Identifying critical factors to deal with research ethics

Published ArticleIn this article the focus is on the role of ethics in the research cycle. The author argues that current thinking with regard to ethics in research is very often scattered and limited to certain disciplines and certain activities only. It is also pointed out that research ethics is not only applicable to the actual doing of research but also processes associated with research such as supervision, the commercialization of research and the presentation of research within the public domain

Is Christelike wetenskap moontlik? ’n Dogmatologies-filosofiese perspektief

Is Christian science feasible? A dogmatic-philosophical perspectiveAccording to positivism, presuppositions cannot exist in science; therefore, a religious system like Christian science is questionable. But, in agreement with several perspectives - such as contemporary philosophy of science, the religious heart of man, the fundamentals of Dooyeweerd, the structure of knowledge, scientific communication and scientific criticism - the author argues that positivism is defunct, and that facts can never be objective. Therefore, presuppositions do exist in science. A religious system such as Christian science should not be treated with suspicion. The paper concludes with three possible presuppositions in Christian science

"Research education" : a concept wider than postgraduate supervision?

Published ArticleThis paper promotes the argument that although conventional postgraduate supervision is useful to address the research skills and competences of postgraduate students, a wider perspective is nonetheless required to educate and train any researcher (including postgraduate students upon their entrée into the world of research) to comprehend the demands made by research and how best these demands can be addressed. It is in this context that a more comprehensive concept of research education is promoted. The argument is based on the perspective that methodological understanding alone is not sufficient to assist a researcher in meeting the expectations of a research project. Research education refers to the training of researchers to be responsive to the research value chain. This includes aspects such as the formal research process, the importance of research ethics and integrity regarding the research project, the imperative to promote scholarship in research and the application of research results through technology transfer, innovation and incubation. Research education sensitizes the researcher to look beyond the scope of the academic research project and to extend the research to activities such as technology transfer, innovation, commercialization and partnerships. The aim of research education is to promote the wide range of aspects contributing to the understanding of what counts as research and its application

Remarks on the church in the consumer society: similarities and dissimilarities

The church cannot escape the influence of the consumer society. The influence of the consumer society is often viewed as negative although it can have many positive influences on the building and growth of the church. The consumer society reminds the church that, although the message of the church cannot change, the style of church services can. Pastors should make it clear that the gospel message is not a product for sale; however the gospel message should be directed at the needs of people. This article outlines the influence of the consumer society on the church. The article also outlines the similarities and dissimilarities between the church and the consumer society. It concludes with guidelines on how the church can bring its gospel message regardless the dominant influences of the consumer society. 

The Delphi technique as a tool to evaluate a concept CPD framework to be implemented by medical technologists in South Africa

Published ArticleA concept CPD framework, to be implemented by medical technology workers, was compiled and needed to be evaluated by professionals. The aim of this survey was therefore to use the Delphi technique as a research tool to evaluate the concept CPD framework by a widely distributed group of medical technology workers. The Delphi technique is a research tool organizing group communication in gaining consensus among a panel of experts. A monitoring team co-ordinated and evaluated the Delphi process in response to the feedback received by a panel of experts. Panellists are selected for their contribution to the topic under investigation. They do not normally interact with one another during the Delphi rounds. Fifteen panellists, distributed throughout South Africa, participated. The panellists were knowledgeable about medical technology and CPD. During the three Delphi rounds, statements were added, moderated, rephrased and rated. This resulted in a final CPD framework that consisted of 71 statements, completed within the three months scheduled time frame with a very high percentage co-operation of the panellists. The Delphi technique was an ideal tool for evaluating the concept CPD framework among a widely distributed group of medical technology workers

Mentorship and sustainable research output : a case study of the University of Johannesburg

Abstract: Higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa are facing challenges arising as a result of the shift from traditional teaching activities to a combination of research and teaching. Increasing emphasis on research, an integral part of this transformation of higher education, has required HEIs to develop and implement capacity development strategies to enable those new to research to engage in research output; and mentorship is a strategy that is enjoying increasing popularity. This article explores the challenges faced in the implementation of a formal research mentorship programme (REMP), using the University of Johannesburg as a case study. A quantitative approach was adopted to obtain the perceptions of academic staff of REMP as a strategy for building research capacity. The findings reveal that whilst the REMP is strongly favoured by academics as a means of guiding novice researchers, key factors need to be addressed to ensure its success. This article examines the challenges for both mentors and mentees and suggests actions to help mentorship programmes make sustainable contributions to the development of research capacity

'n Voorgestelde raamwerk vir die skryf van 'n akademiese publikasie: Voorbeelde uit die teologiese etiek/A proposed framework for academic publication writing: examples from theological ethics

This article proposes a framework for the writing of an academic article based on a research project. References are made to theological-ethical examples. The framework outlines 12 steps for article writing. These steps are the formulation of a problem, conceptualisation, hypothesis formulation, ethical approval, methodology, philosophical framework, literature review, data capturing, analysis, validation of the hypothesis, summary and literature list. A hypothical example on abortion is used to illustrate how these steps can be employed in writing an article

"Voorberei en toegerus": P.C. Potgieter se beskouing van die opleiding van predikante in kritiese perspektief

This article examines the training of ministers and interacts with the perspectives formulated by P.C. Potgieter. It considers Potgieter's monograph on the theological curriculum, Voorberei en toegerus, in which he outlines some characteristics of and conditions for theological training. In his opinion all theological training must be qualified by Scripture. Theological training should also create a sense for critical enquiry. Theological study is directed at the study of the Revelation of God and the church as the body of Christ. The article further discusses the literature on theological studies where attention is paid to the reasons for theological training, theology as a science and a priori assumptions in the study of theology. The article concludes with a discussion of Potgieter's view on theological training. (Acta Theologica, Supplementum 3, 2002: 89-106