212 consumers who purchased various brands of paint. Regression analysis and the one-way analysis of variance test were conducted to investigate the impact of packaging, price and brand awareness on brand loyalty.Findings: Packaging, price and brand awareness showed significant positive relationships with brand loyalty, which implied their significant predictive influence on brand loyalty. The results suggest that management should, inter alia, initiate and implement effective packaging, pricing and brand awareness in order to enhance consumers’ brand loyalty to the company’s products.Value of research: The research provides valuable insights to managers of companies on the need to continuously enhance their products’ packaging with competitive pricing strategies in order to improve brand awareness and brand loyalty and remain competitive in the market. The study also provides evidence of the relationship between brand loyalty and packaging, price and brand awareness in a South African context.Conclusion: The marketing success of businesses depends on their ability to continuously enhance their products’ packaging with competitive pricing and brand awareness strategies in order to improve brand loyalty. Future studies should be extended to other retailing environments and product categories.

scholarly journals BREACH OF THE IMPLIED DUTY TO PRESERVE MUTUAL TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN AN EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: A CASE STUDY OF Moyo v Old Mutual Limited (22791/2019) [2019] ZAGPJHC 229 (30 July 2019)

Obiter ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Konanani Happy Raligilia ◽  
Kodisang Mpho Bokaba
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Case Note ◽  
Employment Relationship ◽  
Mutual Trust ◽  
Contract Of Employment ◽  
The One ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Labour Disputes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This case note is intended to revisit the contentious aspect of the implied duties of South African labour law in the individual employment relationship. Significantly, the case note intends to remind the reader about the importance of adhering to certain implied duties in the contract of employment. In this regard, the implied duty to preserve mutual trust and confidence is the central theme of this case note. On the one hand, the implied duty to safeguard mutual trust and confidence imposes an obligation upon the employer to conduct itself in a manner not likely to destroy, jeopardise, or seriously damage the trust relationship and confidence in the employment relationship. On the other hand, this implied duty is becoming a significant yardstick used by employers to address contractual labour disputes in South Africa. In order for an employer to invoke this implied duty, it must be expected that the employee would have to conduct him or herself in a manner likely to demonstrate to his employer loyalty, good faith and cooperation.Against this background, the recent case of Moyo v Old Mutual (22791/2019) [2019] ZAGPJHC 229 (30 July 2019) (Moyo) demonstrates the impact of a breach of the implied duty to preserve mutual trust and confidence on the employment relationship. This case note intends to examine the implied obligation that rests upon the employer to safeguard trust and confidence in the relationship. The case note further reflects on the implied duty of employees to safeguard and protect mutual trust and confidence. After all, trust forms the basic fundamental core of the employment relationship, and any breach of this duty is likely to result in an irretrievable breakdown of the employment relationship. Once there is a breakdown of trust and confidence, it remains a mammoth task to restore the relationship.

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