Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is deploying locally, regionally and internationally for peacekeeping operations and tasks other than peacekeeping. It is imperative that it succeed in these missions in order for the country, region and the world to develop. However, in order for the SANDF to realize success those responsible for the task of peacekeeping have to be combat ready, and particularly perceive themselves to be combat ready, they have to measure high on psychological wellbeing and should have no psychosocial and/or psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and social dysfunction, but must have a high level of willingness to deploy. SANDF deployment in Africa is voluntary and depends on those members who are willing to deploy to extract Africa out of the mire of squalor and poverty and conflict. It is only when there is peace that development and proper governance can be achieved, hence the need to use the SANDF as a foreign policy tool to bring about peace in Africa. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of psychological wellbeing (PWB) general health (GH) and perceived combat readiness (PCR) on willingness to deploy (WD) in the SANDF. A non-experimental, exploratory study was employed this study. Participants were drawn from the Army (n=465) from the rank of private to colonel. Participants completed valid reliable instruments measuring PWB; PCR; GH; and WD. PWB was measured in terms of self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, purpose in life, environmental mastery, and personal growth. PCR was measured in terms of family support, confidence (in all its dimensions), morale, and cohesion and unit discipline. GH was measured in terms of somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and depression. WD was measured by using 12 questions with a sample question such as: “In the event of an invasion by an enemy force into the RSA, to what extent will you be willing to go into combat?” Correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Multiple regression analysis was done to determine which of the independent variables contributed most to WD of members of the SANDF The results revealed a significant positive relationship between PWB (and its dimensions, except self-acceptance and positive relations with others) and WD, and PCR (and its dimensions, except unit disciple) and WD. GH was annulled for its potential not to explain any variance in the model because almost all participants scored zero on all subscales. The multiple regression analysis was in line with correlation results showing that total PCR (strongest predictor) made a significant contribution in explaining and predicting WD. PWB made a contribution in explaining and predicting WD, but not as strong as PCR. The PCR dimensions that individually contribute significantly in explaining and predicting WD are self-confidence, horizontal cohesion and confidence in the leader. The conclusion that is drawn from this study is that total PCR and total PWB contribute to willingness to deploy.

This dissertation is an exploratory study aimed at empirically identifying and examining manifestations of communication barriers in the South African National Defence Force. A convergence model of communication is presented, describing the stages involved when individuals share the same information. The convergence model of communication delineates the relationship among the physical, psychological, and social aspects of communication. Two complementary theorems deduced by Kincaid (1988) from the convergence principle and the basic cybernetic process involved in information processing are applied in the analyses. The theorems specify the conditions under which intercultural communication will lead to convergence between members of different cultures involved. An empirically testable model was developed to collect information about possible communication barriers. The barriers are an indication of the restrictions on communication in the system and therefore indicate the possibility of restricting cultural convergence. / Communication / M.A. (Communication)

M.A. (National Strategy) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the differences between generations X and Y in the military by exploring whether belonging to a particular generational cohort influences perceptions of job satisfaction and emotional intelligence (EI). Data on generational groupings, job satisfaction and EI was drawn from a convenience sample of 187 members from the Human Resources (HR) Division in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Descriptive statistics, correlations and t-tests for independent samples were used to analyse the data. Analysis revealed that job satisfaction has a significant positive relationship with EI. Furthermore, the empirical study also yielded evidence to support a difference between Gen X and Gen Y in relation to two job satisfaction facets, namely promotion and supervision. The findings, however, did not support a difference between Gen X and Gen Y in terms of overall job satisfaction and total EI. The leadership of the SANDF may be able to use the study’s findings to guide effective organisational policies and processes to maintain and retain a loyal and productive human resources pool working in cohesion despite underlying differences. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The present study explores career maturity across career stages in the South African military. The Career Development Questionnaire (CDQ) and a biographical questionnaire were administered to a sample of South African military officers (n = 333). The data were statistically analysed for significant mean differences in career maturity according to demographic and military-specific variables. The results revealed an adequate level of career maturity among the participants. The participants’ overall mean scores in career maturity showed no significant mean differences according to demographic variables. Significant mean differences were, however, observed for the sample according to their arm of service in the South African military. Whilst the results did not indicate a developmental progression of career maturity among the participants, it did reflect the equivocal nature of previous career maturity research. Conclusions for the study are made, limitations are discussed, and recommendations are provided for practice and future research. / Industrial and Organizational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organizational Psychology)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the sentencing practice of the military courts. Since an independent and impartial military judiciary is essential to ensure that justice is done a further aim of this study is to investigate whether the military courts are impartial, independent and affords the accused his fair trial rights. The sentences imposed by military courts are investigated and concerns regarding the imposition of these sentences are identified. Finally the appeal and review procedures followed by the military courts are investigated with specific reference to the military accused’s right appeal and review to a higher court as provided for by the Constitution. The sentencing phase of a trial forms an important part of the whole trial process. This is also true for military trials, yet no research has been done on military sentencing practice. Because of the potential influence of the draft Military Discipline Bill and the Law Reform Commission’s revision of the defence legislation on sentencing, research in this area is critical in the positive development of sentencing law in the military justice environment. An extensive literature study is undertaken to evaluate current military sentencing practices against civilian practices. The result of this study identifies certain concerns regarding the independence of the military courts, the treatment of military offenders and the appeal and review powers of the military reviewing authority. To a large extent it is also found that many concerns are based on the apparent rather than the existence of any real dangers to the independence of the military courts or the rights of the military accused. This thesis contributes to the accessibility of military law for a civilian audience, creating a platform for the development of future military sentences. / Jurisprudence / LLD

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 (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.