scholarly journals An Empirical Assessment of the Implications of the Merger at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
W. W. Manona
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Comprehensive Universities ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Act 101 ◽  
Historically Disadvantaged ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive

This study investigated the implications of merger on the morale of staff at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), which is a new comprehensive university established in terms of the HigherEducation Act (101 of 1997), as amended. This study is undertaken because from the literature survey, scholars have not interrogated the implications of merger on the morale of those affected in those established comprehensive universities post amalgamation. This study employed a quantitative descriptive research approach, using statistical procedures. The target population was ninety academic and ninety non-academic staff members from the three sites of Walter Sisulu University, namely East London, Ibika and Umtata. Participants were purposefully selected from the four campuses. Questionnaires were administered to ninety academics and ninety non-academic staff personnel. The study established that indeed the merger had negative implications on WSU employees, even though these implications varied from category to category. The merger of historically disadvantaged two technikons and a university within the rural South African setting presents a complex historical heritage.The three institutions that merged to form WSU are not only historically disadvantaged, but also have vast distances among them. 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, terminated their service long before the merger even took place. 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. The study advances suggestions and recommendations to alleviate the situation.

Innovative use of technologies to enhance knowledge management

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 503-514
Author(s):  
Everlyn M'mbone Anduvare ◽  
Marlene Holmner
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Distributed Learning ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members

PurposeThe study aims to identify and recommend to the Marist International University College (MIUC) technologies that enhance knowledge management, with a particular focus on collaborative and distributed learning.Design/methodology/approachNine senior full-time academic staff members were purposively selected for the study. The study employed a qualitative research design that involved the use of Google forms to conduct an online survey to collect data from the target population, and it achieved a 100% response rate. Using content analysis, data were analysed, interpreted and presented in a mini-dissertation.FindingsThis research paper presents the findings relating to the innovative use of technologies to enhance collaborative and distributive learning. The findings confirm the existence of informal knowledge management practices at the MIUC and recommend technologies established through a review of the literature to expedite these practices.Practical implicationsThe proposed technologies are thought to be useful in enhancing collaborative and distributed learning in academic institutions as technologies act as enablers in knowledge management within academia.Originality/valueAs technologies continue to emerge, there is a chance for universities to hit a stalemate in terms of identifying appropriate technologies to enable knowledge management. This paper contributes by identifying not only KM practices at the university under study but also specific multimedia, social media, media sharing and brainstorming technologies from the literature that would be ideal in enhancing collaborative and distributed learning.

Defining Workplace Bullying in Institutions of Higher Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz NgaleIlongo
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Intellectual Stimulation ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Inductive Methods ◽  
Definition Of

This study aimed at exploring the definition of workplace bullying as psychological violence among academic staff of the National University of Lesotho. The methodology for this study was the qualitative research approach, with an overarching intention of making meaning out of respondents definition of the phenomenon of workplace bullying which they had experienced. Data for this study were collected through a semi-structured interview on 20 academic staff members of the aforementioned institution. Data analysis was done through the iterative and inductive methods of the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results of the study highlighted the following rubrics in respondents definition of workplace bullying as psychological violence: abuse of status, covert and or overt negative behaviors, premeditated intention to impose ones will and suppress that of others, devaluing others, and causing harm to the victims of bullying. Workplace bullying can thus be described as negative group dynamics which has characteristics that are diametrically opposed to those of positive psychology. Workplace bullying impacts negatively on, and compromises organizational effectiveness and efficiency, employee physical resilience, intellectual stimulation, emotional balance, family harmony, self-esteem, self-image, and self-actualization.

scholarly journals Strategic priorities for cultivating commitment amongst academic staff: The militating effect of workplace spirituality

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desere Kokt ◽  
Esther P. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Workplace Spirituality ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Organisational Commitment ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Critical Competencies

Orientation: Organisational commitment remains an ongoing concern for organisations, especially universities that often struggle to retain academic staff. Universities cannot operate or fulfil their mandate to society without the critical competencies of academic staff.Research purpose: This investigation focused on workplace spirituality as a militating factor in enhancing the commitment of academic staff.Motivation for the study: As organisational commitment remains a challenge for universities, this article contributes to a theoretical and empirical understanding of the militating influence of workplace spirituality. The study is underpinned by social learning theory and proposes strategic priorities to universities – informed by an empirical study conducted amongst academic staff members at a South African university.Research approach/design and method: The study employed a quantitative research approach and a structured questionnaire was administered to 285 academic staff members (ranging from junior lecturers to professors) of a South African university. The research design was a survey and, as a single university formed part of the study, regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational commitment.Main findings: The empirical findings showed a strong linear relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational commitment. A regression formula was developed to statistically calculate the commitment score of individuals.Practical/managerial implications: The study proposed strategic priorities that may be useful to university management and human resource practitioners to cultivate increased commitment amongst academic staff.Contribution/value-add: The study contributed empirical evidence of the militating effect of workplace spirituality on organisational commitment, implying that workplace spirituality is a predictor for organisational commitment.

scholarly journals Assessing the outcomes of the higher education mergers in South Africa: Implications for strategic management

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecil A. Arnolds ◽  
Regina N. Stofile ◽  
Riyaadh Lillah
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Job Performance ◽  
South African ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Organisational Commitment ◽  
Comprehensive Universities ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Educational Environments ◽  
Higher Education Mergers ◽  
South African Higher Education

Objective of the study: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived merger outcomes, employee organisational commitment and employee job performance in South African higher education institutions.Problem investigated: High levels of negativity towards the mergers have initially been reported. The unbundling of certain mergers has been mooted. The outcomes of these mergers must therefore be evaluated.Methodology: A total of 329 questionnaires were collected from academic and non-academic staff at three comprehensive universities. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multiple regression analysis was conducted.Findings: The empirical results show, amongst other things, that (1) perceptions about merger goal success are significantly related to the organisational commitment and job performance intentions of employees, (2) organisational commitment levels are average and should be increased, (3) perceptions about workload fairness are significantly related to the organisational commitment of employees, and (4) employees have experienced an increased workload.Value of study: The study emphasises the necessity of the continual management of merger goal successes, workload distributions, and administration processes and resources (especially an empowered staff) in the pursuit of stable educational environments in these institutions.Conclusion: Managers of higher education institutions should pursue prudent strategic financial spending and continuously manage the job performance intent and organisational commitment of their staff members. If this is not done, positive perceptions of merger successes could decrease. Such a situation could perpetuate unstable conditions at already affected merged institutions and even cause stable ones to deteriorate.

Forms of Workplace Bullying in Institutions of Higher Learning in the Light of the Integral Model of Workplace Bullying

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz Ngale Ilongo
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Integral Model ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
National University ◽  
Inductive Methods

This study aims at exploring forms of workplace bullying as psychological violence among academic staff of the National University of Lesotho. The methodology for this study is the qualitative research approach, with an overarching intention of making meaning out of respondents definition of the phenomenon of workplace bullying which they are experiencing. Data for this study are collected through a semi-structured interview on twenty academic staff members of the aforementioned institution. Data analysis is done through the iterative and inductive methods of the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results of the study highlight the following forms of workplace bullying as psychological violence within the context of the study: staff devaluing, expatriate syndrome, authoritarian management, communication bullying, unknown politicized agenda, and economic/financial bullying. The forms of workplace bullying experienced by interviewees are person-related, management-style related, interpersonal, and job resources related, which can be ascribed to the university restructuring programme that is ongoing during the period of this study. From literature review and the findings of the study the researcher has conceived the Integral Model of Workplace Bullying as a conceptual framework for enhancing understanding of forms of workplace bullying within the context of this study.

scholarly journals Management perceptions of a higher educational brand for the attraction of talented academic staf

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa Saurombe ◽  
E. Nicolene Barkhuizen ◽  
Nico E. Schutte
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Higher Education Management ◽  
Education Management ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Higher Educational

Orientation: Academic staff members have a crucial role in the success of higher education institutions (HEIs). Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate an appealing organisational brand that will attract them to HEIs as an employer of choice.Research purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore management perceptions on a higher educational institution as a brand for the attraction of talented academic staff.Motivation for the study: Although a substantial amount of research has been conducted on organisational branding, not much has emphasised the higher educational sector.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative research approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from management (N = 12) of a merged South African HEI.Main findings: The findings revealed six themes that should form the core of a higher educational brand for academic staff: reputation and image, organisational culture and identity, strategic vision, corporate social responsibility and work and surrounding environment.Practical/managerial implications: The findings of the study will assist higher education management to create a compelling organisational brand and work environment to attract and retain talented academic staff members.Contribution/value-add: This research makes a valuable contribution towards creating new knowledge in the key that should form part of an appealing higher education brand that will attract and retain current and future talent.

scholarly journals Academic staff perceptions of empowerment training programmes initiated by Durban University of Technology

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Bingwa Luyanda Loraine
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Staff Development ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Routine Tasks ◽  
Correct Application ◽  
Education Academic ◽  
Training Programmes

Higher education in South Africa underwent a significant change during the last decade. Lecturers may not be necessarily equipped to face all the changes that are a result of changes faced by higher education. Academic staff needs to be trained so as to strengthen their teaching competencies. Training serves as an opportunity to upgrade their qualifications. Without training, it would be challenging for academics to perform their core activities. The problem that arises is that the type of routine tasks typical of the functions of academic staff does not require only training in the form of coaching but also learning in the form of gaining knowledge and competence within the academic disciplinary context. However, hands-on training seems to be the crucial component that will ensure the correct application of routine procedures. The purpose of this study was to identify the academic staff perception of empowerment programmes initiated by the Durban University of Technology (DUT), and the challenges involved in successfully empowering staff. This study also identified problems encountered during academic staff development process and further investigated if the academic staff were provided with reasonable opportunity to participate. In this study, a quantitative approach was used, and data was collected from academic staff, comprising of professors, head of departments, senior lecturers, lecturers and junior lecturers of the Durban University of Technology. A sample size of 132 was drawn from the population. Questionnaires were designed with both closed and open-ended questions, and were personally administered by the researcher to all academic staff members in all faculties of the Durban University of Technology. Analysis of data revealed that the University provide academic staff with sufficient and relevant training however staff felt that they should be included in the planning of these programmes. Furthermore there was a need for follow-up to evaluate effectiveness of the training programmes and if they served the purpose for which they were intended to. This study, therefore, recommended that respective faculties should involve their staff members in planning, and that a follow-up be conducted after completion of training.

scholarly journals Developing Effective Bite Sized Staff Development Through Thematic Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Gray
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Staff Development ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Course Length ◽  
Mode Of Consumption

This paper aims to investigate an emerging method for delivering online learning for the purposes of staff development. This teaching method, named Bite Sized Learning (BSL), is based on the following principles: 1. Course length is short, around one or two weeks. 2. One task is delivered each day. 3. Tasks are short, around 30 minutes. The intention of BSL is to meet the commonly cited needs of work based learners – flexibility in time, place and mode of consumption – and enable more accessible and more effective staff development in higher education. To this end, BSL is underpinned by research in work based learning, just in time learning, communities of practice and human attention spans. This study relates to a qualitative study carried out on a series of BSL courses, delivered to academic staff at Edinburgh Napier from 2012 to 2014. Staff members took part in four instances of the course and were asked for feedback on their experience. A thematic analysis process was carried out on this feedback in order to determine the effectiveness of BSL, the advantages it brings and ways in which it can be developed. Thematic analysis showed that BSL was very well received by participants and that it carries a number of advantages over traditional one-block methods of staff development. Evidence is presented to show that BSL enables effective learning and allows academic staff to participate in development when they otherwise could not. The daily delivery format was found to increase the priority of online learning and build motivation to complete each task, while keeping the tasks short and focused reduced the mental barriers to students in beginning the work. The analysis forms the basis for a BSL model of learning, and avenues of future development are proposed.

Web-Based Learning

2011 ◽  
pp. 49-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Val Clulow ◽  
Jan Brace-Gowan
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Online Teachers ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Web Based Education

In this chapter, a synthesis of work from several evaluative studies that the authors have undertaken on the different experiences professionals and students have had with Web-based education is provided. Provided are perspectives from undergraduate and postgraduate students and from academic staff members who have experienced learning and teaching in a Web-based environment. Reflection on these sources of experience provides a number of indicators for improvements to approaches to staff development for online teachers, for the preparation of students for an online learning environment, and for student-centered Web-based design.

scholarly journals Exploring entrepreneurial culture and its socio-cultural determinants: in case of Woldia University graduating students

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abriham Ebabu Engidaw
Keyword(s):  
Target Population ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Entrepreneurial Culture ◽  
Graduating Students

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore entrepreneurial intention and its determinants: in the case of Woldia University graduating students. To achieve its objectives, the study employed a descriptive and explanatory research design, and in the study, a cross-sectional study was conducted through a mixed research approach. The target population of the study was 223 regular first-degree 2018 graduating students of Woldia University, Management Department, and their instructors in the study area. The sample size was 143 respondents. The study result showed that majority of the respondents did not plan to start their own knowledge-based business. This was essentially due to the lack of competence in transforming ideas in to practice and commercializing it to create their own business. Correspondingly, prodigious attention should be given to have an entrepreneurial orientation in the contents and methods of teaching at all levels of education systems primary, secondary, and higher educational institutions and use different awareness-raising mechanisms in the country.

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