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Unravelling the causal associations and path dependencies between Foreign Direct Investment and social development: the case of PanamaMurillo Herrera, Rodrigo January 2023 (has links)
Academics have majorly explored the positive and negative economic spillover and linkages effects of FDI on economic growth, local wages, productivity and technological knowledge. Nonetheless, alternative benefits induced by FDI on social development have been neglected to be explored in-depth, constraining scholarly contributions to welfare economics. Although preceding works have studied social development factors, they traditionally have been addressed as either positive, negative or neutral in different pockets of academic literature. Moreover, none of them offers a robust empirical/structural framework linking FDI and social development. Panel data figures of MNEs classified as FDI recipients in the Republic of Panama are employed in proposing an empirical/structural framework explanatory of the bidirectional association and causal mechanisms between FDI and social development, using the Social Progress Index as a proxy, moderated by proxy variables of productive linkages and household income. A lop-sided circle, negatively inclined on the association flowing from social development to FDI, is suggested to exist. A ‘weak’ positive effect of FDI on social development is found, supported by a locked-in stable loop of FDI yearly feeding on MNEs profit’s reinvestments. Social development is also found to be in a locked-in stable loop, directly exerting a ‘strongly negative’ impact on FDI, which suggests being a constraining determinant for the country to attract ‘green field’ FDI. The empirical/structural framework herein proposed aims to guide future academic research in welfare economics and also serve policymakers in Panama for understanding and structuring national policies to unlock the self-reinforcing path dependency mechanisms preventing social development potential from being unleashed.
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Population ageing and its implications for older persons : an analysis of the perspectives of government and non government officials within the Department of Social Development sectorSamaad, Anita 26 September 2013 (has links)
The concept of population ageing is a development issue that has received much attention due to the demographic transition that is occurring globally, marked by declining levels of fertility and mortality. Therefore, the implications of population ageing for older persons within the context of Social Development was examined from the perspective of government and non government officials. The study was confined to older persons and the policies and programmes implemented by the Department of Social Development. The study employed an exploratory research design within a qualitative paradigm. Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire were distributed to officials in the nine provinces. Thirty six questionnaires were received and qualitative methods of data analysis were used to analyse and interpret the data.
The main finding of the study is that there is congruence in what government officials and the non government officials view as implications for older persons. Central to this is that the issue of ageing does not receive attention on the agenda of government. The top five priorities for older persons are healthy ageing, economic security, community/home based care services for older persons, having care and support systems for older persons and an improved quality of life/poverty alleviation. Based on the demographic determinants of population ageing, the findings are that there will be an increased demand for services for older persons which might place a strain on the social assistance and health care programmes. The issue of ageing was viewed positively as an opportunity by government officials and pessimistically as a challenge by NGO’s. The most common problems in old age is a reliance on the younger generation and or the state for their care and support, abuse, high levels of illiteracy and the burden of care for their children and grandchildren.
The future older person is likely to be in better health and better educated than the older person of today if the necessary public investments are made now in these areas. The study makes recommendations for the adoption of a South African plan of action on ageing, inter-sectoral budgeting, development of specialised programmes, review of current policies and legislation for older persons, strengthening the partnership with the NGO sector and facilitating ageing mainstreaming within government programmes. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Development)
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Developing a strategy to address employee perceptions regarding the Performance Management and Development System in the Department of Social Development, Women, Children and People with Disabilities / Ntswaki Meshotlo Victoria LegalatladiLegalatladi, Ntswaki Meshotlo Victoria January 2014 (has links)
A Performance Management and Development System has become the main focus for
many organisations in the Public Service. Organisations are always looking for strategies
to effectively enhance the performance of their employees in order to improve the
organisational performance. However, despite all these efforts the implementation of the
System is still marred by many challenges and as a result it is perceived by many
employees as ineffective and inefficient. The focus of this study is, therefore, to identify the
different perceptions of employees regarding the System and to investigate the underlying
factors influencing the employees’ perceptions regarding Performance Management and
Development System at the Matlosana Service Point, DSDWCPD.
A triangulation research approach encompassing qualitative and quantitative analysis was
employed in this study. The primary data were obtained from a semi-structured
questionnaire completed by 50 respondents. Secondary data were drawn from the
departmental reports, business plans, performance agreements and other official
documents from the North-West University library. The respondents for the questionnaire
were sampled utilising the purposive sampling within the non-probability category of
samples. The sample comprised social workers, social auxiliary workers, community
development practitioners and human resource officers. The sample was purposively
sampled due to the fact that the sample frame that was needed for this study included
people who were aware of the Performance Management and Development System; were
regarded as experienced in the subject matter and who could provide useful information.
The data from the questionnaire were analysed by means of conceptual (thematic)
analysis, every statement that was relevant to the research questions was created; and
meanings were also attached to the categories.
The findings of the study show that the employees perceive implementation of the
Performance Management and Development System as not complying with the
legislation. The implementation of the Performance Management and Development
System is not effective and efficient in the Matlosana Service Point. The findings also
revealed that the need for training in the System is undisputed as employees felt that the
training that they received is not adequate and failed to address their needs. The
respondents also felt that the assessments were not properly implemented hence they
perceive the System as biased, unfair and subjective and also felt that the assessments
were implemented just for compliance purposes. The findings of the study also highlighted
the importance of effective communication and feedback in the entire process and in
integrating the components of the Performance Management and Development System
leading to poor supervision and monitoring of employees’ performance. All these factors
revealed a correlation between the negative perceptions of the employees and the
Performance Management and Development System in the Matlosana Service point. The
study concludes by providing recommendations on a systematic training strategy for
changing employees’ perceptions regarding the Performance Management and
Development System in order to ensure a common understanding and consistent
implementation of the Performance Management and Development System. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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A policy-making framework for social assistance in South Africa : the case of the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency / Maureen Tsebeletso MakhethaMakhetha, Maureen Tsebeletso January 2015 (has links)
After coming into government in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) committed and
became a signatory to some of the international, regional and national instruments for human
rights and social security such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Section
27(1) (c)), makes specific provision for the promotion and recognition of human rights such
as social and economic rights, provision of health, water, shelter and social security. This
includes provision for appropriate social assistance to people who are unable to support
themselves and their dependants.
For human rights to be effectively realised, policies governing the administration of social
grants needed to be updated to address all the inequalities of the past and poverty. Before
1994, the formulation and operationalisation of policy in South Africa was characterised by a
lack of transparency, while participation and the inclusion of all affected stakeholders was
limited. To address this situation, the primary objective of this study was to develop a policymaking
framework for the effective implementation of social assistance by the Department of
Social Development (DSD) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The
study included an assessment of the extent to which the existing policy-making framework
for social assistance in South Africa has affected policy implementation within and between
SASSA and DSD. To achieve this primary objective, a number of secondary objectives had
to be achieved. These included:
• To explore and conduct a literature survey on the prevailing theories and models of the
existing theoretical framework and principles of the public policy-making process and
policy implementation;
• To analyse statutory, regulatory requirements and guidelines defining the functionality
and relationship between DSD and SASSA in the implementation of the social
assistance programme; and
• To develop guidelines and propose key recommendations on how DSD and SASSA can
improve on policy-making processes to achieve a more effective implementation of the
social assistance programme.
A case study design was followed for data collection, with SASSA Gauteng region as case
study. Data was collected by means of interviews using an interview schedule, and was
conducted with both regional and local office staff as units of analysis. The empirical findings
emanating from the interviews indicated that, although there is some collaboration between
DSD and SASSA during the policy-making processes, there are strong indications that this is
not cascaded down to the operational levels for implementation. All of the interview
participants agreed that the nature of current policy processes is reactionary to problems
facing the South African Government. Participants maintained that there is limited or no
consultation between DSD and SASSA before any agenda-setting process to determine the
level of commitment and buy-in from stakeholders. Within the policy-making context public
participation as defined by the UNDP (1981:5) in Cloete and De Coning (2011:91) entails the
creation of opportunities that enable all members of a community and the larger society to
actively contribute to and influence the development process and to share in the fruits of
development.
According to the findings, policy formulation and implementation between DSD and SASSA
require people with specific policy formulation, policy analysis and general research skills.
Monitoring and effective evaluation of impact and analysis of the policy should also be
considered as one of the key areas requiring urgent improvement. The recommendations
provided are aimed at assisting both DSD and SASSA, in terms of social assistance, and to
add value to the current policy-making, implementation, and service delivery processes. / M Public Administration, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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335 |
Developing a strategy to address employee perceptions regarding the Performance Management and Development System in the Department of Social Development, Women, Children and People with Disabilities / Ntswaki Meshotlo Victoria LegalatladiLegalatladi, Ntswaki Meshotlo Victoria January 2014 (has links)
A Performance Management and Development System has become the main focus for
many organisations in the Public Service. Organisations are always looking for strategies
to effectively enhance the performance of their employees in order to improve the
organisational performance. However, despite all these efforts the implementation of the
System is still marred by many challenges and as a result it is perceived by many
employees as ineffective and inefficient. The focus of this study is, therefore, to identify the
different perceptions of employees regarding the System and to investigate the underlying
factors influencing the employees’ perceptions regarding Performance Management and
Development System at the Matlosana Service Point, DSDWCPD.
A triangulation research approach encompassing qualitative and quantitative analysis was
employed in this study. The primary data were obtained from a semi-structured
questionnaire completed by 50 respondents. Secondary data were drawn from the
departmental reports, business plans, performance agreements and other official
documents from the North-West University library. The respondents for the questionnaire
were sampled utilising the purposive sampling within the non-probability category of
samples. The sample comprised social workers, social auxiliary workers, community
development practitioners and human resource officers. The sample was purposively
sampled due to the fact that the sample frame that was needed for this study included
people who were aware of the Performance Management and Development System; were
regarded as experienced in the subject matter and who could provide useful information.
The data from the questionnaire were analysed by means of conceptual (thematic)
analysis, every statement that was relevant to the research questions was created; and
meanings were also attached to the categories.
The findings of the study show that the employees perceive implementation of the
Performance Management and Development System as not complying with the
legislation. The implementation of the Performance Management and Development
System is not effective and efficient in the Matlosana Service Point. The findings also
revealed that the need for training in the System is undisputed as employees felt that the
training that they received is not adequate and failed to address their needs. The
respondents also felt that the assessments were not properly implemented hence they
perceive the System as biased, unfair and subjective and also felt that the assessments
were implemented just for compliance purposes. The findings of the study also highlighted
the importance of effective communication and feedback in the entire process and in
integrating the components of the Performance Management and Development System
leading to poor supervision and monitoring of employees’ performance. All these factors
revealed a correlation between the negative perceptions of the employees and the
Performance Management and Development System in the Matlosana Service point. The
study concludes by providing recommendations on a systematic training strategy for
changing employees’ perceptions regarding the Performance Management and
Development System in order to ensure a common understanding and consistent
implementation of the Performance Management and Development System. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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336 |
A policy-making framework for social assistance in South Africa : the case of the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency / Maureen Tsebeletso MakhethaMakhetha, Maureen Tsebeletso January 2015 (has links)
After coming into government in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) committed and
became a signatory to some of the international, regional and national instruments for human
rights and social security such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Section
27(1) (c)), makes specific provision for the promotion and recognition of human rights such
as social and economic rights, provision of health, water, shelter and social security. This
includes provision for appropriate social assistance to people who are unable to support
themselves and their dependants.
For human rights to be effectively realised, policies governing the administration of social
grants needed to be updated to address all the inequalities of the past and poverty. Before
1994, the formulation and operationalisation of policy in South Africa was characterised by a
lack of transparency, while participation and the inclusion of all affected stakeholders was
limited. To address this situation, the primary objective of this study was to develop a policymaking
framework for the effective implementation of social assistance by the Department of
Social Development (DSD) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The
study included an assessment of the extent to which the existing policy-making framework
for social assistance in South Africa has affected policy implementation within and between
SASSA and DSD. To achieve this primary objective, a number of secondary objectives had
to be achieved. These included:
• To explore and conduct a literature survey on the prevailing theories and models of the
existing theoretical framework and principles of the public policy-making process and
policy implementation;
• To analyse statutory, regulatory requirements and guidelines defining the functionality
and relationship between DSD and SASSA in the implementation of the social
assistance programme; and
• To develop guidelines and propose key recommendations on how DSD and SASSA can
improve on policy-making processes to achieve a more effective implementation of the
social assistance programme.
A case study design was followed for data collection, with SASSA Gauteng region as case
study. Data was collected by means of interviews using an interview schedule, and was
conducted with both regional and local office staff as units of analysis. The empirical findings
emanating from the interviews indicated that, although there is some collaboration between
DSD and SASSA during the policy-making processes, there are strong indications that this is
not cascaded down to the operational levels for implementation. All of the interview
participants agreed that the nature of current policy processes is reactionary to problems
facing the South African Government. Participants maintained that there is limited or no
consultation between DSD and SASSA before any agenda-setting process to determine the
level of commitment and buy-in from stakeholders. Within the policy-making context public
participation as defined by the UNDP (1981:5) in Cloete and De Coning (2011:91) entails the
creation of opportunities that enable all members of a community and the larger society to
actively contribute to and influence the development process and to share in the fruits of
development.
According to the findings, policy formulation and implementation between DSD and SASSA
require people with specific policy formulation, policy analysis and general research skills.
Monitoring and effective evaluation of impact and analysis of the policy should also be
considered as one of the key areas requiring urgent improvement. The recommendations
provided are aimed at assisting both DSD and SASSA, in terms of social assistance, and to
add value to the current policy-making, implementation, and service delivery processes. / M Public Administration, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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337 |
An investigation into the inclusion of child development in early childhood programsBöhmer, Wynette 30 November 2007 (has links)
The research study was determined by the fact that child development is important and that teachers/caregivers must acknowledge every child's level of development, age, individuality, social and cultural background when planning a program. Children are complex beings and therefore the literature study focused on pre-schooler, three to five years, child development during this stage and domains and principles of development. Semi-structured interviews were based on literature study and used to guide the interviews. After analyzing the data themes and sub-themes was identified and verified with literature. The teachers/caregivers were able to share knowledge, experiences, needs and concerns. To conclude recommendations were made to help teacher/caregivers to plan how to include child development in their daily program. / Social Work / M.Diac (Play Therapy)
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The teaching of thinking skills in the preschool years to enhance cognitive developmentNgobeli, Dorah Thinavhuyo 06 1900 (has links)
The study contributed to preschool education by highlighting the attitudes and perceptions
of parents and preschool teachers and practitioners concerning preschool education in
general, and the teaching of thinking skills in particular. Furthermore, information with
regard to developing guidelines for a preschool learning programme to assist unqualified
and underqualified preschool practitioners in predominantly rural areas was generated.
The literature study revealed that all areas of development, that is, cognitive, physical,
social, moral and emotional are interrelated. Therefore, development in cognition is
influenced by, and influences the other areas. Cognitive development in particular, is most
rapid during the preschool years and should be stimulated at this stage.
A qualitative study was undertaken to determine the attitudes and perceptions of preschool
teachers/practitioners and parents with regard to preschool education in general, and the
teaching of thinking skills to enhance cognitive development in particular. Four preschools
in Region 3 of the Northern Province were observed to investigate the teaching of thinking
skills and also the learning programmes used in these institutions.
The findings from the literature and research studies led to the following conclusions:
* Parents are uninformed concerning their role in stimulating the cognitive development of
their children.
* Preschool education is regarded as being very important for children.
* There are no prescribed learning programmes or explicitly stated guidelines underlying
preschool education.
* Thinking skills are taught to a greater or lesser extent in preschools, although the
intentional mediation is missing.
*The training of preschool practitioners is a neglected area.
In view of the conclusions, the following recommendations were made:
* Underqualified and unqualified preschool practitioners should receive training.
* Partnership between parents and preschool practitioners should be encouraged to
ensure continuity between the home and the preschool.
* Parents' support programmes should be developed to empower them as their children's
most significant mediators.
* Thinking skills should be infused in preschool learning programmes and activities.
* Remote, rural areas should be supported by the goverment and NGOs with the provision
of preschool education.
* Prescribed guidelines and learning programmes should be developed to assist
unqualified and underqualified practitioners in rural and disadvantaged areas in the
Northern Province. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)
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Towards the African theory of literary production : perspectives on the Sosotho novelSelepe, Thapelo, 1956- 06 1900 (has links)
Critical studies and creative works in the Sesotho novel have made some of the
important contributions in Sesotho literary history in particular, and African literary
history in general. However, such contribution has been dictated by a particular
history and an ideology. The world-view in literary practice that emerged from that
history is the one that tends to divorce literature, literary study and language from
society. Consequently, this study identifies this practice as a problem that needs
to be addressed.
This study argues from this perspective that literature, literary study and language
should be re-established as integral parts in a manner that pedagogical practice
would translate into positive social practices. To realise this ideal the study
approaches the study of the Sesotho novel from the perspective of literary
production. The theory of literary production insists that literature is a form of
social production. This argument becomes even more pertinent to the study of the
novel, which is viewed as having profound elements of realism that mirror society.
A consideration of the Sesotho novel as a form of literary production that is linked
to other forms of social production immediately leads to the question of the
development of the Sesotho novel. The possibilities that are identified include
external influence and internal evolution in the development of the Sesotho novel.
These possibilities also have a bearing on the study of the Sesotho novel in
particular and the study of the African novel in general.
In order to pursue the argument to its logical conclusion, the development of the
Sesotho novel is divided into three periods: 1900-1930; 1930-1960 and the 1960s-
1990s. Each of these periods demonstrates a particular ideological leaning that is
akin to the material conditions of each period. Taking this trend as a pattern in the
development of the Sesotho novel, this study advocates an approach that links
literature and literary studies to society. / African Languages / D.Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)
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The role of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) as a pioneer of social development through education in Ovamboland (1870-1970) : a church historical studyNangula, Eino M. 12 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is a historical investigation of the role of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Namibia (ELCIN) regarding social development with special attention to education as an
agency of social change. ELCIN is the largest Lutheran church in Namibia, which was born
out of the Finnish missionary activities after their arrival in the former Ovamboland in 1870.
The Finnish missionaries became the first missionaries to do mission work in Ovamboland.
This qualifies them to be regarded as pioneers of social development and of the
transformation of society through education among the Ovambo people.
ELCIN’s humble beginnings started as a mission field and developed into mission
congregations; thereafter as a mission church and finally as independent church in 1954.
The study shows that since its inception ELCIN has been committed to serve her members
holistically (spiritually and socially). The focus of this study is to contribute to the
understanding of the role ELCIN played to bring about development through education. The
study therefore attempts to answer questions regarding the role the Finnish missionaries
played in education and should be understood within the broader context of the history of
ELCIN, for example, what arrangements were made and what developments took place
during the indigenization process. Further, the study points out the educational challenges
ELCIN encountered during the time of social development through education. In answering
these questions, the study demonstrates how ELCIN played a decisive role in social
development in Ovamboland, especially by way of education and training. The study refers
to both informal (Christian) and formal (general or inclusive secular) education and the role
each of these forms of education played in social change. The study also reflects on the
engagement between ELCIN and the context resulting from the South African mandate in Namibia (then South West Africa). Finally, it is recommended that, in light of the positive
contribution made by ELCIN to the social development of its members and communities by
way of education in the past, it should continue this role in an independent Namibia. This
could be done by way of intensifying Christian education among its members in order to
educate and inspire people to remain faithful to their Christian values. In this way, ELCIN will
continue to play a meaningful role in the life of communities and their members. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingstudie is ‘n historiese ondersoek na die rol van die Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Namibia (ELCIN) ten opsigte van sosiale ontwikkeling met spesiale verwysing na
opvoeding as ‘n agent vir sosiale verandering. ELCIN is een van die grootste Lutherse kerke
in Namibië, wat ontstaan het uit die aktiwiteite van die Finse sendelinge na hulle aankoms in
die eertydse Ovamboland in 1870. Die Finse sendelinge was die eerste sendelinge wat
sendingwerk in Ovamboland onderneem het. As gevolg hiervan word hulle beskou as
pioniers van sosiale ontwikkeling en transformasie in die gemeenskap deur die opvoeding
van die mense van Ovamboland.
ELCIN het sy nederige ontstaan gehad as ‘n sendingveld en het ontwikkel tot
sendinggemeentes; daarna tot ‘n sendingkerk en uiteindelik in 1954 tot ‘n onafhanklike
kerk. Die studie dui aan dat ELCIN sedert sy ontstaan toegewyd was aan die taak om sy lede
op ‘n holistiese vlak (geestelik en sosiaal) te ontwikkel. Die fokus van hierdie studie is om ‘n
bydrae te lewer tot ‘n dieper begrip van die rol wat ELCIN gespeel het ten opsigte van
hierdie ontwikkeling. Die studie het dus gepoog om vrae te beantwoord oor die rol wat die
Finse sendelinge in opvoeding gespeel het en behoort verstaan te word binne die breër
konteks van die geskiendenis van ELCIN. Watter reëlings is getref en watter ontwikkelings
het plaasgevind gedurende die inheemswordingsproses? Die studie dui verder op die
opvoedkundige uitdagings wat ELCIN gedurende die tyd van sosiale ontwikkeling deur
opvoeding ondervind het. Ter beantwoording van hierdie vrae word deur die studie aangedui hoe ELCIN ‘n
deurslaggewende rol in die sosiale ontwikkeling van Ovamboland gespeel het, veral deur
middel van opvoeding en opleiding. Die studie verwys na beide informele (Christelike) en
formele (algemene of inklusiewe) opvoeding en na die rol wat elk van hierdie vorms van
opvoeding gespeel het ten opsigte van sosiale verandering. Die studie kyk ook eers na die
verhouding tussen ELCIN en die Suid‐Afrikaanse regering gedurende Namibië (die destydse
Suidwes‐Afrika) se jare as mandaatgebied en daarna word aanbevelings gemaak. In die lig
van die positiewe bydrae wat ELCIN in die verlede gemaak het tot sosiale ontwikkeling,
word aanbeveel dat hierdie bydrae in ‘n onafhanklike Namibië voortgesit word. Dit behoort
te geskied deur ‘n intensifisering van Christelike onderwys onder lede ten einde die mense
op te voed en te inspireer om getrou te bly aan hulle Christelike waardes. Op hierdie wyse sal ELCIN voortgaan om ‘n betekensivolle rol in die lewe van die gemeenskappe en hul lede
te speel.
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