Academic Entrepreneurship in South African HEIs

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Grundling ◽  
L. Steynberg
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Academic Entrepreneurship ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Economic Capital ◽  
Entrepreneurial Development

This article first identifies the principal forces that impact on and shape entrepreneurially-oriented higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa, and then analyses the degree to which those institutions have succeeded in becoming entrepreneurial. The results reveal that South Africa's HEIs are still in the initial phases of entrepreneurial development. This is attributable largely to factors particular to a developing country in a social transformational phase and faced with restricted social and economic capital.

The role of business intelligence in sustainability reporting for South African higher education institutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 1185-1203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre Calitz ◽  
Samual Bosire ◽  
Margaret Cullen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Business Intelligence ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Satisfaction ◽  
South African Higher Education

Purpose This paper aims to show that business intelligence (BI) is a key component of a sustainability-reporting framework for higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach Four questionnaires were administered to Registrars and managers at 21 South African HEIs and at selected international HEIs. The data analysis entailed both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The study confirmed that factors such as management buy-in, the availability of BI reports and the provision of reporting guidelines were positively related to effective strategic planning. The study shows that the use of BI by South African HEIs is still at a low maturity level. Research limitations/implications The case study used is the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The implications are relevant for all 26 HEIs in South Africa. Practical implications HEIs must invest in technological tools, including BI to provide information in understandable and usable formats for management and other relevant stakeholders. Social implications BI reporting can assist all stakeholders to obtain the relevant and required information relating to HEI operations and strategic management initiatives and activities. Originality/value The study concludes that HEIs ought to invest in BI technologies that can assist the sustainability reporting process to ensure stakeholder satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

scholarly journals An investigation of students’ experience of service quality delivered by administrative staff at one site of a South African comprehensive university

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Mxolisi Walter Ntoyakhe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
Comprehensive University ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Perceptions And Expectations ◽  
The University

Over the last decade the institutional framework within which most universities in South Africa operate has undergone major transformation forcing the higher education sector to become more competitive in its approach to attracting and retaining quality students. Against this background, service quality has been put forward as a critical determinant of competitiveness. Higher Education Institutions are increasingly placing greater emphasis on meeting students’ expectations and needs. As institutions of higher learning become more student orientated, student perceptions of higher educational facilities and services are becoming more essential. It is clear that there is a need to measure students’ experience of service quality in order to develop innovative academic structures, facilities and services to retain and attract new students. Therefore, this study used a mixed research approach and a nonprobability sampling technique to identify the sample size. The purpose of this study was to investigate the students’ experience of service quality delivered by administrative staff at one site of a South African Comprehensive University. Underpinned by the Gap Model of service delivery and an adapted SERVQUAL instrument, this study sought to determine perceptions and expectations of service quality across five dimensions, namely: tangibles; reliability; responsiveness; assurance; and empathy. Questionnaires were used as data collection instrument to collect data from two hundred and sixty (260) registered students; twelve (12) academic departments, residence and library administrative staff members. Questionnaires were used to gather data from administrative staff of academic department, library and residence; and registered students in one comprehensive university in South Africa. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data. Statistical tools that include frequencies, mean scores and tabulations were utilized to present the data from findings. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was also utilized to further analyse the significance of the gaps. Various gaps between students’ perceptions and expectations indicating dissatisfaction with administrative services particularly among the students were identified. The findings from the study indicated that, a negative service quality gap exists at selected site of Comprehensive University in SA. The findings further suggested that issues such as service quality planning and monitoring, establishing recovery mechanisms for service failures, and student- driven service design and standards need to be high on the agenda at higher education institutions to ensure service quality. All five dimensions of SERVQUAL indicated a negative score or quality gap suggesting that the administrators of selected departments need to urgently close the gaps that exist at their institution; key recommendations were thus made to improve the gaps identified. Frequent interaction between the administrators and the students is recommended for the university as it provides important information on student expectations and perceptions. Continuous employee training to improve the existing skills is also recommended for comprehensive university employees as it can have a good impact on meeting the students’ expectations of the service quality dimensions. The study therefore, concluded that the university needed urgent intervention in terms of developing proper academic support structures, facilities and quality services that would satisfy the needs of students.

scholarly journals MANAGING INFORMATION FOR WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-28
Author(s):  
Roelien Brink ◽  
Martie Mearns ◽  
Tanya Du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Management ◽  
South African ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Phenomenological Research Design ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

Higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa require teaching and learning to include work-integrated learning (WIL) within specific learning offerings. The different learning options provided by various faculties have unique and diverse procedures which justify different WIL approaches at HEIs. A lack of structure regarding the information management (IM) for WIL across departments results in different processes being followed, which can impact negatively on the optimal utilisation of WIL. Frameworks for IM for WIL, however, have been developed at international HEIs. Using a qualitative approach and phenomenological research design and working with these frameworks as well as the Theory of Motivated Information Management, the researchers collected data using semi-structured individual interviews and group discussions from the University of Cincinnati (UC) and the Northwestern University (NWU) in Illinois, United States (US). This article presents the findings of an IM framework from these two US universities. After research was conducted at a South African university, a conceptual framework was developed for the IM for WIL based on the framework from the international universities that may be implemented at HEIs in South Africa. With time this framework could betested in a number of settings that could lead to the development of a model for IM for WIL in the South African context. The article, however, reports on the findings of the two international universities only and the conceptual framework requires further testing and validation before it can be published.

scholarly journals The influence of public procurement policies on the implementation of procurement best practices in South African universities

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie Dlamini ◽  
Intaher M. Ambe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Related Literature ◽  
The Public ◽  
Environmental Development ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between public procurement policies and procurement best practices (PBPs) in higher education institutions is inevitable. Higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa play a crucial role in contributing to the economic, social and environmental development of the country. Hence the implementation of PBPs has a key role in creating a competitive advantage for higher education. The purpose of this article is to determine the influence of public procurement policies on the implementation of PBPs in the public HEIs in South Africa. The article employs a theoretical review of related literature on public procurement and PBPs. The article articulates that public procurement policies influence the implementation of PBPs in public HEIs in South Africa.

scholarly journals Foremost causes of high academic turnover rate at some South African universities

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114
Author(s):  
Solly Matshonisa Seeletse ◽  
Joel Lehlaba Thabane
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Turnover Rate ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Monetary Cost ◽  
Exit Interviews ◽  
The Poor ◽  
South African Universities

The paper focuses on experiences of resigning academics in higher education institutions (HEIs) of South Africa. The concern was the huge monetary cost involved, and student delays due to these resignations. The networks of the researchers benefitted this study by being alerted to resignations of academics in HEIs and arranging some of the interviews that were held. In some cases, exit interviews were also used. The study shows that these HEIs are negligent by failing to develop the appropriate policies for the new dispensation, and the bad practices of appointing managers. In addition, the improperly appointed managers lack skill and knowledge in management. As a result they discriminate, victimize and make job unbearable for some employees. Some of these employees who end up rising. Moreover, the decisions taken by the improperly appointed managers are also not monitored. Hence,the poor decisions made are not being over-ruled. The recommendations are that policies should be designed to align with the laws stated, and suitably experienced and qualified officials be appointed to enforce the policies. Also, interventions are needed regarding the powers given to improperly appointed managers

The Role of HEIs in an Entrepreneurial Renaissance in South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gideon J.P. Maas ◽  
Mike Herrington
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Easy Task ◽  
Entrepreneurial Skills ◽  
Socio Economic Development

For decades, entrepreneurs have been identified as critical change agents in socio-economic development. It is probably safe to say that some countries have had more success than others in the promotion of entrepreneurship; and in that context it can be argued that South Africa's successes are not yet clear. The promotion of entrepreneurship through the involvement of higher education institutions (HEIs) is by no means an easy task, but they have an important role to play. Although South African HEIs are focusing on various elements of entrepreneurship promotion, there is no clear evidence of an integrated effort from HEIs to develop entrepreneurial skills and activity. The authors argue that without such an integrated effort entrepreneurship development in South Africa is likely to be constrained.

scholarly journals An exploration of stereotype perceptions amongst support staff within a South African higher education institution

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Given R.B. Moloto ◽  
Lizelle Brink ◽  
J. Alewyn Nel
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Diverse Workforce ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: After the 1994 democratic elections, South African organisations had to replace discriminatory policies with new policies to integrate all people and to embrace diversity. As a consequence stereotypes may be more prevalent in diverse working environments.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the experience of stereotypes amongst the support staff within a higher education institution.Motivation for this study: Changes within South African working environments, and specifically higher education institutions, resulted in more diverse management teams and a more culturally diverse workforce. With this in mind, the experience of stereotypes may become more prevalent within South African working environments. Many researchers have focused on stereotypes; however, studies on stereotypes within South Africa are limited, especially within higher education institutions. Research approach, design and method: The research approach was qualitative and a case study design was employed. A combination of both quota and convenience sampling was used. The sample consisted of (N = 30) support staff within a higher education institution in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data.Main findings: The results indicated that the participants do experience stereotypes within their workplace and also hold stereotypes of other people within their workplace. The most prevalent stereotypes mentioned by participants were age, gender, racial and occupational stereotypes. There is also an indication that stereotypes have cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects on the stereotyped.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should do away with stereotyping by embracing and managing diversity and dealing with stereotypes, specifically within higher education institutions. When managers are aware of stereotypes and the effects thereof in the organisation, they can make every effort to eradicate the stereotypes and address the impact thereof.Contribution: In an environment where there is a diverse workforce, stereotyping is more likely to exist. This study will provide useful information about stereotypes within a higher education institution seeing that there are a limited number of studies on this topic within South Africa and within this specific occupation. The results of the study will enlighten the organisation to become more aware of stereotypes and the debilitating impact that they have on the individual and the organisation, thereby providing the organisation with the opportunity to address stereotypes and the impact thereof on employees and the organisation.

scholarly journals EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN THE PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs) IN SOUTH AFRICA (SA)

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 516-520
Author(s):  
Robert Walter Dumisani Zondo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
The South ◽  
Private Higher Education Institutions

The role of educators in education is indispensable. Hence, students continuously search for a business education that can equip them with the necessary entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to succeed in running businesses. Consequently, this study evaluates the perception of Academic Managers in the private Higher Education Institutions (HEI) of South Africa (SA) on the significance of entrepreneurship education. It explores the reasons for offering such an education in the private HEIs in SA. There were 78 private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in SA that were identified for participation in this study. These institutions are registered in terms section 54 (1) (c) of the South African Act (SAQA, 2012). For the study to achieve its objectives, the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) provided a sample frame of all the private HEIs in SA. From the 78 HEIs identified, 22 offered the pastoral courses and were excluded from the study. As a result, a target population of 56 HEIs participated in the study. This research has two objectives. That is, examining the perception of Academic Managers on entrepreneurship education, and the reasons for offering such education in the private HEIs in SA. This study uncovers the need for entrepreneurship education in private HEIs of SA. The results present the value of entrepreneurship education as a practice that develops students into cross functional innovative thinkers. It provides valuable data relating to the significance of entrepreneurship education for developing students into business minded individuals.

scholarly journals Academic Mobility and Immigration Trends in South African Higher Education Institutions

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4(J)) ◽  
pp. 52-66
Author(s):  
Ashika Maharaj
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Doctoral Degree ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Academic Mobility ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
South African Higher Education

This paper seeks to offer an insighton the subject of academic mobility into South African Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s). This is done by examining the current academic landscape in South Africavia a comparisonbetween the profile of South African (SA) academics andexpatriate academics. Currently, SA is facing major skills and staffing shortages locally in terms of Science, Engineering and Agriculture. The Departmentof Higher Education and Training as well as SA universities have advocated to run programmes in scarce skills disciplines through the recruitment of expatriate academics. The research reported in this paper adopted a non-experimental research design of ex post facto type, using a correlational approach. The data used are the statistical records of all academics in South African higher education for the 2005/2010/2014 academic years as provided by the Higher Education Management Information Systems (HEMIS) of SA. Descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics were also used to analyze the data. The results revealed that there were no significant differences in age between SA and expatriate academics nationally over the three years. A comparison of the academic qualifications of SA and expatriate academics over the three years indicates that expatriate academics are more highly qualified than their SA colleagues, as the majority of the former hold a doctoral degree. The majority of expatriate academics are recruited from SADC countries as well as other African countries. Interestingly enough, the next most frequent major supply region of expatriate academics to South Africa is Europe. WITS and UCT were consistently ranked first and second in terms of the number of expatriate academics employed over the three years. Both are among the leading five higher education institutions in South Africa in terms of their research outputs as well as the number of PhDs per member of staff.

scholarly journals The development of South African higher education within the apartheid system (1948-1994) – selected aspects

2019 ◽  
pp. 97-114
Author(s):  
Tomasz Gmerek
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Education System ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
South African Higher Education ◽  
The Relationship

The article include the consideration of development of South African Higher Education System in Apartheid Era (1948-1994). Particular emphasis was placed on reconstructing educational practices and policy that is implemented toward different racial groups in South Africa. An attempt was made at examining the relationship between schooling, segregation processes, discrimination practices and the development of higher education institutions.

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