Various researchers have indicated the importance of graphs in physical sciences and the difficulties that learners may experience with graphs. More specifically, learners’ problems with motion graphs have been reported in literature. Learners’ difficulty in the application of basic concepts in graphs to solve kinematics graphs problems leads to underperformance in physical sciences. Their ability to handle problems in kinematics graphs is enhanced if they have an effective knowledge base or conceptual resources on graphs. In South Africa there seems to be a gap between the GET [General Education and Training] and FET [Further Education and Training] band’s requirements on graphs. A smooth learning progression is needed. For this reason this study selected to investigate the conceptual resources acquired by grade 10 learners from grade 9 that can be used productively for the learning of kinematics graphs in grade 10. The primary aim of the study was to determine and analyse grade 10 learners’ conceptual resources for learning kinematics graphs in physical sciences. The use of a mixed method approach was considered appropriate for this study. The mixed method depended on the quantitative method to produce precise and measurable data, while a qualitative method was to enhance the understanding of the data produced by the quantitative method. Data obtained by quantitative methods was drawn into tables and graphs, and the consistency in responses determined. Patterns and trends in learners’ reasoning were probed with the aid of qualitative method. In the study it was reported that the quantitative data in the form of a questionnaire was completed by 201 learners. Qualitative data was also obtained by interviewing three learners with varying abilities. The results showed that many learners could answer mathematics questions, but struggled with similar questions in kinematics. The results further showed that the learners did not answer the questionnaire consistently, but their responses depended on the context of the questions. In the interviews learners used everyday applications to explain scientific concepts, instead of using scientific principles. Still, some of the everyday applications may be used as resources for teaching the science concepts. From the results it can be deduced that learners’ conceptual resources can influence their understanding of kinematics graphs in physics. These resources are gained from everyday experiences and previous learning in mathematics and the natural sciences. A constraint is that many learners do not efficiently integrate their mathematics and physics knowledge. iv In the study some learners did not transfer their mathematics knowledge to physics, while others could not transfer their physics knowledge to mathematics. From the results recommendations can be made for the teaching of graphs in the GET band for easier progress into the FET band. The strategy to improve understanding of kinematics graphs is to progressively integrate mathematics and physics from grade nine. Line graphs should be treated in more detail in grade 9 to form proper conceptual resources for kinematics graphs in grade ten. / MEd (Natural Sciences Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Various researchers have indicated the importance of graphs in physical sciences and the difficulties that learners may experience with graphs. More specifically, learners’ problems with motion graphs have been reported in literature. Learners’ difficulty in the application of basic concepts in graphs to solve kinematics graphs problems leads to underperformance in physical sciences. Their ability to handle problems in kinematics graphs is enhanced if they have an effective knowledge base or conceptual resources on graphs. In South Africa there seems to be a gap between the GET [General Education and Training] and FET [Further Education and Training] band’s requirements on graphs. A smooth learning progression is needed. For this reason this study selected to investigate the conceptual resources acquired by grade 10 learners from grade 9 that can be used productively for the learning of kinematics graphs in grade 10. The primary aim of the study was to determine and analyse grade 10 learners’ conceptual resources for learning kinematics graphs in physical sciences. The use of a mixed method approach was considered appropriate for this study. The mixed method depended on the quantitative method to produce precise and measurable data, while a qualitative method was to enhance the understanding of the data produced by the quantitative method. Data obtained by quantitative methods was drawn into tables and graphs, and the consistency in responses determined. Patterns and trends in learners’ reasoning were probed with the aid of qualitative method. In the study it was reported that the quantitative data in the form of a questionnaire was completed by 201 learners. Qualitative data was also obtained by interviewing three learners with varying abilities. The results showed that many learners could answer mathematics questions, but struggled with similar questions in kinematics. The results further showed that the learners did not answer the questionnaire consistently, but their responses depended on the context of the questions. In the interviews learners used everyday applications to explain scientific concepts, instead of using scientific principles. Still, some of the everyday applications may be used as resources for teaching the science concepts. From the results it can be deduced that learners’ conceptual resources can influence their understanding of kinematics graphs in physics. These resources are gained from everyday experiences and previous learning in mathematics and the natural sciences. A constraint is that many learners do not efficiently integrate their mathematics and physics knowledge. iv In the study some learners did not transfer their mathematics knowledge to physics, while others could not transfer their physics knowledge to mathematics. From the results recommendations can be made for the teaching of graphs in the GET band for easier progress into the FET band. The strategy to improve understanding of kinematics graphs is to progressively integrate mathematics and physics from grade nine. Line graphs should be treated in more detail in grade 9 to form proper conceptual resources for kinematics graphs in grade ten. / MEd (Natural Sciences Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

SMEs can play a significant role in the economy as drivers of economic growth and job creation. Many SMEs are, however constrained by their limited access to finance. This study examines the source of finance of firms in South Africa and estimates the importance of finance as a predictor of output per worker. Using the 2007 World Bank Enterprise Survey, the study focuses on the firm’s access to finance, or sources of finance, as a predictor of the productivity of South African firms. Other factors that are taken into account include sources of finance such as the overdraft of the firm, collateral available and the type of financial institution used to acquire financing. These covariates all play an integral role in whether or not the firm will receive the financing, the amount granted and the repayment terms. Empirical analysis is done with a Cobb–Douglas production function regression to determine how output per worker is influenced by various factors. The results show that output per worker improves as additional finance variables are added to the regression model. Using an access to finance dummy as the dependent variable, a logistic regression model is used to calculate the probability of access to finance as a constraint based on the independent variables. The results of the logistic regression show that the probability of firms’ experiencing access to finance as a constraint is decreased by variables such as fixed assets and increase with negative factors such existing debt and collateral. These results are expected based on previous research on the topic and confirms that access and finance sources are determinants for firm growth. Recommendations include more extensive research on the topic, with panel data over a longer period and specific to a country. Policy recommendations include amended evaluation techniques, adapted to the individual firm’s requirements and strengths. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

SMEs can play a significant role in the economy as drivers of economic growth and job creation. Many SMEs are, however constrained by their limited access to finance. This study examines the source of finance of firms in South Africa and estimates the importance of finance as a predictor of output per worker. Using the 2007 World Bank Enterprise Survey, the study focuses on the firm’s access to finance, or sources of finance, as a predictor of the productivity of South African firms. Other factors that are taken into account include sources of finance such as the overdraft of the firm, collateral available and the type of financial institution used to acquire financing. These covariates all play an integral role in whether or not the firm will receive the financing, the amount granted and the repayment terms. Empirical analysis is done with a Cobb–Douglas production function regression to determine how output per worker is influenced by various factors. The results show that output per worker improves as additional finance variables are added to the regression model. Using an access to finance dummy as the dependent variable, a logistic regression model is used to calculate the probability of access to finance as a constraint based on the independent variables. The results of the logistic regression show that the probability of firms’ experiencing access to finance as a constraint is decreased by variables such as fixed assets and increase with negative factors such existing debt and collateral. These results are expected based on previous research on the topic and confirms that access and finance sources are determinants for firm growth. Recommendations include more extensive research on the topic, with panel data over a longer period and specific to a country. Policy recommendations include amended evaluation techniques, adapted to the individual firm’s requirements and strengths. / Thesis (M.Com. (Economics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This dissertation attempts to understand the causes and levels of work stress and burnout in a department of the South African Public Service, by using three quantitative questionnaires, namely the ‘Work Experience Life Questionnaire’, ‘Maslach Burnout's Questionnaire’, and a ‘Biographical Questionnaire’. A qualitative questionnaire was administered to illicit in-depth responses in relation to the quantitative aspects of the study. The sample constituted of 341 senior officials whose positions ranged from Assistant Director to the Director-General. 231 quantitative questionnaires were completed, pointing to an acceptable response rate of 67.7%, which accounts for more than two thirds of the total study population. Qualitative questionnaires were emailed to 20 individuals, resulting in a returned response rate of 50%. A cross-sectional approach was adopted. The literature review was followed by an empirical investigation. The quantitativequalitative research approach, with a focus on Creswell's dominant-less-dominant model was used, where the quantitative phases were the dominant approach. A non-experimental approach was followed in the form of a cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between job stress and burnout in a specific time of study, by using the experience of Work and Life Circumstances Questionnaire (WLQ) and Maslach's Burnout (MBI-General Survey). In order to address the gaps with regards to the above-mentioned two questionnaires, a qualitative investigation was also conducted, where semi-structured questionnaires were sent to a number of officials. The qualitative survey was carried out to give an in-depth meaning to the quantitative data. It also extensively addressed the issues of organizational politics. / Hierdie verhandeling se hoof fokus is om die vlakke en oorsake van bestuurder stres en –uitbranding in ʼn departement van die Suid-Afrikaanse staatsdiens te ondersoek, deur gebruik te maak van 3 kwantitatiewe vraelyste (Ervaring van Werk en Lewens vraelys, Maslach se Uitbrandings vraelys, en ʼn biografiese vraelys), sowel as ʼn kwalitatiewe navorsings gedeelte. Vanuit ʼn populasie van 341 senior amptenare in poste vanaf assistentdirekteur tot Direkteur-generaal het 231 die vraelyste voltooi (67.7%). ʼn Kruis-seksionele benadering is toegepas. Hierdie studie voorsien ʼn in-diepte, en uitgebreide teoretiese perspektief en bespreking oor stres, werk stres, en werk uitbranding in die staatsdiens. In hoofstuk drie is ʼn in-diepte uiteensetting gegee oor die rol wat organisasie politiek in die werk organisasie speel. Meer spesifiek dui die literatuur oorsig aan dat daar ʼn sterk verhouding tussen organisasie politiek, werk stres en –uitbranding bestaan. ʼn Belangrike tekortkoming in hierdie oorsig is dat daar nie baie literatuur oor die onderwerp beskikbaar is nie en dat van die bronne ook baie verouderd is. Die literatuur studies, internasionaal en plaaslik, in hoofstuk vier, dui aan dat hoë vlakke van stres lei tot gesondheidsprobleme, wat dan ook kan lei tot hoë vlakke van personeelomset en –uitbranding in vroulike en manlike werknemers. Die literatuurstudie is opgevolg deur ʼn empiriese ondersoek. Die kwantitatiefkwalitatiewe navorsing benaderings, met ʼn fokus op Creswell se dominant-less-dominant model, waar die kwantitatiewe fases as oorheersende benadering gebruik is. ʼn Nieeksperimentele benadering is gevolg in die vorm van ʼn kruis-seksionele studie om die verhouding tussen werk stres en -uitbranding op een spesifieke tyd te bestudeer deur gebruik te maak van die ervaring van Werk- en Lewensomstandighede vraelys (WLV) en Maslach se Uitbrandings vraelys (MBI- Algemene Opname). Om die behoeftes van die twee vraelyste aan te spreek is ʼn kwalitatiewe ondersoek uitgevoer waar semi-gestruktureerde vraelyste aan ʼn aantal amptenare gestuur is. Die kwalitatiewe opname is uitgevoer om ʼn in-diepte betekenis aan die kwantitatiewe data te gee. Verder het dit ook die kwessies van organisasie politiek breedvoerig aangespreek. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / gm2014 / Psychology / Unrestricted

The history of the mining industry indicates a lack of understanding among the decision-makers of the impact the closure of mines has on the industry and the associated effects on the society and surrounding environment. The policies of the mining industry do make provision for a planned mine closure, but not for an unexpected closure. This detrimental aspect of closures in the mining industry is highlighted in the present study. The present study investigates how mineworkers’ dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihoods. Vulnerable livelihoods leave the community at a greater risk to be affected by a disaster, than the livelihoods of a community that is resilient and has sustainable resources. Even though mineworkers are not considered as poor at the time of their employment, a mine closure could render them into a status called ‘transitional poverty’. This study also highlights that mineworkers who are skilled for mining operations only do not overcome the status of ‘transitional poverty’ and hence enter a phase called ‘chronic poverty’. This stage constitutes their inability to negotiate livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes that could sustain a household. Thus humanitarian assistance would be needed from outside sources. Planning for unexpected mine closures should also be on the agenda of the mining industry due to the extreme consequences such an event holds for the mining community experiencing the event. In the case under investigation, the unexpected mine closures occurred in the Grootvlei mine in Springs and the Orkney mine owned by the Aurora Empowerment Systems Ltd. at the time of this study. These closures left the surrounding communities in need of food, shelter and clean water. The inhabitants gradually lost their livelihood assets. A contingency planning model is proposed at the end of this study to address the short-term and long-term consequences of an unexpected mine closure. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The history of the mining industry indicates a lack of understanding among the decision-makers of the impact the closure of mines has on the industry and the associated effects on the society and surrounding environment. The policies of the mining industry do make provision for a planned mine closure, but not for an unexpected closure. This detrimental aspect of closures in the mining industry is highlighted in the present study. The present study investigates how mineworkers’ dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihoods. Vulnerable livelihoods leave the community at a greater risk to be affected by a disaster, than the livelihoods of a community that is resilient and has sustainable resources. Even though mineworkers are not considered as poor at the time of their employment, a mine closure could render them into a status called ‘transitional poverty’. This study also highlights that mineworkers who are skilled for mining operations only do not overcome the status of ‘transitional poverty’ and hence enter a phase called ‘chronic poverty’. This stage constitutes their inability to negotiate livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes that could sustain a household. Thus humanitarian assistance would be needed from outside sources. Planning for unexpected mine closures should also be on the agenda of the mining industry due to the extreme consequences such an event holds for the mining community experiencing the event. In the case under investigation, the unexpected mine closures occurred in the Grootvlei mine in Springs and the Orkney mine owned by the Aurora Empowerment Systems Ltd. at the time of this study. These closures left the surrounding communities in need of food, shelter and clean water. The inhabitants gradually lost their livelihood assets. A contingency planning model is proposed at the end of this study to address the short-term and long-term consequences of an unexpected mine closure. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Teacher self-efficacy beliefs (TSE) are an important attribute of effective teachers. Teacher efficacy refers to a teacher‘s belief in his or her abilities to bring about valued outcomes of engagement and learning among learners, including difficult or unmotivated learners. English Second Language (ESL) reading seems to be a substantial problem in Namibia. This research aimed to explore rural Namibian grade 4-6 teachers‘ self-efficacy beliefs regarding the teaching of ESL reading. The research was based on Bandura (1997)‘s well-known four sources of self-efficacy, and the Linnenbrink and Pintrich (2003) engagements to focus on aspects which influence teachers‘ TSE with regard to teaching reading. The researcher formed assumptions from the epistemological premises and followed an interpretive approach. A non-probability sampling method was used to select the eight teachers within the four schools of the nearby circuit. The data were collected qualitatively by means of in-depth interviews in order to gather data from teachers‘ individual experiences about intermediate learners‘ low reading skills and teaching reading. Data were analysed and interpreted using Atlas.ti ™. The purpose of this research was to identify issues regarding rural Namibian teachers‘ self-efficacy beliefs that relate to teaching English Second Language (ESL) reading. The rationale for this study was to identify gaps related to teachers‘ SEBs and to make suggestions to improve teachers SEB‘s. The researcher identified a fifth source, the school environment, as another source that influences teachers‘ SEBs regarding teaching reading. Since the school environment is an additional source of self-efficacy the researcher recommend further research that can establish evidence on how school environment influences SEBs with regard to reading achievements. / MEd (Curriculum Development), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Teacher self-efficacy beliefs (TSE) are an important attribute of effective teachers. Teacher efficacy refers to a teacher‘s belief in his or her abilities to bring about valued outcomes of engagement and learning among learners, including difficult or unmotivated learners. English Second Language (ESL) reading seems to be a substantial problem in Namibia. This research aimed to explore rural Namibian grade 4-6 teachers‘ self-efficacy beliefs regarding the teaching of ESL reading. The research was based on Bandura (1997)‘s well-known four sources of self-efficacy, and the Linnenbrink and Pintrich (2003) engagements to focus on aspects which influence teachers‘ TSE with regard to teaching reading. The researcher formed assumptions from the epistemological premises and followed an interpretive approach. A non-probability sampling method was used to select the eight teachers within the four schools of the nearby circuit. The data were collected qualitatively by means of in-depth interviews in order to gather data from teachers‘ individual experiences about intermediate learners‘ low reading skills and teaching reading. Data were analysed and interpreted using Atlas.ti ™. The purpose of this research was to identify issues regarding rural Namibian teachers‘ self-efficacy beliefs that relate to teaching English Second Language (ESL) reading. The rationale for this study was to identify gaps related to teachers‘ SEBs and to make suggestions to improve teachers SEB‘s. The researcher identified a fifth source, the school environment, as another source that influences teachers‘ SEBs regarding teaching reading. Since the school environment is an additional source of self-efficacy the researcher recommend further research that can establish evidence on how school environment influences SEBs with regard to reading achievements. / MEd (Curriculum Development), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Afrikaans text / Die doel van hierdie studie was om argivale inligtingontsluiting en -herwinning aan die einde van die 20ste eeu te ondersoek, verai met betrekking tot ernstige historiese navorsing. Inligting is op die volgende wyses ingesamel: ‘n uitgebreide literatuurondersoek, onderhoude met argivarlsse in beide staats- en privaatargiefbewaarpiekke en ‘n empiriese ondersoek deur middel van ‘n vraelys wat aan hoofsaaklik ernstige historiese navorsers versprei is. Die navorser het argivale vindmiddels soos inventarisse, gidse en indekse, sowel as die gerekenariseerde argivale databases, persoonlik ondersoek ten einde eerstehandse kennis van die voordele en nadele van hierdie navorsings- hulpmiddets te verkry. Daar is gevind dat tegnologiese ontwikkelings die aard van argiefbewaarplekke en argivale bronne verander het. Die impak van rekenaarnetwerke op die argivale milieu, sowel as die voor- en nadele verbonde aan die hantering van elektroniese argivale rekords en mondelinge geskiedenisargiewe, is gevolglik in besonderhede bespreek, Hoewel die ontsluiting van argivale bronmateriaai steeds op die beginsels van herkoms en oorspronklike orde gebaseer is, is sekere aanpassings noodsaaklik. Tog is geen toegang tot argivale inligtingbronne sonder hie rdie prosesse moontlik nie, Doeltreffende argivale inligtingherwinning kan slegs verwesenlik word indien genoeg fondse en opgeleide, ervare personeel beskikbaar gestel word. Vervolgens Is die veranderende aard van historiese navorsing belig, verat wat die keuse van ondemverpe betref. Moderne tendense ten opsigte van die geskiedenis van benede, of die geskiedenis van die aiiedaagse lewe, en die geskiedenis van vroue, in teenstelling met tradisionele historiese nadruk op politieke figure en gebeure, is bespreek. Die studie het verder aangetoon dat toeganklikheid tot argivale inligtingbronne die belangrikste behoefte van die historiese navorser is. Die beduidende rol wat die argivaris en argivale vindmiddels in historiese navorsing speel, is beklemtoon. Gedurende die empiriese fase is 'n ontleding van die antwoorde van respondente ten opsigte van navorsingsbesoeke aan argiefbewaarplekke gedoen, Historiese navorsers se ondervinding met betrekking tot argivale vindmiddels, gerekenariseerde argivale netwerke en leeskamerpersoneel is bespreek. Die ondersoek word afgesluit met beiangrike bevindings en 'n aantal aanbevelings rakende historiese navorsing as ‘n argivale aktiwiteit in 'n veranderende inligtingwereld. / The purpose of this study was to investigate archival information organisation and retrieval at the end of the 20th century, especially with regard to serious historical research. Information was collected by the following means: an extensive literature survey, interviews with archivists in both state and private archives and an empirical survey by means of a questionnaire distributed amongst mainly serious historical resea rchers.The researcher personally examined archival finding aids such as inventories, guides and indexes, as well as the computerised archival database, for firsthand knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of these research aids. It was found that technological developments had changed the nature of archives and archival sources, the most important adjustment being to electronic information sources and oral history archives. The impact of computer networks on the archival milieu, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of dealing with electronic archival records and oral history archives, was subsequently discussed in detail. Although the organisation and description of archival source material are still based on the principles of provenance and original order, certain adaptations are necessary. Without these processes no access to archival sources is possible. Effective archival information retrieval can only be achieved if sufficient funds are made available and well-trained, experienced staff are appointed. Subsequently the changing nature of historical research, especially with regard to the choice of research topics, was discussed. Modern tendencies such as history from below, or the history of everyday life, and the history of women, were investigated, in opposition to traditional historical emphasis on important political figures and happenings. Research further showed that accessibility to archival information sources is of paramount importance to the historical researcher. The important role of the archivist and archival finding aids, is emphasised. During the empirical phase the answers of respondents about their visits to archives were analysed. The experiences of historical researchers with regard to archival finding aids, computerised archival networks, and reading room staff, are discussed. The study is concluded with important findings and a number of recommendations pertaining to historical research as an archival activity in a changing information world. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)