scholarly journals An Investigation into Factors that Contribute to Learner Migration in South African Schools

2020 ◽  
pp. 224-235
Author(s):  
Botha R. J. Nico ◽  
Neluvhola T. G. Grace
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
School Effectiveness ◽  
Theory Model ◽  
Coherent System ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Migration System ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Group Interviews

The purpose of this study was to investigate the various factors which contribute to learner migration in South African schools and to suggest ways in which learner migration can be addressed. A qualitative research approach was used for the study and data was collected by means of individual – and group interviews. The sample of the study consists of one Expert Management Information System (EMIS) member and one principal from a secondary school in each of the nine provinces as well as four parents and four learners from four of the nine provinces. The final sample were 50 participants (n=50). Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the 9 EMIS-members and 9 principals, while focus group interviews were conducted with the 16 parents and 16 learners. The findings of the study correspond with the reasons for learner migration in terms of Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological theory model. This model is firmly grounded in reality, thereby allowing the researchers to determine how stakeholders are influenced in terms of learner migration. The findings of the study indicate that learners are migrating to other schools due to, inter alia, the new legislative framework, school management and leadership practices of principals, school effectiveness issues, infra structure of schools as well as socio-economic factors. The study underscores the need for structuring the South African learner migration system that is guided by a coherent system of policies that enables principals to manage learner migration effectively.

scholarly journals Overcoming challenges associated with managing change towards Digital Banking - a case of a South African bank

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-92
Author(s):  
S MAHARAJ ◽  
◽  
RID POOE ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Environment Change ◽  
Managing Change

In today’s highly competitive business environment, change has become the order of the day for businesses that want to survive and stay competitive through the winds and turbulences of change. Change comes as a consequence of companies repositioning themselves in anticipation of rapid advancements in technology, quest for new opportunities in different geographical markets, and the need for new strategic intent. The aim of this study was to explore challenges faced by a South African bank following the integration of the three (3) business units towards digital banking. In exploring this question, the study adopted a quality research approach which involved purposive sampling where semi-structured interviews were held with 20 bank employees who were affected by the integration process. Following the primary data collection and data analysis, the following five (5) themes emerged, which represented the main challenges which employees associated with managing change toward digital banking by the focal bank: 1) lack of guiding principles for the change process, (2) clash of sub-cultures of the various units, (3) employee involvement and engagement, (4) absence of post-integration plan, and (5) lack of communication. By drawing from the Kurt Lewin’ theory of change and the diffusion of innovation theory, the study extended our understanding of these theories in the context of integration literature. The themes were analysed In light of the emerged themes, recommendations were made and directions for future research were suggested.

scholarly journals School financial management: Insights for decision making in public primary schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Adebunmi Yetunde Aina ◽  
Keshni Bipath
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Continuous Training

To realise the ideal of quality inclusive education, proper financial management is vital. Existing literature indicates that the mismanagement of school funds is largely due to principals and the school governing bodies (SGB) in many schools not having good working relationships with stakeholders and lacking the necessary financial skills, more specifically in schools in townships and rural areas. The study we report on in this article investigated the financial management of public primary schools situated in urban areas by adopting a qualitative research approach and employing a multiple case study research design. Five schools participated and data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with the principal, school accountant and chairperson of the SGB of the selected schools. Findings revealed that, despite the fact that all South African schools are governed and controlled by the South African Schools Act, the financial management of fee-paying schools differs from no-fee schools situated in townships and rural areas. In many schools, the unavailability of the parent members of SGBs and their limited financial skills were barriers to effective financial decisions. Based on these findings, we recommend that the relevant stakeholders involved in school financial management obtain continuous training from the Department of Basic Education, in order to empower and support school governors to effectively carry out their financial functions.

scholarly journals The role of information management in project management success: Narratives from entrepreneurs operating within the South African construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willie T. Chinyamurindi
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The South ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Role Of Information

Background: The South African construction industry is noted to be one of the most popular industries heavily dependent on projects. Calls exist for research that ascertains not just how entrepreneurs act as project managers but also the evaluation of project success and the role information management plays in all this.Objectives: The aim of this study was to understand the views and experiences of entrepreneurs in how: (1) project management success is conceptualised, and (2) the role that information management played to this within a South African construction industry space.Method: The study adopts a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews to generate narratives and themes around how: (1) project management success is conceptualised, and (2) the role that information management played to this. A sample of 15 entrepreneurs working within the construction industry was used for this study.Results: Based on the analysis of the narratives of the 15 entrepreneurs, project success was conceptualised mainly along three themes. Firstly, project success was about keeping the customer happy. Secondly, project success in the construction industry meant meeting the set targets, especially those of a financial nature. Finally, project success was about channelling internal synergies to realise external gains. Further, the 15 entrepreneurs espoused one main sub-theme around the role of information management to this conceptualisation of project success. This posits the role of information management to be a currency in effective decision-making.Conclusion: The study concluded by focusing on the implications and recommendations based on the identified themes.

scholarly journals Women in Leadership: Insights from Female Principals of Rural Secondary Schools in Vhembe District of South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Livhalani Bridget Sinyosi ◽  
Onoriode Collins Potokri
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
South African ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Women In Leadership ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Female Leaders ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Female Principals ◽  
Vhembe District

Gender predisposition towards female leaders within the South African context remains a problem and compelling issue, particularly in rural settings, which are often marginalised and overlooked. Guided by the transformational leadership theory, this article explored the experiences of South African female principals in managing secondary schools in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. A profoundly traditional and patriarchal society characterises this rural setting. Hence, a qualitative research approach and a case study design were used. Ten female principals from ten (10) randomly selected secondary schools in the Vhembe District were purposively selected to serve as participants. Through semi-structured interviews, data were gathered from the sampled participants. Findings from the article reveal that patriarchy still plays a role in disadvantaging women from effectively assuming their duties as leaders. Most of the participants–female principals are subjected to gender bias and thus, unproductive, impact the cooperation from learners, parents, teachers, the community, and the Department of Education officials. Despite unpleasant experiences, female leaders in this article demonstrate selflessness in their daily leadership tasks and routines. Furthermore, they are inspirational and serve as role models to all they had relationships with for the transformation and change they desire in their schools. To the sampled principals, being selfless and inspirational is their leadership strength. One way of the few mentioned becoming a leader one aspires to.

scholarly journals South African Police Services Officials` Perceptions of Community-Police Relations in Durban, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 224-230
Author(s):  
Siyanda Dlamini ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Crime Prevention ◽  
South African ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Community Policing ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Police Services ◽  
Prevention Activities ◽  
South African Police

Police officers’ views about police-citizen relationships are shaped not only by opportunities to interact with community residents during normal police work but also in part by efforts due to the larger police mission of encouraging and supporting such attitudes. In recent years, police in different countries has shifted from the traditional reactive form of policing towards community-oriented approaches. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to explore police officers’ views of citizen-police relationships and community policing in Durban, South Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted, to explore such perceptions in the study area. The findings collected through semi-structured interviews with the South African Police Services personnel suggested that police officer were dissatisfied and at best ambiguous about citizens’ participation in crime prevention activities or support for the police in a township dwelling. However, in a suburban area, the perceptions marked an improvement in their attitudes on various dimensions. These include officers’ views about the overall police mission, increased emphasis on service-oriented policing in contrast to a law enforcement approach, support for community policing, perceived citizens’ willingness to cooperate with the police in crime prevention activities, and decreased cynicism about citizens. These findings suggest confidence in the utility of community policing ideas.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial resilience: the case of Somali grocery shop owners in a South African township

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robertson K. Tengeh
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Financial Risk ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Almost All ◽  
South African Township ◽  
Bounce Back

Most studies on entrepreneurship have highlighted the relative importance of a conducive environment for the development of entrepreneurship. This notwithstanding, entrepreneurship has been noted to thrive even under the most adverse conditions, such as during economic, social and political instabilities. Using resilience as the propensity to bounce back after adversity and xenophobia, crime, unhealthy competition, etc. as correlates of adversity or an unconducive business environment, this paper investigated the preponderance of Somali grocery shops in South African township despite the perceived hostility of the business environment. Anchored on the qualitative research approach, a purposive sample of 13 participants provided the required data for analysis. Specifically, the data collection took the form of focus group interviews in which two groups of 6 and 7 informants were purposively selected to be part of the interviews. Prominent in the results was the fact that almost all the current Somali grocery shops in the study area have been victims of crime and theft. Furthermore, virtually all the Somali grocery shops that were victimized during the xenophobic outburst have since re-opened. The foregoing themes of resilience and adversity unmistakably indicate the propensity of Somali grocery shop owners’ ability to bounce back. As to what township entrepreneurs worry or fear most, clearly the fear of the re-occurrence of the xenophobic attacks surpassed that of burglary, theft and death. As to what fuels Somali’s persistence and preponderance in townships, both push and pulled factors were reported. Reporting on risk aversion, it was noted that most of the founders (here referred to as an entrepreneur) are not actively involved in running the shops. They simply recruit others to do the job on their behalf. Under this circumstance, the risk is limited to financial risk. This approach is quite different for other African immigrants in the same township. Keywords: entrepreneurship, turbulent business environment, xenophobia, entrepreneurial resilience, South Africa townships. JEL Classification: M00

Tales of challenge and resolution: narratives of women middle managers in the South African public service

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willie Tafadzwa Chinyamurindi ◽  
Tinashe Chuchu ◽  
Eugine Tafadzwa Maziriri
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Women Managers ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The South ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges and resolution tactics of women middle managers in the South African public service. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was used as a data collection technique. Narrative analysis was used with a sample of 20 women middle managers working within the South African public service. Findings Narratives of challenges faced by women middle managers in the South African public service included relational issues, with a subtle undermining of women managers, challenges rooted within the socio-cultural milieu – perversely undermining the experience of being a manager and challenges stemming from public service in general such as corruption, in turn, questioning the ability of women managers to handle such. In addressing these challenges, the women middle managers exercised three individual performative actions in response to the identified challenges. These include using direct confrontation, relying on networks for guidance and relying on indirect confrontation. Research limitations/implications Sample size challenges feature as a notable limitation including the research being conducted in only one political province of South Africa. Caution should be exercised when seeking to generalise the findings to other contexts. Practical implications Understanding the challenges and resolution tactics of women middle managers can be a useful precursor to management development interventions. Originality/value The study answers call for more processual career and management development studies that help understand not only challenges but also resolution strategies. This study illustrates both the difficulty of this and ensures opportunity for the advancement of women in management.

scholarly journals Exploring the meaning and origin of stereotypes amongst South African employees

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizelle Brink ◽  
Jan Alewyn Nel
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Inaccurate Information ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Formed Part ◽  
Emic Perspective ◽  
Employment Sectors

Orientation: Stereotypes are defined in different ways and also originate from various sources. Research purpose: To investigate how the employees from selected South African organisations understand and define the concept ‘stereotype’ and what the origins of stereotypes are.Motivation for the study: Individuals hold different perceptions of the same concept. Therefore, different individuals within selected South African organisations may interpret the meaning and origin of stereotypes very differently. This study therefore aimed to discover whether individuals have a shared understanding of the concept of stereotypes and whether they are aware of where stereotypes originate from. Research approach, design and method: A combination of both purposive and convenience sampling was used for the purpose of this study. The sample consisted of individuals working in selected South African organisations (N = 336). Various employment sectors formed part of this study. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to collect data and data analysis was done by making use of thematic analysis. Main findings: The results of this study indicated that people employed in selected South African organisations are familiar with stereotypes and have a clear understanding thereof. Participants in this study have a conscious awareness of the origin of stereotypes. Although not all of the participants had direct experiences with stereotyped groups, they were well aware that stereotypes are also caused by indirect sources. Practical implications/managerial implications: When individuals are aware of where their stereotypes originate, they should actively attempt not to rely on their stereotypes when coming into contact with stereotyped groups. Organisations should educate their employees on the process of stereotypes and exactly what this means and where they originate from. Contribution/value-add: With this study the emic perspective pertaining to the meaning and origin of stereotypes is explored within the South African context. By participating in this study, individuals may become aware of the fact that their perceptions and opinions of others may be based on inaccurate information. This study may encourage individuals to truly get to know someone first rather than relying on their possibly inaccurate stereotypes.

scholarly journals SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE CAPACITY TO RESPOND TO CYBERCRIME: CHALLENGES AND POTENTIALS

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 165-186
Author(s):  
Mmabatho Aphane ◽  
Jacob Mofokeng
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Police Service ◽  
South African Police Service ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Criminal Procedure Law ◽  
South African Police

The growing threat of cybercrime poses significant challenges for police organizations. Due to the sophisticated methods used to commit cybercrime, the implementation and investigation of cybercrime have become more demanding and time-consuming. For the police to successfully investigate and punish acts of crime, it is necessary to know and understand the operations of the perpetrators. A qualitative research approach utilizing purposive sampling was adopted to explore the capacity of policing cybercrime in the study area. The findings collected through semi-structured interviews with eight key informants comprising of South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Unit officials suggest that there is a limited cybercrime investigative expertise within the specialized investigation units, coupled with the cyber-elements that are part of almost every traditional crime investigation today, has caused a significant increase in the workload of cybercrime investigative units. The study also found a lack of corporation amongst relevant role-players to boost internal cybercrime investigative resources, resulting in capacity challenges in keeping up with the workload. In addition, as the study showed, the lack of a clear legal framework makes it difficult to investigate and prosecute crimes committed with the Internet, as the authorities are forced to rely on the Criminal Procedure Law. The recommendations are presented as a potential step to developing educational packages and awareness programs to provide at-risk groups with effective mechanisms to protect themselves from cybercrime.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Three South African Primary School Principals on the School – Based Violence

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Mkhomi Moses Sipho ◽  
Mavuso Mzuyanda Percival
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Based ◽  
Primary School Principals ◽  
Intergroup Conflicts

This paper investigated the perceptions of three selected South African primary school principals based in Jabulane - Soweto on School-based Violence (SBV).The qualitative research approach was used with participants purposively selected from three primary schools. The study was based on the interpretive paradigm, and as such the semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected school principals. The data collected from participants was analysed and categorised into themes. The collected data gave the participants’ perceptions on the role of intergroup conflicts, and how it perpetuates school-based violence. The paper is underpinned by Social Conflict Theory.   Received: 5 August 2021 / Accepted: 15 September 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021

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