Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die eerste gedeelte van hierdie tesis ondersoek die ruimtelike basis vir morele agentskap in Gert Vlok Nel se digbundel om te lewe is onnatuurlik. As teoretiese raamwerk word daar van die teoloog/letterkundige Wesley Kort, die letterkundige/sosioloog Irma du Plessis en die radikale geograaf David Harvey se werk gebruik gemaak. Kwessies soos die (i) wisselwerking tussen omvattende, sosiale en intieme ruimtes deur narratiewe ruimtelikheid in poësie, (ii) die onstandvastigheid van die onderskeid tussen private en openbare ruimtes en (iii) verkillende vorms van ruimtelikheid, soos absolute, relatiewe en relasionele ruimtes, asook materiële ruimte, gerepresenteerde ruimte en ruimtes van representasie kom aan die bod. Daar word aangevoer dat Gert Vlok Nel se bewustelike plasing van homself as randfiguurdigter binne die Afrikaanse literêre sisteem as vorm van morele agentskap gesien kan word. Verder word getoon dat, as om te lewe is onnatuurlik in geheel en as familiekroniek gelees word, die onderskeid tussen private en openbare ruimtes waar geweld en trauma plaasvind ondergrawe word en sodoende politieke magskwessies as persoonliketiese kwessies herdefinieer. Laastens word argument gevoer dat, alhoewel die sprekerdigter in die bundel (“Gert”, of “Gertjie”) op die oog af gebrekkige agentskap blyk te toon, die besonderse tydruimtelike plasing van die spreker-digter die moontlikheid vir verruiming van agentskap skep en sodoende die idee van versplinterde subjek uitdaag. Hierdie akademiese opstel hou verband met die kreatiewe gedeelte van die tesis, digbundel getiteld Veelvuldige gebruike vir huishoudelike toestelle, waarin huishoudelike ruimtes as vertrekpunt gebruik word om kwessies soos morele verantwoordbaarheid, kreatiewe aandadigheid, post-koloniale manlikheid, sosiale verandering en trauma te ondersoek. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The first part of this thesis investigates the spatial grounds for moral agency in Gert Vlok Nel’s collection of poems om te lewe is onnatuurlik [“to live is unnatural”]. The works of theologian/literary theorist Wesley Kort, literary theorist/sociologist Irma du Plessis and radical geographer David Harvey are used as theoretical framing. Matters such as (i) the interplay between encompassing, social and intimate spaces through narrative spatiality in poetry, (ii) flawed distinctions between private and public space, and (iii) different forms of spatiality, such as absolute, relative and relational space, as well as material space, represented space and spaces of representation are explored. It is argued that Gert Vlok Nel’s conscious positioning of himself as poetic outsider within the Afrikaans literary system can be seen as a form of moral agency. Furthermore, it is pointed out that a reading of om te lewe is onnatuurlik in its entirety, as family chronicle, destabilises the distinction between private and public spaces where violence and trauma occur, thereby recasting political power as questions of personal ethics. Finally it is argued that, although the narrator-poet in die collection (“Gert”, or “Gertjie”) seems to lack agency, the peculiar spatio-temporal placing of the narrator-poet nevertheless opens up room for the possibility of agency and by doing this, challenges the idea of a splintered subject. This academic essay is related to the creative part of this thesis, a collection of poems titled Veelvuldige gebruike vir huishoudelike toestelle [“Multiple uses for domestic appliances”], in which household space is used as a vantage point from which to interrogate issues such as moral responsibility, creative complicity, postcolonial masculinities, social change and trauma.

Participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is vital to ensure adequate physical work capacity for the demands of daily living and job performance. Due to work demand, most top and middle (executive) managerial employees become physically inactive and experience psychological and other health problems which may lead to hypokinetic diseases and even premature death. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees in selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) available executive employees from selected African countries. Participants were grouped according to age (≤35 years; 36–46 years and ≥ 46 years). Standardised questionnaires were used to collect the data. Subsequently, total scores were calculated for all variables. Out of 156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management positions. When data was analysed according to age groups, 31.4% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management positions respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years, 47.2% occupied the top level management position and 52.8% occupied the middle level management position. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to the middle level managers (62.9%). In addition, both the top and middle level managers reported bad emotional index (49.3%; 56.2%) and happiness index (41.8%; 37.1%) respectively. Though not significant, LTPA was positively associated with psychological well-being parameters amongst top level managers. The study concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA, and with no participation in high physical activity among top level managers. In addition, more middle level managers reported bad emotional stage than the top level managers, while the top level managers were less happy than the middle level managers. The study therefore recommends urgent strategic intervention programmes for leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is vital to ensure adequate physical work capacity for the demands of daily living and job performance. Due to work demand, most top and middle (executive) managerial employees become physically inactive and experience psychological and other health problems which may lead to hypokinetic diseases and even premature death. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees in selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) available executive employees from selected African countries. Participants were grouped according to age (≤35 years; 36–46 years and ≥ 46 years). Standardised questionnaires were used to collect the data. Subsequently, total scores were calculated for all variables. Out of 156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management positions. When data was analysed according to age groups, 31.4% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management positions respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years, 47.2% occupied the top level management position and 52.8% occupied the middle level management position. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to the middle level managers (62.9%). In addition, both the top and middle level managers reported bad emotional index (49.3%; 56.2%) and happiness index (41.8%; 37.1%) respectively. Though not significant, LTPA was positively associated with psychological well-being parameters amongst top level managers. The study concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA, and with no participation in high physical activity among top level managers. In addition, more middle level managers reported bad emotional stage than the top level managers, while the top level managers were less happy than the middle level managers. The study therefore recommends urgent strategic intervention programmes for leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

More than 20 million copies of Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life (2002), were sold over the past 2 years. It is the best-selling hardback in U.S. history. Warren’s previous book, “The Purpose Driven Church” (1995), has sold over one million copies in 20 languages, and was selected as one of the 100 Christian books that. changed the 20th century. More than 415 churches/congregations in South-Africa have already purchased “The Purpose Driven campaign kit” and completed the 40 Days Campaign or are planning to do so. The name Rick Warren is synonymous with “Purpose Driven” and the popularity of his work as well as his influence in this country, justifies a study of this nature. This study wants to determine the effect of Rick Warren’s 40 days of purpose in the Circuit of Klerksdorp of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. Warren (2002/3) provides five purposes for a believer in the church in his book, A Purpose Driven Life, which is according to him, the church’s purpose of existence. The book is divided into 40 brief chapters and participating congregations are motivated to use the book as part of their 40 days campaign. A Campaign Training Manual can be used complementary to the book helping congregations to prepare their campaign successfully. Chapter 1 of this study takes a look at the external and internal problems in the church. The question arises if the church is at all times sure of her purpose of excistence. There is a difference between efficiency (doing things correctly) and effectiveness, which is doing the right things correctly. The purpose of the church’s existence therefore involves choosing the right alternatives. The hypothesis of this study is that the 40 Days of Purpose is an excellent project for congregations to discover their purpose of existence while it also strengthens the process of building up the local congregation. With this hypothesis in mind, chapter 2 provides the underlying theological principles, concepts and some definitions of the subject of building up the local church. Chapter 3 contains a description of the preparation, the course and the ending of the 40 Days Campaign. The participating congregations in the circuit of Klerksdorp are evaluated according to the guidelines of the Campaign Training Manual. A theological view of each of Warren’s (2002) five purposes is also presented. Chapter 4 provides the quantitative and qualitative research which was done in the Curcuit of Klerksdorp. Eight congregations participated in the research project and the respondents reactions are discussed. Interviews that took place whith the pastors of participating congregations, are also discussed. Chapter 5 contains a critical evaluation of the 40 Days of Purpose as well as the book of Warren (2002/3). The conclusion reviews the hypothesis and whether it can be confirmed. / Dissertation (MA (Theology) : Practical Theology)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new intervention method, Technology Assisted Therapy for Separation Anxiety (TTSA), on the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of persons with intellectual and visual disability who experience separation anxiety and exhibit challenging behaviour. A pre-experimental within group design was used with randomised multiple baselines and staggered intervention start points. The data was collected at an institution in the Netherlands that provides long-term care and residence for persons with intellectual disability and visual impairment. Six participants took part in this study. This research was informed by Bowlby‟s attachment theory, which conceptualises the tendency of human beings to forge strong emotional bonds with others and explains how the disturbance of this bond might lead to various forms of emotional distress and personality disturbances. The interplay of separation anxiety and challenging behaviour with respect to the formation of attachment relationships provides the specific theoretical context in which this study is grounded. The results indicate that both the separation anxiety experienced and the challenging behaviour exhibited by the participants decreased significantly after the implementation of TTSA. Their psychosocial functioning and quality of life also increased significantly. This study demonstrates the first successful application of TTSA to treat separation anxiety and challenging behaviour in persons with intellectual and visual disability. TTSA therefore has the potential to be a valid intervention to address these disorders. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new intervention method, Technology Assisted Therapy for Separation Anxiety (TTSA), on the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of persons with intellectual and visual disability who experience separation anxiety and exhibit challenging behaviour. A pre-experimental within group design was used with randomised multiple baselines and staggered intervention start points. The data was collected at an institution in the Netherlands that provides long-term care and residence for persons with intellectual disability and visual impairment. Six participants took part in this study. This research was informed by Bowlby‟s attachment theory, which conceptualises the tendency of human beings to forge strong emotional bonds with others and explains how the disturbance of this bond might lead to various forms of emotional distress and personality disturbances. The interplay of separation anxiety and challenging behaviour with respect to the formation of attachment relationships provides the specific theoretical context in which this study is grounded. The results indicate that both the separation anxiety experienced and the challenging behaviour exhibited by the participants decreased significantly after the implementation of TTSA. Their psychosocial functioning and quality of life also increased significantly. This study demonstrates the first successful application of TTSA to treat separation anxiety and challenging behaviour in persons with intellectual and visual disability. TTSA therefore has the potential to be a valid intervention to address these disorders. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Thesis (DTh)--University of Stellenbosch, 1995. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: We live in an age characterised by constant and accelerating change. In the secular world the competition among businesses is so intense that change, adaptation and reorientation have become indispensable to the survival of any large organisation. Organisational management has developed into a science with professional advisors (known as consultants) who are employed on a full-time basis. The Church is an integral part of society and cannot distance itself from the latter. This calls for adaptation and reorientation within the Church as well. However, it has become increasingly evident that within the various denominational Churches no effective mechanisms exist by means of which parishes and synods can be supported in the process of transformation. Church consultants have begun to address this need. Consequently, a new discipline has emerged which employs the methods developed in the secular sciences of management and related, as well as supportive, fields of study. It is important to remember, though, that the Church is a unique kind of organisation with its own nature and identity. Any consultation which does not take this into consideration, is not reliable. For this reason, experts in the field of Practical Theology are studying the entire phenomenon of consultation from a theological point of view. In South Africa, the idea of consultation has also taken root as this kind of service has established itself spontaneously and in an unstructured manner. At present it is being done on an increasingly professional basis, and there are church members who have taken on this task as a full-time ministry. The time has, therefore, come for us to explore, describe and evaluate this issue. This study endeavours to analyse and give a critical account of consultation from a South African - and specifically the Dutch Reformed Church - standpoint. The ultimate aim is to attempt to lay down guidelines which should give theological and structural direction to the development of this kind of ministry within the Dutch Reformed Church. Consequently, this study strives to define the theological principles fundamental to consultation. It has established that the guidance of faith-communities towards change is a basic principle in Scripture. Hence, the Church is seen as an organisation, as well as an organism, and the study emphasises that consultation will have to take into account both these aspects. The development of consultational ministry is reviewed critically by tracing the history and activities of various leading consulting bodies in the U.S.A., Germany and the Netherlands. The course of the process of consultation - a dynamic and interactive process which moves through distinctive stages - has been carefully plotted. Parish involvement seems to be a basic prerequisite in this process. The critical analysis of all the available information is followed by carefully detailed guidelines for parish consultation in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tyd waarin ons lewe word gekenmerk deur versnelde verandering. In die sekulere wereld is die kompetisie tussen ondernemings so sterk dat verandering, aanpassing en herorientering deel van die bestaanswyse en agenda van groot organisasies geword het. Die organisasie wat nie hieraan aandag gee nie, verdwyn. Organisasiebestuur het 'n wetenskap geword met professionele raadgewers wat as konsultante bekend staan as 'n voltydse beroep. Die kerk kan hom nie van die samelewing waarin hy hom bevind, losmaak nie. Ook die kerk moet aanpassings maak en herorienteer in 'n veranderende wereld. Dit het algaande duidelik geword dot daar binne die kerkverband nie effektiewe meganismes bestaan wat gemeentes en groter kerkvergaderings kan help met die proses van aanpassing nie. Kerklike konsultante het algaande in hierdie behoefte begin voorsien.Dit is 'n nuwe dissipline wat met metodieke werk wat in die sekulere wereld in die bestuurswetenskappe en ander ondersteunende dissiplines ontwikkel is. Die kerk is egter 'n unieke tipe organisasie met 'n eie aard en identiteit. Konsultasie wat dit nie in ag neem nie, sal onbetroubaor wees. Daar word dus teologies en krities hieroor besin binne die vakgebied van die Praktiese Teologie. Ook in Suid-Afrika is konsultasie 'n term wat besig is om pos te vat omdat hierdie bediening algaande spontaan en ongestruktureerd sy voete begin vind het. Tans word dit op 'n al meer professionele wyse gedoen en is daar gelowiges wat dit as 'n voltydse bediening begin bedryf. Dit het tyd geword om die aangeleentheid te verken, te beskryf en standpunt daaroor in te neem. Die studie wil uit 'n Suid-Afrikaanse en, spesifiek gereformeerde gesigspunt die saak rondom konsultasie krities beskryf en analiseer. Die uiteindelike doelwit is om riglyne te probeer neerle wat teologies en struktureel rigting kan verskaf aan die ontwikkeling van die bediening binne die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk. Die studie poog gevolglik om 'n greep te kry op die teologiese beginsels waaroor dit in konsultasie gaan. Dit bevind dat die begeleiding van geloofsgemeenskappe tot verandering 'n wesentlike beginsel in die Skrif is. Voorts beskryf dit die kerk vanuit die hoek van organisasie en organisme en beklemtoon dit die feit dat konsultasie met albei hierdie perspektiewe sal moet rekening hou. Die ontwikkeling van die konsultasiebediening word krities bespreek deur die geskiedenis en funksionering van verskeie van die toonaangewende konsultasie-instansies in die VSA, Duitsland en Nederland na te gaan. Die verloop van die konsultasieproses as dinamiese en interaktiewe gebeure wat deur verskillende fases beweeg, word uiteengesit. Gemeentebetrokkenheid in die konsultasieproses blyk 'n basiese uitgangspunt te wees. Na 'n kritiese analise van al die gegewens word riglyne vir 'n Suid-Afrikaanse gemeentelike konsultasiebediening uiteengesit.

Work–life balance is one of the most central issues and concerns for 21st century societies, and according to the American Psychological Association balancing work and family is one of the major challenges for the current generation of employees. Helping employees balance their work and family life is viewed as a social and business imperative since work–life imbalance experienced by employees negatively impacts on employers and society as a whole. Evidence from a study of international employers indicates significant increases in the implementation and use of workplace flexibility, more commonly known as flexitime, as a work–life balance policy. Research into the use and implementation of flexitime within South Africa is limited, especially with regard to the aspects that influence the use of flexitime as well as the associated benefits, challenges and consequences for both South African employees and organisations. Consequently, organisations are left to design, implement and manage their own flexitime policies, with very little information or guidance available to ensure employee and organisational benefit. In this study, a qualitative research design with an exploratory approach was used to explore and describe employees? perceptions regarding the implementation of flexitime. A non–probability purposive, voluntary sample of 15 participants was taken from the offices of an international auditing and consulting organisation located in Johannesburg. Data was collected by means of semi–structured individual interviews and the verbatim transcripts were analysed by means of content analysis. Seven themes were extracted from the interviews, namely: variations in the use of flexitime; factors influencing the use of flexitime; challenges relating to the use of flexitime; perceptions regarding the use of flexitime; required aspects for the effective use of flexitime; consequences relating to the use of flexitime; and the benefits resulting from the use of flexitime. Organisations should be made more aware of the individual as well as organisational benefits, challenges and consequences of flexitime as highlighted in this research. When implementing such policies, specific required aspects for the effective use of flexitime should be taken in consideration. Organisations interested in successfully implementing flexitime for the benefit of both the employee and organisation are advised to consider the findings of this study and take heed of the critical findings presented. Efforts should be made to accommodate employee preferences regarding their use of flexitime. Organisations should be alert to the potential challenges, consequences and negative perceptions surrounding flexitime and, consequently, the importance of ensuring that prerequisites or those aspects required for the implementation of flexitime are in place and perceptions relating to the policy are managed. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Work–life balance is one of the most central issues and concerns for 21st century societies, and according to the American Psychological Association balancing work and family is one of the major challenges for the current generation of employees. Helping employees balance their work and family life is viewed as a social and business imperative since work–life imbalance experienced by employees negatively impacts on employers and society as a whole. Evidence from a study of international employers indicates significant increases in the implementation and use of workplace flexibility, more commonly known as flexitime, as a work–life balance policy. Research into the use and implementation of flexitime within South Africa is limited, especially with regard to the aspects that influence the use of flexitime as well as the associated benefits, challenges and consequences for both South African employees and organisations. Consequently, organisations are left to design, implement and manage their own flexitime policies, with very little information or guidance available to ensure employee and organisational benefit. In this study, a qualitative research design with an exploratory approach was used to explore and describe employees? perceptions regarding the implementation of flexitime. A non–probability purposive, voluntary sample of 15 participants was taken from the offices of an international auditing and consulting organisation located in Johannesburg. Data was collected by means of semi–structured individual interviews and the verbatim transcripts were analysed by means of content analysis. Seven themes were extracted from the interviews, namely: variations in the use of flexitime; factors influencing the use of flexitime; challenges relating to the use of flexitime; perceptions regarding the use of flexitime; required aspects for the effective use of flexitime; consequences relating to the use of flexitime; and the benefits resulting from the use of flexitime. Organisations should be made more aware of the individual as well as organisational benefits, challenges and consequences of flexitime as highlighted in this research. When implementing such policies, specific required aspects for the effective use of flexitime should be taken in consideration. Organisations interested in successfully implementing flexitime for the benefit of both the employee and organisation are advised to consider the findings of this study and take heed of the critical findings presented. Efforts should be made to accommodate employee preferences regarding their use of flexitime. Organisations should be alert to the potential challenges, consequences and negative perceptions surrounding flexitime and, consequently, the importance of ensuring that prerequisites or those aspects required for the implementation of flexitime are in place and perceptions relating to the policy are managed. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.