The aims of this research were to investigate, by means of both literature review and empirical research, the incidence and manifestation of conduct disorders among adolescents growing up in the Vaal Triangle townships, with a view to suggesting a psycho-social intervention programme to help them learn life-skills which will decrease their susceptibility to depression and anxiety. According to the literature findings, depression and anxiety co-occur with conduct disorders during adolescence. An intervention progamme can therefore help these learner adolescents develop effective coping skills to help them deal with environmental factors that cause stress, depression and anxiety. The findings from the literature review revealed that adolescence is the highest risk period for the onset of conduct disorders such as, inter alia, substance use disorders, aggressiveness, destruction of property, defiance of authority, frightening and disturbing of adults, fighting, bullying, lying, destructiveness and defiance. The conduct problems also include the more or less troublesome and involuntary behaviours commonly associated with adolescence such as tempertantrums, bouts of screaming and crying, surliness and episodes of commanding or pestering behaviour. The co-occurrence of depression, anxiety and conduct disorders in adolescents was, according to various researchers, also associated with more severe alcohol and drug-related problems, more prolonged depressive and anxiety episodes and increased frequency of behavioural problems, more severe impairment in interpersonal and academic competencies, increased utilization of mental health services, as well as elevated risk of suicide. The literature also revealed that the period of adolescence is also marked by conflicting feelings about security and independence, rapid physical changes, developing sexuality, peer pressure and self-consciousness. This becomes a time of rapid physiological and psychological changes, of intensive re -adjustment to the family, school, work and social life and of preparation for adult roles. These changes are noticeable for their conduct disorders and behavioural accompaniments, and problems arising at this time may attract attention because the adolescent"s conduct and behaviour become obtrusive in the school and the home or elsewhere and evoke a sense of urgency for response. Effective support programmes such as individual educational support and group educational support were regarded by the literature as having the efficacy to prevent the development of conduct disorders. The empirical research findings revealed that adolescent participants who formed the population sample of this research were aggressive; characterized by risky behaviour such as staying with friends until very late at night and coming to school carrying a knife and bullying other children in class; deceitfulness or theft which manifested in the form of stealing from other children's schoolbags, stealing food and pens, and lying; serious violation of rules such as being disruptive in class, bunking school, and not coming to school regularly, conflict with parents, educators and others which manifests in the form of always being in trouble for beating up other learners in class, especially those that are younger, and being rebellious at home, mood disruptions such as bursting in anger, aggressive, being happy one moment and then angry and sad the next, and poor performance at school resulting in failing grades. Recommendations for educational practice and further research were made. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

The adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning tools has improved business processes in organisations. This increase has, however come with challenges for the small and medium business sector. First the adoption and deployment of proprietary ERP comes at great cost for organisations whilst it is also difficult for the organisations to ensure that scalability is introduced due to the dynamic change in the SME sector. The adoption and use of open source ERP tools then presents an opportunity for the SME sector. The usage of open source software has increased over the years. This increase has also extended to open source ERP tools. These tools offer the same functions as the proprietary at a fraction of the cost. Despite the benefits that open source ERP offers diffusion of this technology into the SME sector in South Africa has been minimal. This means the SME sector in South Africa is not benefiting from the widely available cost effective open source ERP available in the market. An opportunity therefore exists for them to utilise the technology to gain competitive advantage. The research was done primarily to determine the open source ERP adoption patterns of SMEs in the Vaal region. The research sought to determine the drivers for ERP adoption and barriers to adoption. Focus was specifically extended to investigating knowledge on open source alternatives. The results from the research indicate that the SMEs understand the benefits of adopting ERP for their businesses. The research further revealed that the adoption factors identified in the literature are still relevant in South Africa. The factors identified included costs, lack of training, lack of support, lack of knowledge and the lack of open source vendors. The empirical research also identified that the SME still harbour fear about open source ERP tools due to lack of training ,support and knowledge .From the study it is clear that a new approach needs to be taken to encourage adoption of open source ERP. These approaches include giving incentives to SMEs to adopt open source ERP. These incentives may be in the form of training packages and skills workshops to help overcome the barriers and improve implementation of open source ERP. The research identified the critical need for increased formal education and training in open source software development and emphasis on ERP tools. Government research bodies need to play a role in this area. For an example, there is need for SME and university collaborations in open source ERP deployment, whereby the latter needs to include software development tools in their curricula for SMEs so as to increase awareness. Clear–cut comparisons of existing proprietary systems against open source systems by focusing on functional and technological requirements need to be undertaken. This will help to reflect a cost benefit analysis as well as interoperability between the open source ERP and existing systems. During the adoption process, SME are encouraged to go through the full life cycle of open source ERP adoption. In this cycle the SME needs to do a thorough analysis regarding selection, implementation, integration, migration, training and evaluation of installed tools. That way they will gain the competitive advantage afforded by the tools. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between alcohol advertising and alcohol consumption among the youth in the Vaal triangle, south of Gauteng. The study was conducted in four high schools under Sedibeng West District of the Gauteng Department of Education. A quantitative approach in the form of a questionnaire was used to conduct the research. Results obtained indicated that there is no significant correlation between alcohol advertising and alcohol consumption among the respondents. Drawing on the findings and literature review, recommendations were made to government, the liquor industry and schools that participated in the study. Limitations of the study were identified and recommendations were made for the benefit of future research. The primary and secondary objectives of the study were successfully realised in this study. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between alcohol advertising and alcohol consumption among the youth in the Vaal triangle, south of Gauteng. The study was conducted in four high schools under Sedibeng West District of the Gauteng Department of Education. A quantitative approach in the form of a questionnaire was used to conduct the research. Results obtained indicated that there is no significant correlation between alcohol advertising and alcohol consumption among the respondents. Drawing on the findings and literature review, recommendations were made to government, the liquor industry and schools that participated in the study. Limitations of the study were identified and recommendations were made for the benefit of future research. The primary and secondary objectives of the study were successfully realised in this study. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

One of the important operational and in some cases, also strategic business decisions, is in respect of the investment of funds. Although there are a number of assets to invest in, two particular popular investment asset classes are land and/or property. Land however, is becoming a very scarce resource. It can be argued that many companies investing in the property sectors' main income is generated from the sale of land. A new way of gaining a sustainable income stream is followed. This is done by investing in different kinds of property development projects. One of the problems that companies face is to determine whether a property development project is a good investment, meaning that it will generate sustainable and acceptable profits in the long term. Companies evaluate prospective investment opportunities by assessing whether the expected return, adjusted for project risk, exceeds the company?s required return. Different impact parameters exist and were identified in the study. Valuation methods used in determining the overall feasibility were discussed and evaluated to see the impact on the property development project. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

One of the important operational and in some cases, also strategic business decisions, is in respect of the investment of funds. Although there are a number of assets to invest in, two particular popular investment asset classes are land and/or property. Land however, is becoming a very scarce resource. It can be argued that many companies investing in the property sectors' main income is generated from the sale of land. A new way of gaining a sustainable income stream is followed. This is done by investing in different kinds of property development projects. One of the problems that companies face is to determine whether a property development project is a good investment, meaning that it will generate sustainable and acceptable profits in the long term. Companies evaluate prospective investment opportunities by assessing whether the expected return, adjusted for project risk, exceeds the company?s required return. Different impact parameters exist and were identified in the study. Valuation methods used in determining the overall feasibility were discussed and evaluated to see the impact on the property development project. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

M.A. (Geography) / Fast growing urbanisation in South Africa has resulted in a shortage of housing. Therefore, a programme of informal housing projects was undertaken. The planning of these informal settlements was detrimental because it was done under crisis management. Informal housing will develop over time to formal urban residence and must therefore be properly planned. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of Orange Farm as an informal housing area. The goal was achieved by concentrating on certain physiographical (geology, soil, relief, vegetation and climate) and human aspects. Certain physiographical and human aspects were superimposed to establish areas suitable for informal settlement development. The process was aided by using a Geographic Information System. The fmding of the study was that no area in Orange Farm was suitable for informal settlement development. Areas of more and less suitability were indicated according to the physiographical aspects. The study stressed the role of the Government in addressing the problems of planning an informal settlement. Proper informal settlement planning is necessary to assure that these settlements can develop into healthy formal settlements with minimal cost and time. This research proposes certain factors to be considered very carefully in the planning of informal settlements, for ego detailed geological surveys, soil surveys, vegetation research, climatological research and assessment of costs to supply the necessary services and infrastructure. The above-mentioned factors must be taken into consideration, and therefore be analysed, for each settlement as well as the demographical, economical and cultural characteristics of the specific population group in the settlement.

Hoër Onderwys in Suid-Afrika is in 'n proses van transformasie. Hierdie transformasie is onder meer as gevolg van internasionale wereldtendense en die historiese agterstande van onderwys in Suid-Afrika. Dit is derhalwe noodsaaklik dat instellings, soos die Oos-Rand Kampus van die Vaaldriehoekse Technikon, strategiese beplanning in sy bestuursaktiwiteite behoort te inkorporeer. Hierdie studie het strategiese bestuur as sentrale tema met komponente in die Filosofiese Antropologie en in Sakebestuur. In hierdie studie is ondersoek gedoen na strategiese bestuur as dialektiese strategiese bestuur met kenmerke van bi-polere, dualistiese en kontensieuse aard. Dit is vanuit hierdie vertrekpunt dat dialektiese strategiese bestuur in die kategoriee van menswees, soos onder meer synsopenheid, dialoog, toekomstigheid, paties-dinamiese gerelasioneerdheid, verbeelding, selfbewussyn, waardes en vryheid en besluitneming, gefundeer kan word. Dit kan gekonstateer word dat dialektiese strategiese bestuur 'n menslike aktiwiteit is wat in die Filosofiese Antropologie en in die Aksiologie gefundeer is. 'n Ondersoek is ook geloods na faktore wat die toekomstige strategiese posisie van die Oos-Rand Kampus van die Vaaldriehoekse Technikon kan beinvloed en/of bepaal Internasionale en nasionale onderwysfaktore is ondersoek en 'n nie-empiriese opname is onder personeel, studente en werkgewers uitgevoer om inligting te verkry wat in strategiese bestuur gebruik kan word. Die gevolgtrekkings van hierdie studie is in die vorm van strategiese tendense en 'n moontlike bestuursplan uiteengesit wat as 'n vertrekpunt in 'n strategiese plan vir die Oos-Rand Kampus van die Vaaldriehoekse Technikon gebruik kan word. / Higher Education in South Africa is in a process of transfonnation. This transfonnation is, amongst others, due to the international global tendencies and the historic backlog of education in South Africa It is therefore imperative that institutions, such as the East Rand Campus of the Vaal Triangle Technikon, should incorporate strategic planning in its managerial activities. This study has strategic management as a central theme with components in the Philosophical Anthropology and in Business Management. In this study strategic management has been investigated as dialectic strategic management with characteristics of a bi-polar, dualistic and contention nature. It is from this departure that dialectic strategic management can be funded in the categories of being human, namely openness to being, dialogue, futurity, pathic-dynamic relatedness, imagination, self consciousness, values and freedom and decision making. It can thus be stated that dialectic strategic management is a human activity funded in the Philosophical Anthropology and in the Axiology. An investigation has also been done pertaining factors which can influence and/or determine the future strategic position of the East Rand Campus of the Vaal Triangle Technikon. International and national educational factors have been investigated and a non-empirical survey was made among stafl: students and employers as to obtain infonnation that can be used in strategic management. The conclusion of the study is presented in the form of strategic intents and a probable management plan that can be used as a point of departure in a strategic management plan for the East Rand Campus of the Vaal Triangle Technikon. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Filosofie van die Opvoeding)

Information literacy is a skill and forms the basis for life-long learning. The aim of this study is to investigate the information literacy skills of first year students at the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU), with specific reference to the role of the academic library. The NWU‟s Vaal Triangle Campus Library supports first-year students in their studies by helping them to improve their information skills and teach them to find, evaluate and organise information in different formats. The purpose of this is to help first-year students to find relevant information that meet their information requirements. Students who are information literate not only have the necessary skills; but also have insight, comprehension, and knowledge at their disposal, while being life-long learners. A compulsory literacy module forms part of the curriculum for first-year students at the NWU‟s Vaal Triangle Campus, and is presented by academic staff. The credit-earning module (known as AGLE 121) consists of three components, namely computer and information literacy, reading literacy, and academic literacy. This study focuses on the module for basic information literacy, which is mainly of a theoretical nature. First year students were tested by questionnaires and interviews before and after completion of the information literacy module, to determine what contribution the module makes to their information literacy. This studyconcluded that after completing the information literacy module, first-year students have the theoretical knowledge at their disposal, but still do not know where to find databases or information. The role of the campus library regarding information literacy is to expand and improve students‟ information skills as well as being involved in the planning and development of the information literacy module. A recommendation is made that the information literacy module should already be offered during the first semester (instead of the second semester), so that students can use their information skills effectively for their studies. / Information Science / M. (Information Science)

Hoër Onderwys in Suid-Afrika is in 'n proses van transformasie. Hierdie transformasie is onder meer as gevolg van internasionale wereldtendense en die historiese agterstande van onderwys in Suid-Afrika. Dit is derhalwe noodsaaklik dat instellings, soos die Oos-Rand Kampus van die Vaaldriehoekse Technikon, strategiese beplanning in sy bestuursaktiwiteite behoort te inkorporeer. Hierdie studie het strategiese bestuur as sentrale tema met komponente in die Filosofiese Antropologie en in Sakebestuur. In hierdie studie is ondersoek gedoen na strategiese bestuur as dialektiese strategiese bestuur met kenmerke van bi-polere, dualistiese en kontensieuse aard. Dit is vanuit hierdie vertrekpunt dat dialektiese strategiese bestuur in die kategoriee van menswees, soos onder meer synsopenheid, dialoog, toekomstigheid, paties-dinamiese gerelasioneerdheid, verbeelding, selfbewussyn, waardes en vryheid en besluitneming, gefundeer kan word. Dit kan gekonstateer word dat dialektiese strategiese bestuur 'n menslike aktiwiteit is wat in die Filosofiese Antropologie en in die Aksiologie gefundeer is. 'n Ondersoek is ook geloods na faktore wat die toekomstige strategiese posisie van die Oos-Rand Kampus van die Vaaldriehoekse Technikon kan beinvloed en/of bepaal Internasionale en nasionale onderwysfaktore is ondersoek en 'n nie-empiriese opname is onder personeel, studente en werkgewers uitgevoer om inligting te verkry wat in strategiese bestuur gebruik kan word. Die gevolgtrekkings van hierdie studie is in die vorm van strategiese tendense en 'n moontlike bestuursplan uiteengesit wat as 'n vertrekpunt in 'n strategiese plan vir die Oos-Rand Kampus van die Vaaldriehoekse Technikon gebruik kan word. / Higher Education in South Africa is in a process of transfonnation. This transfonnation is, amongst others, due to the international global tendencies and the historic backlog of education in South Africa It is therefore imperative that institutions, such as the East Rand Campus of the Vaal Triangle Technikon, should incorporate strategic planning in its managerial activities. This study has strategic management as a central theme with components in the Philosophical Anthropology and in Business Management. In this study strategic management has been investigated as dialectic strategic management with characteristics of a bi-polar, dualistic and contention nature. It is from this departure that dialectic strategic management can be funded in the categories of being human, namely openness to being, dialogue, futurity, pathic-dynamic relatedness, imagination, self consciousness, values and freedom and decision making. It can thus be stated that dialectic strategic management is a human activity funded in the Philosophical Anthropology and in the Axiology. An investigation has also been done pertaining factors which can influence and/or determine the future strategic position of the East Rand Campus of the Vaal Triangle Technikon. International and national educational factors have been investigated and a non-empirical survey was made among stafl: students and employers as to obtain infonnation that can be used in strategic management. The conclusion of the study is presented in the form of strategic intents and a probable management plan that can be used as a point of departure in a strategic management plan for the East Rand Campus of the Vaal Triangle Technikon. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Filosofie van die Opvoeding)