Thesis (MTech (Post School Education))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town,1999 / The education and training of civil engineering technicians is an integrated and dynamic process. The success of any service delivery process will be dependent on the meaningful interaction of all role players, given their understanding and commitment to desirable educational ideals and endeavours. With the rapid changes in technology and the arrival of democracy in South Africa, an ideal opportunity existed to review current practices and operational procedures, with a view to making some input toward restructuring. A review of service delivery strategies could make a positive contribution to improving the education and training of civil engineering technicians as well as improving the ideals of co-operative education. The purpose of the study was to analyse the service delivery strategies within the National Diploma in Civil Engineering course by examining the relationship between the views and expectations of students, academic staff and industry towards desirable leaming outcomes, against the current status of service delivery strategies. The study then explored success factors that could enhance the development of civil engineering technicians in training, within the co-operative education relationship. The literature study concentrated on the nature and value of co-operative education. It also highlighted the contributions of the respective role players in educational strategies and their added value to the education of technicians in training. An important distinction was established between training and learning where training, as a content-driven concept has been redefined to learning, which implies a more student-centred approach in the search for knowledge and the demonstration of skills. Questionnaires were compiled which attempted to measure views and perceptions on desirable outcomes in relation to current practices prevailing in service delivery strategies by technikons and industry. The survey was completed by a total of 268 respondents consisting of 178 students, 40 academic staff from nine technikons and 50 companies from industry in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal and Gauteng. A statistical analysis and observations revealed reasonable consistency in the desirable outcomes of student learning and achievement. The survey also revealed that there were significant differences between the three samples when it came to measuring the contributions and involvement of the three parties in service delivery implementation. The conclusions flowing from the literature study and the empirical investigation revealed that the gap between the current status and desirable learning outcomes are being prejudiced by the inefficient application and utilisation of available and resources.

M. Tech. Human Resources Management / The purpose of the research was to develop a list of priority training needs for engineers in the platinum mining industry. In the current skills shortage, it is imperative to reconsider engineering disciplines or qualifications in relation to the engineering skills in the mining industry, taking cognisance of the list of training priorities in the platinum mining sector. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: to develop a list of priority training needs of the engineers in the platinum mining industry; and to determine if there is correlation between the training needs of engineers in the platinum mining industry.

Mathematics, as a subject, is used in various scientific careers as a selection tool. It is regarded as the cornerstone of scientific literacy. However, since learners in South Africa do not perform optimally in mathematics they do not enjoy international recognition. Education renewal is ongoing, and South Africa currently follows an outcomes-based (OBE) approach. The teaching of mathematics cannot be renewed successfully if assessment methods are not regularly adapted to meet new developments in the field. The incorporation of an OBE approach at school level made it necessary to facilitate assessment renewal in tertiary mathematics at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). TUT is engaged in a merger of three institutions, which has made the development of new curricula and teaching material essential. Hence this a perfect time to introduce assessment renewal. The primary purpose of this thesis is to report on the research study and its results, and to make recommendations for improving the practice. The overarching research hypothesis in this study is that a suitable assessment would probably enhance the effectiveness of a student’s learning. The research focused on the following questions: -- To what extent are outcomes-based strategies effectively and regularly introduced in the teaching of mathematics at TUT? -- Will tertiary mathematics facilitators be prepared to implement outcomes-based strategies at TUT? -- To what extent are outcomes-based strategies strategies in subjects supported by mathematics implemented at TUT? -- How does the ecology of TUT affect the implementation of outcomes-based strategies? -- What other factors could influence the level of implementation of OBS at TUT? -- Have any of the mathematics facilitators at TUT received suitable and adequate training in the implementation of outcomes-based strategies? -- What are the possible implications of the study for TUT’s assessment policy? Action research was chosen as the research design because it is ideally suited to improving practice. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, personal interviews, interviews with focus groups, observations, documentation and a reflective diary. The main findings are as follows:– -- OBE strategies are not being introduced throughout TUT in the teaching of mathematics. -- Group work and peer assessments are rare occurences. -- Some lecturers are convinced that new assessment methods would lower the standard of their teaching. -- Uncertainty about the merger and the varying teaching conditions at the different campuses tend to inhibit lecturers, making them less willing to undertake assessment renewals. -- TUT should review its admission criteria. -- The lecturers cited large class groups, a lack of marking assistance and ignorance about OBE as reasons for failing to undertake assessment renewal. The study prepared respondents for assessment renewal. In the interim, however, TUT has introduced a Policy on Teaching, Learning and Technology, whereby OBE has been selected as the teaching model for TUT. In future, respondents will receive training and guidance in the implementation of OBE. This study has hopefully made a significant contribution to this positive development. / Thesis (PhD (Curriculum Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted