The low physical activity (PA) levels of children have become a national public health concern in South Africa. Moreover, the quality of Physical Education (PE) in South African schools has been compromised by challenges resulting from the subject’s reintroduction after a long absence from the school curriculum. Up to date no study has investigated the effects of a quality PE programme, within the prescriptions of the South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), on the PA and fitness levels of twelve to thirteen years old South African children. Furthermore, no PA measuring instrument exists that has been validated specifically for South African children of this age group, with which to conduct such a study. The objectives of this study were therefore, firstly, to validate a standardised PA questionnaire for Grade 7 learners in a South African context; secondly, to evaluate the effects of an enhanced quality PE programme presented by well-trained teachers, on the PA levels, and thirdly on the physical and motor fitness of Grade 7 learners in Potchefstroom, South Africa. For the first objective, 108 schoolchildren aged twelve to thirteen years (boys, n=45; girls, n=63) from two primary schools in Potchefstroom participated in this study to validate the Children’s Leisure Activities Study Survey (CLASS) for children in a South African context. Test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was examined with an interval of 3 weeks, while validity was assessed by comparing measurements of the reported minutes in PAs from questionnaire responses with ten physical fitness parameters using the Eurofit test battery. Data analysis included Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, paired t-test and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and Spearman correlation coefficients (r). The results showed substantial internal consistency and significant intra-class correlations estimates for all intensities of PA and sedentary time (ST). Non-significant differences were found in the means of test and retest measurements. Aerobic fitness was significantly correlated with all intensities of PA and ST, and the results of several of the other fitness tests had significant associations with vigorous PA. For the fulfillment of the second and the third objectives, 110 Grade 7 learners (experimental school, n = 40; control schools, n = 70) were studied. The twelve-week PE intervention programme was presented according to the prescriptions of the CAPS which allocates one hour per week to PE, but included 5 quality-enhancing components namely well-trained teachers, homework activities, a reward system, improvised apparatus and the monitoring of activity intensity. Data was collected by means of the validated CLASS questionnaire, anthropometric measurements as well as physical and motor fitness tests, by means of the Eurofit test battery. Data analysis included Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, a series of analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), Tukey’s post hoc analysis, and interpreting effect sizes for practical significance. The results showed practically and statistically significant increases in moderate PA, vigorous PA, and total PA as well as decreases in sedentary behaviours. Furthermore, the learners’ data on physical and motor fitness levels showed statistically significant improvements among most of the experimental groups with regard to six of the ten fitness parameters. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the enhanced quality PE programme is effective in improving the PA, physical and motor fitness levels of South African primary school children. Therefore it is recommended that PE programmes in South Africa include the quality-enhancing components used in this intervention programme. Moreover, the modified CLASS questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure of PA among South African Grade 7 schoolchildren. / PhD (Human Movement Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The low physical activity (PA) levels of children have become a national public health concern in South Africa. Moreover, the quality of Physical Education (PE) in South African schools has been compromised by challenges resulting from the subject’s reintroduction after a long absence from the school curriculum. Up to date no study has investigated the effects of a quality PE programme, within the prescriptions of the South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), on the PA and fitness levels of twelve to thirteen years old South African children. Furthermore, no PA measuring instrument exists that has been validated specifically for South African children of this age group, with which to conduct such a study. The objectives of this study were therefore, firstly, to validate a standardised PA questionnaire for Grade 7 learners in a South African context; secondly, to evaluate the effects of an enhanced quality PE programme presented by well-trained teachers, on the PA levels, and thirdly on the physical and motor fitness of Grade 7 learners in Potchefstroom, South Africa. For the first objective, 108 schoolchildren aged twelve to thirteen years (boys, n=45; girls, n=63) from two primary schools in Potchefstroom participated in this study to validate the Children’s Leisure Activities Study Survey (CLASS) for children in a South African context. Test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was examined with an interval of 3 weeks, while validity was assessed by comparing measurements of the reported minutes in PAs from questionnaire responses with ten physical fitness parameters using the Eurofit test battery. Data analysis included Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, paired t-test and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and Spearman correlation coefficients (r). The results showed substantial internal consistency and significant intra-class correlations estimates for all intensities of PA and sedentary time (ST). Non-significant differences were found in the means of test and retest measurements. Aerobic fitness was significantly correlated with all intensities of PA and ST, and the results of several of the other fitness tests had significant associations with vigorous PA. For the fulfillment of the second and the third objectives, 110 Grade 7 learners (experimental school, n = 40; control schools, n = 70) were studied. The twelve-week PE intervention programme was presented according to the prescriptions of the CAPS which allocates one hour per week to PE, but included 5 quality-enhancing components namely well-trained teachers, homework activities, a reward system, improvised apparatus and the monitoring of activity intensity. Data was collected by means of the validated CLASS questionnaire, anthropometric measurements as well as physical and motor fitness tests, by means of the Eurofit test battery. Data analysis included Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, a series of analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), Tukey’s post hoc analysis, and interpreting effect sizes for practical significance. The results showed practically and statistically significant increases in moderate PA, vigorous PA, and total PA as well as decreases in sedentary behaviours. Furthermore, the learners’ data on physical and motor fitness levels showed statistically significant improvements among most of the experimental groups with regard to six of the ten fitness parameters. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the enhanced quality PE programme is effective in improving the PA, physical and motor fitness levels of South African primary school children. Therefore it is recommended that PE programmes in South Africa include the quality-enhancing components used in this intervention programme. Moreover, the modified CLASS questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure of PA among South African Grade 7 schoolchildren. / PhD (Human Movement Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Explicating the nature and concomitants of eudaimonic well-being is currently at the forefront of research on a fulfilling life and functioning well. However, the strength of research conducted on constructs is dependent on the quality of instrumentation. In view of this notion, Waterman et al. (2010) developed the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being (QEWB) to operationalise their conceptualisation of eudaimonic well-being and explored the scale’s validity in American student samples. In particular, they confirmed a good fit of a unidimensional factor structure by using parcelled indicators in confirmatory factor analysis. Research on the applicability of this measure within the other cultural contexts needs to take cognisance of aspects such as conceptual equivalence, translation issues, and validity criteria. To contribute to the adaptation of the QEWB for the multilingual South African context, the aim of this study was to explore the structural and external validity of English, Afrikaans, and Setswana versions of the QEWB. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey design was used for data gathering. The sample (n = 975) consisted of students from a large university in South Africa, who completed either the English (n = 325), Afrikaans (n = 478), or Setswana (n = 172) version of the scale. To investigate the structural validity of the scale, descriptive statistics, reliability coefficients, and the scale’s factor structure were scrutinised. Regarding the latter, confirmatory factor analyses with both parcel- and item-level indicators, as well as principal component analyses were examined to assess the fit of a one-factor model. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted to further explore the dimensionality of the scale. External validity was examined by considering the attenuation corrected correlational patterns between scores on the QEWB and measures of well-being and ill-being. Results showed that item- and scale-level scores were mostly negatively skewed, with high average scores. Internal consistency reliability statistics indicated satisfactory reliability, except for a small mean interitem correlation for the Setswana instrument. Although adequate goodness of fit statistics of parcel-level confirmatory factor analyses supported Waterman et al.’s (2010) notion of a one-factor structure, the assumption of unidimensionality within parcels was not satisfied, which suggested that these analyses could have masked multidimensionality. A lack of fit of the one-factor model was shown by a number of small or negative interitem and item-total correlations, insufficient fit indices for item-level confirmatory factor analyses, and a small proportion of variance explained by the first unrotated component in principal component analysis. Exploratory factor analyses indicated a three-factor model, where the factors Sense of Purpose, Active Involvement in Beliefs, and Effortful Engagement were distinguished. For the English scale, a four-factor model was also sensible. Items that may need modification for the current context were identified. Support for convergent and discriminant validity was established. This study contributed to a further validation of the QEWB and highlighted its multidimensional structure for the groups involved. Further evaluation of the scale on conceptual and empirical levels is indicated, also specifically for applicability within the South African multilingual context. / Thesis (MSc (Clinical Psychology)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Explicating the nature and concomitants of eudaimonic well-being is currently at the forefront of research on a fulfilling life and functioning well. However, the strength of research conducted on constructs is dependent on the quality of instrumentation. In view of this notion, Waterman et al. (2010) developed the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being (QEWB) to operationalise their conceptualisation of eudaimonic well-being and explored the scale’s validity in American student samples. In particular, they confirmed a good fit of a unidimensional factor structure by using parcelled indicators in confirmatory factor analysis. Research on the applicability of this measure within the other cultural contexts needs to take cognisance of aspects such as conceptual equivalence, translation issues, and validity criteria. To contribute to the adaptation of the QEWB for the multilingual South African context, the aim of this study was to explore the structural and external validity of English, Afrikaans, and Setswana versions of the QEWB. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey design was used for data gathering. The sample (n = 975) consisted of students from a large university in South Africa, who completed either the English (n = 325), Afrikaans (n = 478), or Setswana (n = 172) version of the scale. To investigate the structural validity of the scale, descriptive statistics, reliability coefficients, and the scale’s factor structure were scrutinised. Regarding the latter, confirmatory factor analyses with both parcel- and item-level indicators, as well as principal component analyses were examined to assess the fit of a one-factor model. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted to further explore the dimensionality of the scale. External validity was examined by considering the attenuation corrected correlational patterns between scores on the QEWB and measures of well-being and ill-being. Results showed that item- and scale-level scores were mostly negatively skewed, with high average scores. Internal consistency reliability statistics indicated satisfactory reliability, except for a small mean interitem correlation for the Setswana instrument. Although adequate goodness of fit statistics of parcel-level confirmatory factor analyses supported Waterman et al.’s (2010) notion of a one-factor structure, the assumption of unidimensionality within parcels was not satisfied, which suggested that these analyses could have masked multidimensionality. A lack of fit of the one-factor model was shown by a number of small or negative interitem and item-total correlations, insufficient fit indices for item-level confirmatory factor analyses, and a small proportion of variance explained by the first unrotated component in principal component analysis. Exploratory factor analyses indicated a three-factor model, where the factors Sense of Purpose, Active Involvement in Beliefs, and Effortful Engagement were distinguished. For the English scale, a four-factor model was also sensible. Items that may need modification for the current context were identified. Support for convergent and discriminant validity was established. This study contributed to a further validation of the QEWB and highlighted its multidimensional structure for the groups involved. Further evaluation of the scale on conceptual and empirical levels is indicated, also specifically for applicability within the South African multilingual context. / Thesis (MSc (Clinical Psychology)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The telecommunication industry is dominating the world. Most recently there have been technological advancements made in mobile telecommunication. There are currently a few telecommunication organizations in South Africa. These organizations each have their own unique approach to service delivery. The strong competitive nature of the telecommunication industry is taking telecommunications in South Africa to greater heights. All these advancements necessitate the need for better security and controls of the telecommunications networks. RICA legislation was brought into effect to accomplish just this. The research focuses on the contingent use of systems development methodologies in the telecommunication industry in South Africa. The study determines how these telecommunication organizations choose a systems development methodology when developing systems. This study looks at how these organizations are currently implementing system development methodologies to keep up with the changes and competition within the industry. An interpretive approach was used to conduct the research. Four of the leading telecommunication organizations in South Africa were studied by using case studies. Each case study focused on a single telecommunication organization to gain in depth data regarding the use of systems development methodologies. The case studies were conducted by using structured interviews to gain data from multiple sources within the organizations. The data was analyzed using ATLAS.ti and a cross case analysis was done to answer the research questions. The results indicate that there is a contingent use of systems development methodologies within telecommunication organizations. The telecommunication organizations each use criteria to determine which systems development methodology to use. The results of the study indicate that there are different levels of contingency, and it examines how this is accomplished by each organization individually. Each of the organizations has a unique approach when selecting systems development methodologies. The systems development methodologies that are used by the telecommunication organizations are also tailored in some cases. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The telecommunication industry is dominating the world. Most recently there have been technological advancements made in mobile telecommunication. There are currently a few telecommunication organizations in South Africa. These organizations each have their own unique approach to service delivery. The strong competitive nature of the telecommunication industry is taking telecommunications in South Africa to greater heights. All these advancements necessitate the need for better security and controls of the telecommunications networks. RICA legislation was brought into effect to accomplish just this. The research focuses on the contingent use of systems development methodologies in the telecommunication industry in South Africa. The study determines how these telecommunication organizations choose a systems development methodology when developing systems. This study looks at how these organizations are currently implementing system development methodologies to keep up with the changes and competition within the industry. An interpretive approach was used to conduct the research. Four of the leading telecommunication organizations in South Africa were studied by using case studies. Each case study focused on a single telecommunication organization to gain in depth data regarding the use of systems development methodologies. The case studies were conducted by using structured interviews to gain data from multiple sources within the organizations. The data was analyzed using ATLAS.ti and a cross case analysis was done to answer the research questions. The results indicate that there is a contingent use of systems development methodologies within telecommunication organizations. The telecommunication organizations each use criteria to determine which systems development methodology to use. The results of the study indicate that there are different levels of contingency, and it examines how this is accomplished by each organization individually. Each of the organizations has a unique approach when selecting systems development methodologies. The systems development methodologies that are used by the telecommunication organizations are also tailored in some cases. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) identifies the intended and unintended impacts that proposed projects or developments are likely to have on a community or individuals and suggest mitigation measures to prevent these impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The main aim of this dissertation is to explore the significance and the status of SIA in a South African context. EIA is currently in its third era of mandatory practice and with an increasing number of SIAs, it is essential that the practice of SIA should be investigated. The aim of this dissertation was firstly reached by exploring the perspectives of SIA practitioners in South Africa through a questionnaire. The practitioners’ perspectives showed that despite distinct weaknesses in the practice of SIA, i.e. the lack of a fixed set of guidelines and a shortage of SIA skill in the practitioner community, SIA practice has improved since 1997 with the promulgation of ECA, although there is still room for improvement. Secondly a quality review was conducted on a sample of SIARs in South Africa using an adapted review package. The results revealed relatively weak report quality compared to EIA report quality, but with an improvement, in report quality since 1997. The quality review findings appear to confirm the perspectives of the practitioners regarding the state of SIA practice in South Africa. Despite the weaknesses in the SIA process, it appears that the SIA practitioner community is driven by best practice considerations, and that SIA practice is in line with international trends. It appears therefore that despite the observed weaknesses, SIA practice in South Africa is relatively healthy. It is recommended that instead of seeking to strengthen SIA practice by means of regulation and guidelines, SIA practitioners should rather ensure that SIA delivers what it is intended to deliver by ongoing pursuance of best practice, and by improved training and skills development. / Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This study focuses on the skills and needs of forensic social workers, working with alleged child sexual abuse in the Western Cape. Forensic social work is based on specialised knowledge drawn from established principles and their application within proven methodology of training, familiarity with the law, evaluation and objective criteria associated with treatment outcomes. The scope of forensic social work thus includes a specialised skill where human service systems communicate the language in the context of legal systems. This means that the forensic process must withstand critical review and rebuttal from opposing parties in a legal system. It is evident that a forensic social worker needs to have specialised training and specific skills, focusing on forensic investigative interviews, all aspects of child sexual abuse and how the South African justice system operates. Without these skills, the legal process may not be successful and the prevention of child sexual abuse not as successful as it might otherwise be. The general aim of the study was to analyse the skills and needs of social workers assessing allegations of child sexual abuse in order to assist organisations working in the field of forensic social work by improving their support training practices in forensic social work. The researcher used a quantitative descriptive design also known as a survey design. This design usually makes use of a questionnaire as a data collection method and nineteen (19) respondents were selected according to a randomised method of sampling. The findings form part of a list of recommendations to participating welfare organisations. / Thesis (MSc (Physiology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The need for information systems has increased to a point where virtually all business environments require some sort of software to aid in its daily operations. This study will address the need for quality information systems by examining techniques which can potentially aid in producing consistent high-quality information systems. Two techniques in particular, namely Process Maturity Models (PMMs) and Systems Development Methodologies (SDMs) are examined. Process Maturity Models such as the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) as well as the ISO-9000 standards aid in standardising and improving an organisation’s information systems development processes. These Process Maturity Models often require either the use of certain Systems Development Methodologies or at the very least techniques used within some Systems Development Methodologies. Systems Development Methodologies refer to a set of development processes, tools, techniques etc. which can be used during software development to standardise the entire development process by offering the use of modelling techniques, tools to analyse requirements, illustration of processes etc. These techniques differ from one Systems Development Methodology to the next. This study aims to identify the relationship between Process Maturity Models and Systems Development Methodologies. During the research process a questionnaire was sent out to people within the information technology business environment. The questionnaire contained questions used to determine and measure the usage of Systems Development Methodologies and how projects were affected. The questionnaire was also used to do an informal assessment of each respondent’s Capability Maturity Model level. Furthermore the data retrieved was statistically analysed and the results were interpreted. The results indicate that a relationship exists between the use of SDMs and the success of the respondent’s development processes and developed products. A total of 73% of respondents indicated that they do use SDMs to some extent, the most common being the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC). The majority of organizations implementing SDMs have been doing so for three years or more. Results also show that most of the respondents are not certified in some formal Process Maturity Model; however, they do implement some of the processes required by models such as the CMMI. An informal assessment performed indicated that 65% of respondents can be grouped into a perceived CMMI level 2 category. Project outcome was measured and the relationship between PMM implementation as well as SDM use was measured. Results show no statistical evidence which indicates that an organisation’s perceived CMMI level is influenced by SDM use, both vertically and horizontally. Results do, however, indicate that organizations which have been implementing SDMs for a longer period of time are more likely to apply CMMI level 4 activities. Results also indicate that the horizontal use (number of projects/people which implement SDM knowledge) of SDMs have a significant effect on the development process- and the developed product success. Lastly the results indicated that organizations which satisfy more of the CMMI’s level 4 activities experience a higher quality development process which leads to a more successful development process. / Thesis (MSc (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) identifies the intended and unintended impacts that proposed projects or developments are likely to have on a community or individuals and suggest mitigation measures to prevent these impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The main aim of this dissertation is to explore the significance and the status of SIA in a South African context. EIA is currently in its third era of mandatory practice and with an increasing number of SIAs, it is essential that the practice of SIA should be investigated. The aim of this dissertation was firstly reached by exploring the perspectives of SIA practitioners in South Africa through a questionnaire. The practitioners’ perspectives showed that despite distinct weaknesses in the practice of SIA, i.e. the lack of a fixed set of guidelines and a shortage of SIA skill in the practitioner community, SIA practice has improved since 1997 with the promulgation of ECA, although there is still room for improvement. Secondly a quality review was conducted on a sample of SIARs in South Africa using an adapted review package. The results revealed relatively weak report quality compared to EIA report quality, but with an improvement, in report quality since 1997. The quality review findings appear to confirm the perspectives of the practitioners regarding the state of SIA practice in South Africa. Despite the weaknesses in the SIA process, it appears that the SIA practitioner community is driven by best practice considerations, and that SIA practice is in line with international trends. It appears therefore that despite the observed weaknesses, SIA practice in South Africa is relatively healthy. It is recommended that instead of seeking to strengthen SIA practice by means of regulation and guidelines, SIA practitioners should rather ensure that SIA delivers what it is intended to deliver by ongoing pursuance of best practice, and by improved training and skills development. / Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013