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A model of paperless technology continuance use intention by business end-users: a dyadic perspective
(University of the Free State, 2023) Gore, Langton; Nel, J.; Human, G. J. P.
The ambiguity of paperless technology use in offices prevails, and there is a lack of paperless technology adoption information that can be used to inform strategy within the office automation industry. Office automation organisations require information on the continuance use of paperless technology to ascertain technological improvement areas and strengthen their marketing strategies. This study aimed to identify how the perception of business end-users regarding paperless technology and the buyer-supplier relationship influence their continued use of office paperless technology. By applying the behavioural reasoning theory, the study used an often overlooked behavioural theory in technology use literature and business-to-business marketing literature to investigate the continuance use of paperless technology. The model developed comprises ‘reasons for’ and ‘reasons against’ relating to technological and buyer-supplier factors that impact the continuance use intention of business end-users. Empirical data was collected using an online survey, and quantitative methodology was applied. A total of 297 responses from customers (end-users of an office automation organisation in South Africa) were statistically analysed. The results showed that both attitude towards the technology and attitude towards the supplier significantly influence the continuance use intention of paperless technology. Attitude towards the supplier had a lower influence on continuance use intention but also influenced attitude towards the technology. Compatibility, ease of use, usefulness, and reliability shortcomings were confirmed as factors influencing attitudes toward the technology. However, the influence of capability shortcomings was not statistically significant. Goal congruence, trust, commitment, and distrust were supported factors influencing attitudes toward the supplier, while the influence of opportunism was not statistically significant. The supported model contributed to theory building and enabled the development of marketing strategies and strategies to manage the paramount buyer-seller relationships.
Destination Europe: migration governance along the Nigeria-Libya route
(University of the Free State, 2024) Oso, Adedeji Odunayo; Chibwana, Musavengana; Mushonga, Munyaradzi
While migration in terms of push-pull factors has received considerable scholarly attention (Adesina, 2021; P. Obi-Ani, Obi-Ani & Isiani, 2020; Mafu, 2019; Flahaux & De Haas, 2016; Adepoju, 2016), its governance architecture remains under-researched and under-theorised. The increasing cross-border movement along the Nigeria-Libya Route to Europe has become a significant challenge to Nigeria, Niger, Libya and countries of first entry in Europe such as Italy and Malta. Moreover, the risky journey has also led to sexual exploitation, human commodification, physical abuse, human insecurity and the death of thousands of African migrants. Consequently, this interdisciplinary study aims to diagnose and address these challenges, paradoxes, and predicaments through the lens of migration governance along the Route toward solution-driven strategies for safer, regular and effective migration management in Africa. The study deploys the World System Theory, Aspirations-Capabilities Model and Statist-Controlled Model as theoretical frameworks to understand the migration governance of the Nigeria-Libya route.
Methodologically, this qualitative research employs the pragmatic paradigm to unpack the real-life challenges of migration governance to generate real-life solutions. It also adopts the case study design and qualitative content analysis. The data sets generated through the key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and online questionnaires were collected from the 20 sampled governmental actors, institutions, and stakeholders in 5 major states of southern and northern regions of Nigeria. The data sets were analysed using NVivo 14 software to critique the extant normative frameworks addressing migration challenges in Africa, understand the dynamics of migration dangers along the route, evaluate the effectiveness of migration policy frameworks and institution architecture of the transnational and national spaces of the route and uncover strategies for effective migration governance of the route. Three major categories of findings emerged. The first key findings revealed that the extant migration normative frameworks addressing the subject of migration cannot grapple with the contemporary realities of migration in the case of the Nigeria-Libya Route.
The second key findings crystallised the perils of the route, which include the environmental-determinism risks (hunger, thirst, desert scare, body weakness and sickness), gender-related risks (physical abuse and sexual exploitation of migrants, forced marriage and labour, susceptibility to STDs) and migrants’ brush with death experiences (loss of organs and death). The third major findings showcased the strengths and weaknesses of target migration policies and major institutions such as the International Organization for Migration, the European Union, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the Arab Maghreb Union at the transnational space. At the same time, the weaknesses and strengths of Nigeria’s migration institutional architecture and the national migration policy in the national space of the Nigeria-route were also documented in the study.
The restrictive cross-border control, capacity deficits and lack of monitoring mechanisms, among others, were revealed as the drawbacks of migration governance in the transnational space of the route. Meanwhile, migrants’ agnotology, inadequate funding, restrictive visas, poor data management, and inter-agency rivalry emerged as the factors undermining migration governance architecture in Nigeria – the national space of the route. Finally, the study recommended a proposed migration governance framework (MGF) toward safe and orderly migration through pre-departure, transit, entry, and stay for effective migration governance in Africa, particularly along the Nigeria-Libya Route to Europe. The recommended framework (MGF) offers informed policies to states, migration institutions and migration policymakers in Nigeria, Niger, Libya and European countries and beyond. The MGF also encapsulates and elicits actionable strategies for migrants themselves and future researchers.
The application of a seamless learning approach in the year 9 of the LGR-22 music curriculum using the SLED framework: a case study
(University of the Free State, 2024) Coetzer, Johannes Stephanus; de Villiers, Frelét; Hambrock, Helga
Despite numerous studies on seamless learning in education, little is known about its application in music education. In this study, I deal with a gap in the literature on the application of a seamless learning approach in the Year 9 LGR-22 Music Curriculum at a primary school in Stockholm, Sweden. To meet the differentiated needs of 21st-century students, a traditional music curriculum was modified using the Seamless Learning Experience Design (SLED) framework. A qualitative case study was used, including classroom observations, semi-structured interviews (with 13 students), end-of-lesson questionnaires (50 students) and end-of-unit reflective questionnaires (181 reflections). To consolidate my findings and develop a coherent narrative, thematic coding together with an inductive approach was used to categorise the themes within the qualitative data. The data analysis indicated that the seamless learning approach offered a range of advantages that allow for a personalised learning experience for students. In this research, I attempt to indicate the significance of teaching and learning approaches in catering to students’ content consumption, interaction, creation and presentation preferences and promoting self-directed and student-centred learning environments. Additional advantages of the way a seamless learning approach can improve a traditional music curriculum to meet the needs of contemporary students are also emphasised, rendering the learning environment more dynamic, inclusive and flexible. Helpful recommendations to teachers are provided on how to apply the SLED framework in their subjects with a view to creating pragmatic learning experiences that enhance students’ overall learning experience.
Rethinking occultism and crime: satanism, the occult and youth gang subcultures in the global and South African context
(Criminological Society of Africa (CRIMSA), 2018) Roelofse, Cornelis; Phillips, Ashwill Ramon; Maritz, Leanné; Petrus, Theodore
The relationship between occultism and crime has often been explored in the criminological literature within the context of ritualistic crimes. In many instances, such crimes have been linked to Satanism and the occult (in its various guises). In the United States (US), Perlmutter’s (2004) text on religious terrorism and ritualistic crimes sought to provide some insights into the ritualised context of occult-related crimes and identified various subgroups whose criminal activities are underpinned by specific religious and ritualistic beliefs and practices. In the South African context, various scholars have explored occult-related crimes ranging from Satanism-related crime to African witchcraft-related crime. However, in the South African context, little work has been done on the relationship between the occult and crime within the context of youth gang subcultures. This discussion seeks to contribute to this under-researched issue by arguing for a rethinking of occultism and crime. It is argued that the emergence of occult beliefs and practices among youth gangs in South Africa necessitates a new way of approaching the occult and crime relationship, one that seeks to apply perspectives on this relationship to gang subcultures. This suggested rethinking of the occultism and crime relationship is timely, especially considering the apparent rise in occult-related dynamics among youth gang subcultures in South Africa and elsewhere.
Gang sub-culture: an exploration of youth gangs in the Free State province
(Criminological Society of Africa (CRIMSA), 2015) Phillips, Ashwill Ramon; Maritz, Leanné
The concept of gangs has existed since the dawn of early Roman society (circa 753BC), where youths formed unique social groups in conflict with generally accepted societal norms. The concept 'youth gang', however, only originated in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries with the phenomenon of vagabonds. Throughout the ages, history shows that whenever societies are undergoing large scale socio-political and economic turmoil, there is usually an upsurge in the number of displaced youth seeking alternative means of survival, especially in a surrogate group context. Despite this vulnerability, there is a dearth of research pertaining to the crime and victimisation patterns associated with gang formation within the Free State region of the Republic of South Africa. Gang-related activities in the province are rife, and gangs, such as the Dickies, Dogs of War (DOW), Triple 6 (666), Born to Kill (BTK), International Junior Portuguese (IJP) and Natural Born Killers (NBK) are running rampant. These groups tend to conform to the commonly held beliefs of street gangs found in the literature, however in certain circumstances also include elements of the occult and African witchcraft. Since little is known about this new type of gang formation, this study provides an explorative account of these groups, primarily informed by a documentary analysis of the South African Police Service.
Pathways to deviance: exploring the relationship between peer affiliation, gang membership and youth misconduct
(UNISA Press, 2021) Phillips, Ashwill Ramon
Deviant peer affiliation and gang membership often act as a catalyst for maladaptive behaviour, as individuals in the late adolescent phase of lifespan development typically share stronger attachment to their peers than to their caregivers. An interrelationship also exists between delinquency and factors such as peer approval of deviance and peer pressure to transgress. This is particularly prevalent when exposed to challenges in the family or school, which typically perpetuate feelings of rejection, leading to a greater likelihood to seek out peers to gain a sense of belonging, support and camaraderie. Despite the importance of these interactions, exposure to antisocial peers or gangs exponentially increase the propensity to transgress, as maladaptive behaviour would be reinforced, thereby decreasing the efficacy of primary and secondary socialisation agents. Moreover, youths may become desensitised to violence, learn to rationalise unlawful behaviour and gain opportunities for crime. Accordingly, a qualitative study was conducted in South Africa to explore peer affiliation and gang membership as a pathway to deviance, based on the unique experiences of 20 detained male youths. The data were obtained through purposive sampling and analysed by frequency or percentage distributions, and also through narrative accounts from the participants. The findings identified deviant peer affiliation (75%) and gang involvement (65%) as key factors which motivated the participants to transgress. Furthermore, the association between peer affiliation, substance abuse, academic failure and truancy was apparent. It is thus envisaged that these findings will stimulate further research, contribute to the existing literature and aid in the development of strategies to manage deviant peer association and gang membership.
Youth in conflict with the law: a criminological exploration of the social factors perpetuating misconduct
(UNISA Press, 2021) Phillips, Ashwill Ramon
In recent years, there has been an upsurge in the quantity of transgressions perpetrated by adolescents, signifying that a considerable proportion of the youth populace experiences a great degree of marginalisation within their social milieu. Moreover, many youths have succumbed to challenges related to academic failure, socio-economic adversity, family turmoil, substance abuse and deviant peer affiliation. Consequently, this impedes their transition into adulthood and dissuades them from evolving into meaningful social actors. Based on this premise, the current study was conducted to explore the socio-criminogenic risk factors which manifest in the family, community, school and peer group domain, through gauging the lived experiences of youth regarding the factors which they most closely associate with their offending behaviour. Data were obtained using a sample of 20 males incarcerated at the Kimberley Youth Development Centre in the Northern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa, and analysed using thematic analysis. Several key factors perpetuating youth misconduct were identified, including antisocial peer-affiliation, gang membership, community disorganisation and illicit substance use. It is thus envisaged that these findings will stimulate further research, contribute to the existing body of knowledge and aid in policy development, with the reduction of conflict as the ultimate aim.
Portrayal by a selection of South African media of Nigerians residing in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2011) Amaechi, Celestine Emeka; Naudé, J. A.; Lake, J.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲
Many young (21–50 years) Nigerians are located across the length and breadth of the South African Republic. The cities of Gauteng are home to the bulk of these people from all walks of life. Unofficially, there are approximately 50 000 Nigerians living in limbo as refugees (Tromp, 2006:8). Indeed, the Nigerian community in diaspora has become part and parcel of the great nation of South Africa.
In the South African community, there is a stereotyping of Nigerians with regard to issues relating to justice, crime, security and home affairs. The South African media has severely ‘accused’ Nigerians, especially those in the private sector of the economy, of causing certain suburban problems and with the mayhem often found in the city centres. That a gigantic number of 50 000 undocumented Nigerians are said to reside in South Africa, clearly supports the allegation that “foreigners are unacceptably encroaching on the informal sector and therefore on the livelihoods of our huge numbers of unemployed people” (Danso & McDonald, 2001:124). In the words of Fowler (1991:121): “It stands to reason that a
newspaper is likely to project such beliefs as are conducive to the commercial success of its proprietors generally”. The South African media, i.e. television, radio and print media play a role in the entrenchment of this stereotyping. It is therefore of value to launch an investigation into how Nigerians are portrayed by the South African media, and by newspapers in particular.
The project will serve as a relevant contribution to the field of Critical Linguistics (CL) and it is hoped that it will provide study material for aspiring critical linguists and teachers of language. Furthermore, as the South African print media has published widely on the activities and attitudes of Nigerian nationals residing here, it has become necessary to conduct research on this phenomenon thereby, thus setting the stage for other researchers to delve further into this domain.
𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬!
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Iron status, anemia, and birth outcomes among pregnant women in urban Bloemfontein, South Africa: the NuEMI study
(BioMed Central, 2024) Carboo, Janet Adede; Ngounda, Jennifer; Baumgartner, Jeannine; Robb, Liska; Jordaan, Marizeth; Walsh, Corinna May
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
Despite routine iron supplementation for pregnant women in South Africa, anaemia and iron deficiency (ID) in pregnancy remain a public health concern.
𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
To determine the associations between iron status and birth outcomes of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a regional hospital in Bloemfontein.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀
In this cross-sectional study of 427 pregnant women, blood was taken to analyze biomarkers of anaemia (haemoglobin), iron status (ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor) and inflammation (C-reactive protein and α-1-acid glycoprotein). A questionnaire was used to collect information about birth outcomes (birth weight and gestational age at birth), HIV exposure, sociodemographics, iron supplement intake, and maternal dietary iron intake using a validated quantified food frequency questionnaire.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
The median (Q₁, Q₃) weeks of gestation of participants was 32 (26, 36) at enrolment. Anaemia, iron deficiency (ID), ID anaemia (IDA) and ID erythropoiesis (IDE) were present in 42%, 31%, 19% and 9.8% of participants, respectively. Median (Q₁, Q₃) dietary and supplemental iron intake during pregnancy was 16.8 (12.7, 20.5) mg/d and 65 (65, 65) mg/d, respectively. The median (max-min) total iron intake (diet and supplements) was 81 (8.8-101.8) mg/d, with 88% of participants having a daily intake above the tolerable upper intake level of 45 mg/d. No significant associations of anaemia and iron status with low birth weight and prematurity were observed. However, infants born to participants in the third hemoglobin (Hb) quartile (Hb > 11.3–12.2 g/dL) had a shorter gestation by 1 week than those in the fourth Hb quartile (Hb > 12.2 g/dL) (𝘱 = 0.009). Compared to pregnant women without HIV, women with HIV had increased odds of being anaemic (OR:2.14, 95%CI: 1.41, 3.247), having ID (OR:2.19, 95%CI: 1.42, 3.37), IDA (OR:2.23, 95%CI: 1.36, 3.67), IDE (OR:2.22, 95%CI: 1.16, 4.22) and delivering prematurely (OR:2.39, 95%CI: 1.01, 5.64).
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
In conclusion, anaemia, ID, and IDA were prevalent in this sample of pregnant women, despite the reported intake of prescribed iron supplements, with HIV-infected participants more likely to be iron deficient and anaemic. Research focusing on the best formulation and dosage of iron supplementation to enhance iron absorption and status, and compliance to supplementation is recommended, especially for those living with HIV infection.
The impact of global risk aversion and domestic macroeconomic factors on the dynamic conditional correlations of South African financial markets
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024) Mloyi, Kelleb; Vengesai, Edson
This paper considers the impact of global risk aversion and domestic macroeconomic factors on the dynamic conditional correlations between the South African stock, bond, and foreign exchange markets. Our first stage findings using the DCC-GARCH model show that correlations between the selected markets are significantly dynamic over time. We further show that the correlations of asset pairs do not fall for extended periods during crisis periods, implying only short-lived increase in diversification benefits. Further analysis using the OLS regression model shows that global risk aversion and domestic macroeconomic factors have a heterogenous impact on the dynamic correlations of asset pairs. Consequent to these findings, this study advocates for the adoption of dynamic asset allocation and diversification strategies necessitating the periodic optimisation of portfolios as asset correlations, global risk aversion and domestic macroeconomics evolve. The study offers valuable insights and policy recommendations for investment practitioners, policymakers, and academics.