scholarly journals A performance management model addressing human factors in the North West provincial administration

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kezell Klinck ◽  
Sonia Swanepoel
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Performance Improvement ◽  
North West ◽  
Main Research ◽  
The North ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Provincial Administration ◽  
Improved Performance

Orientation: The article investigated factors from several perspectives using human resources-related issues of governance, legislation, regulation, organisation, administration and communication, workplace sociology variables pertaining to social and psychological relationships and several other factors that have an impact on the complex matrix of determinants for performance improvement in the public service.Research purpose: This article explored the human factors linked to the performance management (PM) processes and its impact on the effectiveness of service delivery in the North West provincial administration (NWPA). The article isolated the strengths and weaknesses of the system of performance assessment from the human relations perspective, technical usage, the structural–organisational and the strategic perspectives, uniformity, legislative compliance and other possibilities envisaged and emerging.Motivation for the study: The study would deliver a successful and carefully crafted PM model that could be used to remedy the current performance situation through improved and effective communication channels, as well as ongoing feedback, leading to a more productive and motivated workforce. This would ultimately yield improved service delivery for the citizens of the North West Province.Research approach/design and method: To answer the main research questions, sub-questions and objectives of this study, several participants (permanent employees and managers) found in the departments within the NWPA had to respond to diverse instruments of inquiry (questionnaires, interview schedules, expert, operational, strategic and grass-roots opinion, etc.). The study took a sequential mixed-methods approach where interpretivist (qualitative) and positivist (quantitative) approaches were applied as the philosophy and descriptive statistics were used.Main findings: The main findings highlighted all the human factors that mitigated against performance improvement in the NWPA. From the evidence gathered, some departments exhibited problematic manager–subordinate relationships, lack of training, no proper feedback, low staff morale leading to low job satisfaction, lack of leadership as well as broken channels of communication.Practical/managerial implications: The findings revealed that it is important for the NWPA management to undertake the necessary efforts in order to adapt a new strategy and comprehensive model for improved performance, which would ultimately lead towards efficient and effective service delivery in the North West Province.Contribution/value-add: This paper explores the salient human factors to be taken into consideration during performance management in the North West Provincial Administration.

scholarly journals Rewards: A predictor of well-being and service quality of school principals in the North-West province

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamohelo Nthebe ◽  
Nicolene Barkhuizen ◽  
Nico Schutte
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Total Rewards ◽  
North West Province

Orientation: School principals have an important role to play in the quality of service delivery in schools. Evidence suggests that school principals are generally poorly compensated, which has an adverse impact on their well-being and subsequent service quality orientation.Research purpose: This study investigated whether rewards are a predictor of well-being and service orientation of school principals in the North-West province.Motivation for the study: Effective school principals are fundamental to the success of any school, which necessitates the establishment of an effective reward and remuneration system.Research design, approach and method: Quantitative research was carried out among school principals (N = 155) in four districts of the North-West province. The Total Rewards Scale, Maslach’s Burnout Inventory – General Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the SERVQUAL measure were administered among the principals.Main findings: The results showed that rewards are a significant predictor of the well-being and service quality of school principals. The results further showed that burnout significantly reduces the service quality of school principals. No significant relationships were found between work engagement and the service quality of school principals.Practical/managerial implications: An effective total rewards system enhances the well-being of school principals and, subsequently, their willingness and commitment to delivering quality services.Contribution: The results of this study point out some key elements that need to be considered by the Department of Education to enable quality service delivery in South African schools.

scholarly journals The effect of a total rewards strategy on school teachers’ retention

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Boitomelo Makhuzeni ◽  
E. Nicolene Barkhuizen
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Total Rewards

Orientation: South African schools are facing significant challenges to retain a talented pool of school teachers. A total rewards strategy could assist schools to reduce teacher turnover.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a total rewards strategy on the turnover intentions of school teachers in the North-West province.Motivation: The under supply of quality teachers has negative consequences for both school pupils and the larger community.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative research approach was followed using semi-structured interviews to gather data from teachers in the North-West province (N = 6).Main findings: The findings showed that performance management, career development and compensations of teachers were poorly applied in schools. Teachers strongly considered leaving the teaching profession as a result of poor rewards. The participants were fairly satisfied with their work benefits and work-life balance.Practical/managerial implications: School management should implement reward practices and policies that will attract and enhance retention of school teachers.Contribution: This research highlighted the problematic areas in the reward systems for school teachers and the subsequent impact thereof on their turnover intentions.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Situation on Tick-Borne Borreliosis in the Russian Federation in 2019 Compared to the Period of 2002–2018

2020 ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
S. A. Rudakova ◽  
N. A. Pen’evskaya ◽  
A. I. Blokh ◽  
D. A. Savel’ev ◽  
O. E. Teslova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
North Caucasus ◽  
North West ◽  
Main Research ◽  
The North ◽  
Federal Districts ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Epidemiological Situation

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological situation on Ixodidae tick-borne borreliosis in the Russian Federation in 2019 in comparison with the period of 2002–2018.Materials and methods. The paper uses the data contained in Form No. 2 of the state statistical reporting for 2002–2019 and information obtained by the Reference Center for Monitoring Borreliosis of the Omsk Research Institute of Natural Focal Infections from 74 constituent entities of Russia in 2019. The main research method is epidemiological one with the use of modern information technologies.Results and discussion. In Russia, 8048 cases of tick-borne borreliosis (Lyme disease – LD) were recorded (5.48 0/0000) in 2019. The actual indicators of the LD incidence for the whole country and federal districts (FD) in 2019 were within the confidence limits predicted with linear regression based on the study of the dynamics of the epidemic process in 2002–2018 in the vast majority of cases. A steady upward trend in the LD incidence was observed during 2002–2019 in the Central Federal District due to 10 out of 18 entities (Moscow, Belgorod, Lipetsk, Moscow, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, Ryazan, Tambov, Tula regions); in the Southern Federal District because of the Krasnodar Territory and the Volgograd Region; in the North Caucasus Federal District – because of the Stavropol Territory. Despite the fact that a downward trend in the incidence of LD has been established over the past 18 years in the North-West, Volga and Ural Federal Districts, in some subjects of these regions a trend towards an aggravation of the epidemiological situation is observed (the Komi Republic and Chuvashia, Penza Region). In the absence of a pronounced tendency to change in the incidence rate of LD in the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts, Kemerovo Region-Kuzbass, the Republic of Tuva and the Trans-Baikal Territory where a growing trend has been identified require special attention. In the Ural and Siberian Federal Districts, the share of non-erythema forms among laboratory-confirmed cases of LD was higher than in other regions, which merits further study of the genome-specific features of borrelia populations and their carriers. Effective control of the LD epidemiological situation in Russia is possible provided that the control is improved and maintained, and the capacity of preventive measures and zoological-entomological monitoring of the activity and structure of the natural foci of LD is enhanced in the entities with the long-term tendency towards increase in the incidence of the disease. 

scholarly journals Student perceptions of customer experience in a higher education environment

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albertus Le Roux ◽  
Renier J. Van Rensburg
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Customer Experience ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Positive Experiences

Orientation: Higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing many challenges such as intense competition and a decrease in government subsidies. Creating more satisfied undergraduate students with a high level of loyalty can increase retention of students.Research purpose: The main aim of the study was to measure students’ level of loyalty, advocacy intentions and perceptions of customer experience during service encounters with administrative staff of the North-West University.Motivation for the study: Positive experiences by students on-campus can increase their satisfaction levels which will lead to an increased propensity for further studies, develop a sense of loyalty and increase advocacy intentions to promote the university to others.Research approach, design and method: This quantitative research followed a descriptive research design. Self-administered questionnaires were handed out to 1295 students on the 3 campuses of the university.Main findings: Students on the Potchefstroom campus show much higher loyalty and advocacy intentions than their counterparts on the Vaal and Mafikeng campuses. Overall the findings indicate that the students have very positive perceptions of the professional appearance of staff members, and also think that their personal information is handled in a secure manner. Male and female students did not differ in their levels of customer experience. European language-speaking students reported a higher level of customer experience compared to their African language-speaking counterparts. The customer experience levels of students in the Potchefstroom Faculty of Health Sciences are higher than students in the Vaal Faculty of Humanities.Practical/managerial implications: It could be beneficial for the management of tertiary institutions to gain insight into the sources or factors that constitute positive experiences for students, for example convenient opening hours and ease of contacting staff by telephone. The training of newly appointed and existing staff could also be enhanced when they are sensitised regarding students’ perceptions of positive customer experiences.Contribution/value-add: The adoption of strategies by HEIs to attract and retain students and render excellent services will result in loyal ambassadors who will demonstrate high advocacy intentions.

scholarly journals The quantitative prediction of tectonic fractures of Longmaxi formation in Dingshan area, southeastern Sichuan Basin

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiatong Xie ◽  
Qirong Qin ◽  
Cunhui Fan ◽  
Dongfeng Hu ◽  
Hu Li
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Rock Fracture ◽  
Quantitative Prediction ◽  
Fracture Density ◽  
Longmaxi Formation ◽  
North West ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Oil And Gas Exploration ◽  
The North ◽  
Fracture Development

Tectonic fractures are a significant factor for production of the Longmaxi formation in Dingshan area. The analyse of the distribution and development degree of tectonic fractures is the main research method in present-day. Based on the data of field outcrops and borehole core, the new method-binary method is put forward by rock fracture and energy value to decide tectonic fracture development. According to the method the fitting formula is offered between the relation of the value of rock fracture, energy and the fracture density. Compared the fracture density predictive value and the observed value of 15 wells, all wells relative error less than 25%. The prediction results are accurate. According to the fitting formula of fracture development and distribution in the study area are obtained. The results show that the fracture density is high as a whole of the Longmaxi formation in Dingshan area. Whole shows by south east to gradually reduce the trend of the north west. Supported the future of the oil and gas exploration to provide geological basis and guidance in Dingshan area.

scholarly journals Performance management and employee engagement: A South African perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Govender ◽  
Mark H.R. Bussin
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
South African ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Operational Efficiency ◽  
Organisational Effectiveness ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Value Add ◽  
And Performance

Orientation: To remain competitive South African organisations must improve their operational efficiency by lowering manufacturing and service costs, and the key is the performance of its employees.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was twofold: firstly, to establish if there is a relationship between performance management and employee engagement; and secondly to ascertain if performance management can be rebooted through increased employee engagement.Motivation for the study: Organisations that measure and manage performance generally outperform those that do not. Organisations need to understand what drives employee engagement and performance to outperform their competitors.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative approach was employed that included a review of research articles and interviews with employees from various functions across all levels within operations of a fast-moving consumer goods organisation based in Gauteng. A sample size of 20 employees was used.Main findings: The results suggest that a relationship exists between performance management and employee engagement and that an increase in employee engagement would result in improved performance of employees and subsequently the organisation. The study revealed that whilst engagement and communication occur across all levels within the organisation, there is still a significant gap. The messages and expectations are not simple enough to be understood. Employees are not empowered to have a voice which causes them to be demotivated. Supportive management, which is fundamental to the success of performance management, is lacking.Practical/managerial implications: The insight from this study may be used to change the way organisations engage with employees and manage performance to ensure it is a beneficial exercise that adds value to all stakeholders.Contribution/value-add: This study will contribute towards organisations understanding the relationship between performance management and employee engagement and how to leverage this towards improving operational efficiency and organisational effectiveness.

scholarly journals Identifying knowledge gaps for successful restorative aquaculture of Ostrea edulis: a bibliometric analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Camilla Bertolini ◽  
Roberto Pastres
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Restoration Ecology ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Larval Settlement ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Ostrea Edulis ◽  
North West ◽  
Main Research ◽  
The North ◽  
Global And Local

Background: Active restoration is necessary to enhance the recovery of Ostrea edulis reefs, which contribute to many ecosystem services. Restoration can be integrated within aquaculture practices, bringing positive environmental changes while maximising space utilisation. The restoration project MAREA (MAtchmaking Restoration Ecology and Aquaculture) aims to bring back O. edulis in the North-West Adriatic addressing the feasibility of its cultivation. Both successful restoration and sustainable aquaculture require a thorough understanding of the ecological needs, as the requirements of both activities (e.g. to maximise ecosystem services, seed production, settlement for maintaining population and for starting a new culture) need to be harmonized. Therefore, one of the preliminary activities before embarking on the pilot was the completion of a thorough literature review to identify research directions and gaps required for ‘restorative aquaculture’, aiming to gather the most up to date O. edulis knowledge on a global and local scale.  Methods: Internet (Web of Science, Scopus, Google scholar) and physical resources (libraries) were searched for all available global and local knowledge on O. edulis. Bibliometrix was used to identify the main research topics using keywords, titles and abstracts analyses. Studies were then manually screened and summarised to extract knowledge specific to restoration and aquaculture.   Results: While restoration studies are recent, evidence for the loss of this species and potential causes (and solutions) have been discussed since the end of the 19th century. While diseases was a leading cause for reef loss, substratum limitation appears to be one of the leading limiting factors for both restoration and aquaculture of O. edulis, and was already mentioned in the early texts that were found. Conclusions: Information regarding the best materials, location and timing for larval settlement were collated in this review, and the focus of MAREA will be shifted to the crucial stage of settlement.

scholarly journals Understanding performance management in primary care

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Rogan ◽  
Ruth Boaden
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Matrix Analysis ◽  
Principal Agent ◽  
Goal Alignment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
General Practices

Purpose Principal-agent theory (PAT) has been used to understand relationships among different professional groups and explain performance management between organisations, but is rarely used for research within primary care. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether PAT can be used to attain a better understanding of performance management in primary care. Design/methodology/approach Purposive sampling was used to identify a range of general practices in the North-west of England. Interviews were carried out with directors, managers and clinicians in commissioning and regional performance management organisations and within general practices, and the data analysed using matrix analysis techniques to produce a case study of performance management. Findings There are various elements of the principal-agent framework that can be applied in primary care. Goal alignment is relevant, but can only be achieved through clear, strategic direction and consistent interpretation of objectives at all levels. There is confusion between performance measurement and performance management and a tendency to focus on things that are easy to measure whilst omitting aspects of care that are more difficult to capture. Appropriate use of incentives, good communication, clinical engagement, ownership and trust affect the degree to which information asymmetry is overcome and goal alignment achieved. Achieving the right balance between accountability and clinical autonomy is important to ensure governance and financial balance without stifling innovation. Originality/value The principal-agent theoretical framework can be used to attain a better understanding of performance management in primary care; although it is likely that only partial goal alignment will be achieved, dependent on the extent and level of alignment of a range of factors.

scholarly journals Politicisation of performance appraisals

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Swanepoel ◽  
Petrus A. Botha ◽  
Nancy B. Mangonyane
Keyword(s):  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Employee Attitudes ◽  
Performance Appraisals ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Employee Productivity ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
And Performance

Orientation: Employees are a source of competitive advantage for organisations and human resource management seek to promote employee efficiency. One of the tools organisations utilise to achieve this goal is performance appraisals.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the weaknesses in performance appraisal and to determine whether it is politicised in the North West Department of Health and Social Development in South Africa.Motivation for study: Many organisations either ignore the existence of politics in the appraisal process or assume that its impact can be minimised if they refine their appraisal instruments. Executives admit that, in appraising others, they often intentionally avoid meeting the goal of accuracy in favour of achieving goals that have more to do with exercising discretion and maintaining departmental effectiveness. Ironically, these same executives lament that the appraisals they receive often do not accurately represent their abilities and performance (Gioia & Longenecker, 1994).Research approach, design and method: Self-administered questionnaires were used as a means of collecting data and analysis was done through the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).Main findings: The results of the study showed that respondents believe that performance appraisals are highly politicised.Practical/managerial implications: If used effectively, performance appraisals may improve employee productivity and efficiency as well as motivation and performance. However, if performance appraisal is perceived as unfair and political, it can diminish rather than enhance employee attitudes and performance.Contribution: Amongst others, it is recommended that managers should consider separating assessment for development and assessment for rewards.

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