The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the implementation of the EMPRETEC programme in Ghana and Namibia. The EMPRETEC programme is a unique entrepreneurship and business development programme developed by the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations in the late 1980s. Since then, it has been implemented in nearly 30 countries to support business development. The central aim of this research is to identify the major factors that influenced the implementation process of the EMPRETEC programme in Ghana and Namibia and to analyse how they afforded or constrained the achievement of seven so-called Critical Programme Components (CPCs). These CPCs are: 1) targeting high growth entrepreneurs; 2) developing an entrepreneurship training workshop that is adapted to the local context; 3) ensuring direction of the programme by a coalition of private and public sector leaders; 4) mobilising support from the private sector; 5) promote linkages among clients; 6) promote business linkages with foreign firms; and 7) establish a sustainable foundation. The theoretical concepts of the research are based on the implementation literature which emerged as part of the policy sciences during the second half of the last century. A new approach is developed to study the highly complex implementation process: in a first step, an analytical framework is developed that comprises five analytical lenses: 1) a contextual lens focusing on the context in which the entire implementation process is embedded; 2) an inter-organisational lens focusing on interactions of the involved stakeholders; 3) an organisational lens for the identification of institutional strengths and weaknesses; 4) an intra-organisational lens for the analysis of intra-agency relationships; and 5) an individual lens focusing on the individuals who were involved in the implementation of the programmes. These lenses cover the entire spectrum and levels of the implementation process. In a second step, 15 major implementation factors are derived from implementation theory. These factors and their influence on the implementation process are then assessed with the help of 100 distinct measures. The influence of the 15 factors on the implementation process and the seven CPCs is subsequently analysed and finally tested using evidence from 18 additional EMPRETEC centres. The study's contribution to knowledge is twofold: (i) The study provides insights into the underlying factors that influenced the implementation of the EMPRETEC programme in Ghana and Namibia. Overall, the implementation conditions were more favourable in Ghana as compared to Namibia. The research hints at the importance of the context and implementers' (both organisations' and individuals') characteristics as crucial factors for successful implementation. Finding the right implementers and aligning implementation objectives to existing development discourses and implementers' ideologies can help to improve effective implementation. (ii) The study proposes an innovative approach to study implementation processes across narrow cases. Based on third-generation implementation models, a unique data collection and analytical framework is suggested that allows comparing and testing various implementation factors and their influence on the implementation process. The emerging results are of high relevance to governments, donors, private organisations and other stakeholders, as many lessons could be derived to improve the implementation and effectiveness of donor interventions, especially in the area of business development programmes.

Thesis (M. Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2016 / The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges in implementing the Nutrition Programme at Khomela Primary School in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research was conducted using case study research design method. The Non-probability sampling method was done through purposive sampling method to select Grade 6 and 7 learners and convenient sampling method for teachers and parents. Data collection was done using individual unstructured interviews. Data was analysed using qualitative data analysis method. Four groups of respondents participated in the study: learners group (n=10) giving information on the meal preference; teachers (n=8) managing and administering the Nutrition Programme at school level; parents and food handlers (food handlers n=2, parents n=5). The study focused on the following challenges: management, infrastructure, training, motivation, food safety, quality of food, delivery by suppliers and feeding time as the main challenges of the Nutrition Programme. The findings of the study concluded that there was poor involvement of teachers and parents in the Nutrition Programme. The study also concluded that the aim and principles of the Nutrition Programme were not well understood at Khomela Primary School. The participants also made suggestions on how the Nutrition Programme could be improved effectively. The study suggested that the school had to conduct awareness campaigns of learners, teachers and parents indicating the importance of the Nutrition Programme in schools. The study also concluded that the school had to be provided with modern a kitchen and a school dining hall. Despite the challenges, the Nutrition Programme had a positive impact on the school enrolment. To minimise the challenges of the Nutrition Programme, the study recommends that the principal and the School Governing Body draft a School Nutrition Policy which is in line with the Nutrition Programme guidelines. The Nutrition Policy should cover issues such as management and administration of the Nutrition Programme.

The new paradigm in managing organisations, known as Total Quality Management (TQM), was investigated in this thesis. TQM as a management concept represents a fundamental change in the management approach of organisations (i.e. schools). TQM comprises a comprehensive change to the theory and practice of management, and focuses in particular on leadership and people. It is claimed in literature that the bulk of problems of organisations is leadership or management-related subsequently the implementation of TQM poses a major challenge to the managers of those organisations. It has become clear from literature that TQM comprises a radical departure from the traditional educational paradigm of bureaucracy, autocracy and mediocrity, towards a system that liberates the educator from bureaucratic red tape, and which provides for a model of empowerment and participation. This research was particularly aimed at the application of quality principles in secondary schools. The aims of the research were to • determine the nature and characteristics of TQM in schools through a review of the literature; • identify methods from the literature for the implementation of TQM in schools; • identify and analyse from the literature schools as case studies; • determine to what extent effective schools make use of TQM, and to what extent elements of TQM were to be identified in these schools; • determine whether the strategies employed in schools are based on TQM assumptions and could characterise them as effective in terms of TQM; • develop a management strategy for the improvement of the effectiveness of secondary schools through the implementation of TQM. A literature study was undertaken to analyse TQM and to determine methods for implementing TQM in schools. The empirical research consists of two phases: a quantitative phase comprising the use of a questionnaire to determine to what extent principals make use of TQM, and a qualitative phase in which principals, educators, learners and parents participated in interviews to determine what strategies schools use are based on TQM. Information from both the literature review and the empirical study was used to develop a management strategy as a guide for principals to improve the effectiveness of schools through TQM. The conclusion chapter contains a summary of the research, findings and recommendations 'in respect of the research aims. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2003

The new paradigm in managing organisations, known as Total Quality Management (TQM), was investigated in this thesis. TQM as a management concept represents a fundamental change in the management approach of organisations (i.e. schools). TQM comprises a comprehensive change to the theory and practice of management, and focuses in particular on leadership and people. It is claimed in literature that the bulk of problems of organisations is leadership or management-related subsequently the implementation of TQM poses a major challenge to the managers of those organisations. It has become clear from literature that TQM comprises a radical departure from the traditional educational paradigm of bureaucracy, autocracy and mediocrity, towards a system that liberates the educator from bureaucratic red tape, and which provides for a model of empowerment and participation. This research was particularly aimed at the application of quality principles in secondary schools. The aims of the research were to • determine the nature and characteristics of TQM in schools through a review of the literature; • identify methods from the literature for the implementation of TQM in schools; • identify and analyse from the literature schools as case studies; • determine to what extent effective schools make use of TQM, and to what extent elements of TQM were to be identified in these schools; • determine whether the strategies employed in schools are based on TQM assumptions and could characterise them as effective in terms of TQM; • develop a management strategy for the improvement of the effectiveness of secondary schools through the implementation of TQM. A literature study was undertaken to analyse TQM and to determine methods for implementing TQM in schools. The empirical research consists of two phases: a quantitative phase comprising the use of a questionnaire to determine to what extent principals make use of TQM, and a qualitative phase in which principals, educators, learners and parents participated in interviews to determine what strategies schools use are based on TQM. Information from both the literature review and the empirical study was used to develop a management strategy as a guide for principals to improve the effectiveness of schools through TQM. The conclusion chapter contains a summary of the research, findings and recommendations 'in respect of the research aims. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2003

The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the Implementation of Guidance and Counselling in a Zimbabwean Secondary School that was seen to be running an exemplary programme. The study was a search for best practice meant to provide benchmarks that could benefit other institutions in similar set-ups to establish effective Guidance and Counselling (G&C) programmes. The rational for the study emanated from reservations expressed by some teachers and heads about the feasibility of G&C programmes in their schools citing numerous practical hurdles. Policy circular number 23 of 2005 expected all Zimbabwe secondary schools to institutionalise G&C programmes. Some questions that guided the study follow below. <ul> <li>How did the school articulate the policy into G&C programme?</li> <li>How can insight into the implementation of G&C inform programme development?</li></ul> The research study was conducted at Trockley Secondary School in Harare where five participants were interviewed individually. Research findings showed that Trockley was running a functional G&C programme refuting the scepticism cited above. However, it is important to set standards that schools can aspire to elevate their programmes to; for now programmes can be qualified as functional or non-functional, but not exceptional, a yard-stick that could help to improve G&C programmes significantly in the whole country. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

The poor in South Africa encounter many obstacles that impact negatively on their wellbeing. These include high rates of unemployment and a lack of financial and material resources. The poor living in informal settlements dwell in conditions that have an adverse impact on family health, due to malnutrition and food insecurity. Post 1994, many poverty alleviation programmes, including the Integrated Food and Nutrition Programme (IFNP) sought to improve the lives of the poor. The objective of the IFNP was to address poverty in Kungwini by increasing household food and income to enable poor households to attain a better standard of living. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether the IFNP had achieved its objective to reduce poverty in Kungwini and whether programme implementation was effective. Social development, a process of planned social change to promote the well-being of the population, including economic development, formed the theoretical base for the research study. Social development aims to link the promotion of human welfare and economic development, and to make development socially relevant. Policies and programmes such as the IFNP aim to enhance people’s welfare and contribute to economic development. The literature study included the impact of global and national poverty on poor households in terms of poverty levels and unemployment. Gender discrimination and the social marginalization of vulnerable groups which include children, the youth, the aged and the disabled poor, social justice for the poor and the gap between the formal and informal sectors informed the research process. The crucial need for collaborative partnerships to address poverty issues is stressed, including the involvement of the poor in policy processes that impact on their wellbeing and the importance of reviewing policy implementation processes through regular programme evaluation. Poverty challenges include skills development for employment; food security; and policy reforms to ensure effective service delivery. Appropriate skills development should be identified in consultation with the poor. It is imperative that policy makers are equipped with adequate policy development skills to develop stakeholder participation. Efficient communication between relevant departments and community organisations will maintain the collaborative partnership. Public policy implementation and project management remain inter-dependent processes. Public poverty policies are based on the specific Department’s focus. Consequently, fragmented services are rendered by various public sectors, targeting the similar beneficiaries. The IFNP is evaluated against essential policy requirements to create an enabling service delivery environment and programme coordination. This includes good governance, transparency, public participation, and sustainable policy implementation. Achieving a balance between effective service delivery; adequate resources, and efficient monitoring and evaluation processes highlight the principles of successful poverty policies. Evaluation research with a combined qualitative and quantitative research approach was utilized to gather data to evaluate the impact of the IFNP to reduce poverty in Kungwini. The collective case study design was used for the qualitative research and data was collected through focus group interviews. A questionnaire was the data collection method for the quantitative research. The research results indicated that the IFNP’s objective to address poverty in Kungwini required interactive participation from relevant departments and community organisations. The collaborative partnership is essential to address poverty effectively. Research findings include the need to equip the poor with relevant skills for the job market, or to develop their own businesses. Youth mentoring is essential to enable the youth to pursue future goals. Small scale farmers should be trained with improved farming methods. Access to financial institutions and trading markets would improve the economic circumstances of the informal sector. Collaborative partnerships with a range of stakeholders, including the poor, would ensure effective service delivery through shared responsibilities. Service delivery should be based on achievable goals and effective communication strategies. Public policy developers require adequate policy development knowledge and policy implementation skills to ensure cost-effective policy processes. The research recommendations indicate that the Integrated Model is more cost effective than the Organizational Model to reduce poverty as it includes stakeholder involvement in policy development and policy advocacy. Maintaining communication between relevant departments and community organizations remain key policy requirements. Ensuring personnel training in practical project management skills is an essential policy necessity. Appropriate skills development should be identified in consultation with the poor. Efficient communication between relevant departments and community organizations will maintain the collaborative partnership. Policy implementation processes should be regularly reviewed to address policy constraints. Personnel training include policy and practical project management skills to ensure transparency and cost-effective service delivery. Addressing policy constraints through alternative policy options will ensure programmes are on track to achieve policy goals and objectives. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted