http://hdl.handle.net/11189/2676 2026-08-13T12:43:35Z 2026-08-13T12:43:35Z Oosthuizen, C. Kahn, M. http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8720 2022-11-25T01:01:10Z 2022-08-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The research support needs of emerging researchers employed at the Education Faculty of a University of Technology. Authors: Oosthuizen, C.; Kahn, M. Abstract: Globally academic institutions are under pressure to improve their research outputs, both in terms of quality and quantity. The library plays an important role in providing research support services to its community of researchers so that they can contribute to research. As a young research institution, CPUT has a large cohort of emerging researchers–among those, teacher educators in its education faculty. This study, based on research for a master’s degree (Oosthuizen, 2019), set out to determine their research support needs by using a mixed methods approach that included collecting mostly quantitative data from researchers and qualitative data from support staff. It found that this group of researchers needs the library’s support at all stages of the research life cycle but to varying degrees. The information gathering stage is where almost all researchers consider the library’s support necessary, while the majority of respondents did not consider support in the planning stage as necessary. Many respondents were neutral about some services, indicating their unfamiliarity with what the library does or might offer. The study recommends that the library improve awareness of the research support services it offers and that it works more collaboratively with other research support entities at the university for a more streamlined approach to research support. While this study investigated a small sample of researchers, the library can use its ë findings to tailor services to a particular group of users.

2022-08-01T00:00:00Z Kappo-Abidemi, Christiana Iwu, Chux Gervase Allen-ILE, Charles http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8250 2022-11-23T03:20:57Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Employment relations, service quality and professionalism within the Nigerian public service Authors: Kappo-Abidemi, Christiana; Iwu, Chux Gervase; Allen-ILE, Charles Abstract: This paper was written with the following in mind: (1) to determine the effect of employee wellness on public servants’ professionalism, and (2) to establish the relationship between trade union activities and employee professionalism. Within organisations, employment relations are established to facilitate an interactive working relationship between an employer and an employee as well as determine how labour and social security law provisions addressed to employees are applied. We reviewed pertinent literature that guides employment relations and adopted the mixed methods to enable a rigorous study that will offer profound insight into the employment relations climate in Nigeria and how it affects professionalism. Subjects were drawn from the database of a public funded training provider, whichcaters exclusively for senior public servants. The data are presented in a graphical and narrative form owing to our use of themes in analysing the focus group interviews. Some interesting and at the same time confusing revelations emerge from this study. The distinct difference in the responses holds implications for research and practice. A future study that can clarify this confusion may start by identifying champions (trade unionists, managers at the coalface with unions and other employers) and then engaging them through in-depth interviews to understand the real conditions which public servants are exposed. On a practical side, as confusing as the responses seem, they provide a serious opportunity for enhanced studies on Nigeria’s public service constitution. We make this call against the backdrop of what some social scientists have termed intense structural decay in the Nigerian public service.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Becker, Deborah. A Arendse, Joanne Tshetsha, Veliswa Davids, Zulaiga Kiva-Johnson, Vuyokazi http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8204 2022-11-23T02:59:53Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The development of LibGuides at Cape Peninsula University of Technology Libraries and the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on their usage Authors: Becker, Deborah. A; Arendse, Joanne; Tshetsha, Veliswa; Davids, Zulaiga; Kiva-Johnson, Vuyokazi Abstract: LibGuides have been used by librarians at Cape Peninsula University of Technology since 2012 as a means of providing subject-based information to students, with quick links to selected resources and information supplementing information literacy training. Lecturers use the resources for preparing lectures and identifying learning materials, while researchers and postgraduate students use research support guides when writing their papers. As the worldwide pandemic caused a major lockdown, academic institutions in South Africa were closed and students sent home. However, students still needed to complete their studies, and librarians at Cape Peninsula University of Technology had to continue providing support to these students. One of the online services available was LibGuides. This article provides insight into the historical developments of LibGuides at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the use of LibGuides during lockdown, and the experiences of a selected group of students and librarians.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Roman, Leon J. Mason, Roger B. http://hdl.handle.net/11189/7726 2022-11-23T03:49:45Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Employment equity in the South African retail sector: legal versus competence and business imperatives Authors: Roman, Leon J.; Mason, Roger B. Abstract: In 2013/14 a study entitled “Interventions to achieve employment equity objectives in the wholesale and retail sector” was conducted by the Wholesale and Retail Leadership Chair (WRLC) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology on behalf of the W&RSETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). Objectives included assessing the impact of implementation of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) on retail organisations, and determining what supportive action regulatory authorities (the Department of Labour and the W&RSETA) and businesses could take to achieve employment equity (EE) goals. The study is therefore useful across the spectrum of the W&R industry, especially for employment relations practitioners and those tasked with EE implementation. The study followed a mixed-methods approach, using questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, case studies, focus groups and secondary data. Results indicated that EE tends to be numbers-driven at the expense of competence and talent management. Most respondents’ perceptions of EE implementation were negative, with the implication that a different approach is needed because the pace of change and transformation in the South African workplace is too slow. Although the small sample size limits generalisation of the findings, the study provides insight and direction for further research. This paper acknowledges that because EE is currently driven largely by meeting mandated targets for demographic change, the development of talent – in essence, competence – is lacking or inadequate. Thus, the recommendations propose a competency model linked to a performance management system, which could lead to an efficient EE talent management process. This process will enable organisations to develop, within the shortest possible period, competent individuals able to perform adequately in their positions, thereby maintaining or improving productivity; it also addresses effective succession planning.

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z