Durban University Of Technology Research Articles

Examining employee engagement and its importance at the selected South African university

An engaged workforce is vital for higher education institutions to contribute positively to the developing world. The purpose of this study is to examine employee engagement and its significance for academic and administrative employees at the Durban University of Technology in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The study opted for a quantitative research design to explore the role and importance of employee engagement. The target population consisted of 1,861 university employees at the selected university in South Africa, and 320 employee from different university units and positions were selected using simple random sampling without replacement. The results revealed that 80% of respondents exert high levels of physical energy, concentration, and dedication toward achieving institutional objectives. Additionally, the results showed a significant difference in the support employees get, with administrative staff receiving more support than academic staff members. The study concluded that university employees exhibit high levels of physical energy at work. In addition, the study found a significant and positive relationship between employees exhibiting high levels of physical energy at work and employees who find their work meaningful and experience inspiration.

The End(s) of The Tempest in Post-apartheid South Africa

ABSTRACT Following the sea change that led South Africa into the democratic era in 1994, theatre-makers have explored the resonances and limitations of The Tempest as an expression of local realities. In this article, I provide a partial performance history of the play in this period, tracing the ends (and endings) towards which it has been staged in five productions: two in 1994 at Maynardville Open Air Theatre and Rhodes University respectively, and three more at Durban University of Technology (2003), the University of the Witwatersrand (2004), and the Baxter Theatre (2009). These showed varying creative responses to the text, suggesting a double bind in performance: the network of associations attached to the play are both inescapable and frequently inadequate for articulating complex and variable post-apartheid experiences. Theatre-makers have thus, at times, moved beyond usual boundaries of the text, suggesting a need for something other than The Tempest to give voice to contemporary concerns. This was most fully evidenced by two further productions from the 2010s: Miranda’s Tale (2016), and Kunene and the King (2019). In relation to the preceding productions of The Tempest, these two plays demonstrate significant departures from the text and the politics it has come to represent.

The influence of social media use on corporate reputation at a higher education institution

The use of social media in organisations can assist in the creation and maintenance of a good brand, reputation and image largely due to the potential of developing interactive relationships with various stakeholders. This not only aids in building stakeholder relationships, but also in increasing an organisation’s visibility. The aim of this research was to assess how a higher education institution, specifically the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in South Africa, uses social media platforms to build and maintain a positive corporate reputation. Additionally, the research examined how the institution actively engages with their target audience on social media platforms. A quantitative methodology was adopted with a sample population of 180 students from the DUT. Data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires to students and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Findings revealed that social media plays an important role for organisations as a vital tool to build and maintain corporate reputation online, as well as communicating effectively and actively with various target audiences. The research recommends that organisations prioritise investing in social media platforms and communicate effectively and actively with their audiences online.

The Durban University of Technology Faculty of Health Sciences Decentralized Clinical Training Project: Protocol for an Implementation Study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is embarking on a project to implement a Decentralized Clinical Training Program (DCTP). The DUT FHS DCTP project is being conducted in response to the growing demands of students requiring clinical service placements as part of work-integrated learning. The project is also geared toward responding to existing gaps in current practices related to the implementation of a DCTP, which has mainly been through traditional universities providing training to medical, optometry, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy students. In South Africa, a DCTP is yet to be implemented within the context of a university of technology; it is yet to be implemented within health science faculties that offer undergraduate health science programs in mainstream biomedicine and alternative and complementary disciplines. We aim to design, pilot, and establish an effective DCTP at the DUT FHS in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participatory action research comprising various designs-namely, appreciative inquiry, qualitative case study design, phenomenography, and descriptive qualitative study design-will be used to conduct the study. Data will be collected using individual interviews, focus group discussions, nominal group technique, consensus methodology, and narrative inquiry. Study participants will include various internal and external stakeholders of the DUT, namely, academic staff; students; key informants from universities currently using successfully established DCTPs; academic support staff; staff working in human resources, finance, procurement, and accounting; and experts in other disciplines such as engineering and information systems. Overall, 4 undergraduate health science programs-namely, Radiography, Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, Clinical Technology, and Emergency Medical Care and Rescue-will be part of the project's pilot phase. Findings from the project's pilot phase will be used to inform scale-up in the other undergraduate programs in the DUT FHS. The project is being implemented as part of the university's strategic objective of devising innovative curricula and pedagogical practices to improve the mastery, skill set, and competence of health science graduates. The study has currently commenced with the situational analysis, consisting of engagement with external stakeholders implementing DCTPs. The data to be generated from the completion of the situational analysis are anticipated to be published in 2024. This project is envisioned to facilitate collaboration among the universities of technology, traditional universities, Ministry of Health, and private sector for clinical placement of undergraduate health science students in health establishments that are away from the university, thereby exposing them to real-life experiences related to health care. This will facilitate authentic learning experiences that will contribute to improved competencies of graduates in relation to the health needs of society and the multiple realities of the South African health system. PRR1-10.2196/52243.

Examining Front-Line Administrative Services in a Selected Public Higher Education Institution

The South African government’s commitment to people-friendly public service since 1994 has influenced the quality of service provided by front-line administrative staff in public higher learning institutions. This study explores the experiences of front-line administrative staff at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), focusing on the challenges faced and their impact on teaching, learning, and overall academic activities. Against the backdrop of public higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa, the study addresses the persistent challenges in service delivery and the crucial role of front-line administrative staff. Employing a post-positivist paradigm, the research adopts a hybrid methodological approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A survey design is utilized to gather data from first-time entry students (FTENs) enrolled in the Business and Information Management program at DUT, employing convenience sampling and a self-administered questionnaire. The study’s findings illuminate the inefficiencies in front-line administrative services, elucidating their impact on diverse stakeholders and emphasizing the pressing need for enhancement. The study found that the majority of students perceived the services positively, with only a small number expressing dissatisfaction and nearly all participants noted the institution’s adherence to the Batho Pele Principles positively, though a few had contrasting experiences. The findings further revealed areas of improvement for the service. By focusing on the experiences of FTENs, the study contributes to the broader discourse on enhancing service delivery in public higher learning institutions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the fulfilment of the core mission of HEIs providing quality education and fostering a positive learning environment.

Strategies to enhance employee wellbeing in an institution of higher learning in South Africa

Employee wellbeing is a crucial challenge in many organisations in South Africa and abroad. Interventions at a management level are vital to ensure that organisations do not lose quality employees due to poor employee well-being. Therefore, the paper assessed the strategies that can be used to enhance the well-being of academics in an institution of higher learning in South Africa. The paper employed a qualitative approach to collect data from the Management Committee (MANCO) at the Durban University of Technology in Durban, South Africa. Purposive sampling was be used to collect data directly from the MANCO. All data are analyzed using Nvivo. Findings from the study revealed that leadership plays a pivotal role in the well-being of employees. The findings of the paper can assist the management of the university with solutions related to the turnover of academics and will also be a wake-up call to other universities on the subject matter.

An Interdisciplinary Collaboration of the Writing Centre Support and the Nursing Department on the Development of Academic Research Writing

This qualitative study explores the interdisciplinary collaboration between the Writing Centre (WrC) and the nursing department at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in developing undergraduate (UG) nursing students' academic research writing skills. Guided by the Social Learning Theory, the study aims to evaluate the role of the WrC support in enhancing nursing students' research writing proficiency. Semi-structured interviews in a focus group discussion with WrC tutors were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes and patterns related to the WrC's role in supporting academic research writing. The findings reveal the WrC's best practices in assisting UG nursing students, including creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment that addresses individual students' unique learning styles and research writing needs. The study also provides insights into the challenges faced by WrC tutors and the strategies they employ to overcome them. Furthermore, the benefits of WrC support for students' academic success are highlighted. The study underscores the importance of academic writing in higher education and the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing students' research writing skills, particularly in the nursing discipline. The findings contribute to the understanding of effective interventions for improving academic writing and supporting student success in higher education.

Universities as Thinking Spaces for Society: Moving from Welfare to Development

South Africa's developmental challenges offer a fertile ground for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including higher education institutions, government bodies, industries, and civil society organizations. Such collaboration fosters channels for knowledge generation, opportunities for resource sharing, and strategies for policy enhancement, all aimed at driving South Africa's progressive transformation through its development agenda. This special issue is the result of a partnership between the Faculty of Management Sciences at Durban University of Technology, South Africa, and the Population Promotion Directorate of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Social Development in South Africa. This special issue serves as a concerted effort to cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration between government institutions and universities, aiming to generate knowledge for the betterment of citizens' lives. As such, the papers within cover a range of themes addressing significant issues within South African society. Their findings are intended to serve as credible inputs for the development and implementation of policies in relevant domains. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data, these papers offer deeper insights into their respective subject matters, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and decision-making processes across various levels of government in South Africa.

A qualitative study of pharmacists' perceptions and awareness of homoeopathic medicines in Durban, South Africa.

There is growing interest in the demand for and use of homoeopathic medicines by the public; however, little is known about the perspectives of pharmacists regarding the use of these medicines, particularly in the South African private health context. A qualitative approach using an exploratory cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 participants comprising pharmacy managers, pharmacists and pharmacy assistants from six different conveniently selected private pharmacy retail outlets. Data were collected using individual interviews utilising a semi-structured interview guide. An audiotape was used to record the data which were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically, following Tech's steps of data analysis. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Durban University of Technology's Institutional Research Ethics Committee. The findings of this study revealed four superordinate themes related to pharmacists' perceptions and self-reported awareness regarding homoeopathic medicines. These are (1) negative perceptions regarding homoeopathic medicines, (2) perceived benefits of homoeopathic medicines, (3) poor knowledge and awareness of homoeopathic medicines and (4) capacity development and curriculum aspects. The findings highlight the need for an educational intervention on homoeopathic medicines targeting pre-service and in-service pharmacy practitioners, to enable them to provide effective education regarding all types of medicines as the demand for homoeopathic medicines increases.Contribution:The study findings provide evidence to support advocacy for an educational intervention to improve awareness and knowledge of pharmacists to enable provision of effective health education for patients. More research, however, is required to inform the contents of this training intervention for pharmacists.

Factors affecting the adoption of activity-based costing in a South African state university

Orientation: There is a lack of empirical studies regarding the adoption and implementation of the activity-based costing (ABC) system in South African state universities, despite its advantages.Research purpose: This study reports the perceptions on the factors influencing the adoption of ABC held by finance and academic staff at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), KwaZulu-Natal.Motivation for the study: The lack of empirical studies demanded understanding of those factors that influence the adoption of ABC at state-owned universities in South Africa. Therefore, this study examined the factors influencing the adoption of ABC in a South African state university using the DUT as a case study.Research approach/design and method: The study adopted a mixed research method conducted with 202 staff members: 129 academics, 41 heads of departments and 32 finance staff.Main findings: The positive factors influencing the adoption of ABC included the organisational strategy, information technology, decision usefulness of cost information, contextual orenvironmental factors and the organisational structure. However, the systems adaptability theme was considered a barrier to the adoption of ABC.Practical/managerial implications: The information could inform strategic initiatives related to the adoption and implementation of ABC in the university or similar state-funded universities.Contribution/value-add: The study provided an empirical understanding of the factors that would hinder and assist the adoption and execution of the ABC system.

Employing online modalities in the universities within the post-Covid-19 and 4IR Era

The psychological, behavioral, and technological impacts of adopting online modalities in the Universities within the post-COVID-19 and 4IR era were assessed in this paper. The current researcher obtained informed consent from the 125 academic staff members from five universities in four provinces—the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, Durban University of Technology, University of Western Cape, and North-West University—through a cross-sectional survey methodology. This study's researcher promoted voluntary participation and ensured ethical standards were respected. In total, 116 surveys were located and completed. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 was used to clean and analyze the data. This study illustrates how willingness to use online modalities inside universities during the post-COVID-19 and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is highly influenced by a readiness to change, innovative work behavior, and technological competence. This study demonstrated that adopting online modalities in South African universities during the post-COVID-19 and 4IR periods was significantly influenced by technological proficiency, innovative behavior, and willingness to change.

Enhancing education through community engagement: Perspectives of student volunteers


 
 
 
 Background. Engagement between higher education institutions and underprivileged communities holds valuable potential for mutual benefit. In a country of vast inequalities such as South Africa (SA), community engagement also has the potential, via health promotion of local communities, to alleviate some of the burden placed on the public healthcare system, while simultaneously strengthening the personal and professional development of student participants.
 Objective. To explore the experiences, perceptions and insights of student volunteers (SVs) who assisted with a collaborative health-promotion project. Methods. This qualitative study used thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of six SVs in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, SA, who assisted in educating local vulnerable women on various aspects of female reproductive health at a wellness day for such women.
 Results. The SVs described the experience as positive and humbling, enhancing their professional and personal development. They reported that the community engagement helped them to define themselves and to grow skills they will need as future practitioners. The exposure to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups helped them to develop a sense of empathy and compassion, while igniting an eagerness to empower these groups through improved health literacy.
 Conclusion. The insights provided by this qualitative exploration strongly support the use of community engagement to develop culturally sensitive, empathetic healthcare practitioners.
 
 
 

Factors Influencing Professional Skills Among Accounting Students at KwaZulu-Natal Universities.

Employers are increasingly expressing concern that the majority of recent graduates lack professional skills. In addition, it is unknown whether students pursuing accounting degrees in professionally accredited institutions are more financially savvy than those in non-accredited institutions. 1582 undergraduate accounting students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), and Durban University of Technology (DUT) were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 (SPSS 25). The results indicated that the majority of respondents were female. 72.6 percent of respondents are influenced by South African Institute of Charted Accountants (SAICA) accreditation, whereas 95.2 percent of respondents with outstanding professional skills are influenced by non-SAICA accreditation. The study's findings disprove previous claims that accreditation has no bearing on students' abilities. Finally, the investigation contributes South Africa-relevant knowledge..

Websites as Pioneers for Covid-19 Information Dissemination in Higher Education: The Case of Tertiary Institutions in KwaZulu-Natal

This paper sought to explore the dissemination of Covid-19-related information through websites in tertiary institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. The paper adopted a qualitative content analysis research method to collect Covid-19-related data from universities’ websites. The paper sought to identify patterns in recorded communication, thus it systematically collected data from a set of texts. The paper targeted all the universities in KwaZulu-Natal, namely: the University of Zululand, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and Durban University of Technology. Therefore, a census sampling was adopted to include all of them. The paper found that universities used their websites as pioneers for disseminating Covid-19-related information resources to their communities. The information posted on the universities’ websites was used to educate staff and students about how to prevent themselves from contracting the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the paper noted that universities were playing a crucial role in protecting students and staff members, and slowing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic by encouraging vaccinations within the institutions. Therefore, the paper concluded that universities were strategically positioned to help the country in the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic by increasing vaccine uptake among students and staff members, providing relevant and crucial information about Covid-19 vaccination, promoting vaccine trust and confidence, and establishing supportive policies and practices that made getting vaccinated as easy and convenient as possible.

Barriers and facilitators of brown rice consumption among staff at Durban University of Technology, South Africa

South Africa is experiencing an epidemiological and nutrition transition that is characterised by a surge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, with an increase in the consumption of energy-dense, low nutritive value foods and beverages and a marked decrease in physical activity. Numerous studies have documented the healthful benefits of making the transitional shift from white rice to brown rice. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of brown rice consumption among staff at Durban University of Technology in South Africa. In this exploratory qualitative study, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to gain an understanding of brown rice consumption among staff at the university. The study sample comprised of non-diabetic, permanent and contract staff at the University. Three focus group discussions were conducted until meaning saturation was reached; two were face to face and one online. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis method. Participants perceived healthy foods as safe and nutrient-dense, with consumption leading to positive health outcomes whereas unhealthy foods were perceived as energy-dense, nutrient-poor and hyper-palatable. The main determinants of food choice included peer and family influence, psychological state, education, availability, affordability, state of health and taste. Factors that influenced rice choice included sensory acceptability, availability, affordability, cultural acceptability, and convenience. Major barriers of brown rice consumption included family preferences and influence, sensory acceptability, time-intensive preparation, affordability, knowledge and skills. Two facilitators of brown rice consumption emerged: natural sensory appeal and healthful benefits. The sensory attributes of brown rice have had limited consumer acceptance, compelling the activation of consumer education and visually enticing cues in preparation methods and extended application uses in food products. This study found that the inclusion and acceptance of brown rice into the participants’ diet is limited. A multi-stakeholder approach towards consumer education and practical preparation solutions is likely to positively influence consumer acceptance of brown rice. Innovative and creative food behaviour modifications should be promoted to channel change towards healthier food choices for a positive impact on health and wellness. Key words: Brown rice, focus group discussions, perception, barriers, facilitators, consumption

Antimicrobial activities of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) on some reference bacterial strains

The antimicrobial activities of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) were studied on selected pathogens using standard microbiological techniques. Reference strains: Enterococcus durans ATCC 11576, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433, Enterococcus faecium ATCC 35667, Enterococcus gallinarium ATCC 49573, Enterococcus hirae ATCC 49135, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966, Acinetobacter baumanni ATCC 19606, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ATCC 13637 and Escherichia coli WG5 were obtained from GI-Microbiology/Biotechnology Agriculture Research Council, Irene and Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Crude ethanolic extracts and partitioned fractions; dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and 1-butanol were also investigated. Antimicrobial activities of the ethanolic extracts of Z. officinale and C. longa showed zones of inhibition that ranged from 9 mm to 13 mm and 10 mm to 18 mm respectively against the test isolates. Z. officinale ethanolic extract showed no activities against Enterococcus gallinarium ATCC 49573 and Enterococcus hirae ATCC 49135 while C. longa ethanolic extract showed activities against all the test isolates. Various fractions showed inconsistent antimicrobial activities. The largest zone of inhibition was obtained from n-hexane (ZI= 22 mm) fraction of C. longa while Z. officinale crude extract showed zone of inhibition (ZI= 13) against all the tested isolates. Partitioned extracts showed 8-22 mm zone of inhibition with turmeric having the largest zone of inhibition. Activities in these extracts can be attributed to repertoire of phytochemical constituents, especially the Alkaloids and Flavonoids detected in them. These activities can be utilized for preservation purposes of food since both turmeric and ginger are edible natural spices.

African Vernacular Symbols of Black Intersex Children in Sinethemba Ngubane's Installations (2007-2016)

African Vernacular Symbols of Black Intersex Children in Sinethemba Ngubane's Installations (2007-2016)

An Analysis of the Prevalence and Factors Influencing Food Insecurity among University Students Participating in Alcohol Consumption in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Food insecurity among the student population is a prominent issue in South African university institutions. However, personal experiences and the myriad of underlying factors contributing to the issue remain poorly documented. Among other factors, these universities are characterized by the admission of a majority of their student population from poor backgrounds with limited financial capabilities, and this affects their food security status. The purpose of this study was to view the patterns of food insecurity among students, with a focus on alcohol consumption as one of the various factors influencing student food security status. Data were collected from 156 student respondents from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and the University of Zululand. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale revealed that from the total sample, only 21.79% reported themselves as food secure, whilst the remainder reported varying levels of food insecurity with 17.31% of students being food insecure, 16.03% mildly food insecure, and 44.87% severely food insecure. On the other hand, a prevalence of 73.08% (n = 114) of alcohol consumption was found among the sampled students. Ordered probit models results suggested that students' alcohol consumption prevalence was determined by gender, level of study, exercise/playing sport, marital status, and distance to campus, which all had statistically significant effects on students' alcohol consumption. Most crucially, gender, institution and campus positively affected students' food security status, while the income variable made a negative significant contribution towards student food security status. Therefore, a link between students' finances and food insecurity was evident. However, further research is required to delve into the link between the level and impact of students' alcohol consumption and its implications on their financial status, and thus food security status. This is crucial information which will help policymakers understand these underlying factors and experiences and thus find solutions for issues related with food insecurity.

Early Childhood Development: A Case Study of University-Community Engagement in South Africa

Third sector organisations are effective links between Higher Education Institutions and communities in promoting and expediting Community Engagement programmes tasked with raising awareness, fostering social responsibility and civic mindedness in students and, thus, contributing to the common good. In recognition of this, Durban University of Technology (DUT) pre-emptively enabled collaboration between the institution and a cluster of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in 2004. This paper examines one of the partnership programmes between the Gandhi Development Trust and the Durban University of Technology, the Early Childhood Development Values Education Project and the successful Community Engagement partnerships created with three academic departments of DUT. It focuses on the Department of Drama programme based on Bloomgarden’s Preparation, Action, Reflection, Evaluation (PARE) framework integrating experiential and academic learning. The study draws on the theoretical lens of Dewey’s Democracy and Education and Freire’s Critical Pedagogy and uses the case study method to present the data gathered through the PARE phases. Foregrounded in the paper is the impact of democratic education characterised by values such as inclusiveness, participation, reciprocity, and an equality of respect for the knowledge and experience that everyone contributes to education and community building.

Practices and Spaces (Location): Reflecting on the Contribution of Writing Centres for Decolonisation in Higher Education

The location of writing centres in universities has attracted attention from practitioners and researchers in the field of academic support scholarship. These writing centres, known as spaces where students discuss their writing ideas, have become part of the decoloniality discourse in South African higher education. This study adopts a mixed-method approach and builds upon Grimm's theory of transitional space to examine tutor perspectives on the contribution of writing centres' pedagogical practices and physical location to the decolonisation of education at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). The findings reveal that the writing centres in these contexts contribute to the decolonial agenda by employing various approaches such as multilingualism and one-on-one consultations that are sensitive to the African context. However, despite these positive contributions, it is necessary to initiate decolonial discussions that address historical past injustices. The study recommends that the creation of decolonised spaces is a complex process requiring collaborative engagement between writing centres and the university community, including management. Writing centres have an integral role to play in decolonising the university space, particularly in the South African context.