Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Department of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In collaboration with LifeLine, Durban University of Technology (DUT) established its first satellite homoeopathic clinic; Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Clinic (UNHC). UNHC serves as a teaching clinic which is part of a Bachelors and Masters of Technology: Homoeopathy programme. It provides a free homoeopathic primary healthcare service at the LifeLine building in Warwick junction, Durban, an area which is classified as being disadvantaged. The area in which UNHC is situated consists primarily of small, informal businesses and low cost housing and experiences high crime rates, prostitution and violence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients’ perception of the services provided by UNHC and to determine how patients are responding to treatment at UNHC so as to try formally quantify the percieved effectiveness of homoeopathy as a form of treatment in the primary healthcare sector. Methodology This study was a quantitative, descriptive survey to determine the patients’ perception of the services provided at UNHC and to determine their response to the homoeopathic treatment received. Non-probability, convenience sampling was applied over a 12 month period (August 2012 – August 2013) in which 44 consenting research participants were recruited. To be included in the study the participants had to be follow-up patients (with an existing file at the UNHC), over 18 years of age and at least conversant in isiZulu or English. Results A data collection tool in the form of a questionnaire was designed to obtain data around a variety of variables pertaining to the patients’ satisfaction of the service provided and response to treatment. The administration and general satisfaction was received with very positive results. Ninety-eight percent of the sample group agreed that the staff at the clinic are polite, quick to help patients and informed the patients of the waiting time for an appointment. Eighty-six percent agreed that the waiting time for an appointment was good enough; however thirty-six percent were dissatisfied with the waiting time for the medication. Sixty-one percent of the participants were satisfied with the clinic offering afternoon only appointments but 32 percent disagreed on the suitability of available times. The category “Professionalism” dealt with the perceptions of the front entrance, waiting room, toilets and treatment rooms as well as the comfort and privacy of the doctor’s rooms. Overall there was a positive perception of these. Twenty-five percent of the sample disagreed that there was enough privacy in the consultation rooms which is a large number. The overall impression of the attending homoeopathic student included perceptions of their appearance, skill, friendliness, manners, organisation, care and confidence. Ninety- seven percent of the research participants had a positive perception of these. All participants perceived the attention given to their case as being either ‘Good’ or ‘Very good’. The main diagnostic group of conditions that presented as primary and secondary complaints were Genitourinary based (34%) followed by gastrointestinal (14%), respiratory (14%) and headaches (11%). The results from the data collected suggest that overall the majority of participants experienced improvement (eighty-two percent of the main complaints and ninety-three percent of the secondary complaints respectively) after receiving treatment from UNHC. In addition, those who experienced improvement attributed such improvement to the homoeopathic treatment they received (100% of those with improved primary complaints and 92% of those with improved secondary complaints). Patients also rated their perceived changes to general state of health, sleep, general well-being, energy, mood, appetite and weight as the holistic nature of homoeopathy aims to achieve improvements in not just the main complaint but in the patients other general health variables as well. The results proved to be positive in this regard as the majority of the participants stated that their general health variables had improved, with 93% agreeing that their overall ‘general well-being’ was either ‘significantly better’ or ‘better’ since receiving treatment. Conclusion This survey was able to provide valuable insight into the participants’ perceptions on the clinic and the use of homoeopathy as a form of treatment in the healthcare sector. It is clear from the results that the patients recruited responded well to the treatment received and furthermore it was encouraging to note that they attributed these improvements to their main complaints, secondary complaints and overall health variables to the homoeopathic treatment they received at UNHC. Patients showed a good level of satisfaction with the clinics location and amenities. What needs to be addressed is the professional appearance of the clinics entrance and waiting room so as to create a good first impression and attract new patients. Privacy during consultations were deemed insufficient by twenty-five of the sample and this could be improved by better training of the student interns and by separating the filing cabinets, clinicians room and dispensary from the consultation rooms. The absence of an elevator at UNHC is concerning as this inhibits access to this facility by disabled patients; efforts to obtain a consultation room on the ground floor is a priority. The waiting time for medication can be improved and reduced by having a second clinician with which the student interns can discuss their cases and treatment methods. Since the implementation of this survey, the operation times of UNHC have changed for 2014. The clinic now operates on a Monday from 08h00-16h00 and a Thursday from 13h00-16h00 which allows for a morning time period in which patients can be seen improving access accordingly. The study showed some very positive results in all aspects. Although limited in terms of sample size, the outcomes of this study are encouraging and support the inclusion of homoeopathy within the public healthcare system of South Africa.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology in Homeopathy, Department of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Brief background The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Homoeopathy in collaboration with Lifeline established a clinic in 2004 located in Warwick Junction, Durban, an area classified as being disadvantaged. The Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) serves as a free primary health care service on the third floor of the Lifeline building in Acorn Road, Warwick Junction, less than one kilometer from the main DUT campus. Aim of the study The study aimed to determine the perceptions of patients after their first Homoeopathic consultation and their satisfaction with service delivery at UNHCC and to assess patients’ knowledge about Homoeopathy. Methodology A quantitative, descriptive, cross sectional study design was used to guide the study. The first 50 new consenting patients were selected using convenience sampling, and answered a self-administered survey questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Excel software and differences between groups were tested using the student t-test. Results The results of the study showed a very high degree of satisfaction with the health care and the service provided. The results also showed that the majority of respondents attended the clinic as a result of the blood pressure drives held by students during the clinic sessions (Monday mornings and afternoons and Thursday afternoons). It is recommended that future studies be of a qualitative nature and with a larger sample size. It is also recommended that the facility be operational on all weekdays which would result in an increase in the patient numbers and would enable further research studies.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In South Africa homoeopathy is relatively unfamiliar, even though it has been in existence with formal qualification from 1989 at the Durban University of Technology, (formerly Durban Institute of Technology and Techikon Natal) as well as the University of Johannesburg formerly Wits Technikon). A large portion of the South African public is unclear with regards to homoeopathic understanding and homoeopathic medicine use. South African studies exploring the perception of homoeopathy have revealed that there is a degree of ignorance or misinterpretation of homeopathy. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the patients’ experiences of homoeopathy, by investigating their experiences of homoeopathic care rendered at a PHC facility in the eThekwini district, namely, the Redhill homoeopathic clinic. This study was guided by the following grand tour question: What are the experiences of patients of homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare clinic in the eThekwini District? Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare facility in the eThekwini district. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the patients’ experiences of homoeopathic care. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 potential research participants from patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Redhill homoeopathic clinic, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were patients who were visiting the Redhill homoeopathic clinic for the second time or more and those who had utilized homoeopathic remedies. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results from this study showed that the study group had knowledge of homoeopathy and that there is growth in the knowledge of homoeopathy as compared to previous studies. The researcher observed that Indian participants had a better understanding of homoeopathy than African participants. Participants showed great confidence in homoeopathy and most of them revealed a high level of satisfaction with the homoeopathic treatment and were very happy with the service delivery. Results showed that there had been an improvement of the patients’ ailments since the commencement of homoeopathic treatment.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirement for the Masters Degree in Technology: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / South Africa is experiencing an expansion of pharmacy chains. Globalization and deregulations have increased competition within the retail pharmacy sector. In this highly competitive sector, the most important strategy for a pharmacy chain to obtain customer satisfaction and maintain market profitability is attributed to customer-focus. The pharmacy chain needs to ensure that the customer remains the cornerstone of their business strategy and that they are able to “delight†the customer. Customer satisfaction has many benefits for the pharmacy chain, such as higher revenues, higher customer retention and increased market shares. Superior service quality and customer satisfaction must be promoted and maintained in order for the pharmacy chain to be the pharmacy of choice. The aim of this study is to measure levels of customer satisfaction at a selected pharmacy chain within the greater Durban area. The instrument to assess the customer’s expectations and perceptions of customer satisfaction is the SERVQUAL questionnaire, measuring expectations and perceptions according to five quality dimensions. These quality dimensions include tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. Four hundred customers were surveyed using the SERVQUAL questionnaire. The respondents were selected using non-probability sampling within which convenience sampling was applied. Data is analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn from the literature and the findings of the study. The study shows that customers’ expectations exceeded their perceptions on the five service quality dimensions used in the SERVQUAL questionnaire. Improvements are necessary in certain customer satisfaction dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended that the selected retail pharmacy chain attend to these gaps and ensure that necessary strategies are implemented in order to offer superior customer service in the face of growing competition. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In South Africa homoeopathy is relatively unfamiliar, even though it has been in existence with formal qualification from 1989 at the Durban University of Technology, (formerly Durban Institute of Technology and Techikon Natal) as well as the University of Johannesburg formerly Wits Technikon). A large portion of the South African public is unclear with regards to homoeopathic understanding and homoeopathic medicine use. South African studies exploring the perception of homoeopathy have revealed that there is a degree of ignorance or misinterpretation of homeopathy. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the patients’ experiences of homoeopathy, by investigating their experiences of homoeopathic care rendered at a PHC facility in the eThekwini district, namely, the Redhill homoeopathic clinic. This study was guided by the following grand tour question: What are the experiences of patients of homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare clinic in the eThekwini District? Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare facility in the eThekwini district. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the patients’ experiences of homoeopathic care. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 potential research participants from patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Redhill homoeopathic clinic, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were patients who were visiting the Redhill homoeopathic clinic for the second time or more and those who had utilized homoeopathic remedies. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results from this study showed that the study group had knowledge of homoeopathy and that there is growth in the knowledge of homoeopathy as compared to previous studies. The researcher observed that Indian participants had a better understanding of homoeopathy than African participants. Participants showed great confidence in homoeopathy and most of them revealed a high level of satisfaction with the homoeopathic treatment and were very happy with the service delivery. Results showed that there had been an improvement of the patients’ ailments since the commencement of homoeopathic treatment. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology Hospitality and Tourism, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014. / It has been accepted that health care within provincial hospitals has deteriorated. For most it has become routine to visit provincial hospitals and wait for majority of the day for basic treatment. Service delivery in provincial health care are confronted with challenges such as staff shortages, inadequate medical supplies and reduced budgets. The media contributes with letters and articles about poor patient treatment, the increase in deaths and diseases due to poor service delivery and weak hospital management. However, with the growing rate of poverty and unemployment, resources have become scarcer hence, adding to an already crippling economy. The rationale behind this research is to evaluate the role of hospitality within a Provincial Hospital in the southern area of Durban KZN that’s offering treatment to patients with more than just basic health care. And to establish a more effective and efficient delivery of services offered with scarce resources which enhances patient encounters within a provincial hospital. The aim of this research is to evaluate the current legislation around provincial hospitals for the efficient and effective practise of hospitality. In the form of a literature review a theoretical perspective was formulated around the study and an operational chapter detailing the Provincial Hospital in the southern area of Durban, KZN. The rationale was tested by research in the form of questionnaires and interviews with the Provincial Hospital. A target sample was selected with managers, senior management and patients. The major findings may be gravitated towards serious service delivery issues. The Provincial Hospital should therefore, consider the introduction of a hospitality approach in its attempts to improve the delivery of patient care. The study also found that hospitality management influences may improve employee output which impacts on the delivery of patient care. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of deaths in low and middle income countries especially those of Sub-Saharan Africa. The successful implementation of strategies to improve TB outcomes remains critical for South Africa as the country is faced with the burden of many TB related deaths. South Africa has included TB management as a priority programme for the country in its strategies to the achieve millennium development goals. The National Department of Health introduced the CCG programme to assist professional health workers in the control and management of various health conditions including TB. The competent management of the CCGs is central to meeting service delivery objectives. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of community care givers caring for TB clients. Methodology A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was used to conduct the study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 24 community care givers that were employed by Department of Health receiving a stipend and had been working as community care givers for at least two years. Data was collected using semi structured interviews and was subsequently analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis Results The themes that emerged from the interviews included: accessibility of kits and protective clothing to the CCGs, their safety and security, training and development, ii including financing of the CCG programme. The following sub-themes emerged as part of the themes: Insufficient supply of kits, alternative means of making kits available to the CCG’s, promotion and supply of uniforms for the CCGs, procurement and supply of protective clothing, alternative ways of getting protective clothes, vaccination against communicable diseases, safety allowance, transparency on criteria for further training and development, age limits regarding the selection of the CCGs, lack of career pathing, stipend received by the CCGs and employment benefits for the CCGs. Recommendations Recommendations were made with regards to institutional management and practice, policy development and implementation, and further research. These included establishing processes for: supply of kits, protective clothes and vaccines, pre and periodical medicals, criteria for further training and development, and issuing of stipend. A broader study involving all the CCGs affiliated to all PHC clinics in eThekwini district on the required support and supervision was also recommended. / M

Thesis (M.Arch. (Professional))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2016. / “People love escapism and there should be a place for it” (Hiddleston, n.d.) There are two primary states that constitute our human experiences. On the one side, there is the known, the real, the concrete, the everyday, the routine, normal and banal aspects of human life and on the other, the imagined, the alternative, the exploratory, unknown, abstract and fantastical elements that arguably make us feel alive. Although these two phenomena are preconceived as separate entities, they are interdependent and as humans, we need both. In the midst of these two extremities lies a world of in-between spaces known as ‘middle landscapes’. These are the places that allow us to transition between two states that make up our human experiences. Herein lies the bridge from the known to the unknown and the connection between reality and retreat. In a world where the demands of work are taking an increasing toll on our time and energy, the middle landscapes constitute our means of escape; the process that enables us to retreat from reality. The city of Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis with a large array of places focused on diversion from reality. Its enviable connection with the sea and expansion of the tourist industry are the bones of its potential to become a 21st century escapist city; a place where people are encouraged to retreat. The exploration and adventure found on the edges of the ocean attract many to its shorelines, seeking distraction, diversion, retreat and escape. There is something about the mystery of the sea, the unquantifiable majesty of its waters that lures us in, allowing us to be drawn away from our everyday lives and to give in to rest, relaxation and holiday before the grasp of the real pulls us back. How can architecture provide a transition between everyday life and retreat, between land and sea? This thesis seeks to explore the role of architecture in connecting people to the ultimate place of escape, the sea, through a seaport at Durban Harbour. The building, sited in the Point Area of Durban Harbour, will provide a connection with the sea and the retreat it embodies at a variety of different scales. It will reconnect the CBD with the Point, the beachfront with the harbour and give the citizens of Durban a refuge from the real while meeting an urgent need for a new cruise passenger terminal and activating the Point Waterfront Development. The building will become the middle landscape, sited on the boundary between land and sea, meeting the practical needs of the city and the tourist industry while providing for the leisure needs of Durban’s people. Whilst displaying sensitivity to the existing harbour architecture and context, the building will become a recognisable beacon for the city, visible from shoreline and sea. / EM2017

Thesis (MTech. degree in Education) -- Tshwane University of Technology, 2011. / Examines the perceptions and experiences of different school governing body members and principals in managing schools in the Chartsworth district. It also looks at the role the school governing body plays in the hiring of teachers.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1997.