Criminology and Security Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Criminology)

Continuous change and competition in the working environment necessitate increased efficiency and productivity which require different and enhanced skills and abilities. It is therefore important that the right people with the right skills are selected and employees are developed to enable them to meet the organisational and national demands of the future. This dissertation investigates the relationship between learning potential, English language proficiency and work-related training test results to establish why some production employees perform better on work-related training test results than others. The results indicate that there is no significant relationship between the work-related training test results and either learning potential or English language proficiency. There is, however, a significant correlation between learning potential and English language proficiency. It might be worthwhile exploring the availability and adequacy of assessors as well as the motivational level of the production employees as factors that influence the progress made with work-related training test results. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MCOM (Industrial Psychology)

A CPD model for the University of Technology lecturers is designed in this study. The focus of the CPD model is on teaching as a predominant feature of the Lecturers‟ functions. Literature review on the nature, historic developments and the mandate of former Technikons in South Africa is conducted. A comparative analysis of University of Technology education systems in five other countries is conducted. Research was then conducted to establish the status of Lecturers‟ CPD in former Technikons. Data obtained from literature and the research project was used to design a CPD model for University of Technology Lecturers. Interviews were subsequently conducted with CPD practitioners in Universities of Technology to obtain opinions on the model. A survey was conducted to obtain Lecturers‟ opinions on the aspects of the model. Data obtained was then used to modify the model. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Educational Management)

The objective of the research was to investigate an improvement in job performance when role-play is used as a training and assessment tool in a sales call centre environment. The research was conducted by means of a competence assessment used at different stages (Quality Assurance Performance Management Questionnaire). The final stage was two weeks after the learners who had qualified to be sales agents had entered a real working environment. At this final stage, calls were retrieved and rated against the Quality Assurance Performance Management Questionnaire (QAPMQ). A sample of 40 novice sales agents (learners) were selected and randomly divided into the control and experimental groups. The research findings indicated that if planned well, role-play can be an effective training and assessment tool. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.Comm. (Industrial & Organisational Psychology)

The present study examines whether recognition of prior learning (RPL) is being implemented in the workplace, its effectiveness and impact on improving the lives of the previously disadvantaged groups and its contribution towards enhancing a culture of lifelong learning in South Africa. The main aim of this research is to explore the implementation of RPL and the extent of its effectiveness in the workplace, with particular focus on Northern Region of the Eskom Distribution. This was hoped to be addressed through the following objectives: The first objective was to determine the extent to which Eskom employees are aware of the RPL practices and to ascertain the level of awareness among employees. The second objective was to explore the current trends and practices on RPL at the workplace. The third objective was to determine and identify if there are any gaps. The last objective was to suggest ways that can be used to strengthen the RPL practice in the workplace. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 242 employees. In addition, interviews were conducted with three purposively selected (information rich) participants. The findings reveal that Eskom has policies and guidelines on RPL and a clearly stipulated purpose which is in line with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), however, the current RPL policies and procedures have not been piloted within the Northern Region, the information has not yet reached everyone in the business, and employees’ level of awareness is still low. Findings also reveal that RPL does exist in Distribution and efforts to implement it are visible/traceable. A number of milestones and achievements are noted in the business as a whole as well as in the region, although a lot still needs to be done to ensure full and effective implementation. The last finding shows that there are a number of gaps and challenges impeding the success of RPL. These range from capacity building to quality assurance. On the basis of the findings, a number of recommendations to strengthen the RPL practice in the workplace are proposed and suggested. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

This study investigated whether skills development learning programmes specifically internship programme in the public service sector are effective in improving interns’ emotional intelligence competences. A convenience sample of 66 interns was obtained. The interns, two peers and a mentor assessed the intern’s emotional intelligence competencies twice, at the beginning and towards the end of the internship programme with the aid the 360° Emotional and Social Intelligence Inventory (ESCI). A total of 264 participants completed the inventory. Mean competency ratings were compared to determine if there were differences between the first and the second assessments. There were statistically significant differences for Organisational Awareness, Adaptability, Influence, Teamwork, Empathy, Emotional Self Awareness, Conflict Management and Inspirational Leadership. No statistically significant differences were found in the overall development of emotional intelligence based on gender. However, female interns improved more in Emotional Self-Awareness while males improved more in Inspirational Leadership and Coaching. Skills development internship learning programme in the public service appear to be effective in furthering interns’ emotional intelligence competencies at work. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology with Specialisation in Research Consultation)

Text in English / The main aim of the study was to investigate the state of customer care in Public University libraries in Kenya: case study of Moi University Library. Specifically the study was set to determine the composition of customers served and extent to which their information needs were being met. It was also set out to Identify and evaluate the quality and relevance of information services/products provided. Consequently, the study was undertaken to establish if there is a customer care structure and policy in place and also to explore the customer care practices. Lastly, to determine the challenges that were encountered in the process of offering customer care program. The mixed method research was used. Data was collected in two phases, questionnaires and interview survey methods were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The study established that students and academic staff were the primary customers but their needs were not sufficiently being met. Library staff were friendly and helpful but overall rating of their attitude was below expectations. The study established that the library has variety of products/services and users’ were aware them. They were also aware of the existence of customer care unit, which allowed users to make suggestions for improvement of library products/services. The study recommends that the library should be provided with resources to run the program and also it is important that the Moi University Library adopts the use of a social media (Web: 2.0/lib 2.0) for communicating and updating users on new services and products. / Information Science / M. Inf.

This study investigated the contribution of staff training and development programmes to effective library and information services in selected university libraries in Ghana. The rationale of the study was to establish the relationship between training and development of library staff and work performance of individual library staff, university libraries and the institutions as a whole, which should reflect in effective and efficient provision of library and information services. The researcher reviewed extensively literature on relevant subject areas related to staff training and development including: the concept of training and development, training needs analysis and assessment, staff training and development, monitoring and evaluation of training, effects of training on job performance, measuring return on investment in training and effectiveness of library and information services. The researcher adopted a survey research method because of the large geographical areas over which the university libraries are located and therefore dispersed population. The researcher adopted mixed methods research approach and thus data was collected using interviews, observations and questionnaires. The researcher also used a mixed sampling method where the researcher combined both probability and non-probability sampling methods in sampling the population. The population for the study comprised library staff, faculty and students from five selected universities in Ghana. The total population from the five universities was 139,463 based on which a sample of 860 was chosen. Thematic content analysis technique was use to analyse qualitative data, while statistical package for service solution was used to analyse quantitative data. The main findings of the study were that staff training and development programmes contributed to the improvement of the knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences of library staff in the universities in Ghana, thereby made university library staff in Ghana more effective and efficient in the provision of library and information services to the university community. However staff development practices alone did not contribute to job performance. Staff development practices were supported with human resource management strategies such as rewards, promotions, bonuses, salary increase and other motivational strategies. Finally the study identified inadequate funding and short falls in the training policies as some of the challenges facing the implementation of staff training and development initiatives in the university libraries in Ghana. It recommends the establishment of training units within the university libraries and adequate budgetary provisions to invest in staff training and development programmes for library staff as well as the adoption of train the trainer concept where staff who participated in training and development programmes are asked to train colleagues and submit a report for the benefit of colleagues as a way of improving staff development practices in the university libraries in Ghana. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on staff training and development and work performance in university libraries. / Information Science

Resultado de reflexões sobre a importância socioeconômica das pequenas indústrias para o Brasil, a formulação da presente tese está centrada na investigação da formação profissional em níveis iniciais para setores industriais de Curitiba. Para tanto, buscou-se saber qual a contribuição do governo, das escolas profissionais, e das pequenas indústrias curitibanas para a qualificação profissional desses trabalhadores. Apoiando-se nos estudos de Florestan Fernandes e Caio Prado Junior a respeito dos modelos econômicos e de Celso Furtado sobre a importância da cadeia industrial para o desenvolvimento, estabelecem-se hipóteses sobre os processos de profissionalização dos trabalhadores dessas indústrias, marcadas pela precarização, conforme indica Ricardo Antunes. Na mesma linha, Frigotto, Ciavatta, Ramos, Moraes, Ferretti e Kuenzer, dentre outros, também apontam o quanto a precarização da educação profissional repercute negativamente na vida da classe trabalhadora do Brasil. A partir dos indicativos da legislação relativa à educação profissional, das propostas de cursos de qualificação e das indicações do Código Brasileiro de Ocupações (CBO), foram estabelecidos parâmetros do que, institucionalmente, se prevê como necessário para a profissionalização básica de trabalhadores. Informações estas que referenciaram a pesquisa de campo, realizada junto a seis pequenas indústrias de tradicionais segmentos produtivos curitibanos, compreendendo o setor de alimentos, gráfico, moveleiro e do vestuário, que se destacam tanto pelo número de unidades fabris, quanto pela intensiva oferta de empregos nessa cidade. De caráter qualitativo, além da visita e observação do local dos ambientes de trabalho das indústrias participantes, foram realizadas entrevistas com alguns de seus trabalhadores – visando contextualizar os seus percursos de vida, suas rotinas diárias na fábrica, a forma como se profissionalizaram, as dificuldades decorrentes desse processo, seus cotidianos fora do trabalho, suas frustrações e expectativas quanto aos seus futuros – e empresários – visando contextualizar a forma de surgimento desses empreendimentos, seus percursos, oportunidades e dificuldades frente ao cenário econômico, seus cotidianos, os processos de contratação, avaliação, e, também, os de qualificação dos seus profissionais. Constatou-se que a qualificação dos trabalhadores ocorre quase que exclusivamente no interior e no dia a dia dessas pequenas indústrias e que, em função da ausência do aprendizado acadêmico e dessa profissionalização mais precária, os trabalhadores têm comprometidos seus crescimentos profissionais, a qualidade de suas vidas e as expectativas quanto aos seus futuros, e as empresas, por outro lado, a sua viabilidade concorrencial em função da dificuldade de incorporação de tecnologias que exigem um conhecimento mais amplo e profundo para a sua utilização. Por fim, por não atenderem às expectativas dos trabalhadores e dos empresários, foi observado não haver eficácia nas ofertas dos cursos de formação profissional inicial existentes, sendo necessária uma análise dos mesmos no sentido de promoverem, a partir do conhecimento que poderiam ofertar, melhores desempenhos fabris e melhores condições sociais aos próprios trabalhadores. / Resulting from reflections about socio-economic importance of small industries in Brazil, the thesis herein presented focus itself in researching professional training offered to initial levels for industrial areas at Curitiba, South Brazil. For such, it was researched which kind of contribution is offered by the government, professional schools, and small industries from Curitiba, in order to train these workers. Based on studies performed by Florestan Fernandes and Caio Prado Junior about the economic models, and Celso Furtado’s studies about the importance of the industrial chain for development, hypotheses are established regarding the professionalization processes for workers of these industries, branded by precariousness, according to Ricardo Antunes. In the same line, Frigotto, Ciavatta, Ramos, Moraes, Ferretti and Kuenzer, amongst others, also point to how much the precariousness of professional training has a negative effect on workers class’ lives in Brazil. Based on legislation numbers concerning professional training, proposed training courses and indicatives from the Código Brasileiro de Ocupações (CBO – Brazilian Occupational Codes) basic parameters have been established for what is, constitutionally, forecasted as required for basic professionalization on worker’s life. Field Research refers to such information, being performed together with six small industries from traditional productive segments at Curitiba, comprising food, graphic, furniture and clothing sector, highlighted either by plant numbers and intense job offering in this town. Having a qualitative character, besides visiting and observing the place and working environment at participants industries, it has been performed interviews with some workers – aiming to context their life path, their daily routines at the factory, their way to professionalization, difficulties in this process, their daily lives outside the working place, their frustrations and expectations as for their future – and employers – in order to present the circumstances under which those enterprises have arisen, their paths, opportunities and difficulties against the economic scenario, their routine, hiring processes, assessment, and the way they offer professional training as well. It has been concluded that professional training happens almost exclusively inside these small industries and that, due to lack of academic learning and to this precarious training, workers have their professional growth, life quality and future’s expectation committed, and on the other hand, companies lose their competitive viability due to difficulties to embody technologies demanding a wider and depth knowledge to their use. At last, provided they do not comply with workers and employers expectations, it was observed the lack of efficiency concerning the existing professional training courses which, from the knowledge they may offer, requires an analysis in order to promote better factory performances and better social conditions to workers.

Resultado de reflexões sobre a importância socioeconômica das pequenas indústrias para o Brasil, a formulação da presente tese está centrada na investigação da formação profissional em níveis iniciais para setores industriais de Curitiba. Para tanto, buscou-se saber qual a contribuição do governo, das escolas profissionais, e das pequenas indústrias curitibanas para a qualificação profissional desses trabalhadores. Apoiando-se nos estudos de Florestan Fernandes e Caio Prado Junior a respeito dos modelos econômicos e de Celso Furtado sobre a importância da cadeia industrial para o desenvolvimento, estabelecem-se hipóteses sobre os processos de profissionalização dos trabalhadores dessas indústrias, marcadas pela precarização, conforme indica Ricardo Antunes. Na mesma linha, Frigotto, Ciavatta, Ramos, Moraes, Ferretti e Kuenzer, dentre outros, também apontam o quanto a precarização da educação profissional repercute negativamente na vida da classe trabalhadora do Brasil. A partir dos indicativos da legislação relativa à educação profissional, das propostas de cursos de qualificação e das indicações do Código Brasileiro de Ocupações (CBO), foram estabelecidos parâmetros do que, institucionalmente, se prevê como necessário para a profissionalização básica de trabalhadores. Informações estas que referenciaram a pesquisa de campo, realizada junto a seis pequenas indústrias de tradicionais segmentos produtivos curitibanos, compreendendo o setor de alimentos, gráfico, moveleiro e do vestuário, que se destacam tanto pelo número de unidades fabris, quanto pela intensiva oferta de empregos nessa cidade. De caráter qualitativo, além da visita e observação do local dos ambientes de trabalho das indústrias participantes, foram realizadas entrevistas com alguns de seus trabalhadores – visando contextualizar os seus percursos de vida, suas rotinas diárias na fábrica, a forma como se profissionalizaram, as dificuldades decorrentes desse processo, seus cotidianos fora do trabalho, suas frustrações e expectativas quanto aos seus futuros – e empresários – visando contextualizar a forma de surgimento desses empreendimentos, seus percursos, oportunidades e dificuldades frente ao cenário econômico, seus cotidianos, os processos de contratação, avaliação, e, também, os de qualificação dos seus profissionais. Constatou-se que a qualificação dos trabalhadores ocorre quase que exclusivamente no interior e no dia a dia dessas pequenas indústrias e que, em função da ausência do aprendizado acadêmico e dessa profissionalização mais precária, os trabalhadores têm comprometidos seus crescimentos profissionais, a qualidade de suas vidas e as expectativas quanto aos seus futuros, e as empresas, por outro lado, a sua viabilidade concorrencial em função da dificuldade de incorporação de tecnologias que exigem um conhecimento mais amplo e profundo para a sua utilização. Por fim, por não atenderem às expectativas dos trabalhadores e dos empresários, foi observado não haver eficácia nas ofertas dos cursos de formação profissional inicial existentes, sendo necessária uma análise dos mesmos no sentido de promoverem, a partir do conhecimento que poderiam ofertar, melhores desempenhos fabris e melhores condições sociais aos próprios trabalhadores. / Resulting from reflections about socio-economic importance of small industries in Brazil, the thesis herein presented focus itself in researching professional training offered to initial levels for industrial areas at Curitiba, South Brazil. For such, it was researched which kind of contribution is offered by the government, professional schools, and small industries from Curitiba, in order to train these workers. Based on studies performed by Florestan Fernandes and Caio Prado Junior about the economic models, and Celso Furtado’s studies about the importance of the industrial chain for development, hypotheses are established regarding the professionalization processes for workers of these industries, branded by precariousness, according to Ricardo Antunes. In the same line, Frigotto, Ciavatta, Ramos, Moraes, Ferretti and Kuenzer, amongst others, also point to how much the precariousness of professional training has a negative effect on workers class’ lives in Brazil. Based on legislation numbers concerning professional training, proposed training courses and indicatives from the Código Brasileiro de Ocupações (CBO – Brazilian Occupational Codes) basic parameters have been established for what is, constitutionally, forecasted as required for basic professionalization on worker’s life. Field Research refers to such information, being performed together with six small industries from traditional productive segments at Curitiba, comprising food, graphic, furniture and clothing sector, highlighted either by plant numbers and intense job offering in this town. Having a qualitative character, besides visiting and observing the place and working environment at participants industries, it has been performed interviews with some workers – aiming to context their life path, their daily routines at the factory, their way to professionalization, difficulties in this process, their daily lives outside the working place, their frustrations and expectations as for their future – and employers – in order to present the circumstances under which those enterprises have arisen, their paths, opportunities and difficulties against the economic scenario, their routine, hiring processes, assessment, and the way they offer professional training as well. It has been concluded that professional training happens almost exclusively inside these small industries and that, due to lack of academic learning and to this precarious training, workers have their professional growth, life quality and future’s expectation committed, and on the other hand, companies lose their competitive viability due to difficulties to embody technologies demanding a wider and depth knowledge to their use. At last, provided they do not comply with workers and employers expectations, it was observed the lack of efficiency concerning the existing professional training courses which, from the knowledge they may offer, requires an analysis in order to promote better factory performances and better social conditions to workers.