Thesis (M. Tech. (Language Practice)) -- Central University of Technology, free State, 2013 / Many large organisations tend to focus on their external communication in order to project a positive image to potential clients. However the role of internal communication with employees has often been overlooked, although it remains one of the most important areas of organisational communication. Employees‟ views about their own organisation impact on how external clients view that particular organisation. In order for employees to become advocates of their own organisation, supervisors of different operational units should develop and manage their internal communication activities in a way that motivates and stimulates employees‟ enthusiasm for meeting the organisational goals. Once employees are satisfied with the state of supervisory communication in their respective units, they should be able to identify with their organisation and endeavour to attain its organisation‟s goals. The researcher investigated supervisory communication and its effect on employee satisfaction at the Central University of Technology, Free State, Welkom Campus (CUT, W). The study was conducted through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. A questionnaire was distributed among the forty employees, whereas interviews were conducted with the five remaining employees at the CUT, W. The researcher used purposive sampling to select the respondents and participants of the study. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by calculating the Cronbach Alpha coefficient (CAc) of the constructs. All the Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire constructs indicated CAc of .0974 which is consistent with a high level of internal stability. The study (quantitative research method) indicated that the majority of the respondents showed overall satisfaction on all CSQ constructs, except Personal Feedback. However, the study has revealed that the Schools of Government Management and Human Resources as well as the School of Accounting have revealed communication deficiencies on constructs such as Supervisory Communication, Divisional Information, Communication Climate, Co-Worker Communication and Personal Feedback. The qualitative findings have revealed communication deficiencies in four categorical themes, namely, lack of: * Communication and commitment to institutional values and policies by Supervisors. * Consultation and openness to ideas. * Performance standards and career-pathing. * Co-worker communication. * Downward flow of information. The researcher recommends that the Schools1 of Government Management, Human Resources and Accounting put more effort into improving their Schools‟ communication climate and giving personal feedback to their subordinates. The CUT, W should develop a Performance Management Plan to appraise their staff. The researcher further recommends that meetings should be held regularly to provide the necessary platform for the employees to raise concerns related to their specific jobs. The researcher also believes that Supervisors should consult with employees in their specific units before making any important decisions.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental Health)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Malnutrition and concomitant infections are major contributing factors to child morbidity and mortality in developing countries such as South Africa. Globally, children benefiting from school feeding programmes are generally from communities with low socio-economic statuses. The meals provided through feeding schemes, such as the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa, are aimed at significantly supplementing the beneficiaries’ daily energy and nutrient requirements. The possible nutrient deficiency of meals provided through such programmes compromises the nutritional well-being of children, promotes malnutrition and renders children more susceptible to infectious diseases. Furthermore, illness, particularly caused by diarrhoeal and infectious diseases, is a major factor contributing to child malnutrition as the human body is unable to efficiently digest foods and absorb nutrients during illness. Therefore, the microbiological safety of the foods served to children via feeding schemes is essential. In an effort to contribute towards the safety and wholesomeness of foodstuffs served through the NSNP, the present study was conducted with a view to assess the nutritional quality and safety of the foodstuffs. The knowledge, attitudes and practises (KAP) of food handlers and NSNP representatives/committee members at the schools were also investigated in order to assess origins of potential food contamination. Data collected via nutritional analyses of meals served to school children were compared to the nutrient-based standards set by the United Kingdom as guidelines for an average school lunch. The carbohydrate, energy, calcium and zinc contents of the school meals were below the standards, the majority of the meals met the protein and iron standards and all meals complied with the standards for lipid and vitamin C contents. During the microbiological analysis study, preparation surfaces yielded higher counts of all detected organisms (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts and moulds) compared to the hands of food handlers. Therefore possible sources of contamination may be foodstuffs, animal pests and environmental elements such as dust. However, significant differences of surface microbial counts could not be established (P > 0.05) and thus cross-contamination may have resulted among surfaces, possibly augmented by shortfalls in cleaning regimes. The majority of the participants of the questionnaire survey reportedly washed their hands and cleaned all surfaces several times during the day with water and detergent. In addition, a disinfectant was used by some of the food preparers during cleaning. Furthermore, participants stated that their aprons were washed daily. These claims were in agreement with the findings of the surface microbial study with regards to the hands, however, they did not match the findings of the preparation surfaces which contained the highest counts of total coliforms, E. coli and S. aureus of the three surfaces analysed, and aprons responsible for the highest yeast and mould counts. Improper storage and food preparation methods, such as the application of high temperatures, excessive exposure to UV light and oxygen, and high moisture conditions, may result in the deterioration of nutrients. Storage conditions which may permit pest infestation may also increase the risk of food-related illnesses and risk could be further elevated by application of improper cleaning and sanitation practices. In order for the NSNP to operate effectively, it is essential that the national and provincial Departments of Basic Education, which are responsible for the overall administration of the NSNP, and schools’ personnel function in an integrated manner through support structures and effective communication. Infrastructural limitations (lack of proper kitchen facilities and ventilation) and shortage of resources while administering the NSNP were the main challenges observed during the present study. Due to these hurdles, adhering to food safety practices and maintaining nutritional quality of foods may be a challenge. Continuous training in personal and general hygiene is also a necessity in preserving food safety. Furthermore, nutritional quality of foodstuffs may be preserved through proper storage practices and application of preparation methods which minimize loss of nutrients.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Agriculture)) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2014 / The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of different potassium concentrations and water quality (salt) compared with the current scientifically accepted potassium threshold level and standardised water quality on the yield, oil composition and leaf morphology of rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) when grown in different potting-bag sizes and root media under temperature controlled condition. To achieve this objective, two trials were conducted. The first experiment evaluated potassium concentrations at 1.3, 3.3, 5.3 and 7.3 mmol L-1 and potting-bag size of 5 and 10 L. Treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design assigned in a split plot layout. The main plots consisted of potassium concentration and the pottingbag sizes were allocated to sub-plots. Plant height, potassium content, linalool, geraniol, geranyl formate and the citronellol to geraniol ratio (C:G) were affected by potassium. Plant height, number of branches, the branch to height ratio (B:H), foliar fresh mass (FFM) and oil yield were significantly increased when 5 L potting bags were used. Plant foliar mass was significantly increased by the interaction between 5.3 mmol K L-1 and 5 L potting bags. In the second experiment salt levels applied at 1.6, 2.4, 3.2 and 4.0 mS cm-1 and root media (sand and sawdust) were evaluated. A split plot experimental layout was also used in this trial, with the salt levels allocated to the main plots. The sub-plots were allocated to the root medium. High salt level of 4.0 mS cm-1 reduced the number of leaves, plant height, number of branches, B:H ratio, leaf area, chlorophyll content and foliar fresh mass significantly. The number of leaves, leaf area and FFM were significantly increased where sawdust was used. Time of the day significantly affected stomatal conductance, and the opening of most stomata occurred at 10:00. Geranyl formate and the C:G ratio were significantly affected by salt at 4.0 mS cm-1. Salt induced the development of capitates trichomes. The abaxial leaf surface had a higher number of trichomes than the adaxial leaf surface. A strong polynomial (r2=0.97) relationship was found between capitates trichomes and salt levels. High densities of capitates trichomes were found at high salt level of 4.0 mS cm-1. Although the development of asciiform trichomes was induced, it was at an insignificant level. Trichome densities are therefore not affected by salt. It was therefore concluded that the application of 5.3 mmol K L-1 concentration and the use of 5 L potting bags improves the yield and oil quality of rose geranium. It was evident from this study that rose geranium might Salt induced have some degree of tolerance to salt. It was therefore concluded that rose geranium is a moderately salt-sensitive crop.

Thesis (M. Ed.) Humanities)) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2013 / In this study, the researcher used literature review and empirical investigation to: * establish management styles that are adopted in both effective and ineffective secondary schools; * examine the main causes of secondary schools’ ineffectiveness; and * determine and recommend guidelines for the effective implementation of participative management styles in ineffective secondary schools. The research method consisted of an investigation in which a sample of two hundred educators in Lejweleputswa district in the Free State was involved. In order to determine the effective ways of managing ineffective secondary schools, each respondent completed a questionnaire. The empirical research was undertaken to gather information that could provide answers to the following research questions: * What management styles are adopted in both effective and ineffective secondary schools? * What are the main causes of ineffectiveness in secondary schools? * In what way can participative management styles change the status of ineffective secondary schools? The literature survey conducted by the researcher showed that leadership styles that are used as a measure for the effective management of secondary schools are effective. Effective management is developed and enhanced with the use of various leadership styles. The empirical investigation shows that: * educational activities presented are learner-centred * learner development is promoted through a well-designed academic programme * learner performance is regularly monitored * schools show appreciation for learners’ effort and success * learning environments are learner-friendly * educators are involved in decisions that have an effect on their employment * educators work together as co-workers to improve on their teaching practices * educators are provided with opportunities to upgrade their teaching skills * school management teams (SMT) delegate authority to their subordinates * educators turn teaching and learning into challenges that promote creative problem-solving skills * educators work effectively with parents and the community * educators do not work in isolation * there is no lack of social interaction among educators * educators do not find it difficult to control classroom events The researcher provided recommendations for the above findings. The recommendations were highlighted in chapter five. These recommendations proved to promote effective ways of managing ineffective secondary schools.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental Health)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Introduction: Drinking water of poor quality can cause a variety of diseases and may even result in death. The impact of poor drinking water is a course for concern even in South Africa. Therefore, the physical, chemical and microbiological drinking water quality was investigated in the peri-urban area of Bainsvlei and the Woodlands Hills Estate in Bloemfontein, Free State. Materials and Methods: The water quality was assessed in 20 identified sampling sites for three series with ten weeks apart. These sites use treated municipal and untreated borehole water for drinking. The determinants analysed for were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, temperature, Ca, Mg, Na, F, Cl, N, SO₄,N, Free chlorine, Al, As, CN, Fe, Mn, Pb, Hg, total coliforms and E. coli. The water samples were collected and analysed on site and in the laboratory. Both the physical and chemical determinants were measured using standard methods whereas the microbiological determinants were measured using the Defined Substrate Technology (DST) method. The measurements were first compared to the SANS 241 (2011) for compliance. The ANOVA tests were used to investigate if any seasonal variations existed in the water quality as well as to compare the levels of the determinants between borehole and municipal water. In the assessment of the overall drinking water quality of different water sampling sites the water quality index (WQI) was used. Results and Discussions: Significant effects were believed to exist if the p-values of the ANOVA and Scheffe tests were at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). The study results revealed that of the four physical determinants that were measured turbidity exceeded the standard in many sampling sites in the three series. Of all the chemical determinants, nitrates exceeded the standard. In the same way coliforms exceeded the standard in a number of sampling sites while E. coli was found in a few sampling sites in the first series. ANOVA tests revealed that seasonal variations existed between pH, EC, temperature, cyanide and iron at a significant level of 5% (p < 0.05) while the Post-hoc Scheffe test further revealed the series in which the effect existed. Similarly, the ANOVA tests revealed that the levels of the determinants between municipal versus borehole varied in pH, EC, Ca, Mg, Na, F, Cl, N, and SO₄ at a significant level of 5% (p < 0.05). The WQI showed that in all the series when combining the good and excellent category season 2 had the highest percentage of 80%, followed by season 3 with 79% and season 1 with 70%. Only borehole sampling sites were found in the poor, very poor and unsuitable categories. Similarly all the highest WQI values were found in borehole sampling sites. Conclusion: This study revealed that the water quality is of good quality in the Bainsvlei and Woodlands Hills Estate of the Mangaung metropolitan municipality in Bloemfontein, in the Free State, South Africa. The presence of E. coli, though found in a few sampling sites and the high levels of turbidity, nitrates and coliforms are of concern to public health.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Education)) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2013 / This study investigates current pedagogical practices in teaching in English as a language of learning and instruction. The study seeks to examine whether current teachers are in need of re-training or whether they possess relevant content pedagogical knowledge to use English as a medium of instruction. At present, the Governing Bodies of schools have the authority to choose the language of learning and instruction according to the provisions of the Constitution.The language chosen as the medium is critical since it assumes the role of mediator between text and learner, and teacher and learner. The research uses the interpretive paradigm and in particular engages (Vygotsky 1978) and Chomsky (1986) as theorists of language acquisition who write from a constructivist perspective. Methods of data collection are drawn largely from the qualitative methods and to a lesser extent from quantitative methods. Instruments for data collection included questionnaires, interviews and lesson observations. The research study focuses on foundation phase teachers and learners in four purposefully selected schools, comprising former Model C and public township primary schools. The findings of the study suggest that learners, especially from township schools, find it difficult to learn in English as a medium of instruction probably because of limited exposure to English in both the school and home environment. On the contrary, learners from former Model C schools seem to be at an advantage because they use English in all spheres of school life, in and out of the class, resulting in more exposure and repetition. The findings seem to indicate that teachers‘ limited proficiency in English negatively affects quality of pedagogical practises in the language of learning and instruction. Lesson observations support findings that teachers‘ limited proficiency do affect education. This study further suggests that most non-native English teachers are inadequately prepared to use English as the medium of instruction. This inadequacy consequently results in some teachers failing to meet the language-related needs of learners due to their limited proficiency in the language of learning. This point is demonstrated by evidence from the observed lessons, recorded interviews and reviewed literature. The study further reveals that most teachers have difficulties with pronunciations, terms and vocabulary appropriate for grade two learners in this instance. Additionally, four factors affecting pedagogic practises were reflected in the study. These were class inequalities, different distribution of knowledge, differences in access to knowledge and social class differences. These factors were experienced through different pedagogic practices employed by different participants.

Full Thesis / Thesis (Ph.D.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2006. / South Africa has a shortage of SMTs with well-honed management skills. SMTs are working under the most difficult conditions, especially during the transformation process in education. They are often not well-prepared for tasks they must perform and are neither given sufficient training. The focus of this research is to examine the role of HODs in the management of HRD. The EMD curriculum delivery nexus prompts the need to examine curriculum and education management and development, theories, practices and policies that support the implementation of the curriculum. HODs that are determined to build learning organisations should be able to create a culture of collaborative learning, where the acquisition of skills and knowledge is seen as an investment for the future. For transformation to take place in schools, educators should become major focal points for producing the momentum for change. Educational transformation and curriculum change development is taking place at a rapid pace. The whole transformation process is characterised by policy formulation rather than policy implementation. The concern is that the state of readiness of implementation at school level has not been investigated. The establishment of sound legal and regulatory framework to facilitate the transformation process can only become effective if schools are ready for the implementation of the new curriculum. A qualitative research methodology was employed for this study. The key objective of the research was to elicit the perceptions, by means of questionnaires and interviews, that educators and SMTs have of the role that HODs play on the management of HRD to support curriculum change, development and delivery, as well as the role of District Officials in this regard. The population of this study consisted of educators from primary schools in three education districts in the Free State province. The sample employed in this study consisted of sixty educators, including Heads of Department (HODs). Twenty educators per education district were randomly selected. It is evident that HODs require competencies such as staff provisioning, maintaining good human relations and providing an intensive HRD programme so that they manage educators effectively, which, in turn will result in their effective management of departments. The recommendations of this study are incorporated in a Human Resource Development (HRD) programme put forward by the researcher to add to the current body of knowledge in Human Resource Management in Education.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Design and Studio Art)) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014 / This quantitative research project investigates the utilization of emerging technologies within the arts with a view on establishing an interdisciplinary approach between ceramics and engineering. The traditional manufacturing method of producing master moulds is a time-consuming process for the studio ceramicist. This study explores whether computer-aided design (CAD) and computer numerical control (CNC) milling can accelerate the design and manufacturing process when developing master moulds as an alternative to using traditional methods. It investigates whether SolidWorks® can be applied as a suitable CAD design tool for the creation of ceramic vessel forms in order to reduce the design development time frame. It furthermore investigates whether CNC milling can be used as a viable manufacturing technology for the making of vessel prototypes and master moulds from CAD data, the overall objective being to improve and accelerate the plaster of Paris master mould manufacturing process for the batch production of studio-based ceramic artefacts. Findings from this study indicate that emerging technologies have a lot to offer the artist when it comes to providing new possibilities for the creation of artefacts and that SolidWorks® and CNC milling can be utilized as a viable interdisciplinary manufacturing approach between ceramics and digital manufacturing technologies.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical Technology)) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, [2014] / Pica is the habitual eating of non-food substances by humans and animals. It has different subgroups and these are defined by the ingested substance. Moreover, geophagia is a type of pica that refers to the consistent eating of mostly earth and earth-like substances such as clay and soil. It is observed in both sexes, all age groups and in different ethnic groups around the world. There are many reasons people give for the practice of geophagia, such as culture, hunger and health being the most prominent. Geophagic materials differ in texture, colour and taste. Soil colour classification according to the Munsell soil classification, which uses hues, values and chroma, sometimes differ with the soil colour being noticeable with the naked eye. However, geophagic clays from Qwa-Qwa are white and contain kaoline. Geophagic materials are believed to augment mineral deficiency, especially magnesium, calcium and iron. Geophagia is practised mainly by females, especially during their child bearing years. Females are more prone to iron deficiency anaemia due to their monthly menstruation cycle. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia and is classified as hypochromic microcytic anaemia (HMA). This study focused on the health aspect of geophagia. The research question seeks to explore whether there is an association between geophagia and the haematological parameters of iron deficiency anaemia. Geophagia seems to be linked with the occurrence of anaemia, but not iron deficiency anaemia, although it is implied. It is not known if the practice of geophagia causes iron deficiency anaemia or if it is because of iron deficiency anaemia that people practise geophagia. A pilot study was done in 2007, and the results of that study prompted that this study be performed on a bigger scale. The lack of information regarding the quantity, frequency and type of geophagic material consumed the impact of geophagia on haematological parameters and the iron status of the geophagists made it important that the primary existence of the iii relationship be investigated. In addition, research to establish whether there is a relationship between geophagia and haematological parameters of iron deficiency anaemia, has not been undertaken in South Africa, especially on non-pregnant women. Geophagia seems to always be accompanied by the subject of iron deficiency anaemia and especially its prevalence in females. The bigger geophagia project was therefore an ideal opportunity to do a specific survey on geophagic women. This was a cross-sectional study, consisting of 36 control women and 47 geophagic women, aged between 18-45 years. The participants completed a questionnaire to determine the geophagic practices, which included the colour of the clay, how frequent the clay was consumed, how much was consumed and for how long it has been consumed. Nutritional status was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Blood was drawn to assess the haematological and iron status of the participants. The participants of the study were within the required age range, with no significant difference between the groups (p-value=0.7914). The most consumed colour of clay was white and white clay contains kaoline, which has the ability to absorb iron in the duodenum. The majority of the participants consumed 40 grams of clay on a daily basis, with most of the participants having done so for 5 years. Diet was ruled out as the cause of iron deficiency. The haematological parameters indicated that the geophagic group (43%) were inclined to have hypochromic microcytic anaemia, while a small percentage of control groups (8%) had HMA; this was revealed by the red cell parameters and red cell indices. In addition, the odds ratio for the haematological results revealed that the probability of a geophagic person developing anaemia was two times greater than that of a non-geophagic person. Platelet results partially ruled out bleeding as a cause of anaemia. The median red cell distribution width indicated that the iv geophagic group was inclined to have anisocytosis. The geophagic group was found to have iron deficiency (75%), whilst the control group had a small percentage with iron deficiency (22%), which was validated by the serum ferritin, serum iron and saturated transferrin (chemical analysis). The odds ratio revealed that the probability of a geophagic person being iron deficient is 3 times greater than that of a non-geophagic person. The strongest association is seen with iron study findings, because being iron deficient showed the highest odd ratio than the association with red cell morphology and even haemoglobin. Thus, participants were more iron deficient than suffering from iron deficiency anaemia. Inflammatory and parasitic indicators proved that inflammation and infection was uncommon in both groups, and therefore did not compromise the credibility of the iron study results. Inflammatory indicators (white blood cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein) ruled out inflammation, whilst eosinophil count showed no indication of parasitic infection for both geophagic and control groups. To conclude, the study found that an association exists between geophagia and haematological parameters of iron deficiency anaemia amongst geophagic women in Qwa-Qwa, in that geophagic material contributes to iron deficiency anaemia.

Thesis (D. Phil. (Humanities)) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013 / The purpose of this study was to assess the science teaching efficacy of the Physical Science teachers in the secondary schools of the Free State province of the Republic of South Africa. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to gather data for this study. It was aimed at determining the effect of the demographic factors and the teachers’ level of preparedness regarding content knowledge and assessment skills on science teaching efficacy. The sample consisted of 190 Physical Science teachers. Two instruments were used to collect data: (1) A self-constructed questionnaire with the Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument for in-service teachers (STEBI-A) modified for this study, and (2) Semi-structured interviews. Teachers’ biographical data and level of preparedness to teach Science were assessed against the two sub-scales of Personal Science Teaching Efficacy (PSTE) and Science Teaching Outcome Expectancy (STOE). Analysis of data was by basic statistics, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS 20.0. Qualitative data were transcribed and categorised into emerging themes. Analysis of the self-efficacy survey indicated highly positive self-efficacy beliefs expressed by most of the practising secondary school teachers in regards to Science teaching. Teachers believe in their own teaching abilities (Personal Science Teaching Efficacy beliefs) and they believe learners’ learning can be influenced by effective teaching (Science Teaching Outcome Expectancy beliefs). In addition, analyses of data on the respondents’ level of preparedness to teach Science indicated a high level of self-rated Science knowledge, with higher confidence levels in Physics than in Chemistry among in-service secondary teachers. MANOVA analysis indicated that teachers’ gender, teaching experience, professional and academic qualifications, Chemistry and Physics content knowledge, frequency of practical work, and confidence in conducting experiments played a significant role in the collective dependent variables, while the grades teachers taught, their age and learner assessments did not. Analysis further indicated that secondary school teachers with a B.Sc (Ed) degree had significantly stronger STOE than teachers with any other professional qualifications. vi There was a significant difference between males and females in the STOE sub-scale scores (F=6.139; p=0.014) with males scoring higher than females; but no significant difference between males and females in the PSTE sub-scale scores (F=5.925; p=0.667). Moreover, teachers with at most five years and at least 16 years of teaching experience had significantly higher PSTE scores than teachers with different years of teaching experience. Furthermore, analyses of the level of preparedness in conducting practical work indicated that respondents were more confident to conduct Physics experiments than Chemistry experiments. In-service secondary Science teachers believed that assessment is an important and integral aspect of teaching and learning, hence they utilised a variety of assessment modes in their classroom. It is recommended that further study should include a test in content knowledge, so that teachers can be assessed to confirm their confidence in content knowledge, rather than allowing them to rate themselves without an actual test. Moreover, qualitative studies may be conducted to support teachers’ self-report measures, such as classroom observations, in order to gain in-depth data about teachers’ efficacy beliefs. If more research is conducted on the self-efficacy beliefs of in-service Science teachers at secondary school level, the curriculum of teacher training programmes could be developed and structured further, there could be more understanding on what pre-service teachers face - this will help to understand how to motivate teachers to teach Science.