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Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

Recent Submissions

Quality education for what, how, who, and why in the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
(University of Johannesburg Press, 2024-8-31) Kehdinga, George Fomunyam; Khoza, Simon Bheki; Kehdinga, George Fomunyam
Engineering education and the strive for quality at a South African university
(2024-10-25) Kehdinga, George Fomunyam
Since 1997, South Africa's Department of Higher Education and the Council on Higher Education have collaborated to enhance the quality of higher education. While some commend these efforts, believing that educational standards have progressively improved, others argue that institutions are still falling short in delivering quality education. This study investigates the engineering program to assess the quality of education students receive. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data was collected through open-ended questionnaires and subsequently coded into three themes: decolonised education, responsive education, and employability. The findings revealed that 30.70% of participants perceived their education as high quality, whereas 69.30% felt it was lacking. Participants cited innovation, throughput rates, employable skills, and responsiveness as indicators of quality or its absence. In response to suggestions for improving education quality, three additional themes emerged: decolonisation, marketability, and contextual responsiveness. This research follows a 2017 study aimed at evaluating improvements in educational quality. The study concludes that the Engineering Council of South Africa and educational institutions must review their programs to ensure they develop the skills necessary for the evolving workplace, particularly in light of the transformative changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Acceptance and usage of learning management system amongst academics
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2017-01-01) Dlalisa, Sizwe Frances
Universities across the globe have invested heavily in a Learning Management System (LMS); however, the adoption and usage is hindered by a number of factors. Recently, a University of Technology (UoT) in KwaZulu-Natal embarked on a major re-circulation drive to embrace student-centred learning. However, this process was stalled by slow maturity use of LMS. Therefore, this paper evaluates the acceptance and usage of an approved LMS amongst academics at a UoT. An e-survey in which 111 academics participated, all having teaching designations, was superseded by semi-structured interviews. A significant finding of the technology acceptance model (TAM) was impugned, in reflecting the gap between low actual usage and high acceptance. Assessments seemed to be given lowest priority, with aspects such as communication and course management receiving highest priority. Little utilized were collaboration tools. Such include blogs, wikis, and a discussion forum. Dedicated training on features of the learning management system, covering its educationally progressive aspects, is of the essence. TAM may require closer scrutiny to account for successful LMS usage at universities.
Adoption of target costing in South African higher education : factors, challenges, and strategic implications
(LPPM of Narotama University Surabaya, 2024-12-18) Thango, Thobelani Sabelo; Nzuza, Zwelihle Wiseman; Marimuthu, Ferina
Purpose: This study explores the factors influencing the adoption of target costing by higher education institutions in South Africa, along with the potential implications for pricing strategies.Design/methodology/approach: Conducted at a selected South African HEI, the research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing both closed-ended and open-ended questions in a questionnaire survey targeting 52 heads of departments and 15 finance staff members.Findings: The findings reveal that institution size, data management system adequacy, staff collaboration, support, resource availability, lack of expertise, and sector competition significantly impact the delay and rejection of target costing adoption. This study enriches the existing body of knowledge by identifying barriers to the successful implementation of target costing in higher education, suggesting ways for its advanced application in the sector and beyond. Practical implications: This research contributes valuable insights for improving cost management and pricing strategies within HEIs, offering implications for policy and decision-making in the education sector.
Assessing the alignment of a University of Technology Library infrastructure with the Fourth Industrial Revolution : implications for librarian roles
(Emerald, 2024-11-15) Moonasar, Anushie
This study aims to evaluate how well a University of Technology Library’s infrastructure aligns with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). By examining the current state of technological integration and identifying potential gaps, this research seeks to provide insights into the necessary developments and adaptations needed. Additionally, the study explores the implications of these changes for librarian roles, highlighting the evolving skill sets and competencies required in this new paradigm. Design/methodology/approach. The study used a mixed methods research approach, integrating an online questionnaire to gather quantitative data and conducting interviews to obtain qualitative insights. The subsequent interviews offered a thorough understanding of the library’s alignment with the 4IR and its implications for the librarians at the library Findings The findings of this research will offer valuable perspectives for university faculties, librarians and policymakers in shaping future-ready library environments that support innovative teaching, learning and research practices. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for academic libraries to continuously evolve with enhancements to existing infrastructure to incorporate advancing technologies and encompass modern digital platforms, tools and resources to support innovative teaching, learning, and research works. Originality/value This study provides insight into the results of the importance of evolving with the advances of technologies in academic institutions within a developing country in Africa.