The effects of inclusive education policies and administrative circulars on small schools in Namibia
- Hamutumua, Teopolina Ndilina-Laudika
- Authors: Hamutumua, Teopolina Ndilina-Laudika
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Inclusive education Namibia Kavango West , Education and state Namibia , Small schools Namibia Kavango West , Right to education Namibia Kavango West , Education Social aspects Namibia Kavango West , Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419737 , vital:71671
- Description: The achievement of the right to education for all children in Namibia is fundamentally dependent upon the quality of education provided to these learners irrespective of their social circumstances. Being a sparsely populated region, nearly half of the primary schools in the Kavango West region have fewer than 100 learners; thus, these small schools are regarded as not economically viable. The educational development in rural regions is shaped by limited access to quality, inclusive education and the persistence of low-quality primary education which has resulted in high repetition rates and dropouts. This research is a Critical Discourse Analysis of the education policies and regulations. As a case study, it unpacks Formal Education Circulars on staffing norms and on the closure of small schools, looking at their affordances/constraints on the provision of inclusive quality education for children schooling at small schools in Namibia. Interviews and document analysis were used to gather data. Critical Theory frames the process of ideological critique which, among other things, identifies inequalities and factors that limit human freedom and how such factors can be alleviated. The research asks the question: what are the explicit and implicit underlying realities experienced at one-man schools, which depict the varied situations in which these schools survive? Factors emerging from the study showed that small schools in Namibia are symbols of inequity and the exclusion of educationally marginalised children and their poor communities. Small schools are hardly able to sustain and draw in the resources required to meet the education needs of marginalised communities which fall under the multidimensional poverty index in Namibia. The study found that at the moment there are no deliberate efforts from the Ministry of Education to bring about the necessary changes to small schools, and therefore one-man schools have continued to operate as isolated sections of an inflexible system. It is my contention that deliberate efforts are still needed to improve small schools. Policy decisions that respond to the current challenges faced by one-man schools may be sufficient to bring about noteworthy changes in the operations of one-man schools and these changes could effectively impact the learners learning. The decision to drive change requires a multilayered approach that articulates a clear vision, which is systematically implemented to improve one-man schools in Namibia. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Chilhood Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The effects of inclusive education policies and administrative circulars on small schools in Namibia
- Authors: Hamutumua, Teopolina Ndilina-Laudika
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Inclusive education Namibia Kavango West , Education and state Namibia , Small schools Namibia Kavango West , Right to education Namibia Kavango West , Education Social aspects Namibia Kavango West , Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419737 , vital:71671
- Description: The achievement of the right to education for all children in Namibia is fundamentally dependent upon the quality of education provided to these learners irrespective of their social circumstances. Being a sparsely populated region, nearly half of the primary schools in the Kavango West region have fewer than 100 learners; thus, these small schools are regarded as not economically viable. The educational development in rural regions is shaped by limited access to quality, inclusive education and the persistence of low-quality primary education which has resulted in high repetition rates and dropouts. This research is a Critical Discourse Analysis of the education policies and regulations. As a case study, it unpacks Formal Education Circulars on staffing norms and on the closure of small schools, looking at their affordances/constraints on the provision of inclusive quality education for children schooling at small schools in Namibia. Interviews and document analysis were used to gather data. Critical Theory frames the process of ideological critique which, among other things, identifies inequalities and factors that limit human freedom and how such factors can be alleviated. The research asks the question: what are the explicit and implicit underlying realities experienced at one-man schools, which depict the varied situations in which these schools survive? Factors emerging from the study showed that small schools in Namibia are symbols of inequity and the exclusion of educationally marginalised children and their poor communities. Small schools are hardly able to sustain and draw in the resources required to meet the education needs of marginalised communities which fall under the multidimensional poverty index in Namibia. The study found that at the moment there are no deliberate efforts from the Ministry of Education to bring about the necessary changes to small schools, and therefore one-man schools have continued to operate as isolated sections of an inflexible system. It is my contention that deliberate efforts are still needed to improve small schools. Policy decisions that respond to the current challenges faced by one-man schools may be sufficient to bring about noteworthy changes in the operations of one-man schools and these changes could effectively impact the learners learning. The decision to drive change requires a multilayered approach that articulates a clear vision, which is systematically implemented to improve one-man schools in Namibia. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Chilhood Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
A maturity grid-based method for assessing communication in business-IT alignment
- Authors: Coertze, Jacques Jacobus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business communication , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6740 , vital:21139
- Description: This thesis reports on the research undertaken to develop a method for organisations to assess human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of business–IT alignment. The research described in this thesis involves (i) a literature review in business–IT alignment and related fields, such as management studies and communication science; (ii) a Delphi study conducted among industry members, practitioners, and academics operating in the IT advisory, auditing and communication disciplines; and (iii) a case study of a public sector organisation in South Africa. By adopting a system-theoretic perspective on communication, this thesis proposes that communication in business–IT alignment can be seen as coordinating behaviour and a series of learning and reflection events, consequently culminating in increased mutual understanding. Various conceptualisations of communication are explored and, together with several industry elicited factors that influence communication in business–IT alignment, are incorporated into a conceptual model informing the assessment method. This research developed, applied, and tested a method whereby organisations can assess the quality of the human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of the business–IT alignment endeavour. The aim of this method is to trigger reflection on communication by considering communication philosophy and practices in business–IT alignment. The method, termed the ‘Business-IT Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement (CAMI) method’, is based on a maturity grid-based approach, which stems originally from process improvement in software development and quality management. This thesis is most closely aligned with the research performed by Maier, Eckert, and Clarkson (2004, 2006), who successfully applied the maturity grid-based approach to investigate, audit and assess communication within the engineering design process. The question addressed in this thesis is whether this approach can be successfully extrapolated to the business–IT alignment context and whether it would yield similar benefits. Furthermore, the issue of whether it would offer a practical method for use in organisations is also addressed. Having applied the CAMI method at a public sector organisation, this thesis proposes that the maturity grid-based approach can indeed be extrapolated to iv the business–IT alignment context, consequently offering a viable and practical method for assessing communication in organisations. In particular, the CAMI method allows organisations to capture both their current and their desired communication situations and to expose discrepancies between the perceptions held by their business and IT personnel. These results form a basis for action planning, strategizing, and, ultimately, interventions for improvement. In conclusion, the thesis discusses further application and extension possibilities for the assessment method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coertze, Jacques Jacobus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business communication , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6740 , vital:21139
- Description: This thesis reports on the research undertaken to develop a method for organisations to assess human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of business–IT alignment. The research described in this thesis involves (i) a literature review in business–IT alignment and related fields, such as management studies and communication science; (ii) a Delphi study conducted among industry members, practitioners, and academics operating in the IT advisory, auditing and communication disciplines; and (iii) a case study of a public sector organisation in South Africa. By adopting a system-theoretic perspective on communication, this thesis proposes that communication in business–IT alignment can be seen as coordinating behaviour and a series of learning and reflection events, consequently culminating in increased mutual understanding. Various conceptualisations of communication are explored and, together with several industry elicited factors that influence communication in business–IT alignment, are incorporated into a conceptual model informing the assessment method. This research developed, applied, and tested a method whereby organisations can assess the quality of the human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of the business–IT alignment endeavour. The aim of this method is to trigger reflection on communication by considering communication philosophy and practices in business–IT alignment. The method, termed the ‘Business-IT Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement (CAMI) method’, is based on a maturity grid-based approach, which stems originally from process improvement in software development and quality management. This thesis is most closely aligned with the research performed by Maier, Eckert, and Clarkson (2004, 2006), who successfully applied the maturity grid-based approach to investigate, audit and assess communication within the engineering design process. The question addressed in this thesis is whether this approach can be successfully extrapolated to the business–IT alignment context and whether it would yield similar benefits. Furthermore, the issue of whether it would offer a practical method for use in organisations is also addressed. Having applied the CAMI method at a public sector organisation, this thesis proposes that the maturity grid-based approach can indeed be extrapolated to iv the business–IT alignment context, consequently offering a viable and practical method for assessing communication in organisations. In particular, the CAMI method allows organisations to capture both their current and their desired communication situations and to expose discrepancies between the perceptions held by their business and IT personnel. These results form a basis for action planning, strategizing, and, ultimately, interventions for improvement. In conclusion, the thesis discusses further application and extension possibilities for the assessment method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of internal newsletters: case study of Transnet Freight Rail's platform
- Matshoba, Thembekile Phillinah
- Authors: Matshoba, Thembekile Phillinah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Newsletters , Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015672
- Description: The research is based on a case study of an internal newsletter, Platform. The objective was to obtain more information about Transnet Freight Rail employees‘ thoughts on its effectiveness and the effectiveness of internal newsletters by using Platform as an example. The treatise explored the perceptions of employees and Transnet in terms of the effectiveness of the internal newsletter as a communication tool as well as their attitudes towards the newsletter as an information disseminating medium. A mixed methods approach was used for analysis in this study. The first methodological paradigm took an interpretivist approach, focusing primarily on analysing the content of the newsletter. The second methodological design was based on the positivistic theory approach and utilised a survey by questionnaire. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were issued to Transnet Freight Rail employees representing the three regions: Central Region, Eastern Region & Western Region and the Head Office of which 120 (100 percent) were received back by the deadline. Of these respondents 56 (46,66 percent) said that they find Platform very relevant as an internal newsletter. A further finding was that 68,33 percent of the respondents said Platform should stay as it is. About 58,33 percent of the respondents took 30 minutes to an hour to read the newsletter with ratings of 72,5 percent interested in communication from management, 65 percent in financial performance, 60 percent in news about people and 59,16 percent in departmental information. The main types of information required are about updates on business performance and safety news. The content of six editions of the newsletter was analysed. The newsletter editions used were from the latest one published counting backwards. The content of the newsletter varies in each edition and depends on the theme. There are similar themes that come up with every edition such as safety. The style of writing used is simple to ensure maximum understanding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Matshoba, Thembekile Phillinah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Newsletters , Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015672
- Description: The research is based on a case study of an internal newsletter, Platform. The objective was to obtain more information about Transnet Freight Rail employees‘ thoughts on its effectiveness and the effectiveness of internal newsletters by using Platform as an example. The treatise explored the perceptions of employees and Transnet in terms of the effectiveness of the internal newsletter as a communication tool as well as their attitudes towards the newsletter as an information disseminating medium. A mixed methods approach was used for analysis in this study. The first methodological paradigm took an interpretivist approach, focusing primarily on analysing the content of the newsletter. The second methodological design was based on the positivistic theory approach and utilised a survey by questionnaire. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were issued to Transnet Freight Rail employees representing the three regions: Central Region, Eastern Region & Western Region and the Head Office of which 120 (100 percent) were received back by the deadline. Of these respondents 56 (46,66 percent) said that they find Platform very relevant as an internal newsletter. A further finding was that 68,33 percent of the respondents said Platform should stay as it is. About 58,33 percent of the respondents took 30 minutes to an hour to read the newsletter with ratings of 72,5 percent interested in communication from management, 65 percent in financial performance, 60 percent in news about people and 59,16 percent in departmental information. The main types of information required are about updates on business performance and safety news. The content of six editions of the newsletter was analysed. The newsletter editions used were from the latest one published counting backwards. The content of the newsletter varies in each edition and depends on the theme. There are similar themes that come up with every edition such as safety. The style of writing used is simple to ensure maximum understanding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of communication strategies utilised at Guangzhou Instititute of Resources Separation Sciences (GIRSS)
- Authors: Huang, Lin
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Business communication , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/203 , Business communication , Communication in management
- Description: The main problem of this study was to assess the communication strategies used by GIRSS to achieve organisational goals. To address this problem, a theoretical study was undertaken to identify the communication strategies used in organisations. The theoretical guidelines for effective communication were integrated into a communication model, which consisted of the following components: · The establishment of organisational communication structures; · The selection of appropriate communication media; IV · The management of communication barriers; and · Addressing the challenges in organisational communication. Based on the model, a survey questionnaire was developed to assess the extent to which GIRSS made use of these strategies. The questionnaire was administered to both managers and non-managers in the organisation. Due to the distance between South Africa and China, the questionnaire was administered via e-mail. The empirical results revealed that some of the theoretical guidelines were followed, but there was room for improvement in terms of communication strategies used at GIRSS. Specifically it was found that many barriers existed as a result of status and other differences, which influenced communication in the organisation. Communication in organisations is very important as it contributes to goal attainment, satisfaction, cooperation and problem-solving. Communication is a skill that can be learned, and managers as well as employees should consider the results of the study to initiate changes to the communication strategies used in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Huang, Lin
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Business communication , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/203 , Business communication , Communication in management
- Description: The main problem of this study was to assess the communication strategies used by GIRSS to achieve organisational goals. To address this problem, a theoretical study was undertaken to identify the communication strategies used in organisations. The theoretical guidelines for effective communication were integrated into a communication model, which consisted of the following components: · The establishment of organisational communication structures; · The selection of appropriate communication media; IV · The management of communication barriers; and · Addressing the challenges in organisational communication. Based on the model, a survey questionnaire was developed to assess the extent to which GIRSS made use of these strategies. The questionnaire was administered to both managers and non-managers in the organisation. Due to the distance between South Africa and China, the questionnaire was administered via e-mail. The empirical results revealed that some of the theoretical guidelines were followed, but there was room for improvement in terms of communication strategies used at GIRSS. Specifically it was found that many barriers existed as a result of status and other differences, which influenced communication in the organisation. Communication in organisations is very important as it contributes to goal attainment, satisfaction, cooperation and problem-solving. Communication is a skill that can be learned, and managers as well as employees should consider the results of the study to initiate changes to the communication strategies used in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
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