Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) represent 99.9% of businesses in the UK and they face significant challenges with regards to start-up, survival and growth. Their ability to deal with these challenges is assisted, in some cases, by the provision of business support funded by the public sector. Unfortunately, despite the volume of such businesses, there remains a significant lack of qualitative data into the MSME sector, and their use of university led business support. This thesis examined the business support agenda, the support needs of MSMEs, the role of universities in the provision of business support, and the needs of public funding bodies, with regards to economic sustainability and growth in the West Midlands. The choice to focus on the West Midlands region was largely pragmatic; the researcher has existing relationships with the small business community and University networks within the region allowing for a comparable study of stakeholders with similar environmental, political and economical challenges. Whilst the findings are therefore in relation to the West Midlands region, they have been compared to secondary data and theoretical frameworks in order to propose a contribution, which is applicable to a wider audience. The thesis adopted an exploratory, interpretivist methodology with an emphasis on the practical importance of the research results. Through an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, surveys were used to collect data from MSME business owners, followed by in-depth interviews with university staff in order to produce institutional case studies. The surveys with MSME owners identified a need for support that was free, local, face-to-face and delivered by an organisation with a good reputation for delivering business support. The survey data also indicated confusion amongst MSME owners about the availability of support from universities, as well as questions around the quality of support provided by universities and its impact. The interviews, and case studies, revealed a significant level of interest, and a feeling of responsibility, from universities towards supporting the MSME community. However there were consistent challenges around funding, sustainability, resources, flexibility of delivery, and the longevity of any enterprise strategy. The research makes a useful contribution to knowledge through the development of multiple case studies and the development of a conceptual framework for a sustainable system of university led, MSME business support. The model, and analysis, considers the detailed experiences, challenges and opportunities from the stakeholders and proposed a sustainable support system. This contribution to literature provides a unique perspective for both practical application and for the research community to utilise further.

MPH / Department of Public Health / See the attached abstract below

Genetically modified (GM) white and yellow maize, Zea mays, has been commercially released and cultivated in South Africa since 1997/1998. The traits expressed are insect resistance and herbicide tolerance conferred by the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry genes and Agrobacterium 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase gene, respectively. The Cry genes have been used widely to control lepidopteran insect pests but insect resistance to GM Bt crops has been a concern since the introduction of this technology. A management strategy includes refugia planting of 5% non-Bt plants, with no insecticide application, and 20%, where insecticide application is allowed. These refugia are designed to allow the survival of insect pests within restricted planted zones. However, in South Africa there are reports of Bt-resistant stem borer (Busseola fusca) (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and non-compliance with refuge planting. The aims of this study were two-fold: 1. To conduct a survey among KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) GM maize growers to ascertain information such as level of compliance with refuge planting and to determine which refugia were predominantly planted and reasons thereof; 2. To conduct a replicated field trial to determine yield, insect borer damage and economic benefit of the 5% unsprayed and 20% sprayed refuge options (including three configurations namely strip, perimeter and block and a 5 and 20% ‘refuge-in-a-bag’ option). The survey indicated that 28 out of 29 (96.6%) KZN Bt maize growers plant the 5% non-sprayed refuge with 27 (96.4%) of those respondents planting the strip configuration for the purpose of insect management (75%) and ease of planting (32.2%). The survey also showed that 7 (seven) i.e. 21.9% of KZN Bt maize growers observed borer damage and although growers are now fully compliant with refugia planting requirements, initially 7 respondents (24.1%) did not comply with or plant refugia correctly. Furthermore, 7 respondents reported insect borer damage in their maize with 4 of the 7 instances (57.1%) likely stemming from incorrectly planted refugia. vii No significant differences in yield or insect damage were observed between the 5 and 20% refugia for any of the planting configurations in the field trial. However due to costs involved with insecticide application and labour required for the operation in the 20% option, these treatments were less economically advantageous than the non-Bt control. The 20% block and strip configurations had a cost benefit ratio of ZAR 7.21 and ZAR 6.67 respectively, earned per R1 spent by the grower compared with ZAR 7.76 in the sprayed control. The cost-benefit comparison for the 5% block and strip configurations was ZAR 8.48 and ZAR 7.71, respectively compared with ZAR 9.44 in the unsprayed control. In addition, the 20% seed mixture limited borer damage to 4.95% when compared with 15.77% damage in the sprayed control (ANOVA, F pr = 0.124). The seed mixtures are not available commercially and the results from the survey indicated that some education and marketing by the seed companies would be advisable prior to their release to the farming community. In order to determine which of the refuge options between 5 and 20% would be more advantageous for growers overall, regardless of the planting configuration; data were grouped and analysed. There were no significant differences in either the yield or insect damage for the 5 and 20% refugia, but the cost-benefit calculations indicated that the 5% option was more cost effective – for the 5 and 20% refugia, ZAR 7.97 and ZAR 7.15 respectively, earned per ZAR 1 spent by the grower (ANOVA, F pr. = 0.03). This is because no insecticide was used in the 5% treatments. Mean ear damage comparisons between the 5 and 20% refugia showed that the 20% refuge in the perimeter configuration incurred the least damage (2.65% ear damage) compared with 5% perimeter (10.86% ear damage), although the reasons for this are not clear. While the results of the field trials showed no significant differences in insect damage and yield with regard to choice of refuge configuration, monitoring insect resistance management remains an integral part of Bt maize crops in South Africa, in order to delay further resistance development and to prolong the viability of Bt technology. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

The study sought to investigate factors that influence the choice of career pathways among high school students in Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. The investigation serves as a springboard to establishing a career guidance model that would assist career guidance teachers in high schools in their endeavours to help students make career choice from a well-informed perspective. A survey design which was mainly quantitative in nature was used in this empirical study. A self-designed questionnaire was used in collecting data from the participants. One thousand and ten high school students and 20 career guidance teachers participated in the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 19 calculated the percentages that were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that family members, both nucleus and extended, had an influence on students’ choice of careers. The influence of mothers and fathers was rated highly as compared to other family members. The study also revealed that schools had an impact on high school students’ choice of careers. Career guidance, especially school career days, was cited as having a positive impact on students’ choice of careers. The geographical location of schools was cited as quite influential in the choices of careers by students. The study also revealed that peers had an influence on students’ choices of careers through peer advice and encouragement. However, the influence of gender on career choice was lowly rated. In other words, gender did not influence the students’ choice of careers. Several recommendations were made. The study recommended the training of parents, peers and teachers to enhance students’ choice of careers. It was also recommended that only trained career guidance teachers be allowed to teach career guidance. Lastly, the study also recommended a career guidance model to assist in helping students choose suitable careers. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Genetically modified (GM) white and yellow maize, Zea mays, has been commercially released and cultivated in South Africa since 1997/1998. The traits expressed are insect resistance and herbicide tolerance conferred by the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry genes and Agrobacterium 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase gene, respectively. The Cry genes have been used widely to control lepidopteran insect pests but insect resistance to GM Bt crops has been a concern since the introduction of this technology. A management strategy includes refugia planting of 5% non-Bt plants, with no insecticide application, and 20%, where insecticide application is allowed. These refugia are designed to allow the survival of insect pests within restricted planted zones. However, in South Africa there are reports of Bt-resistant stem borer (Busseola fusca) (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and non-compliance with refuge planting. The aims of this study were two-fold: 1. To conduct a survey among KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) GM maize growers to ascertain information such as level of compliance with refuge planting and to determine which refugia were predominantly planted and reasons thereof; 2. To conduct a replicated field trial to determine yield, insect borer damage and economic benefit of the 5% unsprayed and 20% sprayed refuge options (including three configurations namely strip, perimeter and block and a 5 and 20% ‘refuge-in-a-bag’ option). The survey indicated that 28 out of 29 (96.6%) KZN Bt maize growers plant the 5% non-sprayed refuge with 27 (96.4%) of those respondents planting the strip configuration for the purpose of insect management (75%) and ease of planting (32.2%). The survey also showed that 7 (seven) i.e. 21.9% of KZN Bt maize growers observed borer damage and although growers are now fully compliant with refugia planting requirements, initially 7 respondents (24.1%) did not comply with or plant refugia correctly. Furthermore, 7 respondents reported insect borer damage in their maize with 4 of the 7 instances (57.1%) likely stemming from incorrectly planted refugia. vii No significant differences in yield or insect damage were observed between the 5 and 20% refugia for any of the planting configurations in the field trial. However due to costs involved with insecticide application and labour required for the operation in the 20% option, these treatments were less economically advantageous than the non-Bt control. The 20% block and strip configurations had a cost benefit ratio of ZAR 7.21 and ZAR 6.67 respectively, earned per R1 spent by the grower compared with ZAR 7.76 in the sprayed control. The cost-benefit comparison for the 5% block and strip configurations was ZAR 8.48 and ZAR 7.71, respectively compared with ZAR 9.44 in the unsprayed control. In addition, the 20% seed mixture limited borer damage to 4.95% when compared with 15.77% damage in the sprayed control (ANOVA, F pr = 0.124). The seed mixtures are not available commercially and the results from the survey indicated that some education and marketing by the seed companies would be advisable prior to their release to the farming community. In order to determine which of the refuge options between 5 and 20% would be more advantageous for growers overall, regardless of the planting configuration; data were grouped and analysed. There were no significant differences in either the yield or insect damage for the 5 and 20% refugia, but the cost-benefit calculations indicated that the 5% option was more cost effective – for the 5 and 20% refugia, ZAR 7.97 and ZAR 7.15 respectively, earned per ZAR 1 spent by the grower (ANOVA, F pr. = 0.03). This is because no insecticide was used in the 5% treatments. Mean ear damage comparisons between the 5 and 20% refugia showed that the 20% refuge in the perimeter configuration incurred the least damage (2.65% ear damage) compared with 5% perimeter (10.86% ear damage), although the reasons for this are not clear. While the results of the field trials showed no significant differences in insect damage and yield with regard to choice of refuge configuration, monitoring insect resistance management remains an integral part of Bt maize crops in South Africa, in order to delay further resistance development and to prolong the viability of Bt technology. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Abstracts in English, Zulu and Shona / The purpose of the study was to examine the role of educators in enhancing the social wellness on juvenile offenders in Zimbabwe. The theoretical framework that underpinned the study was the Wellness Theory of Bill Hettler (1980) used as the lens to explore and generate understanding on how educators enhance the social wellness of juvenile offenders. The study was located within an interpretive paradigm. Qualitative research design and case study approach were used in this study. Moreover, purposive sampling approach was used to select the samples of educators and juvenile learners who responded to the qualitative questionnaires and those who participated in the interviews, which were used for data collection. The research had five educators and ten juvenile offenders who participated at one of the correctional centres in Zimbabwe based on availability and willingness. In addition, the researcher adhered to ethical standards in terms of gaining permission for access, issues of informed consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality. Data were gathered by means of self-administered qualitative questionnaires with open-ended questions, interviews and observation. The research identified that no research has been carried out in Zimbabwe’s correctional centres to thoroughly explore the role of educators in the enhancement of the social wellness of juvenile offenders. The findings firstly revealed that education promoted the social wellness and resulted in positive behavioural change among juvenile offenders at the correctional centre. Secondly, education promoted the development of various technical skills in juvenile learners, such as agriculture and welding, as well as interpersonal skills such as anger management, respect, problem solving, and communication. The findings revealed that some juvenile offenders developed entrepreneurship skills. Some of the juveniles were making doormats, fence making and plaiting extensions. One of the juveniles had a unique skill in plaiting and braiding. He taught his friends, and now they are plaiting extensions and selling them. Thirdly, the findings revealed that educators are essential in the enhancement of the social wellness of juvenile offenders in an effort to reduce recidivism and facilitation of good and smooth social reintegration into mainstream society after incarceration. The challenges faced by the educators included limited resources and inadequate training as specialists who teach juvenile offenders. It was recommended that educators be empowered through in-service training to enable them to facilitate the capacitation of juvenile learners’ social wellness. / Ucwaningo lolu luphenye ngendima yothisha ekuthuthukisweni kwenhlalonhle yabantu abahlukumezanayo abasebasha eZimbabwe. Lolu cwaningo lugqamisa imfundo yasejele njengengxenye ebalulekile yenqubo yokuvuselela kanye nentuthuko yezoni zabasha. Uhlaka lwethiyori oluqondise lolu cwaningo luyimodeli yokuphila kahle ekaBill Hettler futhi ucwaningo lutholwa phakathi kwomongo wendaba ohumushekayo. Kusetjenziswe ukuhlahlela okuphathelene nesimo kanye nokuhlaziya okubhekane nesimo esisodwa noma nomuntu oyedwa isikhathi esithile okwenziwe esikhungweni esisodwa sokuLungiswa eZimbabwe. Ngaphezu kwalokho, isampula elinenhloso lalisetshenziselwa ukukhetha isampula eyayiqukethe othisha abahlanu nabahlukumezi abasebasha abayishumi. Leli sampula labantu lihanganyele ngokutholakala kanye nokuvuma kwayo. Umcwaningi wenze izinto ngenkambo elungileyo ngocela imvume yokungena endaweni, ukuthola imvume ebhaliwe ebantwini abayingxenye yocwaningo, ukuhlanganyelwa ngokuzikhethela, nokugcina umbiko ngokwemfihlo. Idatha iqoqwe ngohlu lwemibuzo evulekile, izingxoxo kanye nokubukwa. Lokhu okutholiwe kubonisa ukuthi alukho ucwaningo oluyenziwe emajele aseZimbabwe ukuhlola indima yothisha ekuthuthukisweni kwenhlalonhle yabantu abahlukumezanayo abasebasha. Ucwaningo lubonisa ukuthi, okokuqala, imfundo ithuthukisa inhlalonhle yomphakathi, futhi iholele ekuguqukeni kokuziphatha okuhle kubahlukumezi abasebasha. Ngaphezu kwalokho, imfundo ithuthukise amakhono ahlukahlukene wezobuchwepheshe, njengezolimo, ukushisela, namakhono wokusebenzisana nabantu njengokuphatha intukuthelo, inhlonipho, ukuxazulula izinkinga nokukhulumisana. Okunye okutholakele ukuthi abanye abahlulumezi bathuthukise ikhono lokuqala ibhizinisi elizimele. Abanye bayenze izisulelo zasemnyango, ukuyenza ucingo, nokuluka. Omunye wabahlukumezi nokhono olukhethekile lokuqhina izinwele. Wafundisa abangani bakhe, kanti futhi manje baqhina imifakelo yezinwele, bese bayazithengisa. Okwesithathu, ucwaningo lubonisa ukuthi abothisha babalulekile ekuthuthukisweni kwenhlalonhle yabantu abahlukumezanayo abasebasha njengendlela yokugwema ukona ukophindaphindiwe kwabahlukumezi, kanye nokuthuthukisa ukubuyela kwabo ephakathini okukahle emva kwokuboshwa. Ezinye izinselelo ezibhekane nabothisa izinsizakusebenza ezilinganiselwe nokuqeqeshwa okunganele njengongoti abafundisa iziboshwa zentsha. Kululekwe ukuthi othisha banikezwe amandla ngokuqeqeshwa basasebenza okuzokwenza ukuthi balungiselele ukhlomisa kwenhlalonhle yabantu abahlukumezanayo abasebasha. / Chinangwa chetsvakurudzo ino chaiva chekuongorora basa revarairidzi mukuvandudza ukama nemagariro akanaka munharaunda evapari vemhosva vechiki muZimbabwe. Donzvo rakateverwa netsvakurudzo ino raiva ramafungiro ava Bill Hetter (1980) anotaridza zveukama namagariro akanaka ayo akashandiswa semuono wekuferefeta nekubudisa manzwisisiro angavapo pakuti varairidzi vangavandudza sei ukama namagariro akanaka munharaunda evapari vemhosva vechidiki. Tsvakurudzo iyi yakazendama pamafungiro anosimbisa madudzirirwo akanaka epfungwa. Mutsvakurudzi akashandisa maonere anokoshesa kunzwisisa mashoko avanhu munharaunda, maitiro avo nemaonere avo. Mutsvakurudzo iyi, umboo hwakadzika hwakatorwa muzviitiko zvikuru zvakamiririra zviitiko zvakada kufanana nazvo. Pamusoro pazvo, avo vakasharwa kuti vave vapi vepfungwa vakasarudzwa zvichienderana nezvavakambosangana nazvo uyewo zvavanoziva pamusoro pedambudziko riri kuferefetwa. Vapi vepfungwa ava vaisanganisira varairidzi uye vadzidzi vechidiki vemazera epakati nepakati. Ava vakapindura mibvunzo yaiva yakagadzirwa pamagwaro avaizadzisa uye vamwe vakaita zvekupa pfungwa dzavo kupfurikidza nehurukuro dzakarongwa nemutsvakurudzi. Pfungwa dzakabuda mutsvakurudzo iyi dzakabuda kubva kuvarairidzi vashanu nevapari vemhosva vechidiki gumi avo vakasarudzwa kubva munzvimbo dzinochengeterwa vakapara mhosva nechinangwa chekuvavandudza mararamiro avo muZimbabwe zvichienderana neuvepo hwavo uye kuzvisarudzira zvakasunguka kupinda mutsvakurudzo. Mutsvakurudzi akatevera mitemo inomusungira kuremekedza kodzero dzevanhu, uye nzvimbo zvinosanganisira kuwana mvumo yekupinda munzvimbo, kupa vapi vepfungwa ruzivo rwakakwana pamusoro pechinangwa chetsvakurudzo, kupa vapi vepfungwa sununguko yekupinda mutsvakurudzo pasina kumanidzwa uyewo mutsvakurudzi akavimbisa kubata hana nekusashambadzira mazita avanhu vakapinda mutsvakurudzo. Pfungwa dzakaunganidzwa kuchishandiswa magwaro emibvunzo akapiwa kunevamwe vevakapinda mutsvakurudzo. Mutsvakurudzi pachezvake ndiye akagovera magwaro aya kuvapi vepfungwa. Mibvunzo yaiva mumagwaro aya yaipa vapi vepfungwa mukana wekurondedzera maonero avo vakasununguka. Dzimwe nzira dzakashandiswa dzaisanganisira hurukuro pakati pemupi wepfungwa nemutsvakurudzi uye kuongorora kupfurikidza nekucherechedza zvakadzika zviitiko. Tsvakurudzo iyi yakawana kuti hapana tsvakurudzo yati yamboitwa inoongorora basa revarairidzi mukuvandudza ukama nemagaririo akanaka munharaunda evana vemazero epakati nepakati munzvimbo dzinochendeterwa vapari vemhosva nechinangwa chekuvandudza magariro avo akanaka munharaunda. Chekutanga, kwakaonekwa kuti dzidzo inosimudzira ukama nemagariro akanaka munharaunda zvinozoita kuti pave nekushanduka kwakanaka kweunhu hwevapari vemhosva vechidiki vezera repakati nepakati. Chepiri, zvakabuda kuti dzidzo inosimudzira kuvandudzwa kweunyanzvi hwekurima, kupisira simbi, kudyidzana, kuzvidzora pahasha, ruremekedzo, kugadzirisa matambudziko uye kutaurirana. Zvakabuda mutsvakurudzo zvinotaridza kuti vamwe vapari vemhosva vechidiki vakavandudza unyanzvi hwekutanga mibato inovandudza upfumi. Vamwe vechidiki ava vaigadzira zvidhava zvepamikova, mafenzi uye kuruka kwamazuva ano. Umwe wevechidiki ava akataridza unyanzvi hwepamusoro hwekuruka nekukosha bvudzi remvere mumusoro. Akadzidzisa vamwe vake avo vave mubasa rekuruka nekukosha bvudzi remvere vachitengesa. Chetatu, zvakaonekwa kuti varairidzi vakakosha pakuvandudza ukama nemagariro akanaka evadiki vezera rekapati nepakati munharaunda nechinangwa chekudzikisa kupariwazve kwemhosva naavo vakasimbopara mhosva uye kuona kuti kupinda nekukwana zvakare munharaunda kwevakambopara mhosva kwaitwa zvakanaka pasina zvigozhero. Matambudziko anosanganikwa nawo navarairidzi anosanganisira kushaikwa kwezvishandiso uye kushaikwa kwemukana wekudzidza unyanzvi hwakakwana hwekudzidzisa vapari vemhosva vechidiki vezera repakati nepakati. Mutsvakurudzi akapa rairo yekuti varairidzi vapiwe unyanzvi kupfurikidza nekudzidziswa vari pamabasa avo zvingaite kuti vagone kubetsera vechidiki vemazera epakati nepakati ukama nemagarire akanaka munharaunda. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)