When comparing numerous educational advantages of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with the slow integration of GIS practice within education globally, results are confounding. This paradoxical development is also found within South Africa. In fact, GIS has been included in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase by the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) since 2006. However, following the same global trend, curriculum development in South Africa has outpaced educational GIS software research. In addition, the e-learning White paper of SA also urges software development. Barriers hindering GIS practice include the lack of suitable curriculum-aligned GIS software within the South African digital divide context. A need therefore exists for further research regarding educational GIS practice applications within South Africa. Bearing this in mind, a case study was done investigating the viability of an educationally orientated Interactive-GIS-Tutor (I-GIS-T) application within FET phase in Geography. The study was conducted with the grade 11 Geography learners of a secondary school in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as with their Geography teacher and two other Geography teachers of the same school. These three teachers have different ICT/GIS abilities and years of teaching experience. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify the main GIS educational barriers, globally and locally, as well as to investigate the viability of the I-GIS-T in relation to these identified barriers. The strategy followed was a case study evaluation, with a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis, supported by quantitative data, since this was most suited to the research questions and context. Pragmatism was therefore the underpinning philosophy within this case study. One-on-one semi-structured teacher interviews were conducted to identify the main barriers of GIS education within the FET phases. Data collection by means of questionnaires, individual interviews, focus group interviews, video recordings and field notes provided a thick description regarding the viability of the I-GIS-T within the natural class setting. ATLAS.tiTM and SPSS software were utilised with analysis of qualitative and supportive quantitative data. Attitudinal tests provided supportive quantitative data. Findings indicated that main GIS practice barriers, globally as well as in the school of study, were the lack of preparation time, a full curriculum, lack of GIS support, complex educational GIS software and the teacher‟s lack of ICT skills. The grade 11 Geography teacher and most of the learners evaluated the I-GIS-T as workable. The I-GIS-T also surmounted the main GIS practice barriers. Furthermore, GIS attitudinal tests revealed an overall positive shift on all the attitudinal questions. The combination of lack of basic computer skills and language (where English is not the mother tongue) were the main reasons why some learners suggested that they struggled with the software. Future I-GIS-T development recommended incorporation of a multi-language choice component, as well as exploratory activities. Within this case study, learners who have mastered basic computer skills found the I-GIS-T effective and workable and therefore a viable GIS software application option within the FET phase Geography. In order to be able to generalise statistically, further quantitative research is suggested. In fact, future quantitative research, employing SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) might prove the I-GIS-T to be a viable option within FET schools throughout SA, as well as in other developing countries. / Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

When comparing numerous educational advantages of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with the slow integration of GIS practice within education globally, results are confounding. This paradoxical development is also found within South Africa. In fact, GIS has been included in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase by the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) since 2006. However, following the same global trend, curriculum development in South Africa has outpaced educational GIS software research. In addition, the e-learning White paper of SA also urges software development. Barriers hindering GIS practice include the lack of suitable curriculum-aligned GIS software within the South African digital divide context. A need therefore exists for further research regarding educational GIS practice applications within South Africa. Bearing this in mind, a case study was done investigating the viability of an educationally orientated Interactive-GIS-Tutor (I-GIS-T) application within FET phase in Geography. The study was conducted with the grade 11 Geography learners of a secondary school in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as with their Geography teacher and two other Geography teachers of the same school. These three teachers have different ICT/GIS abilities and years of teaching experience. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify the main GIS educational barriers, globally and locally, as well as to investigate the viability of the I-GIS-T in relation to these identified barriers. The strategy followed was a case study evaluation, with a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis, supported by quantitative data, since this was most suited to the research questions and context. Pragmatism was therefore the underpinning philosophy within this case study. One-on-one semi-structured teacher interviews were conducted to identify the main barriers of GIS education within the FET phases. Data collection by means of questionnaires, individual interviews, focus group interviews, video recordings and field notes provided a thick description regarding the viability of the I-GIS-T within the natural class setting. ATLAS.tiTM and SPSS software were utilised with analysis of qualitative and supportive quantitative data. Attitudinal tests provided supportive quantitative data. Findings indicated that main GIS practice barriers, globally as well as in the school of study, were the lack of preparation time, a full curriculum, lack of GIS support, complex educational GIS software and the teacher‟s lack of ICT skills. The grade 11 Geography teacher and most of the learners evaluated the I-GIS-T as workable. The I-GIS-T also surmounted the main GIS practice barriers. Furthermore, GIS attitudinal tests revealed an overall positive shift on all the attitudinal questions. The combination of lack of basic computer skills and language (where English is not the mother tongue) were the main reasons why some learners suggested that they struggled with the software. Future I-GIS-T development recommended incorporation of a multi-language choice component, as well as exploratory activities. Within this case study, learners who have mastered basic computer skills found the I-GIS-T effective and workable and therefore a viable GIS software application option within the FET phase Geography. In order to be able to generalise statistically, further quantitative research is suggested. In fact, future quantitative research, employing SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) might prove the I-GIS-T to be a viable option within FET schools throughout SA, as well as in other developing countries. / Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Background: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is used for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment for a wide range of thrombo-embolic disorders. The prescribing and monitoring of warfarin therapy is challenging due to the fact that warfarin exhibits numerous interactions with other drugs and a variety of factors that influence the dosing of warfarin. Objective: The general objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of drugs prescribed with warfarin that may have a potential drug-drug interaction (DDI) with warfarin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational or qualitative study that was conducted on medicine claims data of a pharmaceutical benefit management company for patients receiving warfarin therapy for a six year period, ranging from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010. Drug products that were co-prescribed with warfarin were also identified from the medicine claims database. The total number of prescriptions for all drug products during the study period were analysed and compared to the warfarin dataset. This was done by means of the SAS 9.1® computer package (SAS Institute, 2004). The total number of prescriptions and medicine items claimed from the database during the study period were respectively 49 523 818 and 118 305 941. Potential DDls between warfarin and coprescribed drugs were identified and classified according to a clinically significant rating. The clinically significance ratings of potential DDls are described in three degrees of severity, identified as major, moderate and minor (Tatro, 2011 :xiv). Results: The database consisted of 427 238 warfarin prescriptions and 427 744 warfarin medicine items, which represented 0.9% of the total number of prescriptions and 0.4% of total number of medicine items. The total number of patients who claimed warfarin prescriptions through the database represented 0.9% (n=68 575) of the total number of patients who claimed prescriptions in the total database (2005-2010). General practitioners prescribed the highest frequency of warfarin medicine items, representing 58.3% (n=249 202) of the total number prescribed. The age group that claimed the highest frequency of warfarin prescriptions (n=327 592, 76.6%) and the highest frequency of warfarin medicine items (n=327 984, 76.7%) was age group 4 (consisting of patients 59 years and older). The distribution between females and males regarding warfarin prescriptions claimed (n=205 999, 48.2%; n=221 117, 51.8%) and warfarin medicine items claimed (n=206 232, 48.2%; n=221 390, 51.8%) were almost equal. General practitioners prescribed the highest average PDD (7.01 mg ± 9.86 mg) of warfarin medicine items. Paediatric cardiologists prescribed the lowest average PDD (4.61 mg ± 1.29 mg) of warfarin medicine items. A d-value of 0.1 indicates that there is no practical difference of the average PDD between general practitioners and paediatric cardiologists. The average PDD of warfarin medicine items between females (6.60 mg ± 9.06 mg) and males (6.74 mg± 8.41 mg) was almost equal. The age group who was prescribed the highest average PDD was age group 2 (consisting of patients 20 years to 39 years old) (7.42 mg± 7.42 mg). Age group 4 (consisting of patients 59 years and older) (6.50 mg± 8.90 mg) was prescribed the lowest average PDD of warfarin medicine items. A d-value of 0.1 indicates that there is no practical difference of the average PDDs of warfarin medicine items between these two age groups. The results revealed that drugs with a significance rating (SR) of 1 (n=155 066, 43.3%), 2 (n=30128, 8.4%), 4 (n=137144, 38.3%), and 5 (n=36144, 10.1%) were co-prescribed with warfarin in the six year study period. The five drugs that was co-prescribed with warfarin most frequently was aspirin (n=48 903, 13.6%), thyroxine (n=33 954, 9.5%), amiodarone (n=25 056, 7.0%), simvastatin (n=19 070, 5.3%) and celecoxib (n=10 794, 3.0%). These five drugs have a SR of 1. Conclusions: This study showed that the top five drugs most frequently prescribed with warfarin are aspirin, thyroxine, amiodarone, simvastatin and celecoxib. These drugs can potentially interact with warfarin. The potential interactions of these drugs are rated with a significance rating of 1. This concludes that drugs that can potentially cause life threatening effects and permanent damage are commonly co-prescribed with warfarin. Clinical data concerning the INR or PT must be obtained in order to evaluate whether or not warfarin therapy is changed when a potentially interacting drug is co-prescribed. The age of the patients as well as the duration of warfarin treatment should also be obtained in order to assess whether warfarin treatment is changed with the progression of age. / MPharm (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Background: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is used for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment for a wide range of thrombo-embolic disorders. The prescribing and monitoring of warfarin therapy is challenging due to the fact that warfarin exhibits numerous interactions with other drugs and a variety of factors that influence the dosing of warfarin. Objective: The general objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of drugs prescribed with warfarin that may have a potential drug-drug interaction (DDI) with warfarin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational or qualitative study that was conducted on medicine claims data of a pharmaceutical benefit management company for patients receiving warfarin therapy for a six year period, ranging from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010. Drug products that were co-prescribed with warfarin were also identified from the medicine claims database. The total number of prescriptions for all drug products during the study period were analysed and compared to the warfarin dataset. This was done by means of the SAS 9.1® computer package (SAS Institute, 2004). The total number of prescriptions and medicine items claimed from the database during the study period were respectively 49 523 818 and 118 305 941. Potential DDls between warfarin and coprescribed drugs were identified and classified according to a clinically significant rating. The clinically significance ratings of potential DDls are described in three degrees of severity, identified as major, moderate and minor (Tatro, 2011 :xiv). Results: The database consisted of 427 238 warfarin prescriptions and 427 744 warfarin medicine items, which represented 0.9% of the total number of prescriptions and 0.4% of total number of medicine items. The total number of patients who claimed warfarin prescriptions through the database represented 0.9% (n=68 575) of the total number of patients who claimed prescriptions in the total database (2005-2010). General practitioners prescribed the highest frequency of warfarin medicine items, representing 58.3% (n=249 202) of the total number prescribed. The age group that claimed the highest frequency of warfarin prescriptions (n=327 592, 76.6%) and the highest frequency of warfarin medicine items (n=327 984, 76.7%) was age group 4 (consisting of patients 59 years and older). The distribution between females and males regarding warfarin prescriptions claimed (n=205 999, 48.2%; n=221 117, 51.8%) and warfarin medicine items claimed (n=206 232, 48.2%; n=221 390, 51.8%) were almost equal. General practitioners prescribed the highest average PDD (7.01 mg ± 9.86 mg) of warfarin medicine items. Paediatric cardiologists prescribed the lowest average PDD (4.61 mg ± 1.29 mg) of warfarin medicine items. A d-value of 0.1 indicates that there is no practical difference of the average PDD between general practitioners and paediatric cardiologists. The average PDD of warfarin medicine items between females (6.60 mg ± 9.06 mg) and males (6.74 mg± 8.41 mg) was almost equal. The age group who was prescribed the highest average PDD was age group 2 (consisting of patients 20 years to 39 years old) (7.42 mg± 7.42 mg). Age group 4 (consisting of patients 59 years and older) (6.50 mg± 8.90 mg) was prescribed the lowest average PDD of warfarin medicine items. A d-value of 0.1 indicates that there is no practical difference of the average PDDs of warfarin medicine items between these two age groups. The results revealed that drugs with a significance rating (SR) of 1 (n=155 066, 43.3%), 2 (n=30128, 8.4%), 4 (n=137144, 38.3%), and 5 (n=36144, 10.1%) were co-prescribed with warfarin in the six year study period. The five drugs that was co-prescribed with warfarin most frequently was aspirin (n=48 903, 13.6%), thyroxine (n=33 954, 9.5%), amiodarone (n=25 056, 7.0%), simvastatin (n=19 070, 5.3%) and celecoxib (n=10 794, 3.0%). These five drugs have a SR of 1. Conclusions: This study showed that the top five drugs most frequently prescribed with warfarin are aspirin, thyroxine, amiodarone, simvastatin and celecoxib. These drugs can potentially interact with warfarin. The potential interactions of these drugs are rated with a significance rating of 1. This concludes that drugs that can potentially cause life threatening effects and permanent damage are commonly co-prescribed with warfarin. Clinical data concerning the INR or PT must be obtained in order to evaluate whether or not warfarin therapy is changed when a potentially interacting drug is co-prescribed. The age of the patients as well as the duration of warfarin treatment should also be obtained in order to assess whether warfarin treatment is changed with the progression of age. / MPharm (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Stumbo and Peterson (2004:9) argue that the participation in meaningful leisure activities may lead to the improvement of elderly people’s health, well-being and quality of life. Changes which are associated with old age, such as the increase in adverse health conditions; however has a significant impact on leisure participation of the elderly (Austin et al., 2006:49). For the purpose of this study, the following questions need to be answered: a) Are physical, social, spiritual and cognitive leisure activities part of the leisure profile of persons sixty years and older? b) Do structural, interpersonal and intrapersonal constraints play a role in limiting the leisure participation of persons sixty years and older? c) Does a relationship exist between participation in physical, social, spiritual and cognitive leisure activities and perceived well-being of people sixty years and older? d) Can a leisure activity paradigm be compiled to indicate the leisure participation of persons sixty years and older? To answer these questions, this study focused on using a phenomenological research design to enquire about the meaning of the leisure phenomenon in elderly people’s lives (Fouché, 2005:270). This study was developed in accordance with the mixed methodological approach referred to by De Vos (2005b:361) as a combination of quantitative and qualitative research used in a single study. For the purpose of this study, one hundred and ten elderly people (men and women), sixty years and older and members of the Potchefstroom Service Centre for the Aged, participated. An availability sample was used to identify the participants who completed the questionnaire and participated in the focus group interview. Seventy two participants (60 females and 12 males) completed the questionnaire, whereby eight participants (5 females and 3 males) participated in the focus group interview. According to the results, respondents 60-64 years old indicated that they participate more in social, creative and cultural, and general leisure activities. Although 60% of these respondents (60-64 years) experience low levels of health, 80% still participate in physical leisure activities. The results suggested that these respondents (60-64 years) also participate less in travelling and outdoor leisure activities than respondents 65-74 years old and 75 years and older. Regarding respondents 65-74 years old, the results indicated higher levels of participation in social leisure activities, followed by general leisure activities. These respondents (65-74 years) participate more in travelling and outdoor leisure activities than the other age groups (60-64; 75 and older). Compared to the respondents 60-64 years, the leisure participation in creative and cultural and physical activities of respondents 65-74 years is significantly lower, even if the results showed they have a healthier health profile than respondents 60-64 years. The results showed that respondents 75 years and older participate more in general leisure activities, followed by social leisure activities and creative and cultural leisure activities. In comparison with respondents 60-64 years, respondents 75 years and older participate more in travelling and outdoor leisure activities. Although respondents 75 years and older, according to the results, have a healthier health profile than respondents 60-64 years and 65-74 years, participation in physical leisure activities was still very low. Regarding the relation between the leisure profile and the different types of living arrangements, it showed that respondents living in retirement villages participate more in social, general and physical leisure activities whereas respondents living in their own homes, participate more in general, social and creative and cultural leisure activities. However, respondents living with their children or family, or in a communal home, participate more in social leisure activities. In terms of the importance of leisure participation in elderly people’s life, the results indicated that 60% respondents 60-64 years, acknowledge leisure participation as very important in their lives, whereas 6% respondents 65-74 years and 75 years and older (21%), indicated leisure participation as not important. According to the respondents’ health profile, in relation to living arrangements and gender, women respondents living in retirement villages experience lower health levels than those living with their children or family, or in communal homes as well as male respondents. The results indicated that most of the respondents who experience average to low health levels, participate in social leisure activities whereas those who participate in outdoor leisure activities experience average health levels. In terms of happiness, well-being and quality of life, the male respondents living in retirement villages experience higher levels of happiness, well-being and quality of life compared to those living with children or family, or in communal homes. Women respondents living in their own homes or with their children or family, or in communal homes experience the highest levels of happiness, well-being and quality of life. This study also suggests that elderly people’s leisure participation can be programmed and planned by using a leisure activity pyramid. This leisure activity pyramid place social activities at the foundation of the leisure program, from where general, creative and cultural, physical, outdoor and travelling leisure activities can develop. The results showed, elderly people have a need to experience leisure benefits; hence the leisure benefits respondents 65-74 years old experience, includes interaction with others, whereas respondents 75 years and older indicated that they experience personal growth as a leisure benefit. Respondents (male and female) 65-74 years old indicated that meeting other people was the biggest leisure benefit, whereas respondents 60-64 years indicated that they participate in leisure activities to experience physical challenges while respondents 75 years and older participate in leisure activities to experience relaxation. In terms of the constraints which can limit participants’ leisure participation or exclude them from it, the respondents experience financial shortages as the most important constraint. The results showed that constraints are experienced differently between gender and age groups. Hence, the male respondents 65-74 years old and female respondents 75 years and older, indicated a shortage of time as the most important constraint, while male respondents 75 years and older, as well as female respondents between 60 and 74 years, indicated financial shortages as the most important constraint. According to the results, it seemed that respondents 85 years and older experience time and security, economic and structural, personal and programming as constraints. Respondents living in a flat on the same premises as children or family, experience time and security as constraints in contrast to those living with children or family, who experience economic and personal constraints. According to this study it is clear that old age and the provision of leisure services to older people, is a very complex issue. In the light of this information it is necessary for tertiary institutions to provide specialized training for recreation students, in the field of providing leisure services to older people, to meet the complex leisure needs of the elderly. / Thesis (PhD (Recreation Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Stumbo and Peterson (2004:9) argue that the participation in meaningful leisure activities may lead to the improvement of elderly people’s health, well-being and quality of life. Changes which are associated with old age, such as the increase in adverse health conditions; however has a significant impact on leisure participation of the elderly (Austin et al., 2006:49). For the purpose of this study, the following questions need to be answered: a) Are physical, social, spiritual and cognitive leisure activities part of the leisure profile of persons sixty years and older? b) Do structural, interpersonal and intrapersonal constraints play a role in limiting the leisure participation of persons sixty years and older? c) Does a relationship exist between participation in physical, social, spiritual and cognitive leisure activities and perceived well-being of people sixty years and older? d) Can a leisure activity paradigm be compiled to indicate the leisure participation of persons sixty years and older? To answer these questions, this study focused on using a phenomenological research design to enquire about the meaning of the leisure phenomenon in elderly people’s lives (Fouché, 2005:270). This study was developed in accordance with the mixed methodological approach referred to by De Vos (2005b:361) as a combination of quantitative and qualitative research used in a single study. For the purpose of this study, one hundred and ten elderly people (men and women), sixty years and older and members of the Potchefstroom Service Centre for the Aged, participated. An availability sample was used to identify the participants who completed the questionnaire and participated in the focus group interview. Seventy two participants (60 females and 12 males) completed the questionnaire, whereby eight participants (5 females and 3 males) participated in the focus group interview. According to the results, respondents 60-64 years old indicated that they participate more in social, creative and cultural, and general leisure activities. Although 60% of these respondents (60-64 years) experience low levels of health, 80% still participate in physical leisure activities. The results suggested that these respondents (60-64 years) also participate less in travelling and outdoor leisure activities than respondents 65-74 years old and 75 years and older. Regarding respondents 65-74 years old, the results indicated higher levels of participation in social leisure activities, followed by general leisure activities. These respondents (65-74 years) participate more in travelling and outdoor leisure activities than the other age groups (60-64; 75 and older). Compared to the respondents 60-64 years, the leisure participation in creative and cultural and physical activities of respondents 65-74 years is significantly lower, even if the results showed they have a healthier health profile than respondents 60-64 years. The results showed that respondents 75 years and older participate more in general leisure activities, followed by social leisure activities and creative and cultural leisure activities. In comparison with respondents 60-64 years, respondents 75 years and older participate more in travelling and outdoor leisure activities. Although respondents 75 years and older, according to the results, have a healthier health profile than respondents 60-64 years and 65-74 years, participation in physical leisure activities was still very low. Regarding the relation between the leisure profile and the different types of living arrangements, it showed that respondents living in retirement villages participate more in social, general and physical leisure activities whereas respondents living in their own homes, participate more in general, social and creative and cultural leisure activities. However, respondents living with their children or family, or in a communal home, participate more in social leisure activities. In terms of the importance of leisure participation in elderly people’s life, the results indicated that 60% respondents 60-64 years, acknowledge leisure participation as very important in their lives, whereas 6% respondents 65-74 years and 75 years and older (21%), indicated leisure participation as not important. According to the respondents’ health profile, in relation to living arrangements and gender, women respondents living in retirement villages experience lower health levels than those living with their children or family, or in communal homes as well as male respondents. The results indicated that most of the respondents who experience average to low health levels, participate in social leisure activities whereas those who participate in outdoor leisure activities experience average health levels. In terms of happiness, well-being and quality of life, the male respondents living in retirement villages experience higher levels of happiness, well-being and quality of life compared to those living with children or family, or in communal homes. Women respondents living in their own homes or with their children or family, or in communal homes experience the highest levels of happiness, well-being and quality of life. This study also suggests that elderly people’s leisure participation can be programmed and planned by using a leisure activity pyramid. This leisure activity pyramid place social activities at the foundation of the leisure program, from where general, creative and cultural, physical, outdoor and travelling leisure activities can develop. The results showed, elderly people have a need to experience leisure benefits; hence the leisure benefits respondents 65-74 years old experience, includes interaction with others, whereas respondents 75 years and older indicated that they experience personal growth as a leisure benefit. Respondents (male and female) 65-74 years old indicated that meeting other people was the biggest leisure benefit, whereas respondents 60-64 years indicated that they participate in leisure activities to experience physical challenges while respondents 75 years and older participate in leisure activities to experience relaxation. In terms of the constraints which can limit participants’ leisure participation or exclude them from it, the respondents experience financial shortages as the most important constraint. The results showed that constraints are experienced differently between gender and age groups. Hence, the male respondents 65-74 years old and female respondents 75 years and older, indicated a shortage of time as the most important constraint, while male respondents 75 years and older, as well as female respondents between 60 and 74 years, indicated financial shortages as the most important constraint. According to the results, it seemed that respondents 85 years and older experience time and security, economic and structural, personal and programming as constraints. Respondents living in a flat on the same premises as children or family, experience time and security as constraints in contrast to those living with children or family, who experience economic and personal constraints. According to this study it is clear that old age and the provision of leisure services to older people, is a very complex issue. In the light of this information it is necessary for tertiary institutions to provide specialized training for recreation students, in the field of providing leisure services to older people, to meet the complex leisure needs of the elderly. / Thesis (PhD (Recreation Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Work–life balance is one of the most central issues and concerns for 21st century societies, and according to the American Psychological Association balancing work and family is one of the major challenges for the current generation of employees. Helping employees balance their work and family life is viewed as a social and business imperative since work–life imbalance experienced by employees negatively impacts on employers and society as a whole. Evidence from a study of international employers indicates significant increases in the implementation and use of workplace flexibility, more commonly known as flexitime, as a work–life balance policy. Research into the use and implementation of flexitime within South Africa is limited, especially with regard to the aspects that influence the use of flexitime as well as the associated benefits, challenges and consequences for both South African employees and organisations. Consequently, organisations are left to design, implement and manage their own flexitime policies, with very little information or guidance available to ensure employee and organisational benefit. In this study, a qualitative research design with an exploratory approach was used to explore and describe employees? perceptions regarding the implementation of flexitime. A non–probability purposive, voluntary sample of 15 participants was taken from the offices of an international auditing and consulting organisation located in Johannesburg. Data was collected by means of semi–structured individual interviews and the verbatim transcripts were analysed by means of content analysis. Seven themes were extracted from the interviews, namely: variations in the use of flexitime; factors influencing the use of flexitime; challenges relating to the use of flexitime; perceptions regarding the use of flexitime; required aspects for the effective use of flexitime; consequences relating to the use of flexitime; and the benefits resulting from the use of flexitime. Organisations should be made more aware of the individual as well as organisational benefits, challenges and consequences of flexitime as highlighted in this research. When implementing such policies, specific required aspects for the effective use of flexitime should be taken in consideration. Organisations interested in successfully implementing flexitime for the benefit of both the employee and organisation are advised to consider the findings of this study and take heed of the critical findings presented. Efforts should be made to accommodate employee preferences regarding their use of flexitime. Organisations should be alert to the potential challenges, consequences and negative perceptions surrounding flexitime and, consequently, the importance of ensuring that prerequisites or those aspects required for the implementation of flexitime are in place and perceptions relating to the policy are managed. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Work–life balance is one of the most central issues and concerns for 21st century societies, and according to the American Psychological Association balancing work and family is one of the major challenges for the current generation of employees. Helping employees balance their work and family life is viewed as a social and business imperative since work–life imbalance experienced by employees negatively impacts on employers and society as a whole. Evidence from a study of international employers indicates significant increases in the implementation and use of workplace flexibility, more commonly known as flexitime, as a work–life balance policy. Research into the use and implementation of flexitime within South Africa is limited, especially with regard to the aspects that influence the use of flexitime as well as the associated benefits, challenges and consequences for both South African employees and organisations. Consequently, organisations are left to design, implement and manage their own flexitime policies, with very little information or guidance available to ensure employee and organisational benefit. In this study, a qualitative research design with an exploratory approach was used to explore and describe employees? perceptions regarding the implementation of flexitime. A non–probability purposive, voluntary sample of 15 participants was taken from the offices of an international auditing and consulting organisation located in Johannesburg. Data was collected by means of semi–structured individual interviews and the verbatim transcripts were analysed by means of content analysis. Seven themes were extracted from the interviews, namely: variations in the use of flexitime; factors influencing the use of flexitime; challenges relating to the use of flexitime; perceptions regarding the use of flexitime; required aspects for the effective use of flexitime; consequences relating to the use of flexitime; and the benefits resulting from the use of flexitime. Organisations should be made more aware of the individual as well as organisational benefits, challenges and consequences of flexitime as highlighted in this research. When implementing such policies, specific required aspects for the effective use of flexitime should be taken in consideration. Organisations interested in successfully implementing flexitime for the benefit of both the employee and organisation are advised to consider the findings of this study and take heed of the critical findings presented. Efforts should be made to accommodate employee preferences regarding their use of flexitime. Organisations should be alert to the potential challenges, consequences and negative perceptions surrounding flexitime and, consequently, the importance of ensuring that prerequisites or those aspects required for the implementation of flexitime are in place and perceptions relating to the policy are managed. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The most frequent intervention performed by physicians is the writing of a prescription. Modern medicine has been remarkably effective in managing diseases. Medicines play a fundamental role in the effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of health care systems. However, health care expenditure is a great cause for concern and many nations around the world struggle to contain rising health care costs. Pharmaceutical benefit management programmes such as pharmacoeconomics, drug utilisation review (DUR) and disease management have emerged as control tools to ensure cost effective selection and use of medicine. These managed care instruments are often used to determine whether new strategies or interventions, such as the implementation of a managed medicine reference price list, are appropriate and have "value". The general objective of this study was to investigate the influences of the implementation of a managed medicine reference price list on the usage and cost of antibiotic medicine in the private health care sector of South Africa. The research design used in this study was retrospective, non-experimental and quantitative. The data used for the analysis were obtained over a two-year study period (1 May 2001 to 31 April 2003) from the central medicine claims database of Medschem&. Data was analysed according to prevalence, cost and original (innovator) or generic medicine items. For the purpose of this study antibiotics referred to beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins and "others"), erythromycin and other macrolides, tetracyclines, sulphonamides and combinations, quinolones, chloramphenicol and aminoglycosides. The results of the empirical investigation showed the total number of medicine items claimed during the study period amounted to 49098736 medicine items having a total expenditure of R7150344897.00. There was a decrease in the prevalence of original (innovator) products during the two-year period. The prevalence of generic products increased from 25.87% to 32.47%. A total of 4092495 antibiotic medicine items were claimed with a total cost of R526309279.43 representing 7.36% (n = R7150344897.00) of all pharmaceutical products purchased during the two-year period. Original antibiotics had a prevalence of 42.32%, while generic antibiotics constituted 57.68% of all antibiotic products claimed (n = 4092495). However, original (innovator) products contributed 62.32% and generic products 37.68% to the total cost of all antibiotics claimed. It was concluded that the beta-lactam antibiotics represented 56.99% of all antibiotics claimed (n = 4092495) and contributed 52.51% to the total antibiotic expenditure (n = R526309279.43) for the two-year period. The average cost of beta-lactam items ranged between R112.88 * 69.95 and R122.18 + 81.42. The Medschema Price List (MPL) was implemented in May 2001. The aim of this reference pricing system was to allocate a ceiling price to a group of drugs, which are similar in terms of composition, clinical efficacy, safety and quality, with the ultimate goal to reduce medicine expenditure. During the year of implementation of the MPL 62.24% of beta-lactam antibiotics claimed (n = 1303464) were MPL listed. These products contributed 43.25% to the total cost of all beta-lactam antibiotics (n = R157142778.38). Medical aid companies reimbursed R61649211.86 for penicillins claimed and MPL listed. If all penicillin products were claimed at the ceiling price set by the MPL, a cost saving of 2.79% could have been achieved. Cost analysis indicated that it is possible to reduce health care costs by implementing strategies with the aim to reduce medicine cost. Further research, however, is necessary and in this regard recommendations for further research were formulated. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The most frequent intervention performed by physicians is the writing of a prescription. Modern medicine has been remarkably effective in managing diseases. Medicines play a fundamental role in the effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of health care systems. However, health care expenditure is a great cause for concern and many nations around the world struggle to contain rising health care costs. Pharmaceutical benefit management programmes such as pharmacoeconomics, drug utilisation review (DUR) and disease management have emerged as control tools to ensure cost effective selection and use of medicine. These managed care instruments are often used to determine whether new strategies or interventions, such as the implementation of a managed medicine reference price list, are appropriate and have "value". The general objective of this study was to investigate the influences of the implementation of a managed medicine reference price list on the usage and cost of antibiotic medicine in the private health care sector of South Africa. The research design used in this study was retrospective, non-experimental and quantitative. The data used for the analysis were obtained over a two-year study period (1 May 2001 to 31 April 2003) from the central medicine claims database of Medschem&. Data was analysed according to prevalence, cost and original (innovator) or generic medicine items. For the purpose of this study antibiotics referred to beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins and "others"), erythromycin and other macrolides, tetracyclines, sulphonamides and combinations, quinolones, chloramphenicol and aminoglycosides. The results of the empirical investigation showed the total number of medicine items claimed during the study period amounted to 49098736 medicine items having a total expenditure of R7150344897.00. There was a decrease in the prevalence of original (innovator) products during the two-year period. The prevalence of generic products increased from 25.87% to 32.47%. A total of 4092495 antibiotic medicine items were claimed with a total cost of R526309279.43 representing 7.36% (n = R7150344897.00) of all pharmaceutical products purchased during the two-year period. Original antibiotics had a prevalence of 42.32%, while generic antibiotics constituted 57.68% of all antibiotic products claimed (n = 4092495). However, original (innovator) products contributed 62.32% and generic products 37.68% to the total cost of all antibiotics claimed. It was concluded that the beta-lactam antibiotics represented 56.99% of all antibiotics claimed (n = 4092495) and contributed 52.51% to the total antibiotic expenditure (n = R526309279.43) for the two-year period. The average cost of beta-lactam items ranged between R112.88 * 69.95 and R122.18 + 81.42. The Medschema Price List (MPL) was implemented in May 2001. The aim of this reference pricing system was to allocate a ceiling price to a group of drugs, which are similar in terms of composition, clinical efficacy, safety and quality, with the ultimate goal to reduce medicine expenditure. During the year of implementation of the MPL 62.24% of beta-lactam antibiotics claimed (n = 1303464) were MPL listed. These products contributed 43.25% to the total cost of all beta-lactam antibiotics (n = R157142778.38). Medical aid companies reimbursed R61649211.86 for penicillins claimed and MPL listed. If all penicillin products were claimed at the ceiling price set by the MPL, a cost saving of 2.79% could have been achieved. Cost analysis indicated that it is possible to reduce health care costs by implementing strategies with the aim to reduce medicine cost. Further research, however, is necessary and in this regard recommendations for further research were formulated. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.