A research report submitted to Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, 2012. / The study aims to identify the variables which best predict completion of four year undergraduate degree programmes, in the Schools of Construction Economics and Management and Architecture and Planning, at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa. The research is important to the University and in particular the schools under investigation, because there are only a few studies done in South African universities on this topic and it will contribute to the knowledge on variables that positively influence Time-to-Degree. Selected demographic variables such as Gender, Race, and Home Language were analysed. Other variables considered include: University Courses, First Year Scores, Matric Aggregate, Financial Aid and Residence Status. The Binary Logistic Models, a Multinomial Logistic Model and Classification Tree Model were developed to test for the significance of the predictor variables at 5% level of significance. The Statistical packages that were used in the analysis of data are Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The logistic regression models indicated that Home Language is English and the first year university course Building Quantities 1 are the most important predictors of Time-to-Degree. The other variables that were significant are Gender is Female, Not Repeat, Theory & Practice of QS 1, Architectural Representation I, Building Quantities 1, Construction Planning and Design, Physics Building and Planning for Property Developers. Architectural Representation I, Building Quantities 1, Construction Planning and Design, Physics Building and Planning for Property Developers. Matric Aggregate is an important predictor of university first year success though it has no impact on TTD. The Classification Tree indicated that passing first year at university was significant as it increases the chances of completing the degree programme within the minimum time.

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The primary aim of this study was to explore the relevance that serving and former SAPS members who hold an academic doctorate degree attach to such a degree in the SAPS occupational environment. From a qualitative standpoint, data was collected through phenomenological in-depth individual interviews with serving and former SAPS members who hold an academic doctorate degree. In addition, a comprehensive review of the relevant national and international literature was conducted to obtain a better understanding of this phenomenon. A thematic data analysis process was followed to analyse the collected data. Various objectives were fulfilled in the completion of this study:  The relevance of an academic doctorate degree, as experienced by serving and former SAPS members, in their occupational environment was explored, identified and described.  The value that SAPS doctorate graduates add to the SAPS was explored, identified and described.  Recommendations were made regarding the optimal, efficient and effective utilisation of doctorate SAPS graduates in the occupational environment of the SAPS. The findings of this study indicate that holding a doctorate degree in the SAPS generally adds value to the various aspects of policing. However, it was found that not all doctorate graduates in the SAPS are appropriately placed and placement is not necessarily influenced by graduates’ academic qualifications. Based on the findings of this study, a framework for the appropriate placement of doctorate graduates in the SAPS was developed. This framework could serve as a management tool to sensitise SAPS management to the relevance of an academic doctorate degree. In addition, this framework could act as a management tool guiding the SAPS management regarding the correct placement of academic doctorate graduates in the organisation. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of the relevance of a doctorate degree in the SAPS, thereby contributing to new knowledge related to this phenomenon. / Police Practice / Ph. D. (Police Science)