Exploring academics’ experiences of the research ethical clearance process: a case study of a South African university
- Authors: Manqele, Siyanda Mabutho Dominic
- Date: 2025-04-03
- Subjects: Research Moral and ethical aspects , Graduate students Control South Africa , Compliance , Trust , Community engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480029 , vital:78390
- Description: This study explores the experiences of academics regarding the research ethical clearance process at a South African university, aiming to identify key challenges and opportunities for improvement. The rationale behind this investigation stems from the increasing emphasis on ethical considerations in research, alongside the potential barriers that may hinder academics from navigating the clearance process effectively. The research questions focus on understanding the perceptions of academic staff concerning compliance, trust in the ethical review process, and the role of education and community engagement in facilitating ethical research practices. Utilising qualitative research methods approach, this study employed thematic analysis alongside qualitative methods, involving semi-structured interviews with 14 academic staff members from six faculties, all possessing a minimum of five years of experience in research and postgraduate supervision. The thematic analysis revealed several critical themes, including compliance challenges, trust and mistrust in the ethical clearance process, the necessity of education and awareness, and the significance of community engagement in fostering a supportive research environment. The findings indicate that compliance with ethical standards is often perceived as burdensome, leading to frustration among academics. Trust issues emerged, highlighting a perceived disconnect between researchers and the ethical review board, which can undermine the integrity of the clearance process. The study underscores the importance of enhancing education and awareness regarding ethical guidelines, suggesting that targeted training programmes could improve understanding and adherence among researchers. Community engagement also emerged as a vital element, with recommendations for fostering collaborative relationships between the university and local communities to enhance ethical research practices. The implications of this study point toward the necessity for universities to reevaluate their ethical clearance processes, promoting transparency, trust, and collaboration. By addressing the identified challenges and fostering a culture of ethical research, universities can support their academics in conducting research that is not only compliant but also socially responsible. Future research could further explore the perspectives of ethical review board members to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical clearance landscape. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04-03
Effectiveness of different interventions to reduce occupational sitting among office administrators at Rhodes University
- Authors: Malesa, Thato
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Standing position , Sedentary behavior , Work environment , Employee health promotion , Office furniture -- Design , Industrial hygiene , Employees -- Health risk assessment , Human engineering , Compliance
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166403 , vital:41360
- Description: Background: Sitting for prolonged periods is common in the working environment. Office workers are exposed to long periods of sitting time at work. Research has reported associations between prolonged sitting and negative health implications. As such studies have proposed different interventions aimed at reducing sitting times in the workplace. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different interventions, physical intervention (sit-stand worktables) and personal intervention (instruction to stretch) on compliance and reducing occupational sitting behaviour. The study also aimed to investigate the effectiveness of interventions in improving or impairing mood. Methods: The study took the form of a fieldbased study atRhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa. Fifteen full–time office workers in different divisions participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated to either the physical or personal intervention group. In both intervention groups, partic ipants were prompted to stand for five minutes every hour during the workday to either work in a standing position or perform stretches. Over the course of the experiment, desk occupancy, sitting/standing time and mood effect were recorded in both intervention groups Both intervention groups were monitored for a period of three months (58 days). Results: The study found that the physical intervention group was an effective approach to reduce prolonged sitting in the workplace in comparison to the personal intervention group. Over the course of the experiment, there was sustain usage of interventions in both groups, however, in the physical intervention group desk usage decreased overtime. The findings of the study also show that some participants were more compliant with the study procedures than others. It was also found that mood improved upon introducing interventions in the workplace. However, with the outcomes of the results, the study acknowledges that several factors emerged which are likely to impact compliance, which future studies may investigate. Conclusion: Although sit-stand worktables are expensive, it seems like introducing them was successful in reducing sitting time and changing sitting behaviour in comparison to an intervention that instruct s individuals to stand up and stretch.
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- Date Issued: 2020