Thesis (M.A. (Business administration)) University of Limpopo, 2008 / This research report is based on an integrated approach to strategy implementation in the Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport. The purpose of this research was to investigate which factors are key in the implementation of strategies and how can they be integrated to achieve the stated goals of the Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport. This report included both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The major finding of the study was that there are four key drivers of strategy implementation. These key drivers are management and leadership, organizational culture, organizational structure and organizational processes/systems. The integration of these key drivers is essential for the implementation of strategy, leading to improved service delivery to various stakeholders. The report concludes that in order to approach strategy implementation in an integrated manner, the following should take place: (1) managers who are responsible for strategy implementation should also be involved in strategy formulation processes; (2) organizational culture should be changed to create a conducive environment for the managers to be motivated; (3) leadership and management should guide the vision and mission; (4) organizational processes/systems should be coordinated and integrated for efficiency and effectiveness

PhD (CS) / Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Management

A research report for the partial fulfillment of Masters degree in the school of Geography and Environmental studies, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2007. / Unable to load abstract

Thesis (MBA) --University of Limpopo, 2007 / The study is based on the current educational transformations taking place in the country as a result of the new political dispensation. The political changes in the country resulted in changes in all including the education arena. The country’s Constitution was used as a foundation for educational changes. The values such as democracy, social justice, nonracialism,reconciliation, and others as enshrined in the Constitution, had to be taught in schools. Outcomes-Based Education was adopted as a new method for teaching the new curriculum and also to achieve transformation objectives. These changes are viewed by some scholars as a paradigm shift. With frequent amendments to Curriculum 2005, the New Curriculum Statement (NCS), which is the focus of this study, was born. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this new curriculum is contributing towards entrepreneurial stimulation amongst high school learners. The main assumption in this study, which has been supported by various literature reviews, is that developing entrepreneurship skills amongst learners will help in the creation of jobs as well as in reduction of unemployment and poverty, thereby improving the standard of living among the majority of the people. The education system of a country reflects what the country values and holds dear. In the words of Professor Kader Asmal, our education system and its curriculum expresses our idea of ourselves as a society and our vision as to how we see the new form of society being realised through our children and learners. It represents our priorities and assumptions of what constitutes a good education at its deepest level (Department of Education, 2002:1). To carry out this study, the qualitative descriptive research method was used. The sample was drawn from high schools in Zebediela area, Limpopo Province. After sampling had been done, data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A sample of 150 learners and 14 teachers was drawn, using the simple random sampling procedure. The data were then analysed using the content analysis and constant comparative methods. The results of the study were presented and analysed. Tables were used to allow for a logical and coherent presentation. One of the key findings in this study is that, the content of the National Curriculum Statement, especially the Learning Outcomes and Developmental Outcomes, purports to stimulate entrepreneurship amongst high school learners. This has also been clearly supported by the views of the teachers as this study will show. It still remains to be seen as to whether the New Curriculum Statement is actually succeeding since there is a difference between stating one’s aims and objectives and achieving them. This study will attempt to look deeper into whether the Department of Education’s good aims and intentions will be realised. The main contribution of this study lies in the proposed intervention strategies that are aimed at coming up with ways and means of ensuring that the new curriculum produces more entrepreneurs.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges in the planning and implementation of government strategy by government departments: A case study of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. The need for this study was considered relevant and necessary as government departments face challenges in the planning and implementation of government strategy. Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, as a case study, face challenges in fulfilling some of its mandate. In terms of its strategic plan, the department seeks to address issues relating to economic growth, the promotion and development of tourism, and using environmental management to guide and monitor sustainable development in the province. These challenges have negative implications in the delivery of services to the communities. The ability of the Department to effectively implement the excellent environmental and economic legislation, at the same time the management of growth of tourism in the country remains a challenge. Although the strategic plans are elaborated, they have not been translated into concrete and concerted actions to meet the needs of the citizenry. In this study, the researcher investigated the following: demographic profile of respondents, challenges in the planning process, challenges in the implementation process, the impact of planning and implementation of the strategy on service delivery and lastly the disconnection between planning and implementation of the strategy. Data was analysed into themes and revealed communication, training, interpretation of relevant prescripts, limited resources/proper allocation of resources and effective participation of relevant stakeholders as, amongst others challenges to the process. The study concluded by providing recommendations to management of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism on how to enhance planning and implementation of government of strategy. Some of the recommendations proposed are improved communications with stakeholders, proper allocation of resources, empowerment of employees, effective time management, discipline and responsibility and encouragement of a culture of change.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2002 / Refer to document

Thesis (M. Ed. (Educational Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / This research was based on the challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) curriculum at Mopani South East FET College. The common idea was that the new NCV curriculum in South Africa was going to keep abreast of changes with the population. However, the implementation of the NCV curriculum was not as effective as expected. This was demonstrated by the fact that in 2007, numerous students in NCV Level 2, did not manage to progress to the next level. The through-put rate was low in almost all the programmes. Therefore, the researcher was led to believe that lecturers were finding it difficult to implement the new NCV curriculum. In order to explore challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the NCV curriculum at Mopani South East FET, the researcher discussed different perspectives of and the rationale for curriculum change and implementation in different parts of the world including South Africa. The curriculum changes and implementation were discussed considering some of the countries, such as Romania, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United States of America (USA), Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. Scholars have proven that for effective curriculum implementation, there are a number of ideas, which cannot be undermined, especially when there are curriculum changes. It referred to issues, such as the availability of curriculum plans, proper curriculum implementation management and leadership and continuous development of all the implementers. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the NCV curriculum at Mopani South East FET College. There were three objectives to this study, Firstly, to establish obstacles, which hindered the implementation of the NCV curriculum, secondly, explore what the causes for these obstacles were, and thirdly, describe the extent, to which these obstacles affected the implementation of NCV curriculum. The challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the NCV at Mopani South East FET College were investigated in order to achieve the stated objectives. The findings of this study provided conclusions and implications to NCV curriculum lecturers as well as policy makers; and added a body of knowledge in curriculum implementation. v A qualitative research method was used for the purpose of this study. Interviews and document analyses were used in order to gather information. The findings from this research project focused on four themes a) physical resources; b) student matters; c) staff matters and d) management matters. After considering the findings and results from the interviews and documents analyses, the researcher was convinced that further research could be undertaken in line with the relevant lecturer qualifications, academic and staff development for the FET sector, articulation of the NCV curriculum by businesses, monitoring and evaluation of the NCV curriculum implementation by campus, college management, as well as relevant provincial and national officials. In conclusion, the researcher believes that this study would play a very significant role to assist lecturers teaching or lecturing the NCV programmes, additionally, add to the body of knowledge in curriculum implementation and be of use to policy makers. Eventually, it will assist in bringing the desired expectations by Mopani South East FET College and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DoHET) to fruition.

This research dissertation investigates the level of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing delivery in Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. The post-apartheid South African Constitution indicates that the provision of basic services like formal housing is a basic right for all South Africans. In Limpopo Province and in particular, Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District, there is still massive shortage of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing for the poor, despite funding being made to address this need. Millions of poor families are suffering and are still living in shacks in informal settlements. There is a backlog in the provisioning of RDP housing delivery. Low cost housing projects have been identified in Limpopo Province to address the RDP housing delivery backlog. It takes time to complete RDP houses and the communities become impatient and frustrated. The quality of completed houses is often perceived to be of unacceptable standards. This study investigates the level of RDP housing delivery in Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. This study also identifies the challenges of RDP housing delivery experienced by Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. Recommendations with the view of resolving problems pertaining to Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province are made. The findings from this research work identified significant challenges of RDP housing delivery experienced by Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province which needs to be addressed. In its contribution, this study made recommendations with the view of resolving problems pertaining to Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. This study in conclusion, emphasizes the need to address RDP housing backlogs and ensure that RDP houses are of good quality and that the government and all South Africans have to join hands and collectively address the problems of RDP housing delivery in South Africa.

MPM / Oliver Reginald Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy Studies.

MPM / Oliver Tambo Institute for Government and Policy Studies