Faculty Management: An Examination of the Dual Role of Faculty as Managers in Higher Education

This research study offers a better understanding on the role of faculty when they are given managerial/leadership roles beyond their teaching and research duties. It focuses on why faculty members accept initial roles with a university; how they become faculty managers; how they are transitioned into faculty management roles; what challenges are with having faculty managers in the role; how the concept of academic freedom/empowerment plays a role in challenges of faculty managers; and how university leadership can respond to, support, and prepare faculty managers to be successful in these administrative roles. To better understand faculty managers, the researcher conducted sixty qualitative in-person interviews with participants, both on the administrative and faculty management side of higher education institutions. The researcher found many faculty managers went into their initial roles in higher education to teach or conduct research and many went into their roles as faculty mangers not of their choosing but because they were next in line or strongly encouraged to do so. Few faculty managers received on the job training to prepare them for their management roles. This project is important because a gap exists in research concerning the topic of faculty mangers and it will provide insight from 65 (43 faculty managers and 22 non-faculty managers in administrative roles) people from small to large institutions who have firsthand experience with this situation. The study will provide a framework for training, mentoring, and onboarding for key decision makers and faculty managers in universities, thereby offering a means to alleviate this problem

Peer-Group Influence and Family Standard of Living as Correlates of Prostitution Tendencies Among University Undergraduates in South East, Nigeria.

The study was designed to investigate peer-group influence and family standard of living as correlates of prostitution tendencies among university undergraduates in south east, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The design of the study was correlational survey. The sample consisted of 1,983 university undergraduates from two federal and three state universities in south east, Nigeria. The instrument used for the study were questionnaire titled Peer-Group Influence and Family Standard of Living as Correlates of Prostitution Tendencies Questionnaire (PGIFSLCPTQ) and Focus Group Discussions Guide  (FGDs) which were validated by experts and used for data collection. The data collected were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test. Qualitative analytical procedure known as content analysis was employed to analyse the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The major findings of the study include: there is positive correlation between peer-group influence and prostitution tendencies of university undergraduates; University undergraduates from families of low standard of living have more tendencies for prostitution than those in high standard of living. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made among which is that: Sex education should be introduced and emphasised in the curriculum programme of tertiary institutions. Keywords: Peer-group influence, family standard of living, prostitution tendencies, university undergraduate

Effect of Moisture Content and Types of Structural Surfaces on coefficient of Friction of two Nigerian Food Grains....

 ABSTRACTThe knowledge of coefficient of friction of food grains on various structural surfaces is important in analysis and design of post harvest handling, food processing and storage equipment.  Measurements were made to determine the coefficient of friction of two local food grains (sorghum and millet).  Effects of various structural surfaces and different moisture content levels on the measured parameters (coefficient of friction) were determined. Both factors examined had a high significant effect (P< 0.01) on the coefficient of friction of the grains.  The coefficient of friction obtained for sorghum ranged from 0.43 ± 0.05 to 0.71± 0.12 over a moisture content range of 22.9 to 33.3 % (wb).  That of millet ranged from 0.19 ± 0.04 to 0.46 ± 0.08 over a moisture range of 21 % to 34.7 % (wb).  For sorghum, the highest values of coefficient of friction were obtained with concrete followed by steel, wood and plastic.  Coefficient of friction for the grains increased linearly with increase in moisture content.  For millet, the highest values of coefficient of friction were obtained with concrete surfaces, followed by steel, plastic and wood.Keywords: Coefficient of friction, structural surfaces, grain handling, sorghum, millet, Nigeria

Comparison of Two Agricultural Irrigation Schemes in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The study compared two smallholder agricultural irrigation schemes in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Random selection was adopted and a total of 120 households were chosen from the two study sites. The descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data interpretation and analysis. In Zanyokwe and Shiloh schemes: findings reveal that farm experience (β=-.077) and (β=-118), size of farmland (β=9.970) and (β.013), permission to occupy (β=.970) and (β-439), farm resources (β=-1.430) and (β=1.993), water for irrigation (β=1.299) and β=2.197), access to market information (β=.768) and β=-807), and production output (β=-1.390) and β=-2.330) were  significant  variables influencing the choice to continue farming on both schemes. The major constraints of beneficiaries were low farm income, inadequate land size, and inadequate farm assets. The study concluded that motivation and involvement of farmers in policy decision making remains critical for success. It is therefore, recommended that training to prepare farmers with multiple skills in sustainable agriculture is paramount. Keywords: Irrigation schemes, Beneficiaries, Comparative, Agriculture, Smallholde

Comparison of Two Agricultural Irrigation Schemes in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The study compared two smallholder agricultural irrigation schemes in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Random selection was adopted and a total of 120 households were chosen from the two study sites. The descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data interpretation and analysis. In Zanyokwe and Shiloh schemes: findings reveal that farm experience (β=-.077) and (β=-118), size of farmland (β=9.970) and (β.013), permission to occupy (β=.970) and (β-439), farm resources (β=-1.430) and (β=1.993), water for irrigation (β=1.299) and β=2.197), access to market information (β=.768) and β=-807), and production output (β=-1.390) and β=-2.330) were  significant  variables influencing the choice to continue farming on both schemes. The major constraints of beneficiaries were low farm income, inadequate land size, and inadequate farm assets. The study concluded that motivation and involvement of farmers in policy decision making remains critical for success. It is therefore, recommended that training to prepare farmers with multiple skills in sustainable agriculture is paramount. Keywords: Irrigation schemes, Beneficiaries, Comparative, Agriculture, Smallholde

Breaking away from inferiority: the strive for legitimacy in postcolonial service encounters

This study examines how service worker identity is mediated through global cultural flows and the consumption practices of elite clients within beauty stores in Nigeria. With a social constructionist approach and Foucault’s theoretical perspectives on power, subject and technologies of the self, I used qualitative methods involving fieldwork such as participant observation and interviews for the data collection. The findings of the study expose how inequalities that go deeper than differences in wealth and economic status shape the experiences and subject positions taken by the service workers in this context; symbolic meanings and values attached to global brands are embedded within socio-historical discourses and class differentiations; lastly, stigma is found to be a significant driver of behaviour as the workers collectively and consistently express a deep sense of inferiority in relation to their client's status, as well as relaying stories of struggle and striving for their acceptance. Thus, in seeking to manage these social asymmetries, western brands are used to mask the perceived subjugated identities experienced by the workers. The findings extend Fanon’s and Spivak’s postcolonial theoretical perspectives by examining how workers' identities are transformed through the internalization of inferiority within the context of beauty salons in Nigeria. Also, it enhances the overall theoretical perspectives of brands in the marketplace, especially in postcolonial settings like Nigeria. The implication of this study provides more insights into the socio-cultural context of global brands, which offers new business opportunities for emerging markets such as Nigeria. This is relevant because the success of most big firms from developed economies within the emerging markets is crucial, particularly as they are already operating in a saturated business environment

INFLUENCE OF GENDER, WORK ENVIRONMENT, LENGTH OF SERVICE AND AGE OF ACADEMIC STAFF ON ATTITUDE TO WORK

Workers attitude to work is a thing of concern to all management of organization. The present study investigated the influence of four socio-demographic variables (gender, work environment, length of service and age) on attitude to work of academic staff in two universities. The study employed an ex-post facto research design using accidental sample to select 100 participants for the study. Questionnaire on the attitude to work self report was used as an instrument to collect data and response from the participants. Four hypotheses were tested in this study and data collected were analyzed using independent t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results showed that socio-demographic variables have no significant influence on attitude to work. Findings were discussed in line with the existing literatures. Based on findings, it is concluded that socio-demographic variables are important in attitude to work of academic workers

Analysis of decision making in smallholder irrigation practice: a case study of Shiloh and Zanyokwe irrigation schemes in Central Eastern Cape, South Africa

The study was conducted in Zanyokwe and Shiloh smallholder irrigation schemes located in Eastern Cape Province at Amathole and Chris Hani districts respectively. The choice of Zanyokwe and Shiloh smallholder irrigation scheme for this study is mainly supported by the fact that it had a substantial level of crop farming activity taking place especially at Zanyokwe while the Shiloh smallholder irrigation specialises dairy farming. The study examined decision making in smallholder irrigation practice with particular reference to Shiloh and Zanyokwe irrigation schemes. The general objective of the thesis was to analyse and model the determinants of SIS farmer‟s decision making. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: to investigate the determinants of decision making among smallholder irrigation farmers; to examine the relationship between household and farm characteristics and institutional factors that explain decision making in smallholder irrigation scheme; assess the contribution of smallholder irrigation farming to household food security; and determine the production and marketing constraints of smallholder farmers‟ in both schemes. The theoretical and conceptual framework of the study gave a detailed discussion on the determinants of decision making of households. The theories used to understand household behaviour under different assumptions were variously discussed. Comprehensive illustrations of analytical framework of the study were also conceptualised. This study used a survey design, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies involving the use of questionnaires and focus group discussions. The data was coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). However, frequencies, percentages, bar and pie chart was also computed to describe the data. In consideration of the conceptual framework of the study, the agricultural household model was adopted to analyse smallholder farmer‟s household decision making. Twenty one explanatory variables identified in the conceptual framework of the study were discussed and some of these identified variables were incorporated into the model. The logistic regression model was used as a method of analysis because it can estimate the probability of a certain event occurring and it accommodates a lot of variables which can be ranked in order to illustrate which variables are significant. In the binary logistic model used, seven variables (farm experience, size of farmland, land rights/PTO, water sufficiency, farm asset, market information and production variation) out of the twelve predictor variables were found to have significant effect on influencing household decision making in Shiloh smallholder irrigation scheme, while five variables (gender, age, education, road distance and extension access) were not significant. Of the seven significant variables, four had positive signs (land rights/PTO, water sufficiency and market information); which means that an increase in either of these variables may be associated with an increase in household decision making in Shiloh. The other three predictor variables (farm experience, farm asset and product variation) had negative signs; this means an increase in either of these variables may be associated with a decrease in decision making. In Zanyokwe, six variables (farm experience, land rights/PTO, water sufficiency, farm asset, market information and production variation) out of the twelve predictor variables were found to have significant impact on influencing household decision making, while six variables (gender, age, education, size of farm land, road distance and extension access) were not significant. Of the six significant variables, two had positive signs (water sufficiency and farm asset); which means that an increase in either of these variables may be associated with an increase in household decision making in Zanyokwe. The other four predictor variables (farm experience, land rights/PTO, market information and product variation) had negative signs; this means an increase in either of these variables may be associated with a decrease in decision making. The study concludes that smallholder agriculture is essential for employment generation and food security of households. It is apparent that household food security will not be achieved without giving attention to the role played by smallholders‟ farmers in South Africa. It is pertinent to promulgate an efficient policy programme to address the diversity of smallholders‟ situations and identify the main constraints on investment. Therefore, all spheres of government, the private sector and NGOs should consider investment in smallholder agriculture through coordinated strategies and political support. This study also recommends that government should develop a strategic Smallholder Investment Plan which would improve investments in smallholder agriculture

Sustainable Water Conservation Practices and Challenges among Smallholder Farmers in Enyibe Ermelo Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Abstract The study examined the adoption of water conservation practices and challenges encountered by smallholder farmers in water resource conservation in Enyibe, Ermelo South Africa. The data were collected using structured questionnaires, observation and focus group discussion. Frequency, mean and logistics regression were used for data analysis. Age (β=1.238), sex (β=-1.497), level of education (β=-1.062), access to irrigation facilities (β=1.690), payment of water tariff (β=1.369) and agricultural extension advice (β=-.631) were significant and associated with adoption of water conservation practice. The identified constraints in the adoption process were inadequate technical guidelines, financial, government policies, and inadequate knowledge of water conservation practices. There is need to improve information, showcase the benefits of water conservation, and ensure maintenance of water conservation infrastructure. Concerted effort must be made to establish robust database on water resource conservation and sources of water utilised in the area.

Analysis of decision making in smallholder irrigation practice: a case study of Shiloh and Zanyokwe irrigation schemes in Central Eastern Cape, South Africa

The study was conducted in Zanyokwe and Shiloh smallholder irrigation schemes located in Eastern Cape Province at Amathole and Chris Hani districts respectively. The choice of Zanyokwe and Shiloh smallholder irrigation scheme for this study is mainly supported by the fact that it had a substantial level of crop farming activity taking place especially at Zanyokwe while the Shiloh smallholder irrigation specialises dairy farming. The study examined decision making in smallholder irrigation practice with particular reference to Shiloh and Zanyokwe irrigation schemes. The general objective of the thesis was to analyse and model the determinants of SIS farmer‟s decision making. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: to investigate the determinants of decision making among smallholder irrigation farmers; to examine the relationship between household and farm characteristics and institutional factors that explain decision making in smallholder irrigation scheme; assess the contribution of smallholder irrigation farming to household food security; and determine the production and marketing constraints of smallholder farmers‟ in both schemes. The theoretical and conceptual framework of the study gave a detailed discussion on the determinants of decision making of households. The theories used to understand household behaviour under different assumptions were variously discussed. Comprehensive illustrations of analytical framework of the study were also conceptualised. This study used a survey design, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies involving the use of questionnaires and focus group discussions. The data was coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). However, frequencies, percentages, bar and pie chart was also computed to describe the data. In consideration of the conceptual framework of the study, the agricultural household model was adopted to analyse smallholder farmer‟s household decision making. Twenty one explanatory variables identified in the conceptual framework of the study were discussed and some of these identified variables were incorporated into the model. The logistic regression model was used as a method of analysis because it can estimate the probability of a certain event occurring and it accommodates a lot of variables which can be ranked in order to illustrate which variables are significant. In the binary logistic model used, seven variables (farm experience, size of farmland, land rights/PTO, water sufficiency, farm asset, market information and production variation) out of the twelve predictor variables were found to have significant effect on influencing household decision making in Shiloh smallholder irrigation scheme, while five variables (gender, age, education, road distance and extension access) were not significant. Of the seven significant variables, four had positive signs (land rights/PTO, water sufficiency and market information); which means that an increase in either of these variables may be associated with an increase in household decision making in Shiloh. The other three predictor variables (farm experience, farm asset and product variation) had negative signs; this means an increase in either of these variables may be associated with a decrease in decision making. In Zanyokwe, six variables (farm experience, land rights/PTO, water sufficiency, farm asset, market information and production variation) out of the twelve predictor variables were found to have significant impact on influencing household decision making, while six variables (gender, age, education, size of farm land, road distance and extension access) were not significant. Of the six significant variables, two had positive signs (water sufficiency and farm asset); which means that an increase in either of these variables may be associated with an increase in household decision making in Zanyokwe. The other four predictor variables (farm experience, land rights/PTO, market information and product variation) had negative signs; this means an increase in either of these variables may be associated with a decrease in decision making. The study concludes that smallholder agriculture is essential for employment generation and food security of households. It is apparent that household food security will not be achieved without giving attention to the role played by smallholders‟ farmers in South Africa. It is pertinent to promulgate an efficient policy programme to address the diversity of smallholders‟ situations and identify the main constraints on investment. Therefore, all spheres of government, the private sector and NGOs should consider investment in smallholder agriculture through coordinated strategies and political support. This study also recommends that government should develop a strategic Smallholder Investment Plan which would improve investments in smallholder agriculture