Browsing by Author "Naidoo, G.M."
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- ItemCommunication challenges facing internationalisation of higher education at University of Zululand(University of Zululand, 2014) Dlamini, Judith Buhle; Rugbeer, H.; Naidoo, G.M.Globalisation is not a new subject since people and various organisations have been sharing information as well as buying from and selling products from each across national and international borders. In addition the expansion in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has changed the nature in which education is offered and consumed internationally. Globalisation and the spiralling evolution of ICTs has become the driving force for transformation in higher education sectors. Many universities have adopted or incorporated international trends in education and research. This new culture is aimed at producing graduates who are well suited and qualified to actively and productively participate in the global economy. This research provides a comprehensive study on globalisation, international communication and internationalisation of higher education. This study exposes profound observations about current international initiatives and drawbacks to internationalisation at a tertiary institution in the heart of a rural village in South Africa.
- ItemA communication perspective of how local government is equipped to interact with its public: a study of the Ulundi Municipality(University of Zululand, 2014) Ndaba, Nobuhle Elizabeth; Rugbeer, H.; Naidoo, G.M.This study investigates the effectiveness of communication strategies used by local government with the hope of improving service delivery. Municipalities around the country have been continuously facing challenges with regard to service delivery. According to the Centre for Policy Studies (2010) protests are common in municipalities across South Africa. For example in 2010, the Minister of Local Government announced that 38 municipalities were under investigation for fraud and corruption. The 2011 local government elections were marked by service delivery protests which turned violent and led to the destruction of property. According to Department of Provincial and Local Government (2009), angry residents blocked roads and began burning tyres and throwing stones against the lack of services in their communities. This led to clashes with the police. Dissatisfaction with service delivery is the primary cause of civil unrest. Nepotism in conjunction with bribery and corruption are key reasons for the presence of unqualified staff at most public and social service departments. This research provides a comprehensive study of how local government operates in rural areas of South Africa. This study also exposes profound observations about current service delivery initiatives by local municipalities. Further, the study demonstrates how challenges faced by local municipalities through poor, ineffective communication techniques caused it to fail to meets its intended purpose. The findings identified the need to enhance public participation and effective communication in local government.
- ItemCorporate social investment: an investigation into communication strategies aimed at curbing unemployment in Richards Bay(University of Zululand, 2013) Nyahuye, Dadiso Caroline; Rugbeer, H.; Naidoo, G.M.Corporate Social Investment (CSI), a relatively new concept yet fast gaining momentum across the world, defines how corporates have responsibilities towards the environment, local communities and ethical practices. Many organisations have realised that beyond making profits, they are responsible to their various stakeholders and have an obligation towards the improvement of their surroundings. This involves implementing well-structured plans of their corporate social initiatives. It is envisaged that these companies would identify gaps within communities before they implement any social initiatives. Planned initiatives generally tend to appropriately promote social harmony within a target community. The global economic meltdown which has been experienced has caused catastrophic job losses throughout the world. Many companies began cost cutting initiatives. Most companies, unfortunately, began scaling down (or even stopped) their CSI initiatives. This study examines the unemployment situation in Richards Bay (South Africa) and investigates whether the major companies have stepped up or stepped down their CSI initiatives. This takes a close look at how major companies used CSI initiatives to assist communities in overcoming the unemployment crisis. These companies after close scrutiny revealed varying CSI initiatives that cater for diverse areas such as education, environment, and agriculture and skills development. However the communication that exists between the community and corporates needs to be more active and allow the community to be able to provide both input and feedback
- ItemEffectiveness of the extranet as a communication tool in higher education: a case study of University of South Africa(University of Zululand, 2013) Netanda, Rendani Sipho; Rugbeer, H.; Naidoo, G.M.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the extranet as a communication tool in higher education institutions. The study used the case study of myUnisa - an extranet used at the University of South Africa. This was a mixed-methods research and had applied the quantitative and qualitative methods. This was a multistage study which went through two stages. In the first stage the researcher utilised the questionnaire to collect data from the students. Initially, the questionnaire was intended to be self-administered to allow students to complete them on their own, but difficulties to meet some of the sampled students on one-to-one encounter alternatively led to telephonic interviews on which the role of the researcher was to interview, and to tick and write down the responses of the respondents. Four hundred students were sampled using the online randomizer programme available on the internet. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 18 was used to analyse qualitative data. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with two key staff members from each of the department sampled were held and an analysis was done using thematic categorization. The study found that myUnisa is used by different UNISA departments and students for communications. However, although many students and staff members considered myUnisa useful, not all regarded it as effective. In-depth interviews with lecturers showed that myUnisa is both a useful and an effective online communication channel for engaging into communications with the students. An analysis of the responses led to the development of an extranet model for implementation in higher education institution. A number of recommendations were made and suggestions for future research considerations were also given.
- ItemThe effects of alcohol consumption on student life at a rural campus(University of Zululand, 2012-01) Dlamini, J.B.; Rugbeer, H.; Naidoo, G.M.; Metso, R.M.; Moodley, P.Universities ought to provide an enriching, joyful and wholesome learning experience for a student; however, recent trends in alcohol advertising as well as the lack of recreational activities in rural environments have nurtured an environment for alcohol abuse in rural universities. Most of the students who attend a rural university are compelled to stay on campus or board close by. More and more of these students are falling prey to alcohol abuse directly or indirectly. Very often the safety of students is compromised and most victims of alcohol abuse endure the torment in silence. Others quit studying and go back home. This study attempts to examine the fears, the risks of alcohol as part of the student culture, the harmful effects of alcohol and the consequence of peer pressure on students at a rural campus. This study is undertaken by using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research was undertaken at the University of Zululand which is situated in the rural community of KwaDlangezwa (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa). Perceptions and attitudes on the effects of alcohol consumption on student life at a rural campus are surveyed. Stratified random sampling allowed the researcher to divide the population into various groups. The target population of this study are students from the campus. Data was collected by means of a comprehensive literature review and through the administration of in-depth questionnaires
- ItemAn evaluation of new technologies in journalism-a study of the impact of new technology on the Information Bill in South Africa(University of Zululand, 2015) Metso, Marathane Reggy; Rugbeer, H.; Naidoo, G.M.South Africans were deprived of numerous forms of freedom of expression during the prolonged apartheid era. Very few South Africans were able to participate in international events and interact with the outside world and institutions that promoted freedom were banned. Attempts to initiate freedom were suppressed by the ruling government. Nevertheless, in the era of transformation and democracy, during the post-apartheid regime, feelings of hope of transparency, especially in the media, were ushered in. The expectation and hope of a totally free democracy was further heightened by the implementation of the Bill of Rights. Freedom of expression in South Africa was soon threatened and came under strain when the government began making plans to introduce a secrecy bill to contain its covert operations. Numerous community organisations are desperately lobbying to suppress government’s initiative to formalise the secrecy bill. Government, on the other hand, seems to be forging ahead to anoint their Currently, the media goes through a government censorship where the government is vigorously trying to pass the Protection of Information Bill in order to guard government information and its ‘corrupt activities’. If passed, incriminating information will be protected under this Bill. The new and democratically elected South African government which is characterized by ‘freedom of speech and free access of information’ threatens media freedom and juxtaposes what the former President Nelson Mandela stood for: “A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy”. The study discusses the relationship between the use of new technologies and the State Protection of the Information Bill. It also examines how these new technologies, through social interaction and citizen journalism, may eradicate ‘corrupt activities’ performed by the government that are camouflaged as ‘classified’ information to ascertain democracy, freedom of speech and access to information.
- ItemInnovative communication protocols for teaching in rural secondary schools(University of Zululand, 2018) Madida, Minenhle S.; Naidoo, G.M.; Rugbeer, H.The enhancement of the quality of education through the digitisation of the learning systems is a national priority in South Africa and beyond. Some academic institutions, both basic and higher level, have responded to this by adopting the use of ICT in their practice. However, the enormous digital divide between urban and rural areas has escalated with its negative effect on the schools. Most rural schools remain underdeveloped with a huge deficit in teaching and learning resources, while technological progressions continue at an unprecedented speed. These advancements in technology come with drastic changes in all spheres of life, particularly in the labour market. Thus, the need for preparing high school learners with relevant skills for the future, which mostly relies on ICT capabilities. This study, therefore, focuses on how the use of ICT in a rural classroom can help bring the learners to speed with the digital revolutions we are witnessing. The study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model as well as the Interactive Model to propose plausible solutions. The data were collected from 121 rural secondary school teachers in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The findings of the study revealed that the lack of ICT skills among teachers, and insufficient resources to support classroom experiences are key barriers to the effective use of innovative communication protocols, which include ICT in the rural classroom. This has policy implications for the department of higher education in terms of human resource development and the provision of appropriate logistics.
- ItemThe relevance of social media in public schools in the Richards Bay area(University of Zululand, 2012) Reddy, Avashni; Rugbeer, H.; Naidoo, G.M.Social media participation has spiraled exponentially and has transformed the way in which we communicate. It has opened up a new window which can maximise teaching and learning opportunities in the educational sector. However there are numerous challenges that public schools face when it comes to introducing and implementing technology but there is a need to overcome these barriers to develop and prepare educators and students at public schools for the 21st century. This thesis examines the relevance of social media in public schools. The first part of the study reviews literature on electronic communication, technology and its impact on society and education, challenges faced in educational technology, social media and programmes used in South African schools, Department of Education policies and procedures. Subsequent chapters describe the construction of a survey instrument employed to measure and evaluate the relevance of social media at public schools. The main tool for collecting data was the questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. A questionnaire provided appropriate information required for the research, as questions were asked to learners, educators and personnel from schools in Richards Bay and surrounding areas. Data analysis included using Moonstats to codify the data and graphs were imported to Microsoft Excel which was used for interpretation.Penultimate chapters blend the insights gained from the literature review to interpret the results obtained through the research methodology and to draw up recommendations and conclusions in the context of the relevance of social media in public schools.