The phenomena of stakeholder identification and involvement in the affairs of public entities has become of great importance in the recent years. Literature review reveals the extent of knowledge and discloses gaps that exist in the management of technical training institutions in Kenya. Therefore, key research questions aimed at achieving the objectives of this study were formulated. For empirical responses, a sample comprising three institutions was chosen, where respondents were selected purposively. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted for qualitative data collection from purposively selected respondents. The data analysis led to the conclusion that stakeholders are varied and their involvement in specific issues minimal. This implies lack of clarity of knowledge of the stakeholders and variation regarding the extent to which they need involvement and the effects. One recommendation is to carry out an analysis to establish legitimate stakeholders and their specific potential influences. / Educational Studies

The phenomena of stakeholder identification and involvement in the affairs of public entities has become of great importance in the recent years. Literature review reveals the extent of knowledge and discloses gaps that exist in the management of technical training institutions in Kenya. Therefore, key research questions aimed at achieving the objectives of this study were formulated. For empirical responses, a sample comprising three institutions was chosen, where respondents were selected purposively. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted for qualitative data collection from purposively selected respondents. The data analysis led to the conclusion that stakeholders are varied and their involvement in specific issues minimal. This implies lack of clarity of knowledge of the stakeholders and variation regarding the extent to which they need involvement and the effects. One recommendation is to carry out an analysis to establish legitimate stakeholders and their specific potential influences. / Educational Studies

Informed by archival data and oral history interviews, this dissertation explored stories of the lived experiences of the stakeholders of Mercer University’s Beloved Community. The goal was to gain insight into how higher educational institutions (HEIs) engaged community partners to address long-term racial injury through the process of racial reconciliation. This study included the insights of 18 participants in a racial reconciliation project named the Beloved Community; which began in 2005 and was sponsored by Mercer University, a private higher educational institution; formerly affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. An aim of the project was to sustain a frank discourse within a safe, public forum, that would address the present and past injuries of racial segregation at the local church level and include the injured in problem solving. Mercer is one of few formerly segregated southern universities engaged in such an endeavor. The research questions were: 1) What do Mercer University’s Beloved Community stakeholders perceive as the primary goals of higher educational institutions in addressing racial reconciliation? 2) What are Mercer University’s Beloved Community stakeholders’ perceptions and lived experiences of racial reconciliation, through this project? 3) What patterns and contradictions are there in the stakeholders’ stories about their perceptions and lived experiences of racial reconciliation? The findings validate the research of Androff (2012) that reconciliation is a slow process, occurring at multiple levels, and provides insights into such an endeavor at a local level. Further, this study found that enactment of the project is influenced by social identity, collective memory, and intergroup interaction. A culture of social reconciliation, in the form of building interpersonal relationships and creating forums for racial dialogue, was the dominant form of reconciliation found within Mercer’s Beloved Community. This study is significant in examining the role of HEIs who include community partners to extend sustained scholarship, learning, and civic engagement.

Thesis (MTech (Business and Information Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019 / Various efforts have been made to address the issue of gender equality at the workplace. It can be noted that even though equal opportunities between men and women may exist, the discrimination of women is still immanent in the workplace for example gender bias, unequal opportunities and underrepresentation. Previous research has failed to give a clear picture on the impact of information, communication, and technologies on gender gaps. It is mostly generalised. This study evaluates the role of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in promoting gender equality in the workplace. The research explores different theoretical perspectives namely Gender Glass Ceiling, Equity Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Critical Information Systems Theory and the Feminist Theory. The study used a qualitative research method and a case study design in order to fulfil the study’s objectives and aim. It was carried out at a selected higher education institution in South Africa. Purposive sampling was used and 19 research participants were interviewed both men and women. The data that was collected was transcribed, coded using open coding, analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis to make sense of the findings. Ethical codes of conduct such as truthfulness, confidentiality, anonymity, beneficence and data protection were employed due to the sensitive nature of the study. Results show that ICTs play a vital role in promoting gender equality. ICTs enable employees to become educated, skilled and knowledgeable becoming aware of their rights and fair practices in the workplace. ICTs also enhance both men and women empowerment in independency, decision making and self-actualisation. Fundamental recommendations are given by the researcher regarding ICTs and the promotion of gender equality in the workplace to enhance organisational performance. Organisations need to view ICTs as an integral part of business and enhance its use to promote gender equality.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-07-01T21:28:41Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Alessandro De Almeida Vieira.pdf: 1389465 bytes, checksum: 20afe67b9ffeb8ace28c54df50377f5e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-01T21:28:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Alessandro De Almeida Vieira.pdf: 1389465 bytes, checksum: 20afe67b9ffeb8ace28c54df50377f5e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-05-12 / Year after year, the kind of market where universities function has been showing an increase in competition and creating specific needs of innovation in educational management area. Researches indicate that the educational management of the universities differs from the organizational management which is conceptualized and taught to their students. The elements considered to reach this conclusion are the administrative complexity of these institutions and the diversity of actors or stakeholders in the decision-making process. Signaling from national agencies for educational control and monitoring, including the Higher Education Personnel Improvement Coordination - CAPES, responsible for evaluating Brazilian post-graduation, indicates the need for monitoring the students of these programs. This fact indicates an opportunity for innovation and differentiation in the educational market, related to administrative matters, in addition to human material capturing issues. Within this context, this study aims at answering the question “How can project management contribute to the development of a students and graduates association, from a post-graduate studies program, based on stakeholder management?”. The main objective of the study is to present a plan to develop a students and graduates association from a post-graduate studies program, based on project management and using stakeholders management. It aims at assisting in the development and growth of the association, using both the tools and concepts of project management. To answer this question and achieve the main goal, an applied research was conducted. The research was of descriptive and explanatory nature, using qualitative approach and action-research methodology. The results identified who are the stakeholders of such an association, as well as the point of view of its managers. Results also showed the contribution of a proper project management to leverage the development of the association, bringing benefits which are extensible to the higher education institution it represents. / O mercado de atuação das universidades vem apresentando ano após ano, um aumento na concorrência, criando necessidades específicas de inovação nas áreas do gerenciamento educacional. Pesquisas apontam que o gerenciamento educacional das universidades difere do gerenciamento organizacional que as próprias universidades conceituam e ensinam aos seus alunos, considerando a complexidade administrativa destas instituições e a diversidade de atores, ou partes interessadas no processo decisório das mesmas. A sinalização dos órgãos nacionais de controle e acompanhamento educacional, entre eles a Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES, responsável pela avaliação da pós-graduação no Brasil, indica a necessidade do acompanhamento de alunos e egressos dos programas de pós-graduação. Sendo assim, apresenta-se uma oportunidade de inovação e diferenciação, no mercado educacional, para as questões administrativas, além das questões de captação de material humano. Dentro deste contexto, o presente estudo busca responder a seguinte questão: Como a gestão de projetos pode auxiliar o desenvolvimento de uma associação de alunos e egressos em um programa de pós-graduação stricto sensu, baseado na gestão de stakeholders? O objetivo principal deste trabalho é apresentar um plano para o desenvolvimento de uma associação de alunos e egressos de um programa de pós-graduação stricto sensu, com base na gestão de projetos e utilizando a gestão de stakeholders, visando auxiliá-la em seu desenvolvimento e crescimento, utilizando para tanto, as ferramentas e os conceitos da gestão de projetos. Para responder à esta questão e alcançar o objetivo principal, foi realizada uma pesquisa aplicada, de abordagem qualitativa, natureza descritiva e explicativa e com método de condução por meio de uma pesquisa-ação. Os levantamentos realizados apresentaram uma visão sobre quem e quais são os stakeholders de uma associação de alunos e egressos, bem como as visões dos gestores desta associação e como uma adequada gestão deste projeto pode colaborar e potencializar tal associação, revertendo em benefícios extensíveis para a instituição de ensino superior que a mesma representa.

The research problem reflected a lower number of female postgraduate students and academics as compared to their male counterparts within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. A descriptive survey was disseminated to a stratified sample of undergraduate final year students in the disciplines of Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Computer and Bioresources Engineering. An online survey was also sent to the nine female academics within the Faculty. The study indicates that the social and academic environment within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal was not a deterrent to female graduates studying further and entering academia. The exam performance of both male and female students was similar and neither the drop-out rate nor failure was due to gender but rather to the choice of degree. An issue of concern to both the student and the academic group was the low numbers of female academics. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)

The phenomena of stakeholder identification and involvement in the affairs of public entities has become of great importance in the recent years. Literature review reveals the extent of knowledge and discloses gaps that exist in the management of technical training institutions in Kenya. Therefore, key research questions aimed at achieving the objectives of this study were formulated. For empirical responses, a sample comprising three institutions was chosen, where respondents were selected purposively. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted for qualitative data collection from purposively selected respondents. The data analysis led to the conclusion that stakeholders are varied and their involvement in specific issues minimal. This implies lack of clarity of knowledge of the stakeholders and variation regarding the extent to which they need involvement and the effects. One recommendation is to carry out an analysis to establish legitimate stakeholders and their specific potential influences. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing greater challenges in the modern era as a result of globalization, advancement in new technologies and the worldwide recession. As a result of these factors, as well as a decrease in government subsidies, marketing departments at HEIs find it more difficult to recruit and retain quality students. It is therefore necessary to establish what factors can contribute towards creating more satisfied and loyal students using the principles of relationship marketing, with the aim (in theory) to produce more customer advocates that will further their own studies, and actively promote their HEI to other prospective students. This study aimed to determine the customer experience levels of undergraduate students of the North-West University (NWU) in an administrative environment by using a quantitative approach. A questionnaire was distributed to students from ten different modes of delivery and campuses by using primarily a systematic random sampling technique, and self selective sampling to a lesser degree in the ten different learning models and campuses of the NWU. The total population of related administrative staff also received questionnaires, while qualitative, structured interviews were conducted with the registrars of the NWU. The data was analysed and interpreted by using the SPSS software, and frequency tables, reliability tests, factor analysis, correlations and the determination of the statistical analysis in an effort to answer the five research questions. A total of 1,299 students (4,2% of the population), 107 administrative staff members (73,2% of the population) and all four registrars participated in the study. There were significant differences found in the customer experience levels on the different campuses and modes of delivery especially in the direct interactions at service points. A strong positive correlation was reported between a positive customer experience as encountered by students, and their loyalty, as well as their intentions to continue their studies at the NWU, and their intention to actively endorse or promote the NWU to friends and family members (customer advocacy). There was also a strong positive correlation between staff members‘ intention to deliver satisfactory customer experience levels and also between it, their own loyalty and own customer advocacy levels. There was, however, no significant difference in the perceived customer experience levels between younger, on-campus students and older, off-campus students. Lastly, the NWU-PERF service quality tool was found to be a reliable and valid instrument to determine participants‘ perceptions about customer service levels at the NWU in the academic administration environment. Four of the five research questions could therefore be answered from the finding of this study, with only the expected differences in the perceived customer experience levels between younger, on-campus students and older, off-campus students proved as incorrect. It could therefore be concluded that all student populations therefore have the same customer experience desires. Several recommendations were made, including the further development, testing and usage of the NWU-PERF instrument to consistently improve service levels at the NWU, the establishing of policy documents to establish an awareness of a customer-centric approach, the development and use of appropriate technologies, the improvement of service experiences, a central customer service centre, adequate administrative staff, centralized support for off-campus programmes, and a broader, more active alumni association. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Marketing Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing greater challenges in the modern era as a result of globalization, advancement in new technologies and the worldwide recession. As a result of these factors, as well as a decrease in government subsidies, marketing departments at HEIs find it more difficult to recruit and retain quality students. It is therefore necessary to establish what factors can contribute towards creating more satisfied and loyal students using the principles of relationship marketing, with the aim (in theory) to produce more customer advocates that will further their own studies, and actively promote their HEI to other prospective students. This study aimed to determine the customer experience levels of undergraduate students of the North-West University (NWU) in an administrative environment by using a quantitative approach. A questionnaire was distributed to students from ten different modes of delivery and campuses by using primarily a systematic random sampling technique, and self selective sampling to a lesser degree in the ten different learning models and campuses of the NWU. The total population of related administrative staff also received questionnaires, while qualitative, structured interviews were conducted with the registrars of the NWU. The data was analysed and interpreted by using the SPSS software, and frequency tables, reliability tests, factor analysis, correlations and the determination of the statistical analysis in an effort to answer the five research questions. A total of 1,299 students (4,2% of the population), 107 administrative staff members (73,2% of the population) and all four registrars participated in the study. There were significant differences found in the customer experience levels on the different campuses and modes of delivery especially in the direct interactions at service points. A strong positive correlation was reported between a positive customer experience as encountered by students, and their loyalty, as well as their intentions to continue their studies at the NWU, and their intention to actively endorse or promote the NWU to friends and family members (customer advocacy). There was also a strong positive correlation between staff members‘ intention to deliver satisfactory customer experience levels and also between it, their own loyalty and own customer advocacy levels. There was, however, no significant difference in the perceived customer experience levels between younger, on-campus students and older, off-campus students. Lastly, the NWU-PERF service quality tool was found to be a reliable and valid instrument to determine participants‘ perceptions about customer service levels at the NWU in the academic administration environment. Four of the five research questions could therefore be answered from the finding of this study, with only the expected differences in the perceived customer experience levels between younger, on-campus students and older, off-campus students proved as incorrect. It could therefore be concluded that all student populations therefore have the same customer experience desires. Several recommendations were made, including the further development, testing and usage of the NWU-PERF instrument to consistently improve service levels at the NWU, the establishing of policy documents to establish an awareness of a customer-centric approach, the development and use of appropriate technologies, the improvement of service experiences, a central customer service centre, adequate administrative staff, centralized support for off-campus programmes, and a broader, more active alumni association. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Marketing Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The research problem reflected a lower number of female postgraduate students and academics as compared to their male counterparts within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. A descriptive survey was disseminated to a stratified sample of undergraduate final year students in the disciplines of Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Computer and Bioresources Engineering. An online survey was also sent to the nine female academics within the Faculty. The study indicates that the social and academic environment within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal was not a deterrent to female graduates studying further and entering academia. The exam performance of both male and female students was similar and neither the drop-out rate nor failure was due to gender but rather to the choice of degree. An issue of concern to both the student and the academic group was the low numbers of female academics. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)