The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of the bridging programme graduates regarding their preparedness to manage a nursing unit .Quantitative; descriptive survey design was used with a structured questionnaire as data collection instrument. The sample included 58 bridging programme graduates who had completed their training at a private nursing school and was working at seven private hospitals in KwaZulu Natal. The graduates reported competence in performing some but not all management competencies addressed by this survey. Some graduates reported they were placed in charge of the nursing unit, in spite of not feeling competent, as early as in their first month. Recommendations with regard to nursing education, nursing practice and further research, specifically relating to improvement of management competencies for new graduates, were made / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The main aims of the thesis is to explore the situation and awareness of youth on labour market, to evaluate existing political instruments and to suggest a recommendation for the most effective intrument to makte the situation better. I follow these aims by executing a secondary data analysis, an expert interviews with workers of IPS in Central Bohemia, Regional labour office in Příbram and VÚPSV, furthermore I follow these aims by my own survey within 5 chosen high schools in Central Bohemia. The thesis focuses on exploration of the issue from perspective of future graduates on labour market, as well as the perspective of IPS workers (as the main stakeholder), who actively works with unemployed youth or future graduates on daily basis. According to the research I concluded, that the most effective instrument for the chosen group is consultation, which is provided mainly by the IPS workers. There are various types of consultation in the region and therefore various levels of future graduates awareness. The consultation should by unified in every Central Bohemia region. To make this possible, it is needed to create good working conditions to the IPS workers. After the reform of labour offices the conditions are not very satisfiing due to personal changes, resposibility changes and technological...

There is a high demand for competent Information Systems (IS) / Information Technology (IT) graduates in a globalised knowledge-driven economy with rapidly evolving Information and Communication Technology (ICT). However, becoming a competent IS/IT graduate is not a once-off event because rapid technological changes require that IS/IT graduates continually strive to be up-to-date and relevant. Continuous updating of knowledge, keeping up-to-date, acquiring a diverse set of IS/IT/ICT competencies, and being competent is a problematic task globally, and requires building competencies comprising knowledge, skills, abilities and values. This thesis employs Classic Grounded Theory Methodology (CGTM) with a single case to identify the main concern of senior IS undergraduates during their learning process, and how they resolve the concern. Data were obtained from two diverse groups of senior IS undergraduate classes using multiple data collection methods, embedded in constant comparative analyses. Understanding what was going on in the substantive research area and explaining how the senior IS undergraduates' main concern was resolved was the focus of the data collection and conceptualisation. Through the single case exploratory CGTM study, the senior IS undergraduates' main concern emerged as a perceived lack of IS Competency, and the main concern was explored. A substantive theory of Competency Maturing conceptualises and explains how these students attempt to resolve their perceived lack of IS Competency. A substantive theory of Competency Maturing is a Basic Social Process (BSP) which involves engaging in learning by doing, and spontaneous learning within an organic learning environment. Three phases of the BSP of Competency Maturing are student engagement, self-awareness of competency, and self-development. This thesis recommends a Framework for a South African senior IS undergraduates' programme and offers a set of conceptual propositions developed from empirical data. The thesis makes theoretical and practical contributions to the IS education body of knowledge of student engagement, learning environment, senior IS undergraduates' curriculum development and competency development. A substantive theory of Competency Maturing is relevant to IS educators who wish to break away from traditional, teacher-centred approaches in higher education, and are willing to create learning environments where senior IS undergraduates are motivated to learn in rich, relevant and real-world contexts. The thesis contributes to IS educators who seek to understand how the learning environment and IS educational content influence and support student engagement and Competency Maturing. This thesis also offers IS educational practitioners an understanding of the educational content and a delivery style that can provide senior IS undergraduates with strong theoretical and practical foundations. The thesis's findings suggest that creating an organic learning environment can be a useful approach to developing more competent IS graduates.

Thesis( MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Title: The Perceptions of Postgraduate Students About Female Condoms at The University of Limpopo Background: The female condom is one of the safest and effective female-initiated methods of contraceptives that has been promoted as an integral part of inventions that provide protection against the widespread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other Sexual Transmitted Infections among the youth, including at institutions of higher learning. A number of university students in South Africa are at risk of contracting HIV because of their risky sexual behaviours. How one perceives the female condom can have greater potential to influence its use. There is a gap in literature about this condom. Therefore, this study seeks to understand and document perceptions of postgraduate students about the female condom at the University of Limpopo. Objectives: To explore demographic characteristics of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo regarding female condoms. To describe perceptions of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo about female condoms. Methods: The study used the qualitative research approach. Participants of the study were full-time male and female postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participants were interviewed one by one using an interview guide. The sample size of the study was 10 participants which was determined by saturation of data. An audiotape was also used to record interviews with participants, and field notes were also taken during the interview. Data was analysed through Thematic Content Analysis. Results: Literature suggests that students are aware of the female condom and its potential to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and STI but are still reluctant to use it in preference of the MC which is well marketed and promoted. The observed discarding and misuse of female condoms among students is associated with lack of knowledge and their perceptions of it. Although this study does not generalise the overall students’ perceptions regarding the female condom, but as a qualitative research, the study provides a useful qualitative enquiry of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo about the female condom. Conclusion: Many studies have concluded that a female condom is a female-initiated method that is developed to empower and educate women to take control of their sexual health issues as well as to develop other programmes that prioritise women against HIV/AIDS and other STI. There is a need for effective interventions and campaigns to improve student knowledge in order to minimise wasteful expenditure in the process of the procurement and distribution of female condoms. There is also a need to increase the availability and accessibility of these condoms at institutions of higher learning.

Student attrition from universities carries high costs for individuals, universities, and society. Despite these costs, there has been limited research on the problem from the students' perspectives, specifically the perceptions of university graduates about what factors may have influenced their own retention at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). African American students complete college at the lowest rate compared to other ethnic sub groups. Guided by Tinto's theory of student departure, this qualitative consensual research study focused on the perceptions of 15 bachelor of social work graduates regarding (a) the factors that helped them to persist to graduation at an HBCU, and (b) the internal and external factors that influenced college retention. Data were gathered from semi-structured interviews, a demographic survey, and a follow-up questionnaire. Data were transcribed; member checked for enhanced trustworthiness; and then analyzed inductively using a team to develop and code domains by consensus, construct core ideas, and develop categories. Findings indicated that, among these 15 graduates, internal factors such as loss of scholarships, lack of faculty support, and lack of academic preparation influenced retention. External issues such as family strain and lack of university/community partnerships were also reported as influencing retention. In addition, findings suggested that these 15 students required increased academic, financial, mental health, and social support services to persist to graduation. This study contributes to social change by affecting improvement in retention and ensuring support services equal student needs. Improvements in retention and support could help to grow an educated and skilled work force.

TITLE: Impact of the trade days project on the key competencies of Kunratice Elemetary School graduates AUTHOR: Tom Tychtl DEPARTMENT: Department for research and development of education SUPERVISOR: PhDr. Veronika Laufková Ph.D. ABSTRACT: This thesis deals with the project called "Trade days", which is implemented at the Kunratice Elementary School, especially its impact on the development of key competences od school graduates with an overlap onto their future life. The work is based on theoretical findings on key competences, constructivist concept of teaching, organisational forms of teaching and project-based learning, which are then used in the practical part. In the practical part, the thesis aims present the functioning of the project and, based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, to present the results of the impact of the "Trade days" project on the development of key competencies and the overlap of this development into the future life of school graduates. KEYWORDS: key competencies, project-based learning, secondary school, qualitative research, graduates

This ex post facto study sought to examine: the efficacy of Mosby's Assess Test as a valid predictor of NCLEX (National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination) scores; significant correlations among semester averages, semester tests failed, Nelson Denny Reading Test scores, and NCLEX scores; and differences in NCLEX outcomes in relation to ethnicity, age, and prior practical nursing licensure for 558 associate degree nursing graduates who wrote the NCLEX in 1983 and 1984. Significant positive relationships were found among Mosby scores, Nelson Denny scores, semester averages, and NCLEX scores. A significant negative relationship was found between number of semester tests failed and NCLEX scores. The mean NCLEX score of older graduates was higher than the mean NCLEX score of younger graduates. LPN graduates had a higher mean NCLEX score than non-LPN graduates. White graduates' mean NCLEX score was greater than the average score for black graduates. Combined predictor variables which yielded the best estimate of the criterion variable (NCLEX scores) for all graduates included mean semester average, Mosby scores, age above thirty-three, and Nelson Denny scores, respectively. The most important predictor of black graduates' NCLEX success was prior practical nursing licensure. Other significant predictors for black graduates' NCLEX success were mean semester average, Mosby scores, mean number of semester tests failed, age above thirty-three, and Nelson Denny scores, respectively. Mean semester average, mean score of the Mosby test, mean number of semester tests failed, and age above thirty-three were the most significant predictors of white graduates' NCLEX success. Older graduates had a higher mean Mosby score, a higher mean semester average, and failed fewer semester tests than younger graduates. The study results will be of interest to nurse educators and counselors who are concerned with curricular revision, student counseling, and remediation procedures as these relate to enhancement of graduates' potential for success on the NCLEX.

Worldwide, employee turnover has been and remains a concern for organizations. Previous research has shown that the loss of a valuable employee creates both tangible and intangible costs for companies, and organizations are therefore forced to focus their efforts on employee retention. Previous research has also shown that university graduates have capabilities that are of value in industries going through transformation, and that supervisors, i.e., employees with personnel responsibility, play an important role in the retention of this type of employee.  The purpose of this qualitative single case study is to investigate how a supervisor can contribute to the retention of their young university graduate employees, particularly in the context of a largescale enterprise in the Swedish automotive industry. This is done partly through a literature review concluded with a theoretical framework that summarizes the existing literature's suggestions about factors that contribute to employee retention. In this framework, suggestions from existing literature are separated into themes depending on what aspect of employee retention they deal with. These five themes, including job design, communication, leadership, organizational support as well as atmosphere and work environment, recur throughout this study to structure the findings. The investigation is also done through primary data collection in the form of interviews with young university graduate employees at the case company, as well as a focus group with supervisors from the case company. This is complemented by the collection of archival data. The interview data are then analyzed to find themes and patterns using the Gioia-method.  The study finds several factors and activities that young academic employees value at their workplace. Some of these findings include freedom under responsibility, helpful and supportive supervisors, personal development, cooperation between departments and an open workplace climate. The findings are discussed in relation to the study’s purpose as well as in relation to the theoretical framework. The study concludes by summarizing the extent to which the findings of this study confirm the suggestions from previous literature under each of the five themes, as well as by presenting the findings that extend the theoretical framework. The findings that extend the framework include networking, benefits, an open climate, varying work tasks, a well-structured introduction process, as well as a beneficial geographic location of the office. For each of the five themes, practical suggestions are also given concerning how a supervisor can contribute to the retention of their young university graduate employees. / Runtom i världen har medarbetaromsättning varit och är fortfarande ett bekymmer för organisationer. Tidigare forskning har visat att bortfallet av en värdefull medarbetare skapar både materiella och immateriella kostnader för bolag, därför måste organisationer anstränga sig för att behålla sina medarbetare. Tidigare forskning har också visat att akademiker besitter förmågor som är av värde i industrier som genomgår transformation, samt att chefer spelar en viktig roll i att behålla denna typ av medarbetare.  Syftet med denna kvalitativa fallstudie är att undersöka hur en chef kan bidra till bibehållandet av sina unga högskoleutbildade medarbetare, specifikt i kontexten av ett storskaligt bolag inom den svenska fordonsindustrin. Detta görs delvis genom en litteraturstudie som avslutas med ett teoretiskt ramverk, där den existerande litteraturens förslag kring faktorer som bidrar till bibehållandet av medarbetare summeras. I detta ramverk delas litteraturens förslag in i teman beroende på vilken aspekt av bibehållandet av medarbetare som de behandlar. Dessa teman; arbetsdesign, kommunikation, ledarskap, stöd från organisationen samt atmosfär och arbetsmiljö, återkommer genom studien för att strukturera upp resultaten. Undersökningen görs också genom primär datainsamling i form av intervjuer med unga högskoleutbildade medarbetare på fallstudiebolaget, samt en fokusgrupp med chefer från fallstudiebolaget. Detta kompletteras med insamling av arkivdata. De data som samlats in från intervjuerna analyseras sedan för att identifiera teman och mönster enligt Gioia-metoden.  Studien finner flertalet faktorer och aktiviteter som unga högskoleutbildade medarbetare värderar på sin arbetsplats. Några av dessa inkluderar frihet under ansvar, hjälpsamma och stöttande chefer, personlig utveckling, samarbete mellan avdelningar och ett öppet arbetsklimat. Dessa resultat diskuteras i relation till studiens syfte samt i relation till det teoretiska ramverket. Studien avslutar genom att summera till vilken grad studiens resultat bekräftar förslagen från tidigare litteratur under de fem olika temana, samt genom att presentera de resultat som utökar det teoretiska ramverket. De resultat som utökar ramverket inkluderar nätverkande, förmåner, ett öppet arbetsklimat, varierande arbetsuppgifter, en välstrukturerad introduktionsprocess samt en fördelaktig geografisk placering av kontoret. För var och en av de fem temana presenteras också praktiska förslag för hur en chef kan bidra till bibehållandet av sina unga högskoleutbildade medarbetare.

Since the days of Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois, the argument has flourished relative to the value of vocational education for Black youth. This study, using data from the "High School and Beyond 1980 Sophomore Cohort Third Follow-Up (1986)" survey, investigated three basic areas, namely: (a) the demographic, personological, and educational profile of Black youth enrolled in vocational education, and the manner in which this profile varied in relation to their vocational concentration patterns, (b) the profile of these youth in terms of their employment outcomes, educational expectations, and civic and political participation > practices after completion of their secondary schooling, according to their concentration patterns, and (c) the changes over time among these youth within their vocational concentration patterns, with regard to aptitude, educational and vocational expectations, and employment status. Major findings of this study have been presented for the students by concentration patterns. Some of the major overall findings were: Students with greater concentration in vocational education course work tended to come from urban areas, the southern region of the United States, and the lowest socioeconomic status quartile. Both educational and occupational expectations were unrealistic in terms of Standardized test performance and grades. A large percentage waS not in the labor force and a very small percentage was participating in civic or political activities. Findings for outcome and change over time variables were presented for the three vocational participation patterns, Concentrators, Limited Concentrators, and Samplers. / Ed. D.

Acknowledging the various benefits that can be reaped from good quality education in schools, the primary aim of this study was to explore and investigate the effect of the BETD Graduates on the quality of education in primary schools, in Kunene region. Seventeen primary school principals took part in the study. They completed a questionnaire and the data was analysed using a qualitative method. Four main categories were investigated: (i) socio-demographic information (ii) the implementation of the BETD skills (iii) job performance and (iv) organizational effectiveness. This study suggests that there is a strong relationship between the type and quality of teacher education and its effect on the achievement and performances of learners in particular and the school in general. Therefore the quality of education in schools can be determined by the quality of the teachers on the ground. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Education Management)