Flourishing of information technology professionals: Effects on individual and organisational outcomes

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between flourishing and individual and organisational outcomes, including job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour, turnover intention and counterproductive behaviour. A convenience sample (N = 205) was taken of employees in information technology organisations in South Africa. A biographical questionnaire, the Mental Health Continuum Short Form, Job Satisfaction Scale, Organisational Commitment Scale, Turnover Intention Scale, Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Scale and a Counterproductive Behaviour Scale were administered. Flourishing affected job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour and organisational commitment directly and indirectly. Job satisfaction had strong direct effects on organisational commitment (positive) and turnover intention (negative), and a moderate negative effect on counterproductive work behaviour. Flourishing affected turnover intention indirectly and negatively via organisational commitment

Flourishing of information technology professionals: Effects on individual and organisational outcomes

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between flourishing and individual and organisational outcomes, including job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour, turnover intention and counterproductive behaviour. A convenience sample (N = 205) was taken of employees in information technology organisations in South Africa. A biographical questionnaire, the Mental Health Continuum Short Form, Job Satisfaction Scale, Organisational Commitment Scale, Turnover Intention Scale, Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Scale and a Counterproductive Behaviour Scale were administered. Flourishing affected job satisfaction, organisational commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour and organisational commitment directly and indirectly. Job satisfaction had strong direct effects on organisational commitment (positive) and turnover intention (negative), and a moderate negative effect on counterproductive work behaviour. Flourishing affected turnover intention indirectly and negatively via organisational commitment

Authentic leadership, followership, and psychological capital as antecedents of work engagement

The present study investigated authentic leadership, psychological capital, and followership behaviour influences on work engagement of employees . Respondents were 901 South African employees within the healthcare industry organisation (n = 647) and mining industry (n = 254) . The employees completed questionnaires on authentic leadership, psychological capital, and followership behaviour, and work engagement . Results following structural equation modelling and mediation analysis suggest work engagement to be explained by the psychological capital of the employee rather than by authentic leadership qualities . Improving employee psychological capital has the potential to enhance the levels of work engagement of employees

The European Reference Genome Atlas: piloting a decentralised approach to equitable biodiversity genomics.

ABSTRACT: A global genome database of all of Earth’s species diversity could be a treasure trove of scientific discoveries. However, regardless of the major advances in genome sequencing technologies, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. To contribute to a more complete planetary genomic database, scientists and institutions across the world have united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), which plans to sequence and assemble high-quality reference genomes for all ∼1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species through a stepwise phased approach. As the initiative transitions into Phase II, where 150,000 species are to be sequenced in just four years, worldwide participation in the project will be fundamental to success. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) seeks to implement a new decentralised, accessible, equitable and inclusive model for producing high-quality reference genomes, which will inform EBP as it scales. To embark on this mission, ERGA launched a Pilot Project to establish a network across Europe to develop and test the first infrastructure of its kind for the coordinated and distributed reference genome production on 98 European eukaryotic species from sample providers across 33 European countries. Here we outline the process and challenges faced during the development of a pilot infrastructure for the production of reference genome resources, and explore the effectiveness of this approach in terms of high-quality reference genome production, considering also equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned during this pilot provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational and national genomic resource projects.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

South African Paediatric Surgical Outcomes Study : a 14-day prospective, observational cohort study of paediatric surgical patients

BACKGROUND : Children comprise a large proportion of the population in sub-Saharan Africa. The burden of paediatric surgical disease exceeds available resources in Africa, potentially increasing morbidity and mortality. There are few prospective paediatric perioperative outcomes studies, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS : We conducted a 14-day multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study of paediatric patients (aged <16 yrs) undergoing surgery in 43 government-funded hospitals in South Africa. The primary outcome was the incidence of in-hospital postoperative complications. RESULTS : We recruited 2024 patients at 43 hospitals. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 9.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.4–11.0]. The most common postoperative complications were infective (7.3%; 95% CI: 6.2–8.4%). In-hospital mortality rate was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6–1.5), of which nine of the deaths (41%) were in ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients. The preoperative risk factors independently associated with postoperative complications were ASA physcial status, urgency of surgery, severity of surgery, and an infective indication for surgery. CONCLUSIONS : The risk factors, frequency, and type of complications after paediatric surgery differ between LMICs and high-income countries. The in-hospital mortality is 10 times greater than in high-income countries. These findings should be used to develop strategies to improve paediatric surgical outcomes in LMICs, and support the need for larger prospective, observational paediatric surgical outcomes research in LMICs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION : NCT03367832.Jan Pretorius Research Fund; Discipline of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal; Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town; Department of Anaesthesia, University of the Witwatersrand; and the Paediatric Anaesthesia Community of South Africa (PACSA).https://bjanaesthesia.org2020-02-01gl2019Anaesthesiolog

Calculation of comparative utilisation and cost: a South African perspective on intravenous vs. inhalational anaesthesia for procedures of differing duration

Objectives: The cost of various anaesthetic techniques fluctuates and is seldom transparent, because of complicated anaesthetic protocols. The theoretical costs of different anaesthetic techniques were compared in this study.Design: This comparative study utilised protocols that determined the cost of inhalational anaesthesia, based on evidence from relevant literature. Propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) was used as the intravenous protocol [Alaris® PK syringe pump (Schnider model), Cardinal Health, UK].Setting and subjects: No patients were involved in this theoretical cost analysis.Outcome measures: The calculated costs of high- vs. low-flow inhalational anaesthesia and inhalation vs. intravenous anaesthesia with propofol, with or without N2O, and procedures of a longer and shorter duration were compared.Results: Trends were noted. High-flow inhalational anaesthesia tended to be more expensive than low-flow inhalational anaesthesia. The savings that were gained by implementing low-flow anaesthesia increased with the duration of procedure. The savings were greater when less soluble inhaled anaesthetics were used. Isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia cost more when N2O was added. Inhalational anaesthesia with isoflurane was the most cost-effective option consistently. Anaesthesia with desflurane was always the most expensive option. Propofol TCI was less expensive than sevoflurane for long procedures.Conclusion: Anaesthetic drugs account for only 3-4% of the total cost of a surgical procedure, but economic use thereof frees up resources for other essentials in financially challenging times. Isoflurane should be used widely. N2O should probably be used conservatively as it increases the anaesthetic cost and contributes to pollution and ozone depletion. Propofol TCI can be considered instead of sevoflurane inhalational anaesthesia for longer procedures.Keywords: cost of anaesthesia; inhalational anaesthesia, intravenous anaesthesia, nitrous oxideSouth Afr J Anaesth Analg 2012;18(6):310-31

Desentralisasie in onderwysstelsels : 'n studie in die vergelykende opvoedkunde

Micro-reproduction of original thesis.Thesis (M. Ed.) -- Universiteit van Stellenbosch, 1993.Full text to be digitised and attached to bibliographic record

A proposed water sector plan for the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Dr KKDM)

The radical reform of potable water services provisioning by means of promulgation of the Water Services Act 108 of 1997 and the National Water Act 36 of 1998 in South Africa (SA) started a process of addressing the imbalance which existed in how the national resource was distributed. Water is now recognised as a scarce resource that belongs to all the people of the country and consequently it should be managed in an integrated way for social and economic development including future growth (Fuggle and Rabie 2005:293; Riemann, Chimboza and Fubesi 2012:446). The provision of potable water by water services authorities (WSAs) is an important basic service that faces a number of challenges such as the use of out-dated infrastructure and a lack of skilled and knowledgeable people that place overt pressure on demand for service delivery. It is against this background that the researchers have undertaken to investigate how a municipality which is forced to obtain its potable water supply from nearby surface- and groundwater catchments, can manage it in a more effective, efficient, equal, economic and sustainable manner by means of improved planning procedures to enhance co-operative governance and intergovernmental relations. A qualitative research design was used to conduct the study, which included a literature review, semi-structured interviews, non-probability data sampling and scientific analyses of responses. Furthermore, a case-study approach was followed by the researchers, with Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Dr KKDM) as the unit of analysis (the locus). The major research finding of the study included that a Water Sector Plan (WSP) was lacking and non-existent in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Dr KKDM) and therefore water services delivery could not be coordinated effectively

Die moontlike privatisering van enkele onderwysfunksies in sekondere onderwys in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African system of education is in a transitional stage from a fragmented educational system with various departments to a more encompassing unitary one. The finances of the various departments were centrally controlled and managed. The objective of the new system of education is to be transparent, free, equal and democratic with only one umbrella department. Great expectations were raised among the South African public with regards to this new system. Nowadays many more learners are involved at schools without the provision of more monetary resources. In order to meet the public's expectations and live up to acceptable standards, alternative initiatives to generate funds must be investigated. During the first phase of this investigation research of the educational systems of relevant countries was undertaken. It was established that these countries implement various forms of privatisation to enable their educational systems to function at a high level. In all these countries adjustments were made to adapt to the local circumstances. In South Africa a new education legislation might be the impetus for further privatisation. Information about the implementation of privatisation in South African context was obtained by semi-structured interviews with numerous principals in the Cape Metropole. Additional data concerning the schools was obtained by means of a questionnaire. The qualitative research method was mainly used for the collection and interpretation of data. It became evident that total privatisation would not be the solution for the unique problems of the South African educational system. The system would be too expensive and not within financial reach of the average person. Privatisation in public schools with regards to all facets will be difficult to implement. It is, however, possible to privatise certain school structures and according to the interviews, this has already been initiated in numerous schools. To enable privatisation to function successfully, efficient expertise is essential. It is paramount that there should be meganisms of efficient control and management. The role of the principal has become vitally important with a shift of emphasis from educationalist to manager. The supportive role of the governing body of a school in the decision-making process and the management of the school has been increased by the education legislation. Based on international tendencies it seems that healthy business principles are the foundation of privatisation of selective school structures. Most of the interest groups are satisfied with the fact that they have more say and a greater involvement in the total educational system. The objective that will be achieved is a legitimate system that maintains high standards, is more affordable than the current system and learners who are equipped to fulfill their role as mature citizens.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysstesel is in 'n oorgangstadium vanaf 'n gefragmenteerde stesel met verskillende departemente tot 'n meer omvattende, eenvormige stesel. Voorheen was die finansies sentraal beheer en bestuur. Die nuwe onderwysstelsel se doelwit is egter om 'n deursigtige, vrye en gelyke demokratiese stelsel daar te stel met slegs een oorkoepelende departement. By die Suid-Afrikaanse publiek is baie verwagtinge geskep rakende die nuwe stelsel. Baie meer leerders word deesdae· betrek by skole sonder dat meer finansiële hulpmiddels beskikbaar is. Om aan die verwagtinge van die publiek te voldoen en om standaarde te handhaaf moet alternatiewe inisiatiewe vir geldgenerering nou gevind word. Tydens die eerste fase van dié ondersoek is navorsing van relevante lande se onderwysstelsels onderneem. Daar is vasgestel dat hierdie lande vorme van privatisering toepas om hul onderwysstesels op 'n hoë vlak te laat funksioneer. By al die lande is aanpassings gedoen om privatisering by die plaaslike omstandighede te laat inskakel. Inligting oor die toepassing van privatisering in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks is bekom deur semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude te voer met 'n aantal skoolhoofde van die Wes-Kaap. Addisionele data aangaande die skole is verkry deur die voltooiing van 'n vraelys. Die kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode is hoofsaaklik gevolg by die insameling van data en die interpretasie daarvan. Dit was duidelik dat algehele privatisering nie 'n oplossing sal wees by die unieke probleme van die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysstelsel nie. Dit sal die stelsel te duur maak en buite bereik van die gemiddelde persoon plaas. Privatisering van staatskole ten opsigte van alle funksis sal inderwaarheid moeilik bereik kan word. Privatisering van sommige skoolstrukture kan egter wel plaasvind, en is reeds geïmplementeer in talle skole, soos vasgestel uit die onderhoude. Om privatisering goed te laat funksioneer, is voldoende kundigheid sowel as meganismesvan kontrole en beheer onontbeerlik. Die prinsipaal se rol het baie belangrik geword, met 'n klemverskuiwing vanaf opvoedkundige na bestuurder. Die beheerliggame van skole se ondersteunende rol en die hulp wat hulle verleen by die bestuur- en besluitnemingsprosesseword ingevolge onderwyswetgewing aansienlik groter. Gegrond op internasionale tendense blyk dit dat gesonde sakebeginsels die onderbou van privatisering van sommige skoolstrukture is. Die meeste belangegroepe is tevrede met hul groter inspraak en betrokkenheid by die opvoedingstelsel in die geheel. Die doelwit wat bereik gaan word, is 'n stelsel wat legitimiteit het, goeie standaarde handhaaf, finansieel meer bekostigbaar is as die huidige stelsel, en leerders wat opgewasse is om hul rol as volwaardige landsburgers te vervul