The study was undertaken to ascertain whether participatory development (PD and) by implication, the Person Centred Approach (PCA) had an impact on change in the communication patterns in the parachute packing section in the SANDF. The study was conducted in a military setting where hierarchical authoritarian structures exist. PCA and PD are used as theoretical frameworks for the study which resulted in changes in the communication patterns at the section. Change occured at two levels viz: Changes in communication amongst the participants which led to teamwork, cooperation and the avoidance of conflict. Changes in communication between management (the Officer Commanding) and the parachute packing section which lead to regular contact with the participants to address their problems. The study further highlighted the importance of learning from the community in order to avoid misinterpretation which could lead to conflict and dissatisfaction / M. A. (Social Science (Mental Health))

Before entering into a democratic dispensation, South African military and defence systems were constituted by seven disparate armed forces. The transformation of South Africa from a separatist state introduced renewed efforts and challenges to integrate what was once a divided military corps and society. In 1994, the formation of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was born out of the effort to integrate various statutory and non-statutory armed forces in South Africa, including forces from former TBVC states. Through a phenomenological inquiry, integration experiences of former TBVC Armed Force members into the new SANDF structure are investigated. The study aimed to find out from the former TBVC force members how they were affected by the integration process and what their perception with regards to the effectiveness of the integration process on enhancing representation on all rank levels in the new SANDF was. The findings from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 such members indicate that transformation of South Africa’s military outfit into an integrated system is not exactly an epitome of a new and different yet cohesive and unified structure. The notion of ‘integration’ is as such cast as essentially a problematic one where inequalities still reflect in how former statutory and non-statutory force members are treated particularly with regards to promotion opportunities. In addition, there are perceived lingering vestiges of a previous separatist system such as the use of Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction and communication, previous SADF policies which helps produce the idea of integration as more a process of absorption instead. Despite this problematisation of integration processes in shaping how the new SANDF outfit is currently experienced by members, there are perceived benefits from the change brought about by ‘integration’ of forces. Some benefits are as tangible as individual career advancement, while others tend to reflect impacts at systemic level of family where members indirectly profit from the reorganisation and call for adjustment to new settings and structures that followed integration / Research / M.A. (Research Consultation)

Bibliography / Thesis (MPhil (Military Science. Security Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African Navy (SAN) was created after the First World War as an indigenous naval capability for South Africa was deemed necessary. Its roles and responsibilities through the years have depended on both the requirements of the state, and the political realities of the time. Possible future roles in peace support would therefore depend on political requirements as well as the capabilities and composition of the SAN. To date, the SAN has only contributed to peace support by way of the patrols carried out by the SAN Operations Boat Squadron on Lake Tanganyika, and assistance from the Maritime Reaction Squadron in VIP protection duties in Burundi. The seemingly minor nature of this contribution is disconcerting, because the contributions of the SANDF in present (ongoing) peace support are very highly rated by the South African Government. To enhance its visibility, the SAN should preferably play a more visible role in peace support in Africa, and generally in assisting in the maintenance of good order at sea around the African coastline. The potential contributions to or during peace support activities should therefore not only be seen as the direct support which the SAN can give to land forces carrying out peace support in a specific country, but also the support the SAN can give to maintaining good order in the corresponding, and other African, maritime zones. Potential contributions and roles of the SAN in particular therefore need to be interrogated more comprehensively to foster a deeper understanding of this unexplored field of study within the peace support environment, and that of Africa in particular. To determine the possible contributions and roles of the SAN, the traditional roles and the doctrines of navies (specifically those involved in peace support operations) were investigated. It was found that the roles emanating from the traditional roles for navies were assimilated into navies. doctrines, roles and tasks. Possible roles and missions for the SAN are reflected in the SAN Maritime Doctrine. Regional expectations have added more roles and missions like the sharing of training, assets, expertise, information, the requirement of maintaining maritime security and the maintenance of good order at sea. The assets available in the SAN (and the future assets) seem to be adequate to carry out possible peace support activities. However, the potential roles and contributions of the SAN to peace support will be limited by the scope of future budgets and the shortages of skills, equipment and capacity. The foreseen budgets available will not allow participation in activities beyond those being undertaken at present. Unless more funding is received, the potential roles and contributions of the SAN towards peace support activities in Africa will probably not extend beyond some lake patrols and VIP protection. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid Afrikaanse Vloot (SAV) het na die Eerste Wêreld Oorlog tot stand gekom omrede so 'n inheemse vloot as broodnodig vir Suid Afrika beskou was. Die SAV se rol en verantwoordelikhede was deur die geskiedenis gerig deur die behoeftes van die regering van die dag en van die politieke oorwegings van die oomblik. Toekomstige verantwoordelikhede vir vredesteun sal insgelyks afhang van politieke oorwegings, sowel as die aard van, en bates beskikbaar vir, die SAV. Tot dusver was die SAV bydrae aan vredesteun beperk tot patrollies deur die SAV Operasionele Booteskader op die Tanganjika meer in Burundi, en bystand deur die Maritieme Reaksie Eskader met BBP werk in Burundi. Hierdie geringe bydraes is onstellend omrede vredesteun pogings belangrik geag word deur die Suid Afrikaanse regering. Die SAV sal dus 'n groter rol in vredesteun in Afrika moet speel, en veral in die instandhouding van goeie orde op see, ten einde beter sigbaarheid te bewerkstellig. Die potensiële SAV bydraes aan vredesteun aktiwiteite moet dus nie slegs gesien word in die direkte SAV steun aan landmagte betrokke by vredesteun in een of ander land nie, maar ook in die bydrae tot die instandhouding van goeie orde in die ooreenkomstige maritieme omgewings in Afrika. Potensiële SAV bydraes moet daarom in diepte ontleed word ten einde 'n beter insig te vekry in die maritieme streke (veral in Afrika) waar tot dusver maar min navorsing gedoen is. Om hierdie potensiële bydraes te bepaal, is die tradisionele rol en doktrines van vlote (veral die wat betrokke is by vredesteun) ondersoek. Daar is bevind dat die huidige doktrines, rol en take van vlote voortgevloei het uit die tradisionele rol van vlote. Moontlike rolle en bydraes van die SAV is reeds beskikbaar in die SAV Maritieme Doktrine (2006). Verdere moontlike bydraes spruit voort uit die verwagtinge van die verskillende streke in Afrika soos die deelname in Suid Afrikaanse opleiding, kundigheid en informasie, en die behoefte aan instandhouding van maritieme veiligheid en goeie orde op see. Die huidige en toekomstige bates van die SAV (insluitende skepe, eenhede en personeel) blyk voldoende te wees om by te dra tot moontlike vredesteun aktiwitiete. Die moontlike bydraes sal egter beperk word deur ontoereikende toekomstige begrotings en tekortkominge met betrekking tot kundigheid, toerusting en kapasiteit. Trouens, die huidige en toekomstige begrotings is ontoereikend vir verdere vredesteun bydraes buiten dit wat tot dusver gelewer word. Sonder 'n toename in die begroting sal die vredesteun pogings van die SAV beperk bly tot patrollies deur die SAV Operasionele Booteskader op die Tanganjika Meer, en bystand deur die Maritieme Reaksie Eskader in BBP werk.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The end of apartheid, April 1994 brought the dawn of a new era and the integration of the seven armed forces into the South Afiican National Defence Force. For the first time in the history of South Afiica, former enemies are not only colleagues, but work together to guard the sovereignty of the state and defend the country against foreign invasion. The eradication of discriminatory policies and practices established an environment conducive to the implementation of affirmative action and equal employment opportunities. It also instituted special training and development programmes to accommodate historically disadvantaged employees. The effectiveness of these programmes will determine the extent to which disadvantaged employees will contribute to increased productivity and the effectiveness of the South Afiican National Defence Force. Organisational transformation needs to be externally and internally visible. On 27 April 1994, the South Afiican National Defence Force started a process of change and some of the changes soon affected were m: • language policy, including the use of English as the official medium of communication; • appointing a Secretary of Defence as the accounting officer; • organisational culture, structure and design; and • uniform and rank insignia. This research (1994 to 2001), however, found that the South Afiican National Defence Force is still grappling with the challenge of being productive amist the impediments created by the integration of seven former enemy forces. In addition, the former South Afiican Defence Force entered into the amalgamation as two groups, one with a long history of military experience, the other allowed into the former force much later, still subject to various discriminatory constraints. The dissertation focuses on human resource variables to find solutions. Productivity is defined as the input of resources (material, capital, technological and human) and the output of greater qualitative and quantitative consumable goods and services. It improves the factors of production and benefits all stakeholders (government, entrepreneurs, management and employees). Increased productivity is achieved by a motivated workforce, whose competencies, abilities, skills and advanced technology are used to increase performance. However also, management needs to capitalise on employees' competencies, skills and abilities to optimally utilise them and appoint the most competent employees to the most appropriate positions. Management also needs to accept responsibility for achieving increased productivity and reaching organisational goals and objectives since they manage, command and control organisational resources. The South African National Defence Force can achieve increased productivity by the optimal utilisation of its resources. It now has sophisticated armament, equipment and technology. The South African National Defence Force however also needs competent and professional employees to maximise the use of existing armament, equipment and technology. The diverse workforce should be trained, developed, motivated and optimally utilised to increase their performance and enhance productivity. Professional leaders and managers are needed to manage the resources of the South African National Defence Force during the transformation period and the twenty-first century. Effective leadership results in effective human resource management, which is needed to manage, motivate, train and develop the diverse workforce to be effective, creative and productive, and to achieve increased performance and productivity. This will enable the South African National Defence Force to accomplish increased productivity and to exceed the military professionalism of the former South African Defence Force. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die einde van apartheid, April 1994 was die begin van 'n nuwe era en die integrasie van die sewe magte het gelei tot die totstandkoming van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag. Vir die eerste keer in die Suid-Afiikaanse geskiedenis is die voormalige vyande nie net kollegas nie, maar mede-beskermers van die soewereiniteit van die staat, en hulle beskerm die Republiek van Suid-Afrika teen enige vreemde inval of bedreiging teen die land. Die afskaffing van diskrimenerende beleid en gebruike het 'n omgewing geskep vir die implementering van regstellende aksie en gelyke werksgeleenthede. Dit het ook spesiale opleiding en ontwikkelingsprogramme ingestel om die histories benadeelde werkers te akkommodeer. Die effektiwiteit van hierdie programme sal bepaal tot watter mate die benadeelde werkers sal bydra tot verhoogde produktiwiteit en effektiwiteit van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag. Die bewyse van organisatoriese transformasie moet ekstern en intern sigbaar wees. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag het reeds begin met die proses van verandering op 27 April 1994, en die veranderinge wat gou aangebring is, was in: • kommunikasietaal en die aanvaarding van Engels as voertaal; • die aanstel van 'n Sekretaris van Verdediging as rekenpligtige beampte; • organisatoriese kultuur en strukture; en • uniform en ranginsignia. Hierdie navorsing (1994 tot 2001) het egter gevind dat die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag steeds worstel met die uitdaging van produktiwiteit te midde van die hindernisse wat uit die integrasie van sewe voormalige vyandelike magte onstaan het. Daarbenewens het die voormalige Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag die samesmelting ingegaan as twee groepe, een met 'n lang geskiedenis van militere ondervinding, die ander veel later toegelaat tot die voormalige mag en steeds onderwerp aan verskeie diskriminerende beperkinge. Die proefskrif fokus op menslike hulpbron veranderlikes om oplossings te kry. Produktiwiteit word gedefinieer as die inset van hulpbronne (materiaal, kapitaal, tegnologie en menslik) en die uitset van beter kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe produkte en dienste. Produktiwiteit verbeter die faktore van produksie en bevoordeel alle rolspelers (die staat, bestuurders and werkers). Verhoogde produktiwiteit kan slegs verkry word deur 'n gemotiveerde werksmag, wat hul vaardighede en gevorderde tegnologie gebruik om uitset te verhoog. Om verhoogde produktiwiteit te bereik moet bestuurders kapitaliseer op werkers se vaardighede en hulle optimaal benut. As gevolg van die feit dat leiers en bestuurders organisatoriese bronne bestuur, beheer en kontroleer, aanvaar hulle ook verantwoordelikheid vir die behaling van verhoogde produktiwiteit en organisatoriese doelwitte. Die Suid-Afikaanse Nasionale Weermag kan verhoogde produktiwiteit bereik deur die optimale benutting van hulpbronne. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag beskik oor nuwe wapentuig, toerusting en tegnologie. Die Suid-Afikaanse Nasionale Weermag benodig egter ook professionele werkers om die huidige wapentuig en tegnologie ten volle te benut. Daarom moet die veelsydige werksmag opgelei, ontwikkel, gemotiveer en optimaal benut word sodat hulle produktiwiteit kan verhoog. Professionele leiers en bestuurders word daadwerklik benodig om die hulpbronne van die Suid-Afikaanse Nasionale Weermag gedurende die transformasieproses en die een-en-twintigste eeu te bestuur. Effektiewe leierskap het effektiewe menlike hulpbronstuur tot gevolg wat benodig word om 'n veelsydige werksmag te bestuur, motiveer en ontwikkel, sodat hulle effektief, kreaktief en produktief kan wees. Die veelsydige werksmag kan bydra tot verhoogde produktiwiteit en kan die militere professionalisme van die vorige Suid- Afiikaanse Weermag oortref.

Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / An exploratory research design together with a quantitative research approach were chosen to determine whether military social workers possess the necessary knowledge, skills and values to mentor Officers Commanding (OCs) in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). The motivation for this study was based on questions the researcher asked as to whether there was a link between the methods in social work intervention processes, supervision and mentoring processes. During the preliminary investigation, the researcher found that no prior research under this specific subject was undertaken. The researcher also determined from her role as consultant to Officers Commanding in the SAMHS, that whereas military social workers received supervision upon joining the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), OCs, received no formal mentoring. It was also found that although a mentoring policy in the Department of Defence (DOD) existed, no evidence existed that a mentoring programme was implemented in the SAMHS. The goal of the study is therefore to provide military social workers with a framework of a mentoring process for Officers Commanding in the SAMHS. The literature study firstly focused on describing the military social work environment in which the military social worker is employed, as well as theoretical frameworks that guide the military social worker’s task. Although more than one theoretical framework was discussed, the main focus was on the systems theory and ecological perspective. The work environment of the OC was also included, as well as the challenges of their functions, tasks and roles in the SAMHS. Primarily, the literature study explored the knowledge, skills and values of the military social worker and the mentoring process. The sample that was selected for this study was 46 military social workers that represented all the chief military social workers in specialist posts and those with a higher ranking from Captain to Colonel. A quantitative investigation was undertaken by means of a questionnaire which was completed in groups in the respective provinces. The results of the investigation largely confirmed the findings of the literature study namely that military social workers do fit the requirements to mentor. These requirements to mentor were evident in the results of the knowledge, skills and values of military social workers and their understanding of the parallels between the methods in social work, supervision and the mentoring process. The results gave an indication of the knowledge, skills and values of military social workers to mentor Officers Commanding in the SAMHS, and the framework of the mentoring process and how it relates to the casework, group work and supervision processes in social work. The recommendations demonstrated that a central body should be identified to coordinate and plan a mentoring programme in the SAMHS. The recommendations also include that the Directorate Social Work should provide clear guidelines on how military social workers should implement the DOD Mentoring policy, and ensure that military social workers are trained in staff development methods and its processes. The recommendations included further research: both quantitative and qualitative research by means of questionnaires and interviews with OCs, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the mentoring process. This information will benefit military social workers in their training as mentors. In implementing these recommendations, military social workers will be able to contribute significantly to the development of Officers Commanding in the SAMHS and the profession of social work.

Purpose/Aim: To find power structures within the blog network. Material/Method: Using keywords to find all available blog posts about the National Defence Radio Establishment from the blog search engine Twingly, and thereafter using the same blog search engine to find inlinks from other blogs, to those posts. The data is set into the context of the small-world networks models of Duncan J. Watts and rich-club models of Sergi Valverde och Ricard V. Sole. Main results: 5183 unique blogs have written about the subject in 22779 blog posts to which 28128 inlinks from other blogposts are made. Just over one fifth of the blogs are linkted to each other in one big network, where the remaining blogs stand without any ingoing or outgoing links. The first bloggers are the one who continue to write for longer period of time and also the ones who attracts most inlinks. The blogosphere around this subject is highly connected, shows features as one would find in a small-world network, displays a power-law distribution for inlinks and is highly clustered around a few rich- club nodes.

Research was conducted using hermeneutic-phenomenology and semi-structure interviews to explore and understand the lived experience of women veterans of the Canadian Forces. Women recently entered Canadian military combat positions, taking on a profession historically exclusively occupied by men. Due to the lack of research on women veterans of the Canadian Forces, knowledge was drawn from research about women in nontraditional work, American paramilitary and military occupations, as well as an historical review of women’s involvement in the Canadian Forces, to provide context to the research themes. Participants comprised of 6 women veterans who described 11 essential and 4 significant themes. Unique contributions to literature include essential themes such as, Slut or a lesbian, take your pick, Proving I’m good enough, Trying to be treated better, Got some support, Visible and singled out, Perpetual outsider, Given gender based tasks or opportunities, and Women demeaned. Suggestions for future studies and implications for counselling practice are discussed.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary objective of the South African National Defence force is the protection of its citizens against external threats. The nature of the work, especially in operational situations, very often causes members of the SANDF to work in remote and unknown territory. The SANDF is composed of different units such as the army, air force and navy. All of these units typically control a specific aspect of the environment, especially in operational situations, and is very often also geographically spread over a large area. The battle commander would typically be in charge of all these units and must direct and control them efficiently towards achieving their assigned mission. In order to be an effective battle commander, the commander must thus be able to understand the terrain that his/her units are operating in, and maps are often the only information to base such understanding on. Map use is thus a critical success factor in effective battle command, and also for every member of the units navigating the often unknown terrain. The aim of the study is to conduct an investigation into the status quo of map use proficiency in the military, and specifically the South African National Army. The investigation comprises the following: • To conducting a detailed task analysis into map use in a military context, in order to establish specific map use functions and related skills regarded as critical in the military context. • The development of a proficiency test, taking the form of a questionnaire, based on the skills identified in the task analysis. Comparing the results of the questionnaire with map use skills identified in the task analysis, to determine the level of map use proficiency in military context. The secondary aims of the study comprise the following: • To investigate the level of map use training and determine if a need exists in term of additional map use training in the military, based on subjective opinions. • To investigate the level of computer literacy and the need for formal computer training in the military context. The key conclusions of the study are the following: • A gap between optimal and actual performance has been identified in terms of map use in the military context. • This gap can largely be attributed to insufficient structures and processes within the military context to facilitate effective map use. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die primêre doel van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag is om die burgers van die land te beskerm teen eksterne gevare. Die aard van die werk veroorsaak dat soldate, tydens operasionele toestande, dikwels na onbekende en vreemde areas verplaas ten einde bogenoemde primêre doel te bereik. Die weermag bestaan tipies uit verskillende eenhede, wat elk gefokus is op die verrigting van spesifieke funksies, en dikwels geografies wyd versprei is. In gesamentlike operasies, is die operasie bevelvoerder tipies in beheer van die verskillende eenhede en moet hy toesien dat hul bewegings gekoordineer is ter bereiking van hul doel. Die operasie bevelvoerder, ten einde die doelwit effektief te bereik, moet in staat wees om die terrein waar die verskillende eenhede beweeg te ontleed, en effektief tot doelbereiking kan benut. Kaarte is een van die primêre bronne van inligting, ten einde die terrein te ontleed om dit sodoende tot voordeel te kan gebruik. Effektiewe gebruik van kaarte is dus 'n kritieke faktor wat bydra tot die sukses van die operasie bevelvoerder, asook vir feitlik elke lid binne die verskillende eenhede wat deur dikwels onbekende terrein moet navigeer. Die doelwitte van die studie is om 'n ondersoek in te stel na die status quo met betrekking tot kaart-gebruiksvaardigheid in die Suid Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag. Die studie behels die volgende: • 'n Omvattende taak-analise ten opsigte van die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, om sodoende spesifieke funksies en verwante vaardighede te identifiseer wat as kritiek vir die militêr beskou word. • Om 'n vaardigheidstoets in 'n vraelys te inkorporeer, gebaseer op bogenoemde geïdentifiseerde kaart-gebruiksvaardighede. • Om die resultate van die vaardigheids-toets te vergelyk met dié geïdentifiseer in die taak-analise, om sodoende die vlak van kaartgebruiksvaardighede te bepaal in die militêre konteks. Die sekondêre doelwitte behels die volgende: • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van kaart-gebruiksopleiding en om te bepaal of 'n behoefte bestaan na verdere kaart-gebruiksopleiding, gebaseer op subjektiewe opinies. • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van rekenaargeletterdheid, en die behoefte aan rekenaar-opleiding. Die afleidings wat uit die studie gemaak kan word is die volgende: • daar bestaan 'n prestasie-gaping tussen optimale and werklike prestasie met betrekking tot die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, en • hierdie gaping kan grootliks toegeskryf word aan onvoldoende strukture binne die miliêre konteks, wat nie kaart-gebruiksvaardighede fasiliteer nie.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary objective of the South African National Defence force is the protection of its citizens against external threats. The nature of the work, especially in operational situations, very often causes members of the SANDF to work in remote and unknown territory. The SANDF is composed of different units such as the army, air force and navy. All of these units typically control a specific aspect of the environment, especially in operational situations, and is very often also geographically spread over a large area. The battle commander would typically be in charge of all these units and must direct and control them efficiently towards achieving their assigned mission. In order to be an effective battle commander, the commander must thus be able to understand the terrain that his/her units are operating in, and maps are often the only information to base such understanding on. Map use is thus a critical success factor in effective battle command, and also for every member of the units navigating the often unknown terrain. The aim of the study is to conduct an investigation into the status quo of map use proficiency in the military, and specifically the South African National Army. The investigation comprises the following: • To conducting a detailed task analysis into map use in a military context, in order to establish specific map use functions and related skills regarded as critical in the military context. • The development of a proficiency test, taking the form of a questionnaire, based on the skills identified in the task analysis. Comparing the results of the questionnaire with map use skills identified in the task analysis, to determine the level of map use proficiency in military context. The secondary aims of the study comprise the following: • To investigate the level of map use training and determine if a need exists in term of additional map use training in the military, based on subjective opinions. • To investigate the level of computer literacy and the need for formal computer training in the military context. The key conclusions of the study are the following: • A gap between optimal and actual performance has been identified in terms of map use in the military context. • This gap can largely be attributed to insufficient structures and processes within the military context to facilitate effective map use. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die primêre doel van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag is om die burgers van die land te beskerm teen eksterne gevare. Die aard van die werk veroorsaak dat soldate, tydens operasionele toestande, dikwels na onbekende en vreemde areas verplaas ten einde bogenoemde primêre doel te bereik. Die weermag bestaan tipies uit verskillende eenhede, wat elk gefokus is op die verrigting van spesifieke funksies, en dikwels geografies wyd versprei is. In gesamentlike operasies, is die operasie bevelvoerder tipies in beheer van die verskillende eenhede en moet hy toesien dat hul bewegings gekoordineer is ter bereiking van hul doel. Die operasie bevelvoerder, ten einde die doelwit effektief te bereik, moet in staat wees om die terrein waar die verskillende eenhede beweeg te ontleed, en effektief tot doelbereiking kan benut. Kaarte is een van die primêre bronne van inligting, ten einde die terrein te ontleed om dit sodoende tot voordeel te kan gebruik. Effektiewe gebruik van kaarte is dus 'n kritieke faktor wat bydra tot die sukses van die operasie bevelvoerder, asook vir feitlik elke lid binne die verskillende eenhede wat deur dikwels onbekende terrein moet navigeer. Die doelwitte van die studie is om 'n ondersoek in te stel na die status quo met betrekking tot kaart-gebruiksvaardigheid in die Suid Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag. Die studie behels die volgende: • 'n Omvattende taak-analise ten opsigte van die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, om sodoende spesifieke funksies en verwante vaardighede te identifiseer wat as kritiek vir die militêr beskou word. • Om 'n vaardigheidstoets in 'n vraelys te inkorporeer, gebaseer op bogenoemde geïdentifiseerde kaart-gebruiksvaardighede. • Om die resultate van die vaardigheids-toets te vergelyk met dié geïdentifiseer in die taak-analise, om sodoende die vlak van kaartgebruiksvaardighede te bepaal in die militêre konteks. Die sekondêre doelwitte behels die volgende: • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van kaart-gebruiksopleiding en om te bepaal of 'n behoefte bestaan na verdere kaart-gebruiksopleiding, gebaseer op subjektiewe opinies. • 'n Ondersoek na die vlak van rekenaargeletterdheid, en die behoefte aan rekenaar-opleiding. Die afleidings wat uit die studie gemaak kan word is die volgende: • daar bestaan 'n prestasie-gaping tussen optimale and werklike prestasie met betrekking tot die gebruik van kaarte in die militêre konteks, en • hierdie gaping kan grootliks toegeskryf word aan onvoldoende strukture binne die miliêre konteks, wat nie kaart-gebruiksvaardighede fasiliteer nie.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Map reading forms an integral part of every soldier's training. Although all troops are exposed to map reading during basic training, they thereafter do not frequently work with maps on a daily basis, but are still required to apply this knowledge during field exercises or combat situations. Various forms of training are available. Computer Based Training (CBT) is a technique that may contribute to the improved acquisition and retention of knowledge when the subject matter requires of students to visualise concepts, as CBT engages multiple senses. CBT incorporates principles from the Component Display Theory and Constructivism, which suggest that CBT might result in superior map reading competencies when used as an alternative to conventional, classroom based, map reading instruction. .The objective of this study was firstly to determine whether CBT, compared to conventional classroom instruction, enhances the acquisition of knowledge when teaching users how to read a two-dimensional (2D) map. In addition, the study had as its objective to determine whether CBT leads to improved retention of 2D map reading knowledge over a one month period when compared to conventional instruction. Finally the study aimed to determine the factors that influence learning when using CBT as the training medium. A basic randomised, between subjects research design, was used to test the hypotheses that eBT would result in the improved acquisition and retention of 2D map reading competencies. The control group consisted of 30 students and the experimental CBT group of 29 students. All subjects were personnel from the School of Armour of the South African National Defence Force. With regards to map training, the majority of the students had exposure to Geography up to grade 12 or further training. A new training programmewas designed. The programmewas developed in two equivalent formats, one appropriate for conventional classroom instruction (control group), and a eBT format for the experimental group. Each student received two manuals. One was a self-study manual that had to be completed before commencing with the course, and the other was received on the first day of the course. Both the trainers also received a manual that contained all the correct answers to the map reading problems forming part of the programme. The eBT programme was designed on paper with the help of a template for the storyboard. A lesson was designed for each day of the course, but students could review any lesson previously studied. Before the students started with lesson 1, they had to complete a test on the computer to determine the extent to which they have acquired the information in the self-study manual. After passing the test the students could select lesson 1. A mind-map was designed for each lesson to help students orientate themselves. For both groups the information studied was placed in the context of "Operation Night Owl", an interactive practical mission. The eBT group had the computer as a guide, providing textured maps and possible answers. Three tests were used to evaluate the students and to gather data regarding their performance. The students were not informed about these tests as the researcher wanted to measure natural acquisition and retention, and not the amount of time that they had studied. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the two groups did not differ statistically significantly (p>,05) in their initial degree of map reading knowledge. The average test percentage increased from the pre-test to the first post-test (knowledge acquisition), indicating that the class group increased by 15,2 % and the eBT group by 19 %. Hypothesis 1 states that eBT in comparison to traditional instruction enhances the acquisition of map reading knowledge when teaching users how to read a 2D map. The difference between the class and eBT means for post-test 1 (knowledge acquisition) was, however, statistically insignificant (p>,05). A comparison of the means of the post-test 2 (retention) results of the class and eBT groups clearly indicates that the performance levels retained one month after training, also do not differ statistically significantly (p>,05). The study therefore also fails to corroborate the hypothesis that eBT would result in the greater retention of map reading knowledge when compared to conventional classroom instruction. Based on the results found when eBT results were compared with the traditional classroom technique, it may be advisable to combine classroom teaching with eBT. During the completion of the mission segment of the course, students tended to form natural groups to complete the questions. As working together may result in better understanding of new information (peers learn from each other), it is therefore recommended that the eBT map-reading course be combined with more discussion groups. In conclusion, the results do not suggest that eBT is a superior training technique for the teaching of map reading competencies. Numerous literature sources however do indicate that eBT can contribute significantly to the learning experience, making it still plausible that eBT could indeed, upon further refinement of the programme, contribute to teaching of map reading competencies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kaartlees vorm 'n integrale deel van elke soldaat se opleiding. Alhoewel elke soldaat blootgestel word aan kaartlees tydens basiese opleiding, word daar nie op 'n daaglikse basis daarmee gewerk nie. Dit blyegter nodig om kaartlees tydens veld-oefeninge en aanvalsituasies toe te pas. Verskillende vorme van opleiding is beskikbaar t.o.v. die aanleer van kaartleestegnieke. Rekenaargebaseerde Dnderrig (RGD) is 'n tegniek wat veelvoudige gewaarwordinge insluit, en dus 'n bydrae tot beter leer en retensie van kennis kan lewer, wanneer dit van die student verwag word om konsepte te visualiseer. RGD sluit eienskappe van Komponent-tentoonstellingsteorie en Konstruktiwiteitsteorie in wat tot verbeterde kaartlees bevoegdheid mag lei indien dit as 'n alternatief tot die konvensionele klaskamer-gebaseerde kaartlees gebruik word. Die doel van die studie was eerstens om vas te stelof RGD, in vergelyking met die konvensionele klaskamermetode, 'n groter bydra lewer in die leer en retensie van kennis wanneer studente geleer word om 'n 2-dimensionele (2D)-kaart te lees. Tweedens stel die studie dit ten doelom vas te stelof RGD, in vergelyking met die konvensionele metode, tot verbeterde retensie van 2D-kaartlees kennis oor 'n een-maand tydperk lei. Laastens beoog hierdie studie om vas te stel watter faktore leer beïnvloed wanneer RGD as 'n opleidingsmedium gebruik word. 'n Basiese, ewekansige, tussen-groep navorsingsontwerp is gebruik om die hipotese dat RGD sal lei tot die verbeterde leer en retensie van 2D-kaartleesbevoegdhede, te toets. Die kontrolegroep het bestaan uit 30 studente en die eksperimentele RGD-groep uit 29 studente. Die steekproef was troepe van die Pantserskool van die Suid Afrikaanse Weermag. Die meerderheid van die steekproef het blootstelling aan Aardrykskunde tot graad 12 of verder gehad. 'n Nuwe opleidingsprogram is ontwerp. Die handleidings is ontwerp in 'n formaat geskik vir konvensionele klaskamer instruksie (kontrole groep) so wel as 'n formaat geskik vir RGO (eksperimentele groep). Elke student het twee handleidings ontvang. Die een was 'n self-studiehandleiding wat voor die aanvang van die kursus voltooi moes word, en die ander een is op die eerste dag van die kursus ontvang. Albei die instrukteurs het ook 'n handleiding ontvang wat die korrekte antwoorde rakende die kaartleesprobleme bespreek in die program bevat het. Die RGO program is op papier ontwerp met die hulp van 'n skermplaat. 'n Les is uitgewerk vir elke dag van die kursus, maar studente kon enige van die vorige behandelde lesse hersien. Voordat die studente met les 1 kon begin moes elkeen eers 'n toets op die rekenaar voltooi om te bepaal hoeveel inligting in die self-studie handleiding bemeester is. Sodra die toets geslaag is kon die student les 1 selekteer 'n Skematiese voorstelling is vir elke les ontwerp om die studente te help om hulleself te oriënteer. Die inligting wat deur beide groepe bestudeer is, is in die konteks van "Operasie Naguil", 'n interaktiewe praktiese opdrag, geplaas. Die RGO groep het 'n rekenaar as 'n riglyn gehad wat getekstureerde kaarte en moontlike antwoorde verskaf het. Drie toetse is gebruik om die studente mee te evalueer en data aangaande hulle vordering te verky. Die studente is nie ingelig oor die toetse nie aangesien die navorser hulle natuurlike leer en retensie van kennis wou toets en nie kennis verkry a.g.v. tyd spandeer aan studie nie. Die variansie-ontleding (ANOVA) het aangedui dat die twee groepe se kaartleeskennis aanvanklik nie statisties beduidend (p>,05) verskil het nie. Die gemiddelde toetspersentasie vanaf die vooraf-toets tot die eerste na-toets (leer) het getoon dat die klasgroep met 15,2% en die RGO groep met 19 % verbeter het. Die eerste hipotese het getoets of RGD tot In vebetering in leer en retensie sal lei teenoor traditionele klasrnetodes. Die verskil tussen die klas en RGD gemiddeld vir na-toets 1 (leer) was statisties onbeduidend (p>,05). 'n Vergelyking van die gemiddelds van die tweede na-toets (retensie) het ook nie 'n statisties beduidende verskil getoon nie (p>,05). Die studie slaag dus nie daarin om te bewys dat RGO tot beter retensie van kaartleeskennis in teenstelling met konvensionele klasonderrig lei nie. Die resultate suggereer dat dit raadsaam mag wees om klasonderrig te kombineer met RGO. Tydens die voltooiing van die missies het die studente 'n neiging getoon om vanself groepe te vorm om die vrae te voltooi. As nuwe inligting beter verstaan word deur in groepe saam te werk (groeplede leer by mekaar), kan dit dus aanbeveel word dat die RGD kaartleeskursus gekombineer word met meer besprekingsgroepe. Ten slotte word daar nie bevind dat RGO In beter opleidingstegniek vir die onderrig van kaartleestegniek is nie. Verskeie bronne dui wel daarop dat RGO 'n betekenisvolle bydrae tot die leerondervinding kan lewer. Dus, met verdere verbetering van die program, sou RGD wel moontlik kon bydra tot die onderrig van kaartlees-bevoegdhede.