This study examined the level of awareness, knowledge and practices of primary and secondary schools students with regard to waste management. Only a limited number of studies were found to evaluate school student’s awareness, knowledge and practice of waste management in South Africa. Literature was reviewed dealing with waste management awareness, knowledge and practices of school students and discussed at the hand of the principles, objectives and targets of the South African Government towards waste and waste management. Using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, a total of 815 students were surveyed from four primary schools and three secondary schools from the Embalenhle and Secunda area Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mpumalanga South Africa. The data were analysed by the use of descriptive statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Other analyses employed included two-way frequency tables with Pearson Chisquare test, Phi coefficient, in order to determine the significant relationship between students’ socio-demographic variables. The study showed that the students were obviously aware of concerns with waste and waste management practices in their schools and local environment. It was also apparent the school students had an acute awareness that poor waste management would have a negative impact on the country as well as on them as the individual. This prominent awareness was however not evident in the students’ waste management practices. Good waste management practices activities were minimal at both the school and home environment. Since school students are seen as one of the key agent of change to work towards a more sustainable future, they should be engaged as young as possible and given a quality array of continuous learning to improve their knowledge on environmental problems such as poor waste management. Improved knowledge would contribute to improved environmental awareness and a pro-environmental attitude. The critical recommendations of the study are that the South African Government will have to intensify the research to better understand the needs of children to environmental matters such as waste management. / M. Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study examined the level of awareness, knowledge and practices of primary and secondary schools students with regard to waste management. Only a limited number of studies were found to evaluate school student’s awareness, knowledge and practice of waste management in South Africa. Literature was reviewed dealing with waste management awareness, knowledge and practices of school students and discussed at the hand of the principles, objectives and targets of the South African Government towards waste and waste management. Using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, a total of 815 students were surveyed from four primary schools and three secondary schools from the Embalenhle and Secunda area Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mpumalanga South Africa. The data were analysed by the use of descriptive statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Other analyses employed included two-way frequency tables with Pearson Chisquare test, Phi coefficient, in order to determine the significant relationship between students’ socio-demographic variables. The study showed that the students were obviously aware of concerns with waste and waste management practices in their schools and local environment. It was also apparent the school students had an acute awareness that poor waste management would have a negative impact on the country as well as on them as the individual. This prominent awareness was however not evident in the students’ waste management practices. Good waste management practices activities were minimal at both the school and home environment. Since school students are seen as one of the key agent of change to work towards a more sustainable future, they should be engaged as young as possible and given a quality array of continuous learning to improve their knowledge on environmental problems such as poor waste management. Improved knowledge would contribute to improved environmental awareness and a pro-environmental attitude. The critical recommendations of the study are that the South African Government will have to intensify the research to better understand the needs of children to environmental matters such as waste management. / M. Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Since 2006 Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges have been recapitalised through massive government investment in order to improve infrastructure, implement a more relevant curriculum and assist college learners financially to gain access to the different learning programmes. A new curriculum with 11 programmes was introduced and implemented under the National Certificate Vocational (NCV). The results of the 2007 examinations, were disappointing and in general, the national performance of the learners was dismal. Policy requirements for certification and promotion to the next level stipulated that learners need to pass all 7 subjects in a programme. The main aim of the study was to identify variables that are the best predictors of academic success of first year FET students. Thus, if these predictors are considered during the admission process of first year FET students, it could lead to overall improved first year pass rate at FET Colleges and contribute towards the enhancement of human resources and economical development of our country. In order to achieve the research aim and objectives, a literature study and an empirical investigation were conducted. The literature study focussed on cognitive and non-cognitive factors that contribute to academic success of students at colleges. The empirical investigation departed from a positivist paradigm to determine which variables contributed the best towards the prediction of academic success of first year NCV Level 2 students at FET Colleges and a quantitative non-experimental, ex post facto approach was followed .The results of the General Scholastic Aptitude Test (GSAT), the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory – High School version (LASSI-HS), grade mark average and biographical details of the registered first year NCV Level 2 students of the Vuselela FET College (Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp campuses) in 2008 (n=309), were used to determine whether any of these variables significantly predicted the academic success of these students. The investigation revealed that: • None of the LASSI-HS scales were predictors of academic success of the first year NCV Level 2 students; • The GSAT (Total) was a predictor of academic success of these students; • None of the biographical variables, i.e. age or gender, were predictors of academic success; and • Grade mark average on students’ last school reports, was a predictor of academic success. These findings revealed that Grade mark average, and GSAT-(Total) (which is also an indication of intelligence quotient (IQ)) were the best predictors of academic success of first year NCV Level 2 students at the Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp campuses of the Vuselela FET College. / Thesis (MEd (Educational Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Since 2006 Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges have been recapitalised through massive government investment in order to improve infrastructure, implement a more relevant curriculum and assist college learners financially to gain access to the different learning programmes. A new curriculum with 11 programmes was introduced and implemented under the National Certificate Vocational (NCV). The results of the 2007 examinations, were disappointing and in general, the national performance of the learners was dismal. Policy requirements for certification and promotion to the next level stipulated that learners need to pass all 7 subjects in a programme. The main aim of the study was to identify variables that are the best predictors of academic success of first year FET students. Thus, if these predictors are considered during the admission process of first year FET students, it could lead to overall improved first year pass rate at FET Colleges and contribute towards the enhancement of human resources and economical development of our country. In order to achieve the research aim and objectives, a literature study and an empirical investigation were conducted. The literature study focussed on cognitive and non-cognitive factors that contribute to academic success of students at colleges. The empirical investigation departed from a positivist paradigm to determine which variables contributed the best towards the prediction of academic success of first year NCV Level 2 students at FET Colleges and a quantitative non-experimental, ex post facto approach was followed .The results of the General Scholastic Aptitude Test (GSAT), the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory – High School version (LASSI-HS), grade mark average and biographical details of the registered first year NCV Level 2 students of the Vuselela FET College (Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp campuses) in 2008 (n=309), were used to determine whether any of these variables significantly predicted the academic success of these students. The investigation revealed that: • None of the LASSI-HS scales were predictors of academic success of the first year NCV Level 2 students; • The GSAT (Total) was a predictor of academic success of these students; • None of the biographical variables, i.e. age or gender, were predictors of academic success; and • Grade mark average on students’ last school reports, was a predictor of academic success. These findings revealed that Grade mark average, and GSAT-(Total) (which is also an indication of intelligence quotient (IQ)) were the best predictors of academic success of first year NCV Level 2 students at the Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp campuses of the Vuselela FET College. / Thesis (MEd (Educational Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The study comprises an investigation of the quality of the clinical teaching environment of undergraduate students in the accredited Primary health care ( PHC) facilities used by a provincial nursing college in Limpopo. The researcher, who is employed full time in one of the accredited PHC facilities to which undergraduate students are admitted for clinical practice, became aware of the tension between the undergraduate students and professional nurses working in the PHC facility during the performance of clinical practice. Undergraduate students accused the professional nurses of neither supervising them properly during the execution of their clinical practice, nor assessing them on the prescribed practical outcomes. On the other hand, the professional nurses working in the PHC facility complained that undergraduate students were placed at the PHC facilities in large numbers with no clinical accompanist accompanying them. The research objectives were to determine the quality of clinical practice in the PHC clinical learning environment as rated by undergraduate students allocated by a provincial nursing college located working in a PHC facility in a district of Limpopo Province, and to formulate recommendations for the professional nurses in PHC districtmanagement to incorporate supervision for undergraduate students in order to enhance clinical teaching for undergraduate students in Primary health care facilities. The researcher used a quantitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual design. An all-inclusive sampling method was used to select research participants. Participants were undergraduate students of a provincial nursing college in Limpopo. Informed consent was obtained. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authorities. Data was collected by using an internationally validated Clinical Learning Environment Supervision and Nurse Teacher Instrument (Saariskoki & Leino-Kilpi, 2008:259-267).. Data analysis was done by using descriptive statistics and revealed that the clinical practice environment was not conducive to enhancing practical skills development in the real practical PHC practice. Evaluation of study, limitations and recommendations for education, research, practice and policy were discussed. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

As societies across the world are facing grim problems regarding the consumption of tobacco products and alcohol, the Governments of these societies are adapting their strategies to reduce the consumption of these harmful products. These demarketing strategies are implemented to discourage the use of these products and increase the health of consumers. These strategies include a strenuous legal limit when driving under the influence of alcohol, enforcing the placement of warning labels on both cigarette packages as well as alcoholic beverages. Also included are penalties when failing to adhere to these laws, increasing prices, limiting the availability, restricting promotion and advertising, the list goes on. It is therefore seen fit to examine the attitudes of black Generation Y students’ towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption, because of the research gap concerning black Generation Y students. The primary purpose of this research study was to conclude the attitudes towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption amongst black Generation Y students within South Africa, and more specifically the Vaal Triangle region. The target population for this study comprised black Generation Y students, aged 18 to 24. A non-probability convenience sample of 200 respondents at each of the two higher education institutions was randomly chosen to participate in this research study making the total sample size 400. A self-administered questionnaire was handed out to each of the respondents to complete. The questionnaire consisted of three sections; Section A – demographical information, Section B – tobacco questionnaire and Section C – alcohol questionnaire. It was required of the respondents to complete the three sections, indicating their agreement or disagreement towards demarketing on a five-point Likert scale. The literature review included in this study comprised marketing as an organisational philosophy and function, market segmentation, targeting and positioning, as well as demarketing. The traditional marketing mix, consumption patterns within South Africa concerning smoking and alcohol, demarketing as a form of social responsibility were also discussed. The term demarketing, the marketing mix in terms of demarketing and the Generation Y cohort were also included within the literature review. The main finding obtained from the main survey questionnaire was that black Generation Y students’ had a positive attitude towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption. The remaining findings obtained are discussed in order to enhance the understanding of the black Generation Y students’ cohort attitudes. The recommendations for this study are given to guide the successful implementation of demarketing of cigarettes and alcohol. It is concluded from the research, that black Generation Y students’ attitudes towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption is positive, and that they are in favour of persuading consumers to reduce consumption and ultimately quit the consumption of these products. Therefore, organisations and the Government should continue to implement these demarketing strategies towards smoking and alcohol, especially amongst the black Generation Y students. / Thesis (MCom (Marketing management))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2013

As societies across the world are facing grim problems regarding the consumption of tobacco products and alcohol, the Governments of these societies are adapting their strategies to reduce the consumption of these harmful products. These demarketing strategies are implemented to discourage the use of these products and increase the health of consumers. These strategies include a strenuous legal limit when driving under the influence of alcohol, enforcing the placement of warning labels on both cigarette packages as well as alcoholic beverages. Also included are penalties when failing to adhere to these laws, increasing prices, limiting the availability, restricting promotion and advertising, the list goes on. It is therefore seen fit to examine the attitudes of black Generation Y students’ towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption, because of the research gap concerning black Generation Y students. The primary purpose of this research study was to conclude the attitudes towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption amongst black Generation Y students within South Africa, and more specifically the Vaal Triangle region. The target population for this study comprised black Generation Y students, aged 18 to 24. A non-probability convenience sample of 200 respondents at each of the two higher education institutions was randomly chosen to participate in this research study making the total sample size 400. A self-administered questionnaire was handed out to each of the respondents to complete. The questionnaire consisted of three sections; Section A – demographical information, Section B – tobacco questionnaire and Section C – alcohol questionnaire. It was required of the respondents to complete the three sections, indicating their agreement or disagreement towards demarketing on a five-point Likert scale. The literature review included in this study comprised marketing as an organisational philosophy and function, market segmentation, targeting and positioning, as well as demarketing. The traditional marketing mix, consumption patterns within South Africa concerning smoking and alcohol, demarketing as a form of social responsibility were also discussed. The term demarketing, the marketing mix in terms of demarketing and the Generation Y cohort were also included within the literature review. The main finding obtained from the main survey questionnaire was that black Generation Y students’ had a positive attitude towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption. The remaining findings obtained are discussed in order to enhance the understanding of the black Generation Y students’ cohort attitudes. The recommendations for this study are given to guide the successful implementation of demarketing of cigarettes and alcohol. It is concluded from the research, that black Generation Y students’ attitudes towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption is positive, and that they are in favour of persuading consumers to reduce consumption and ultimately quit the consumption of these products. Therefore, organisations and the Government should continue to implement these demarketing strategies towards smoking and alcohol, especially amongst the black Generation Y students. / Thesis (MCom (Marketing management))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2013

The study comprises an investigation of the quality of the clinical teaching environment of undergraduate students in the accredited Primary health care ( PHC) facilities used by a provincial nursing college in Limpopo. The researcher, who is employed full time in one of the accredited PHC facilities to which undergraduate students are admitted for clinical practice, became aware of the tension between the undergraduate students and professional nurses working in the PHC facility during the performance of clinical practice. Undergraduate students accused the professional nurses of neither supervising them properly during the execution of their clinical practice, nor assessing them on the prescribed practical outcomes. On the other hand, the professional nurses working in the PHC facility complained that undergraduate students were placed at the PHC facilities in large numbers with no clinical accompanist accompanying them. The research objectives were to determine the quality of clinical practice in the PHC clinical learning environment as rated by undergraduate students allocated by a provincial nursing college located working in a PHC facility in a district of Limpopo Province, and to formulate recommendations for the professional nurses in PHC districtmanagement to incorporate supervision for undergraduate students in order to enhance clinical teaching for undergraduate students in Primary health care facilities. The researcher used a quantitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual design. An all-inclusive sampling method was used to select research participants. Participants were undergraduate students of a provincial nursing college in Limpopo. Informed consent was obtained. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authorities. Data was collected by using an internationally validated Clinical Learning Environment Supervision and Nurse Teacher Instrument (Saariskoki & Leino-Kilpi, 2008:259-267).. Data analysis was done by using descriptive statistics and revealed that the clinical practice environment was not conducive to enhancing practical skills development in the real practical PHC practice. Evaluation of study, limitations and recommendations for education, research, practice and policy were discussed. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The unemployment rate has become a major concern for policy makers in South Africa and therefore the National Plan for Higher Education states that higher education training providers should produce more graduates to address this problem. This resulted in a labour force that has grown rapidly and has become younger and more educated. It would therefore be expected that graduates with a post–matric tertiary qualification would be in high demand, resulting in a low graduate unemployment rate. The reality is that the unemployment rate among graduates has increased. This is not only a concern for the policymakers of South Africa but also for a private higher education training provider situated in the North West Province, specialising in information technology (IT) qualifications (and whose students and alumni participated in this study as part of the study population). The majority of the IT jobs available to their students are in the Gauteng province which means their graduates often need to relocate. As for all other entry level graduates they also have to make choices – when to decline or accept a job offer. This study determines what the expectations of these entry level IT graduates are and the factors that might influence their decision to accept or decline a job offer. For the training provider it is important to know what the challenges are that their graduates encounter. The factors contributing to unemployment among these IT graduates were also investigated. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

BACKGROUND: The research deals with the effect of the Student Rag Community Service's (SRCS) Pick–A–Leader programme on adolescents in a disadvantaged community. The SRCS has been in existence for 30 years and the Student Representative Council of the North–West University: Potchefstroom Campus, has authorised them to promote voluntary ativities for charity in Potchefstroom and its surrounding areas. The SJGD annually presents various programmes to communities in Potchefstroom; however, these programmes have not thus far been formally evaluated. One of these projects is the Pick–A–Leader (PAL) programme which focuses on leadership– and skills development for adolescents in a disadvantaged community. This study concentrates on the evaluation of the PAL–programme. AIM: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of the PAL–programme on the adolescents in a disadvantaged community. METHOD: The nature of the investigation was exploratory and descriptive. Mixed methodology was applied in this study. A quasi–experimental design was used in the form of a comparative pre– and post–test design. Focus groups and a number of measuring instruments were used to gather data. Participants in the experimental groups consisted of 45 grade 11 learners from 3 schools in a disadvantaged community of Potchefstroom. Members of the comparative groups also numbered 45 and were grade 11 learners from the same 3 schools as those in the experimental groups. RESULT: It was concluded that the SRCS PAL–programme had an effect on the adolescents. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.