Higher education in a democratic South Africa faces huge challenges – primarily the need to achieve greater equity, efficiency and effectiveness in institutions and across the system. Universities had to open their doors to students of all races, transform curricula to become more locally relevant, and produce scholars able to address South Africa’s problems. When organisations face these changes, they still need to support their employees. They need to ensure that the employees feel secure in their employment to improve their commitment to the organisation. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived organisational support and organisational commitment of academics in South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A non-probability convenience sample was taken from a higher education institution in South Africa (N=388).The Survey of Perceived Organisational Support (SPOS) and Allen and Meyer’s Organisational Commitment Scale were administered.Cronbach alpha coefficients, Spearman product correlation coefficients, MANOVAs (to determine differences in demographic groups) and multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the data. Principal component analysis resulted in a two-factor model for perceived organisational support, namely positive support and negative support. Regarding organisational commitment, a two-factor model was also extracted, namely affective commitment and continuance commitment. The results attained from the product-moment correlations indicated that positive support has a negative relationship with negative support. Positive support is also practically significantly related to affective commitment and continuance commitment. A MANOVA analysis was conducted to determine the differences in levels of POS experienced with regard to staff, ethnicity, language, faculty and gender. The results indicated that no significant differences were found in the levels of POS experienced with regard to staff and gender. Statistically significant differences were found between levels of negative support with regard to ethnicity, language and faculties. Statistically significant differences were found between levels of positive support of staff in different faculties. MANOVA was also used to determine differences between staff with regard to commitment levels. Statistically significant differences were found between levels of continuance commitment. Support staff experience higher levels of continuance commitment than academic staff do. Multiple regression analyses indicated that positive support predicted 9% of the variance in affective organisational commitment and 18% of the variance in continuance commitment. Recommendations were made for future research. / MCom (Human Resource Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Higher education in a democratic South Africa faces huge challenges – primarily the need to achieve greater equity, efficiency and effectiveness in institutions and across the system. Universities had to open their doors to students of all races, transform curricula to become more locally relevant, and produce scholars able to address South Africa’s problems. When organisations face these changes, they still need to support their employees. They need to ensure that the employees feel secure in their employment to improve their commitment to the organisation. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived organisational support and organisational commitment of academics in South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A non-probability convenience sample was taken from a higher education institution in South Africa (N=388).The Survey of Perceived Organisational Support (SPOS) and Allen and Meyer’s Organisational Commitment Scale were administered.Cronbach alpha coefficients, Spearman product correlation coefficients, MANOVAs (to determine differences in demographic groups) and multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the data. Principal component analysis resulted in a two-factor model for perceived organisational support, namely positive support and negative support. Regarding organisational commitment, a two-factor model was also extracted, namely affective commitment and continuance commitment. The results attained from the product-moment correlations indicated that positive support has a negative relationship with negative support. Positive support is also practically significantly related to affective commitment and continuance commitment. A MANOVA analysis was conducted to determine the differences in levels of POS experienced with regard to staff, ethnicity, language, faculty and gender. The results indicated that no significant differences were found in the levels of POS experienced with regard to staff and gender. Statistically significant differences were found between levels of negative support with regard to ethnicity, language and faculties. Statistically significant differences were found between levels of positive support of staff in different faculties. MANOVA was also used to determine differences between staff with regard to commitment levels. Statistically significant differences were found between levels of continuance commitment. Support staff experience higher levels of continuance commitment than academic staff do. Multiple regression analyses indicated that positive support predicted 9% of the variance in affective organisational commitment and 18% of the variance in continuance commitment. Recommendations were made for future research. / MCom (Human Resource Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY - At present there is a growing need for empirical information in the study and career counselling process especially with regard to the statistical comparison of successful students' aptitudes. interests and personality profiles in various courses. There also is a growing demand for data regarding the predictive validity of the psychometric instruments regularly used. In an attempt to improve the effectiveness of the counselling process. mean profiles for three groups of first year students on the grounds of their mean scores on three psychometric, instruments. were drawn up and were compared with each other on a statistical basis. Secondly the predictive validity of each instrument as well as for two instruments combined was investigated. AIM OF THE RESEARCH - Firstly the aim of this study was to compare the three experimental groups' mean interest aptitude and adaptation profiles as measured by the 19 Field Interest Inventory (19 FII), the Senior Aptitude Tests (SAT) and the PHSF Relations Questionnaire on a statistical basis with each other. in order to detect statistical differences among the profiles of the three groups. The second aim of this study can be put as follows: - To determine the predictive value of each variable (psychometric instrument) with the criterion (average academical achievement); - To determine the relation between two of the variables, namely the 19 Field Interest Inventory and the Senior Aptitude Tests. combined and the criterion by means of the multiple correlation technique. METHOD OF INVESTIGATION - In the first place, a study of the relevant literature was undertaken, concerning the concepts of interest, aptitude and adaptation. Among these attention was especially focused on some definitions as well as the measurement of each concept. The psychometric instruments used in this research was discussed thoroughly regarding their development, contents, reliability and content and predictive validity. The sample used in this study consisted of 93 first year students assigned to the groups in the following way: 33 BA(Communication), 30 BA(Education) and 30 B(Law) students. Statistical operations were done for the total group by means of a computer. This included the drawing-up of mean profiles on each variable for each group as well as the statistical comparison of these profiles with each other. In the second place multiple regression was performed. CONCLUSIONS - With regard to the first aim of this study, the following can be concluded: - The experimental groups' mean interest profiles differed statistically from each other on the following fields of the 19 FII, namely FII 4 (Historical), FII 5 (Service), FII 7 (Sociability), FII 8 (Public Speaking), FII 9 (Law), FII 10 (Creative Thought), FII 13 (Practical Female) and FII 15 (Business). - The experimental groups' mean aptitude profiles differed statistically from each other on one test of the SAT and that is SAT 1 (Verbal Comprehension). - The experimental groups' mean adaptation profiles differed statistically from each other on one component of the PHSF, namely PHSF 9 (Sociability-S). With regard to the multiple regression analysis, the following can be concluded: - With regard to aptitude, three tests of the SAT with the best regression weights were selected for the BA(Communication) group by means of Mallows' CP-regression analysis, namely Disguised Words, Comparison and Pattern Completion. For the BA(Education) group four tests of the SAT with the best regression weights were selected, namely Verbal comprehension, Calculations, Figure Series and Spatial 3-D. Three tests of the SAT with the best regression weights were selected for the B(Law) group, namely Calculations, Pattern Completion and Memory (Paragraph). - With regard to interest, four fields of the 19 FII with the best regression weights were selected for the BA(Communication) group by means of Mallows' CP-regression method, namely Public Speaking, Science, Numerical and Travel. For the BA(Education) group six fields of the 19 FII with the best regression weights were selected, namely Law, Creative Thought, Business, Clerical, Nature and Sports. Only one field with the best regression weight was however selected for the BA(Law) group, namely Business. - With regard to adaptation, three components of the PHSF Relations Questionnaire with the best regression weights were selected for the BA(Communication) group by mean of the same method, namely Health, Sociability-S and Formal Relations. For the BA(Education) group two components were selected, namely Selfcontrol and Nervousness. Four components of the PHSF with the best regression weights were selected for the B(Law) group, namely Health, Personal Freedom, Moral Sense and Desirability Scale. As for the last aim of this study, namely the determination of the relation between the 19 FII and the SAT combined, and the criterion, the following can be concluded: With regard to the BA(Communication) group, four predictors with the best regression weights were statistically selected, namely one test of the SAT (Comparison) and three fields of the 19 FII (Science, Numerical and Travel). - As far as the BA(Education) group is concerned, four predictors with the best regression weights were statistically selected, namely two tests of the SAT (Verbal Comprehension and Spatial 3-D) and two fields of the 19 FII (Social Work and Creative Thought). With regard to the B(Law) group, a combination of twelve predictors with the best regression weights were selected, namely four tests of the SAT (Calculations, Figure Series, Spatial 2-D and Memory Symbols ) and eight fields of the 19 FII (Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Historical, Service, Creative Thought, Clerical and Travel). RECOMMENDATIONS - It is recommended that more extensive research be undertaken with successful students in every course of study regarding their interests, aptitudes, adaptation and personalities, in order to detect their similarities and differences. In order to increase the reliability of such findings, it is also recommended that the size of the experimental groups be increased. Research should also be undertaken concerning the selection and composition of relevant test-batteries in order to achieve optimum prediction of academic achievement. However, the selection of psychometric tests as used in this study should be extended with at least a personality test. / Thesis (MA)--PU vir CHO, 1983

MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY - At present there is a growing need for empirical information in the study and career counselling process especially with regard to the statistical comparison of successful students' aptitudes. interests and personality profiles in various courses. There also is a growing demand for data regarding the predictive validity of the psychometric instruments regularly used. In an attempt to improve the effectiveness of the counselling process. mean profiles for three groups of first year students on the grounds of their mean scores on three psychometric, instruments. were drawn up and were compared with each other on a statistical basis. Secondly the predictive validity of each instrument as well as for two instruments combined was investigated. AIM OF THE RESEARCH - Firstly the aim of this study was to compare the three experimental groups' mean interest aptitude and adaptation profiles as measured by the 19 Field Interest Inventory (19 FII), the Senior Aptitude Tests (SAT) and the PHSF Relations Questionnaire on a statistical basis with each other. in order to detect statistical differences among the profiles of the three groups. The second aim of this study can be put as follows: - To determine the predictive value of each variable (psychometric instrument) with the criterion (average academical achievement); - To determine the relation between two of the variables, namely the 19 Field Interest Inventory and the Senior Aptitude Tests. combined and the criterion by means of the multiple correlation technique. METHOD OF INVESTIGATION - In the first place, a study of the relevant literature was undertaken, concerning the concepts of interest, aptitude and adaptation. Among these attention was especially focused on some definitions as well as the measurement of each concept. The psychometric instruments used in this research was discussed thoroughly regarding their development, contents, reliability and content and predictive validity. The sample used in this study consisted of 93 first year students assigned to the groups in the following way: 33 BA(Communication), 30 BA(Education) and 30 B(Law) students. Statistical operations were done for the total group by means of a computer. This included the drawing-up of mean profiles on each variable for each group as well as the statistical comparison of these profiles with each other. In the second place multiple regression was performed. CONCLUSIONS - With regard to the first aim of this study, the following can be concluded: - The experimental groups' mean interest profiles differed statistically from each other on the following fields of the 19 FII, namely FII 4 (Historical), FII 5 (Service), FII 7 (Sociability), FII 8 (Public Speaking), FII 9 (Law), FII 10 (Creative Thought), FII 13 (Practical Female) and FII 15 (Business). - The experimental groups' mean aptitude profiles differed statistically from each other on one test of the SAT and that is SAT 1 (Verbal Comprehension). - The experimental groups' mean adaptation profiles differed statistically from each other on one component of the PHSF, namely PHSF 9 (Sociability-S). With regard to the multiple regression analysis, the following can be concluded: - With regard to aptitude, three tests of the SAT with the best regression weights were selected for the BA(Communication) group by means of Mallows' CP-regression analysis, namely Disguised Words, Comparison and Pattern Completion. For the BA(Education) group four tests of the SAT with the best regression weights were selected, namely Verbal comprehension, Calculations, Figure Series and Spatial 3-D. Three tests of the SAT with the best regression weights were selected for the B(Law) group, namely Calculations, Pattern Completion and Memory (Paragraph). - With regard to interest, four fields of the 19 FII with the best regression weights were selected for the BA(Communication) group by means of Mallows' CP-regression method, namely Public Speaking, Science, Numerical and Travel. For the BA(Education) group six fields of the 19 FII with the best regression weights were selected, namely Law, Creative Thought, Business, Clerical, Nature and Sports. Only one field with the best regression weight was however selected for the BA(Law) group, namely Business. - With regard to adaptation, three components of the PHSF Relations Questionnaire with the best regression weights were selected for the BA(Communication) group by mean of the same method, namely Health, Sociability-S and Formal Relations. For the BA(Education) group two components were selected, namely Selfcontrol and Nervousness. Four components of the PHSF with the best regression weights were selected for the B(Law) group, namely Health, Personal Freedom, Moral Sense and Desirability Scale. As for the last aim of this study, namely the determination of the relation between the 19 FII and the SAT combined, and the criterion, the following can be concluded: With regard to the BA(Communication) group, four predictors with the best regression weights were statistically selected, namely one test of the SAT (Comparison) and three fields of the 19 FII (Science, Numerical and Travel). - As far as the BA(Education) group is concerned, four predictors with the best regression weights were statistically selected, namely two tests of the SAT (Verbal Comprehension and Spatial 3-D) and two fields of the 19 FII (Social Work and Creative Thought). With regard to the B(Law) group, a combination of twelve predictors with the best regression weights were selected, namely four tests of the SAT (Calculations, Figure Series, Spatial 2-D and Memory Symbols ) and eight fields of the 19 FII (Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Historical, Service, Creative Thought, Clerical and Travel). RECOMMENDATIONS - It is recommended that more extensive research be undertaken with successful students in every course of study regarding their interests, aptitudes, adaptation and personalities, in order to detect their similarities and differences. In order to increase the reliability of such findings, it is also recommended that the size of the experimental groups be increased. Research should also be undertaken concerning the selection and composition of relevant test-batteries in order to achieve optimum prediction of academic achievement. However, the selection of psychometric tests as used in this study should be extended with at least a personality test. / Thesis (MA)--PU vir CHO, 1983

Maatskaplike Werk, as die uiting van n samelewing se bemoeienis met mense in nood, word vir baie dekades reeds deur welsynsinstansies beoefen. Welsynsinstansies is egter nie vir alle persone in nood aanvaarbaar nie, sodat diegene in die middel- en hoer inkomstegroepe nie juis by maatskaplikewerk-hulpverlening uitkom nie. In die VSA is dieselfde verskynsel gehanteer deur die instelling van maatskaplikewerk-privaatpraktyk, wat tans daar n omvangryke en gevestigde hulpverleningstruktuur is. Sedert 1970 het maatskaplike werkers in Suid-Afrika begin om privaatpraktyk te oorweeg en het selfs daarmee begin eksperimenteer. Dog, uiteenlopende standpunte, hetsy evolusionere of revolusionere beskouings, word daaroor gehandhaaf. Die doel van die ondersoeke is dus om te bepaal of privaatpraktyk in Maatskaplike Werk bestaansreg het, of dit beskikbaar en in privaatpraktyk bruikbaar is. Uit die bevindings kan n model vir die instelling en instandhouding van n lewenskragtige praktyk ontwikkel word. Die ondersoek het bestaan uit n literatuurstudie en n empiriese opname in ses stede van die land onder drie teikensisteme, naamlik maatskaplikewerkers (privaatpraktisyns) en nie-privaatpraktisyns) , kliente van welsynsorganisasies en privaatpraktyke en lede van vyf ander hulpprofessies. n Studiereis is na die VSA onderneem om privaatpraktyke te bestudeer en n vergelykingsbasis vir die Suid-Afrikaanse bevindings te kry. Resultate uit die ondersoek dui daarop dat privaatpraktyk, as hulpverleningstruktuur, n realiteit in die maatskaplikewerk- professie is wat nie genegeer kan word nie. Die bestaansreg daarvan is teoreties kwalifiseerbaar, terwyl die nodige sisteme bestaan om maatskaplikewerk-hulpverlening privaat en onafhanklik van welsynsinstansies aan te bied. Privaatpraktisyns verlang n infrastruktuur om hulle dienste beter te organiseer, terwyl 97,8% van die nie-privaat-praktisyns ten gunste van privaatpraktyk is, omdat dit n groter beroepskeuse bied en die professie se selfstandige optrede bevestig. Verbruikers van privaatpraktyk-dienste is oorwegend tevrede, maar as gevolg van beperkte fondse kan die meeste welsynsorganisasie-kliente nie privaatpraktyk-dienste benut nie. Lede van die ander hulpprofessies dra nie voldoende kennis van die maatskaplikewerk-hulpbron nie, maar is oor die algemeen positief daaroor, hoewel net 52,9% voorsien om dit te benut. Indien maatskaplike werkers die nodige opleiding ondergaan, konstruktief beplan, besigheidsbeginsels inkorporeer, die diens bekendstel en kwaliteitdienste lewer, is n lewenskragtige praktyk verseker. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 1984. / gm2014 / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MA (Architecture))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Architecture / unrestricted

The academic environment in higher education institutions has changed over the last years due to certain factors, which in turn, have influenced the way in which higher education institutions are governed. This has resulted in a shift in the way management and leadership are approached to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in higher education institutions. The role of teams in the academic environment is crucial to assist the institution in meeting institutional goals and adhering to national educational objectives, which in turn assumes that leadership is a key element in the development of successful teams. However, it is necessary to distinguish between leadership and management as these concepts are not synonyms and have different operational functions. The focus of this study is to ascertain what the leadership role of School Directors in the Faculty of Arts of the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University (NWU), is in team development. As the NWU is a higher education institution, it is important to place the focus of the study in this context and, therefore, a description is given of the higher education environment in South Africa. Tuckman and Jensen’s (1977) five-stage model of team development is used to ascertain whether the academic teams in the Faculty of Arts are functioning optimally and whether there is, in fact, team development. This model is furthermore important for this study as it ascertains whether the School Director assists and plays an active role in the development of the team. The study furthermore aims to establish whether a transformational or transactional leadership style, or both, is portrayed by School Directors and which of these styles, or a presence of both styles, enhances the leadership role of School Directors in team development. The empirical findings were obtained by means of a qualitative research method. Semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to academics in all five Schools in the Faculty of Arts, as well as to the School Directors and the high return rate of 91% increase the validity of the study. The questionnaires explored and described how the academics, as well as the School Directors, perceived their leadership roles in team development. The findings from the questionnaires indicated that there were instances when the perception of School Directors differed from the perceptions of academics pertaining to the effectiveness of the team and the leadership style portrayed by School Directors. The analysis of the results from the questionnaires indicated that both transactional and transformational leadership styles were portrayed by School Directors, and that effective team development warranted a combination of these two leadership styles. Recommendations were made accordingly and a strategy proposed to enhance the role of School Directors in the development of academic teams. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The academic environment in higher education institutions has changed over the last years due to certain factors, which in turn, have influenced the way in which higher education institutions are governed. This has resulted in a shift in the way management and leadership are approached to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in higher education institutions. The role of teams in the academic environment is crucial to assist the institution in meeting institutional goals and adhering to national educational objectives, which in turn assumes that leadership is a key element in the development of successful teams. However, it is necessary to distinguish between leadership and management as these concepts are not synonyms and have different operational functions. The focus of this study is to ascertain what the leadership role of School Directors in the Faculty of Arts of the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University (NWU), is in team development. As the NWU is a higher education institution, it is important to place the focus of the study in this context and, therefore, a description is given of the higher education environment in South Africa. Tuckman and Jensen’s (1977) five-stage model of team development is used to ascertain whether the academic teams in the Faculty of Arts are functioning optimally and whether there is, in fact, team development. This model is furthermore important for this study as it ascertains whether the School Director assists and plays an active role in the development of the team. The study furthermore aims to establish whether a transformational or transactional leadership style, or both, is portrayed by School Directors and which of these styles, or a presence of both styles, enhances the leadership role of School Directors in team development. The empirical findings were obtained by means of a qualitative research method. Semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to academics in all five Schools in the Faculty of Arts, as well as to the School Directors and the high return rate of 91% increase the validity of the study. The questionnaires explored and described how the academics, as well as the School Directors, perceived their leadership roles in team development. The findings from the questionnaires indicated that there were instances when the perception of School Directors differed from the perceptions of academics pertaining to the effectiveness of the team and the leadership style portrayed by School Directors. The analysis of the results from the questionnaires indicated that both transactional and transformational leadership styles were portrayed by School Directors, and that effective team development warranted a combination of these two leadership styles. Recommendations were made accordingly and a strategy proposed to enhance the role of School Directors in the development of academic teams. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (PhD (Educational Management))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Education Management and Policy Studies / unrestricted

In this study I explored depictions of diversity in the Curriculum Studies programme of the BEdHons degree course at North-West University in South Africa. South Africa was and is still is facing the challenge of inequalities such as getting access to higher education institutions that were previously dominated by a white Christian Afrikaans-speaking group. The first democratic election in South Africa in 1994 brought about structural changes in society. These structural changes included the merging of tertiary education institutions such as colleges of education, technikons and universities. In view of South Africa’s history of divisions and injustices such as patriarchy, mono-religiosity and mono-ethnicism, it therefore seemed valuable to explore how diversity is depicted in higher education institutions. In 2012 a task team was set up by the dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences at the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University. This team investigated how diversity was expressed in selected study guides of the undergraduate BEd degree programme offered at the Potchefstroom Campus to contact mode students. This study identified the need to explore how diversity is depicted at a postgraduate degree level. The primary purpose of my research was to explore empirically the extent to which diversity nuances of gender, religion and ethnicity are depicted in the Curriculum Studies programme of the BEdHons degree course. This involved exploring the depictions of diversity in study guides of the modules presented in the Curriculum Studies programme of the BEdHons degree course. In addition, I also looked into the depictions of diversity by lecturers presenting modules and students enrolled for the Curriculum Studies programme of the BEdHons degree course. The study was situated in a critical theory paradigm and utilised a qualitative research design with a critical ethnographic methodology. Three sets of data generation methods were employed: document research, semi-structured one-on-one interviews and focus group interviews. The two campuses of North-West University offering this programme were purposefully selected as my research environments. I employed purposeful sampling, and study guides utilised by lecturers and students in the Curriculum Studies programme of the BEdHons degree course formed the sample. Lecturers presenting modules and students enrolled for the Curriculum Studies programme of the BEdHons degree course were participants. Critical discourse analysis, underpinned by Fairclough’s (1992) three-dimensional conception of discourse, was the method of analysis. The conclusions were derived predominantly from the diversity nuances acculturation and rationality. Some of the conclusions were also derived from diversity as a nuance but to a limited extent. The conclusions vary from depictions on the chosen discourse of diversity, depictions relating to curricula and the multifaceted aspect of diversity. With regard to the depictions on the chosen discourses of diversity, it was evident that some lecturer participants were only fostering the aspects gender, religion and ethnicity of certain cultural groups, which caused some groups to be invisible. Student participants’ depictions were ideologically embedded as they preferred not to engage with diversity to eliminate certain issues. Lecturer participants also tended to include disadvantaged minority/majority groups to such a limited extent that they were almost non-existent. Furthermore, it appeared that lecturer participants excluded diversity to foster inclusion. Separation was also emphasised by student participants in that they were being forced to engage with diversity rather than wanting to or having a choice to engage with diversity or not. Reflecting on the conclusions arising from my study, I put forward a theoretical stance focusing on curriculum-making for social justice. / MEd (Curriculum Development), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015