Multi-stakeholder work integrated learning model for higher education - a transdisciplinary approach

Work integrated learning (WIL) is essential to successful higher education curricula and qualifications. Traditional WIL models are discipline specific with collaboration between educator and business aimed at providing the student with workplace experience. There is a need for a transdisciplinary approach to WIL as well as a need to consider multiple stakeholder responsibility in WIL models. This conceptual paper provides a critical review of two discipline specific WIL models in order to reshape them into a third transdisciplinary multi-stakeholder WIL model highlighting the roles of student, education, business and government. Two working WIL models currently in use in two different disciplines, namely the Human Resources and Marketing Departments, were reviewed for similarities and gaps. The review resulted in the proposed Multi-Stakeholder WIL Model. The message of this paper is that for WIL models to be effective and economically viable, government and the students must become key stakeholders

Measurable operational risk in human capital development in the South African service sector

Abstract: The contemporary global business, political, technological and social arena is fraught with challenges, rapid development, continuous change and turbulence, which impact on all employees and the manner in which they are led and managed. Organisations in developed as well as emerging and developing economies, such as South Africa (SA), whether they offer goods or services, are especially affected by radical shifts in operational processes that often impede strategic success. Leaders and managers try to mitigate gaps in performance caused by such turbulence, via change management, organisational development and training and development interventions; however, they have to be extra vigilant of the operational risks that are associated with business operations and human capital development (HCD). Empirical research was conducted to understand and explain the perspectives of South African managers operating in the service sector on the measurable operational risks associated with their investments in HCD initiatives. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with leaders and managers who were responsible for HCD in selected organisations. Responses were analysed thematically to seek for common patterns and profound narratives. The key finding indicate that the top five risks in HCD are: poor staff retention; lack of learning transfer; misaligned training needs; disengaged trainees; and budget constraints. Risks ranked as high are: staff retention; lack of transfer; competitors; misaligned training; training aversion; limited budget; changing landscape; and training without impact. Further research is recommended to explore whether managers, HCD professionals and training providers measure specific risks, as well compare the operational effectiveness and risks of human capital development

Measuring return on investment and risk in training – a business training evaluation model for managers and leaders

Abstract: Organisations face productivity and efficiency challenges brought on by global pressure. To cope with the challenges, they seek to develop and enhance their human capital as a source of sustainable competitive advantage. Evidence suggests that less than 10% of what is learned on training courses is applied effectively to enhance performance and business results. Research purpose: This abstract research critically examined existing training evaluation models to propose a new model. Motivation for the study: Smart investment in scarce and critical skills development by means of training is expected to enhance human capital; however, the challenge lies with the uncertainty in whether the return on these investments are measured and whether training risks are managed. Research design, approach and method: Theoretical, abstract research was conducted to understand existing measurement and evaluation models of training with regard to costs, benefits and risks. Main findings: This conceptual paper resulted in a new business model to measure training return on investment and risks. The proposed model adapted and built on the Kirkpatrick-– Phillips training evaluation model, adding a sixth, risk evaluation step and specifying measurement factors for each step..

Lean practices for efficiency in the South African hospitality sector

Abstract: Lean thinking and practices entail the reduction of waste, time, effort and cost while perfecting the quality of products and services towards improved customer satisfaction. Lean practices are regarded as global business best practice; especially in light of the recent global recession, greening of the planet initiatives and the millennial need for streamlined systems and processes. The purpose of this article is to propose a set of lean tools by exploring the advantages and difficulties of lean implementation in the South African hospitality sector. The motivation for this paper is that there is a gap in the literature with limited conceptual and empirical knowledge on lean practices in South African organisations, especially in the hospitality sector. This conceptual paper presents the intensive literature study undertaken to explore the advantages and challenges of lean thinking, implementation and practice. The implications of this paper are that the hospitality sector in South Africa and Africa may benefit by adopting the lean advantages and eliminating the lean challenges highlighted by this theoretical paper. Furthermore, leaders and managers can practically engage with the identified lean benefits and challenges and adapt it as required by the process and systems in their organisation. This paper adds theoretically and practically. Theoretically, it increases the body of knowledge on lean thinking, lean practices, advantages and challenges as applied in the South African context. The practical contribution is that it creates awareness on lean thinking and practices as hospitality operational managers may immediately be able to reduce waste, increase profit and improve product, performance and people in their line function

Inclusive education and research through African Network of Women in Astronomy and STEM for GIRLS in Ethiopia initiatives

The African Network of Women in Astronomy and STEM for GIRLS in Ethiopia initiatives have been established with aim to strengthen the participation of girls and women in astronomy and science in Africa and Ethiopia. We will not be able to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals without full participation of women and girls in all aspects of our society and without giving in future the same opportunity to all children to access education independently on their socio-economical status. In this paper both initiatives are briefly introduced

Use of the partogram by doctors and midwives at Odi District Hospital, Gauteng, South Africa

Background: There is scientific evidence that using the partogram reduces maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. The use of partograms by doctors and midwives at Odi District Hospital has been reported as inadequate by external audits. The level of knowledge of and use of partograms amongst doctors and midwives at Odi District Hospital was investigated.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of doctors and midwives was undertaken using a self-administered questionnaire. A mixedmethods research approach was used to elicit information on the knowledge and use of the partogram.Results: Despite 57 (83.8%) participants having had some form of training on the partogram, only 54 (79.4%) routinely used it. All but one participant had heard of the partogram. Reasons for not using the partogram included being unsure how to use it (13%), partogram charts not available (8.7%), partogram takes too long (21.7%), being too busy (26.1%), and a feeling that the partogram was not the doctor’s responsibility (26.1%). Overall knowledge of partograms was insufficient, resulting in inadequate use of partograms. In-service training is required to improve the skills of doctors and midwives in the correct knowledge and use of partograms.Conclusion: Partograms are not used as required by doctors and midwives, and further training is needed.Keywords: district hospital, doctors and midwives, in-service training, knowledge and use of partograms, partogra

Evaluation of a two-question screening tool in the detection of intimate partner violence in a primary healthcare setting in South Africa

Introduction: Intimate partner violence has been recognised globally as a human rights violation. It is universally underdiagnosed and the institution of timeous multi-faceted interventions has been noted to benefit intimate partner violence victims. Currently the concept of using a screening tool to detect intimate partner violence has not been widely explored in a primary healthcare setting in South Africa, and for this reason the current study was undertaken. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the operating characteristics of a two-question screening tool for intimate partner violence (Women Abuse Screening Tool–short); and (2) to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence among women attending an outpatient department, using a validated questionnaire (Women Abuse Screening Tool).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted prospectively at the outpatient department of a primary care hospital, with systematic sampling of one in eight women over a period of three months. Participants were asked about their experience of intimate partner violence during the past 12 months. The Women Abuse Screening Tool–short was used to screen patients for intimate partner violence. To verify the result of the screening, women were also asked the remaining questions from the full Women Abuse Screening Tool.Results: Data were collected from 400 participants, with a response rate of 99.3%. Based on the results for the Women Abuse Screening Tool, the prevalence of intimate partner violence in the sample was 32%. The Women Abuse Screening Tool–short was shown to have a sensitivity of 45.2% and specificity of 98%.Conclusion: With its high prevalence, intimate partner violence is a health problem at this facility. The Women Abuse Screening Tool–short lacks sufficient sensitivity and therefore is not an ideal screening tool for this primary care ambulatory setting. The low sensitivity can be attributed to the participants’ understanding of the screening questions, which utilise Eurocentric definitions of intimate partner violence. Improvement in the sensitivity of the Women Abuse Screening Tool–short in this setting may be achieved by lowering the threshold for a positive result.Keywords: intimate partner violence, primary healthcare facility, screening too

Retention of knowledge of and skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation among healthcare providers after training

This study assesses the retention of core knowledge and skills among healthcare providers (HCPs) who attended a Basic Life Support (BLS) course. The format for teaching this course changed in 2006 and a review of the effectiveness and acceptability of the new course was considered vital.Studies indicate that early and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves the chances of survival in cardiac arrest victims; however, the knowledge and skills of HCPs in basic life support vary. International recommendations on the BLS course were that HCPs repeat the course every two years. However, no studies have been conducted in South Africa to determine the ideal time when HCPs should be re-evaluated to ensure that they retain adequate knowledge and skills.This study was conducted at a training centre in a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, where a new format for training was introduced in 2006. Participants were HCPs who had completed a BLS course. The sample was taken sequentially from half of the annual intake of a BLS course three months after completion of the course. Data were collected using the accreditedAmerican Heart Association written test and the Critical Skills Checklist, and a further questionnaire was developed to collect variables such as demography and profession.Results indicate that skills retention was good and, although there was some fall-off in skills and knowledge, there was no significant difference between the scores at the end of the course and retest scores. Staff working in accident and emergency departments had more practical experience and their knowledge and skills retention was better than that ofstaff working in other areas of the hospital. Nurses performed nearly as well as doctors and are an important skills resource in the management of patients who need to be resuscitated. All participants were satisfied with the new format and had no suggestions on how to improve it.Keywords: training; skills retention; basic life suppor

Self-expanding metal stent placement for oesophageal cancer without fluoroscopy is safe and effective

Background. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are widely used to palliate patients with oesophageal cancer. Placement is usually done under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. We have developed an exclusively endoscopic technique to deploy these stents. This article documents the technique and periprocedural experience.Patients and methods. All patients who had SEMS placement for oesophageal cancer at Grey’s Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, over a 5-year period (2007 - 2011) were reviewed. Stenting was performed without radiological guidance using the technique documented in this article. At endoscopy, the oesophageal lesion was identified, dilated over a guidewire if necessary, and a partially covered stent was passed over the wire and positioned and deployed under direct vision. Data were captured from completed procedure forms and included demographics, tumour length, the presence of fistulas, stent size and immediate complications.Results. A total of 480 SEMS were inserted, involving 453 patients, of whom 43 required repeat stenting. There were 185 female patients (40.8%) and 268 male patients (59.2%). The mean age was 60 years (range 38 - 101). There were 432 black patients (95.4%), 15 white patients (3.3%) and 6 Indian patients (1.3%). The reasons for palliative stenting were distributed as follows: age >70 years n=95 patients, tumour >8 cm n=142, tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) n=29, and unspecified n=170. One patient refused surgery, and one stent was placed for a post-oesophagectomy leak. Repeat stenting was for stent migration (n=15), tumour overgrowth (n=26) and a blocked stent and a stricture (n=1 each). Complications were recorded in six cases (1.3%): iatrogenic TOF (n=2), false tracts (n=3) and perforation (n=1). All six were nevertheless successfully stented. There was no periprocedural mortality.Conclusion. The endoscopic placement technique described is a viable and safe option with a low periprocedural complication rate. It is of particular use in situations of restricted access to fluoroscopic guidance

CASE REPORT: Disseminated fatal Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei infection in a returning HIV-infected traveller

We report a case of disseminated fatal Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei infection in an HIV-infected, antiretroviral treatmentexperienced South African woman who had travelled to mainland China. The 37-year-old woman was admitted to a private hospital in fulminant septic shock and died within 12 h of admission. Intracellular yeast-like bodies were observed on the peripheral blood smear. A serum cryptococcal antigen test was negative. Blood cultures flagged positive after 2 days; on direct microscopy, yeast-like bodies were observed and a thermally dimorphic fungus, confirmed as T. marneffei, was cultured after 5 days. The clinical features of HIV-associated disseminated penicilliosis overlap with those of tuberculosis and endemic deep fungal infections. In the southern African context, where systemic opportunistic fungal infections such as cryptococcosis are more common among HIV-infected patients with a CD4+ count of <100 cells/µL, this infection is not likely to be considered in the differential diagnosis unless a travel history is obtained