WORKPLACE LEARNING IN THE CONTEMPORARY SUPERVISION LANDSCAPE: THE CASE OF SUPERVISION IN A SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATION

The blurring of the boundaries and interconnectedness between learning and work are features worth exploring in the contemporary supervision landscape. Grounded on transition-experiential learning theories, the study analysed a social service organisation as a context for learning and examined how this context facilitated or inhibited supervision learning experiences for first-time supervisors. It draws on the qualitative findings of thirteen in-depth interviews whose data were analysed using the thematic analysis. This study found that the transitioning of first-time supervisors into the new role took place through their active participation in an organisational context. It concludes with the notion that workplace learning is a context-specific and interactive process. The social service organisation, with its unique features, serves the purpose of providing an environment for learning, with first-time supervisors afforded the opportunity to learn within the context and through interaction with other role-players. In summary, the study recommends a need for fostering of communities of practice, designing and management of workplace learning programmes, and ensuring the creation of sustainable and healthy workplaces

The development of women in the National Department of Agriculture DoA of South Africa : a case study approach

In recent years, African women have gained power and visibility in political and corporate arenas. Inspired by this new phenomenon, attempts are being made to define the extent to which women are developed in the public service despite patriarchal implications of male dominated African societies. (Trinh as cited by Flynn 2002: 46). Women’s development in the public service has shown a steady increase in the proportion of women occupying positions traditionally dominated by men. African countries’ rankings continue to rise compared to other countries, such as the United States (U.S.), whose ranking continues to go down in terms of women in positions of political leadership (Coughlin, Wingard&Hollihan, 2005, p. xxiv and Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU), 2006). It is for reasons like these and others that the focus of this study was to examine the development of women at the National Department of Agriculture (DoA) of South Africa. The study focused on ways that would enhance further development of women, thus fulfilling the government’s mandate to advance women’s empowerment within the DoA. The research question from which the general and specific objectives of the study were conceptualised follows. What is the status of development for women within the Department of Agriculture in South Africa? The current status of the development of women within the DoA was examined in questionnaires distributed among its female employees. From the analysis of the data, it was concluded that although training and education is provided for women, many other issues for enhancing development can be done. These issues include recognition in the workplace, as well as promotion to senior managerial positions. In view of the findings of the study, this researcher suggested recommendations to be implemented by the department to accelerate the status and development of women. Three necessary steps to advance women’s status include: ensuring that employment equity committees and programmes are representative and integrated, formulating gender-sensitive policies at work, and providing improved management training for female employees to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform in advanced positions. CopyrightDissertation (MAdmin)--University of Pretoria, 2009.School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA)unrestricte

Viewpoint: Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental social work education: Towards environmental sustainability

Prior to colonisation, most indigenous communities were using indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) as part of their livelihood. The livelihoods of rural and indigenous peoples and those living in poverty are often closely tied to the use of biodiversity. Positive action, if taken in these communities, could decrease pressure from climate change impacts. Indigenous knowledge can be a sustainable development and livelihood tool that can be used throughout the Global South. The key research question explored in this paper is: Which IKS applied by marginalised communities can be used by environmental education and social workers to advance environmental sustainability? Afro-sensed and sustainable livelihood approaches have been adopted to guide the theoretical framework. The qualitative research methodology followed a descriptive and explorative design. The research findings concluded that the integration of IKS in social work and environmental education can contribute to environmental sustainability efforts. Finally, a recommendation is made on how social sciences and educational practitioners can work with marginalised communities to adapt IKS

Use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropaenia

Background: Febrile neutropaenia (FN) and resultant infections are the major cause of treatment-related morbidity and mortality in patients receiving chemotherapy. Clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) to reduce the risk of FN and ensuing complications in patients receiving chemotherapy. Despite these recommendations, inappropriate usage of G-CSF has been reported. Aim: To assess prescribing patterns and adherence to international guidelines of G-CSF in adult patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropaenia (CIN) at the haematology oncology wards of the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) and compliance to guidelines. Methods: Medical records of adult patients who received G-CSF were reviewed retrospectively between 01 January 2018 and 31 July 2018. Results: Of the 128 patient files screened, 57 cases met the inclusion criteria. Duration of treatment with G-CSF was not in accordance with guidelines in more than 50% of the patients and in 43.86%, G-CSF dosing deviated from recommended guidelines. Conclusion: The study demonstrated over-prescribing of G-CSF due to either increased doses or duration of G-CSF therapy. Although prescribed for the correct indication, the dosage was often too high or the duration was too long, even once an acceptable neutrophil nadir count was reached. Interventions to optimise the use of G-CSF are required and the pharmacist may play a role in this regard. Contribution: The administration of the correct doses of G-CSF can reduce both the severity and duration of neutropaenia. Over-prescribing and incorrect dosing may contribute to patient morbidity and add to the financial burden of healthcare

Problematising Local Indigenous Community Research

This book deliberates on developments related to Knowledge Pathing: Multi-, Inter- and Trans-Disciplining in Social Sciences. The book explores the value of this vexed concept in advancing the course for multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary perspectives, methodologies, theories and epistemologies of knowledge pathing. The discourse on knowledge pathing remains critical in advancing debates and dialogues in the humanities and social sciences spaces of research and studies. This book makes a significant contribution to the scholarly understanding of indigenous knowledge research by focusing on problematising local indigenous community research from Afro-sensed perspectives. The field of indigenous knowledge research and higher education in Africa is complex. Yet, across the continent, higher education has been the sector to least embrace Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) or regard indigenous science as a legitimate source of inspiration for the development of youth and local communities. Higher education institutions and local indigenous communities should thus generate knowledge and power through research. On the other hand, higher education researchers should use their research processes and skills for cross-beneficiation when engaging local indigenous communities. This book embodies the current discourse on decolonisation and the use of indigenous knowledge in research and is intended for research specialists in the field of indigenous knowledge systems

Problematising Local Indigenous Community Research

This book deliberates on developments related to Knowledge Pathing: Multi-, Inter- and Trans-Disciplining in Social Sciences. The book explores the value of this vexed concept in advancing the course for multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary perspectives, methodologies, theories and epistemologies of knowledge pathing. The discourse on knowledge pathing remains critical in advancing debates and dialogues in the humanities and social sciences spaces of research and studies. This book makes a significant contribution to the scholarly understanding of indigenous knowledge research by focusing on problematising local indigenous community research from Afro-sensed perspectives. The field of indigenous knowledge research and higher education in Africa is complex. Yet, across the continent, higher education has been the sector to least embrace Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) or regard indigenous science as a legitimate source of inspiration for the development of youth and local communities. Higher education institutions and local indigenous communities should thus generate knowledge and power through research. On the other hand, higher education researchers should use their research processes and skills for cross-beneficiation when engaging local indigenous communities. This book embodies the current discourse on decolonisation and the use of indigenous knowledge in research and is intended for research specialists in the field of indigenous knowledge systems

The use of business information by small- and medium-sized enterprises in Acornhoek

M.Inf.In an environment of uncertainty, information has a potential competitive advantage for enterprises. South African enterprises, in metropolitan areas operate in a global market and must withstand the competitive pressure from other producers and from new alternative technologies and products. Managers therefore need an input of competitive information and must manage and utilise this information. This empirical study therefore investigates the extent to which small- and medium-sized enterprises in Acornhoek make use of business information for sustainable competitive advantage. An extensive literature review determining the information needs of business managers as well as how managers use and handle information in business enterprises is conducted. Based on the literature review, a survey method using pre-structured questionnaire is used. The study provides recommendations on how small- and medium-sized enterprises in Acornhoek should make use of business information to survive in a competitive environment. Finally, areas for further investigation on the subject of information as an economic resource for small– and medium–sized enterprises are provided

Implementation of family-integrated neonatal care by healthcare providers in a district hospital of Limpopo province

In her thesis, Implementation of family integrated neonatal care by health care providers in a district hospital of Limpopo Province, the promovenda aimed to develop and evaluate the implementation of family-integrated neonatal care through a collaborative action research process with the stakeholders of the hospital. The three-cycle problem-solving action research design guided the implementation of family-integrated neonatal care, a new concept in selected district hospitals of South Africa. Data gathered during situational analysis were used to develop strategies for the implementation in the second cycle. The implementation of the strategies was evaluated in the third cycle. The implementation of the family integrated neonatal care resulted in improved weight gain, reduced length of stay and infections for the neonates, as well as reduced workload for the healthcare providers. The study recommends rollout of the approach to improve the quality of neonatal care to other public hospitals.Thesis (PhD) - University of Pretoria, 2019.Nursing SciencePhDUnrestricte

Description of leadership in South Africa: Organisational context perspective.

The aim of this study was to describe the nature of leadership in organisations in pursuit of ‘world class’ competitive status. ‘Analysis of Variance’ (ANOVA) was used for analysis and interpretation of data. The sample of convenience consisted of 534 senior leaders. The difference between transactional and transformational leadership dimensions was determined. The results showed that the nature of leadership in South Africa is diversified between transactional leadership and transformational leadership dimensions. The diverse nature of leadership is brought about by the dynamics of organisational environments. More also, there is a definite shift away from conventional transactional leadership to a combination of transactional and transformational leadership dimensions