scholarly journals Stimulating black entrepreneurship through training: A case study in development

1979 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
B. Mokoatle ◽  
H. L. Prekel
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Underdeveloped Countries ◽  
Small Business Management ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Black Entrepreneurship ◽  
The University

Economic problems and threatening food and energy shortages, together with the contrast and polarization between the developed and underdeveloped countries, have brought the world to the brink of a crisis. The development of self-reliance and entrepreneurship among the poorer communities could contribute to solving the above problems. Several barriers need to be overcome to stimulate black entrepreneurship in South Africa, one being the need for specialized business management training. The paper describes as a case study the Small Business Management Programme introduced in 1975 by the School of Business Leadership of the University of South Africa. A progress report on the course is given, with fairly high success rates in terms of both academic and business achievement. Of particular interest is the wide range of projects (business viability studies) investigated by students as a course requirement, several of which have been implemented as successful business ventures.Ekonomiese probleme en dreigende voedsel- en energietekorte, saam met die kontras en polarisering tussen die ontwikkelde en onderontwikkelde lande, het die wereldgemeenskap tot op die rand van 'n krisis gebring. Die ontwikkeling van selfstandigheid en entrepreneurskap onder die armer gemeenskappe kan grootliks bydra tot die oplossing van bogenoemde probleme. Verskeie struikelblokke moet oorkom word om swart entrepreneurskap in Suid-Afrika te stimuleer. Een hiervan is die behoefte aan gespesialiseerde sakebestuursopleiding. Die artikel beskryf as 'n gevallestudie die Kleinbesigheidbestuursprogram wat die Skool vir Bedryfsleiding van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika in 1975 ingestel het. 'n Vorderingsverslag word oor die program gegee, waarin redelike hoe akademiese sowel as sakeprestasies aangedui word. Veral van belang is die wye reeks projekte (uitvoerbaarheidstudies van sakeondernemings) wat studente as 'n kursusvereiste ondersoek het; verskeie van hierdie projekte is intussen as suksesvolle ondernemings in bedryf gestel.

scholarly journals The Underlying Motives of University Student Volunteers Participating in Community Service Activities in Custodial Settings in South Africa: A Philosophical Perspective

Phronimon ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 44-58
Author(s):  
Johannes H Prinsloo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Philosophical Perspective ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Student Volunteers ◽  
The University ◽  
Security Science

Socrates pronounced that “An unexamined life is not worth living” and maintained the belief that the purpose of human life was personal and spiritual growth. This article explores, against this background, the motives and experiences of 12 student volunteers who assisted with the assessment of sentenced offenders in custodial settings in South Africa, as part of the “third mission” of the Department of Criminology and Security Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa). A case study approach was followed to explore the underlying social context and thereby gain an understanding of the students’ experience in terms of their exposure to the correctional milieu. The article relates the student volunteers’ experiences regarding their expectations and motives at the outset, their personal experiences and the benefits that involvement in this project holds for them.

scholarly journals The knowledge and perceptions of history students of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Oelofse ◽  
A Oosthuysen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Reconciliation Commission ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
The University

Using the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa (TRC) and the concept of reconciliation as a case study, the article attempts to assess the knowledge and understanding of the registered undergraduate history students at the University of the Free State’s main campus about the TRC and the concept and process of reconciliation in the country at large. The research will firstly assess whether the younger generation of students, specifically students taking history as a subject, have any knowledge of such a significant and contemporary event in South African historiography as the TRC process. Secondly, in relation to the aims and recommendations of the TRC and against the background of reconciliation efforts in the country, to perceive the views and thoughts of undergraduate history students on the progress in reconciliation endeavours in South Africa. As a result, a sample of 128 undergraduate history students was randomly selected to complete a quantitative questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of both closed and open-ended questions. Group interviews, as a qualitative research method, were added and used to conduct interviews with 16 undergraduate history students selected randomly and answers were recorded. Accordingly, an explanatory mixed- method research method approach was employed by implementing both the qualitative and quantitative method.

A case study of transformation in four African universities.

2021 ◽  
pp. 240-250
Author(s):  
David Kraybill ◽  
Moses Osiru
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Agricultural Education ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Institutional Transformation ◽  
The University

Abstract This chapter presents selected analytical narratives of successful institutional transformation of tertiary agricultural education (TAE) from four African universities. The four universities analysed are Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya (JKUAT); Gulu University, Uganda (GU); University of Abomey Calavi, Benin (UAC); and the University of Venda, South Africa (UNIVEN). The study examines what each of the universities changed, and how they went about effecting and supporting those changes. The discussion focuses on both 'soft changes' in organizational culture and strategies, and 'hard changes' in enrolments, staffing, programmes, departments, faculties/colleges and campuses. Outcomes of the transformation process are described, along with lessons learned.

Setting up A Career Resource Centre

1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Hosking
Keyword(s):  
Career Counselling ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Occupational Information ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The University

Many careers services are realising the increasing importance of access to accurate information, and are further developing resource centres that clients can use to research their work and study options. When the Careers and Appointments Service at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) was re-established in early 1995, a career resource centre was created to support career counselling activities, and to give students access to a wide range of employer and occupational information. This case study outlines the tasks undertaken in setting up the centre, and reflects on issues involved.

Using energy profiles to identify university energy reduction opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandarani Maistry ◽  
Harold Annegarn
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Calendar ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline efforts at the University of Johannesburg, a large metropolitan university in Gauteng province, to examine energy efficiency within the context of the green campus movement, through the analysis of electricity consumption patterns. The study is particularly relevant in light of the cumulative 230 per cent increase in electricity costs between 2008 and 2014 in South Africa that has forced institutions of higher education to seek ways to reduce energy consumption. Design/Methodology/Approach – A quantitative research design was adopted for the analysis of municipal electricity consumption records using a case study approach to identify trends and patterns in consumption. The largest campus of the University of Johannesburg, which is currently one of the largest residential universities in South Africa, was selected as a case study. Average diurnal consumption profiles were plotted according to phases of the academic calendar, distinguished by specific periods of active teaching and research (in-session); study breaks, examinations and administration (out-of-session); and recesses. Average profiles per phase of the academic calendar were constructed from the hourly electricity consumption and power records using ExcelTM pivot tables and charts. Findings – It was found that the academic calendar has profound effects on energy consumption by controlling the level of activity. Diurnal maximum consumption corresponds to core working hours, peaking at an average of 2,500 kWh during “in-session” periods, 2,250 kWh during “out-of-session” periods and 2,100 kWh during recess. A high base load was evident throughout the year (between 1,300 and 1,650 kWh), mainly attributed to heating and cooling. By switching off the 350 kW chiller plant on weekdays, a 9 per cent electricity reduction could be achieved during out-of-session and recess periods. Similarly, during in-session periods, a 6 per cent reduction could be achieved. Practical implications – Key strategies and recommendations are presented to stimulate energy efficiency implementation within the institution. Originality Value – Coding of consumption profiles against the academic calendar has not been previously done in relation to an academic institution. The profiles were used to establish the influence of the academic calendar on electricity consumption, which along with our own observation were used to identify specific consumption reduction opportunities worth pursuing.

Exposing the illegal trade in cycad species (Cycadophyta:Encephalartos) at two traditional medicine markets in South Africa using DNA barcoding

Genome ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (9) ◽  
pp. 771-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Williamson ◽  
O. Maurin ◽  
S.N.S. Shiba ◽  
H. van der Bank ◽  
M. Pfab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
The University ◽  
National Environmental ◽  
Encephalartos Natalensis ◽  
Near Threatened ◽  
Plant Harvesting

Species in the cycad genus Encephalartos are listed in CITES Appendix I and as Threatened or Protected Species in terms of South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) of 2004. Despite regulations, illegal plant harvesting for medicinal trade has continued in South Africa and resulted in declines in cycad populations and even complete loss of sub-populations. Encephalartos is traded at traditional medicine markets in South Africa in the form of bark strips and stem sections; thus, determining the species traded presents a major challenge due to a lack of characteristic plant parts. Here, a case study is presented on the use of DNA barcoding to identify cycads sold at the Faraday and Warwick traditional medicine markets in Johannesburg and Durban, respectively. Market samples were sequenced for the core DNA barcodes (rbcLa and matK) as well as two additional regions: nrITS and trnH-psbA. The barcoding database for cycads at the University of Johannesburg was utilized to assign query samples to known species. Three approaches were followed: tree-based, similarity-based, and character-based (BRONX) methods. Market samples identified were Encephalartos ferox (Near Threatened), Encephalartos lebomboensis (Endangered), Encephalartos natalensis (Near Threatened), Encephalartos senticosus (Vulnerable), and Encephalartos villosus (Least Concern). Results from this study are crucial for making appropriate assessments and decisions on how to manage these markets.

scholarly journals One Health Evaluation: A Case Study at the University of Bologna

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Aragrande ◽  
Massimo Canali ◽  
Mariana Roccaro ◽  
Elisabetta Ferraro ◽  
Alessandra Bonoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
One Health ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Human Interface ◽  
Quantitative Metrics ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
The One ◽  
The University

The level of One Health (OH), or “One Health-ness,” of health interventions has been defined as the capacity to operate according to six dimensions concerning OH operations and OH infrastructures, respectively (thinking, planning, and working; and information sharing, reciprocal learning, and systemic organization). Although health initiatives and research increasingly claim their orientation toward OH, such a capacity is rarely assessed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the One Health-ness of the academic team of the University of Bologna (UNIBO Team) working in the “ELEPHANT” project (Empowering universities' Learning and rEsearch caPacities in the one Health Approach for the maNagement of animals at the wildlife, livestock and human interface in SouTh Africa). This project involves universities, six from South Africa and two from Europe, and aims at embedding OH in research and learning to enable the control of diseases at the human, animal, and environmental interface, and to emphasize the interests of local African communities with wildlife conservation. The methodology adopts the NEOH method, developed in 2018 by the EU-COST Action, “Network for the Evaluation of One Health.” The approach is based on questionnaires delivered to participants, which focus on the six OH dimensions, and then translate answers into quantitative metrics through the OH Index (OHI) and the OH Ratio (OHR). The following two evaluation levels are foreseen: the whole project and the single partner institutions. The evaluations are carried on in parallel, with preliminary, mid-term, and final assessments, to monitor the efficacy of the project actions. The preliminary evaluation of the UNIBO Team resulted in the OHI of 0.23 and the OHR of 1.69 which indicate a low degree of OH-ness and an imbalance between OH operation and OH infrastructure. The UNIBO case study will be the baseline for the evaluation of the other partner institutions involved in the ELEPHANT project. This type of evaluation can support the implementation of OH practices inside a project and underpin the strategies that allow to achieving more effective results. Any improvement in the OH-ness of each single academic team can be also considered as a result of the ELEPHANT project, thus showing its multiplier effect in the context.

scholarly journals The Development of Academic Advising to Enable Student Success in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Gugu Wendy Tiroyabone ◽  
Franҫois Strydom
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Student Success ◽  
Academic Advising ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Institutional Perspective ◽  
International Perspectives ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The University

Universities promote social justice by improving student success; a university degree is one of the most powerful tools to change the economic prospects of students, their families, and communities. For students to succeed, it is vital that they are connected to the wide range of support services in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, many students (especially first-generation students) find it difficult to connect to university environments that are complex and that are often not optimally coordinated. International and national research show that academic advising plays a critical role in improving student engagement and success by facilitating better coordination and integration of support. Academic advising provides students with relevant information, facilitates their conceptual understanding of the university, and allows students the opportunity to form a meaningful relationship with the institution through an advisor and by means of various advising initiatives. This paper shares international perspectives on the critical importance of academic advising for student success. Building on these perspectives, we reflect on the development of academic advising in South Africa and on its potential for enhancing student success in our context. We provide an institutional perspective by sharing the journey of the University of the Free State. In doing so, we show the positive impact of advising before and during the pandemic and we conclude with lessons for the future of academic advising in the South African context.

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