The development of a smart campus – African universities point of view

Abstract: The current smart campus frameworks available does not fully suit African universities, there is a need to develop a smart campus framework that will suits African universities. The framework used in European univerties is modified to suits African universities. A South African university was used as case study and the results show the strength and shortcomings of this campus in becoming a smart campus

Knowledge production and information dissemination: challenges faced by new and upcoming researchers

Knowledge production means the gathering of related activities in the university that has to do with producing new knowledge. The emerging researchers find it so hard and difficult to engage in scientific and contribute to knowledge production because of lack of know how.Therefore, it is fundamentally importance, that the emerging researchers are made aware of the challenges that they will experience in the research process. It is not only the responsibility of researchers to produce knowledge, respondents in any research undertaken also make a greater contribution. That is why it is important that those in public sector understand the role that they play in research. Without their inputs this kinds of research would not be a success. This is a scientific way of contributing to the body of knowledge by academic staff and students.The academic community is continually conversing about knowledge and the many forms it takes, as well as ways of thinking about how to organise and arrange knowledge into categories, such as disciplines. This paper focuses on the challenges upcoming or first-time researchers experience when researching in order to make contribution into the body of knowledge. However, there are obstacles in the process that impede progress, making it impossible to produce knowledge and disseminate information to the communities.Therefore, this paper also discusses the process of knowledge production in the context of research, data collection, sampling challenges, arranging for interviews, fatigue by both researcher and respondents and finding the respondents to participate in the study

Tribological and Corrosion Performance of Electrodeposited Nickel Composite Coatings

The inclusion of second-phase particles in nickel-based matrix to fabricate composite coatings presents a promising solution to combating corrosion and wear deterioration of materials during service. Composite coatings possess better surface properties such as wear resistance, high microhardness, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance than the traditional nickel coatings. Their excellent properties enable them to be used in advanced industrial applications where they will be constantly exposed to severe and degrading environments. There are various surface modification techniques that are employed to produce these coatings and electrodeposition has received wide range of use in fabrication of nickel matrix composites. This technique is associated with low cost, simplicity of operation, versatility, high production rates, and few size and shape limitations. To produce advanced electrodeposits with better performance during application, the optimization and further developments of the process remain vital. Therefore, this chapter aims to review the electrofabrication and properties of nickel composite/nanocomposite coatings for corrosion and wear applications

Stress and healthcare workers caring for people living with HIV/AIDS in Polokwane municipality clinics

Aim Stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) working with HIV/AIDS patients is an important deterrent to provision of services to HIV patients. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress levels among HCWs in Polokwane Municipality HIV clinics. Method Forty-four HCWs in four different clinics completed a self administered questionnaire. Questionnaire consisted of demographic info, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the AIDS Stress scale and the stressors and rewards of HIV/AIDS work. Results The majority of the healthcare workers (HCWs) in this study were female (77%) and married (64%). The biggest professional group were nurses (46%) followed by lay counsellors (25%). The mean age of the HCWs was 39. The results of this study revealed that half of the respondents (52%) had high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. A total of 27% of HCWs had moderate to severe AIDS stress as measured by AIDS Stress Scale. An overwhelming majority (95%) of HCWs reported that they enjoy their work with HIV/AIDS patients. Conclusion Despite the high levels of burnout, the majority of HCWs in the HIV clinics find HIV/AIDS work rewarding. Workplace related stressors rather than the actual work with HIV/AIDS patients is a major source of stress

The role of collective bargaining in business sustainability and the future of work: a South African perspective

Despite Africa's significant legislative and institutional framework developments, collective bargaining remains underdeveloped. As a contribution to the theoretical discourse on collective bargaining in South Africa, this thesis addresses the question: In what ways can collective bargaining support the viability of corporations while securing employment in the changing world of work? It suggests a need to look into various aspects that contribute to business sustainability within the collective bargaining landscape, which is adequately linked to job security, growth, the development of businesses, and strengthening industrial relations. The study adopted a qualitative research method to outline and combine such aspects using doctrinal, open-ended research questionnaires (based on desktop research) and comparative research methods. The thesis further contributes to an understanding that employers and employees have conflicting interests in employment relations. The thesis argues that while businesses seek to make returns, employees also seek fair wages to satisfy their human needs. The findings further show that collective bargaining plays a vital role in the sustainability of a business by negotiating in good faith and recognising and reconciling various parties' interests. Additionally, collective bargaining can be used by employers and employees to ease the movement of skills development in the changing world of work in which the partnership between humans and machines is inevitable because the growing adoption of artificial intelligence will shape the future of work. The purpose of this thesis is to give clarity as to how collective bargaining can continue to serve its purpose in the changing world of work. To this end, the thesis is valuable in that it contributes to a deeper understanding of other relevant aspects of collective bargaining in the world of work

Implications of the Articulation Gap between Geography Learners in Secondary Schools and University

There is a concern in South Africa that most learners arrive at university underprepared. This is also a major concern for students who enroll for the BEd programme specialising in geography education. Due to the learners’ articulation gap, they are unable to cope with the standard that is expected of them. Hence this study investigated the level of geography learners’ prepared-ness when they arrive at university. The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges experienced by geography students in their first-year of study. The researchers used a qualitative approach grounded in phenomenology as the research design. Purposive sampling was used to select students who failed geography education in both semesters in their first-year of study, the academic year 2016. Two lecturers who teach geography in the first-year were sampled. The geography curriculum used in the secondary schools and university were also reviewed to determine the extent of alignment between the two. A the-matic approach was used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that geography students enter university without proper preparation, and are therefore unable to cope with their first-year of study. The study further revealed that teachers who teach geography in secondary school are not sufficiently trained to teach geography, which results in their engaging in surface learning as opposed to deep learning. The study recommends that there be collaboration between secondary schools and universities to discuss the university’s expectations with regard to learner preparedness. Moreover, geography teachers should be trained on an on-going basis in order for them to keep up with current trends in the area of geography education

An investigation into the causes and impact of service delivery protests on political stability: perceptions from the social contract and relative deprivation

Service delivery protests in South African municipalities are common due to governance issues. The ongoing discussions around service delivery protests in South Africa are an indication of a much-needed holistic approach to addressing the needs of the people. The objective of this study is to explore the reasons behind and effects of service delivery protests on political stability with perspectives, gained from the ideas of the social contract and relative deprivation. This study explored the individualized experiences, attitudes, and motives of persons engaging in service delivery protests using a qualitative research methodology based on an interpretivism approach. A detailed knowledge of the complex dynamics underpinning these protests was revealed using in-depth interviews, content analysis, and participant observation. The research has found that when promises of basic services and socioeconomic growth are not kept, there is a perceived breakdown of the social contract between residents and the government. Additionally, relative deprivation appeared as a major element influencing protest mobilization as people and communities perceived injustice and discontent when they contrasted their socioeconomic situation to others. Protests in the delivery of services have been found to have a variety of effects on political stability. Although they can spur government responsiveness and policy change, they also present stability hazards and the possibility of bloodshed. The study suggests a Cooperative government model to reduce protests and promote stability. This model focuses on protection, participation, and provision to ensure effective decision-making and service delivery that meets the people's needs

The future of the common-law doctrine of vicarious liability in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.LL.M. (Public Law