Showing items 1 - 20 of 35379

Teachers’ awareness of Grade R children’s science process skills

- (Minnaar) Mostert, Rolandi

  • Authors: (Minnaar) Mostert, Rolandi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Science - Study and teaching (Early childhood)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/297183 , uj:32392
  • Description: Abstract: The study aims to describe Grade R teachers’ awareness of children’s SPS and also how their teaching exemplifies their awareness and describe their science content knowledge. The premise of the inquiry is that young children can benefit from early advancement of their science knowledge and that teachers need to be aware that children are ready to learn science in Grade R. I argue that teachers can guide children to develop their skills of thinking scientifically and ‘doing’ and experiencing science, if teachers are aware of how these skills develop. I propose that teachers can do much to help children to change their naïve concepts and begin to form more normative science concepts, as they develop the cognitive processing skills required by a scientific world view. The proviso is, however, that teachers must be aware of children’s developmental skilfulness at this age – their emergent, ability to see and to experience the world scientifically. In a descriptive case study, utilising qualitative data in different modalities, I investigated teachers’ awareness of the above children's developmental skilfulness. These modes of data collection were individual interviews, stimulated recalls and lesson observations with analysis of lesson plans. Research was conducted in two different school systems, of which all four schools were situated in the suburbs of Johannesburg, Gauteng. The unit of sampling was Grade R teachers. The data analysis was based on the grounded theory model of Strauss and Corbin (1998) and O’Donoghue (2007). The pattern that was composed from the data analysis shows, in seven themes, that the teachers have some awareness of science process skills (SPS) but are not able to express it or connect it to their daily teaching. From the teachers’ expressed views and knowledge, coupled with data from observed lessons, the study discusses the data with a custom designed rubric, which included Shulman’s (1987:8) typology of teacher knowledge and Snow, Griffin and Burns’ (2005) continuum of teacher knowledge. According to the ‘levels’ of development characteristics of the latter - and interpreted along with the various teacher knowledge types of the Shulman model - the study concludes that the teachers are inclined to practice in firmly set procedures and that they are not reflective practitioners who inflect knowledge into practice. Furthermore, their own science content knowledge and discourse inhibit the pedagogy of their already limited science teaching. , M.Ed. (Childhood Education)
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Biomimetic strategies for climate change mitigation in the built environment

- Aanuoluwapo, Oguntona Olusegun, Aigbavboa, Clinton Ohis

  • Authors: Aanuoluwapo, Oguntona Olusegun , Aigbavboa, Clinton Ohis
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Biomimicry , Built environment , Climate change
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/247631 , uj:25716 , Citation: Aanuoluwapo, O.O. & Aigbavboa, C.O. 2017. Biomimetic strategies for climate change mitigation in the built environment.
  • Description: Abstract: Out of the numerous challenges facing mankind globally, the impact of climate change poses more threat. These impacts include sea-level rise, more frequent floods from heavy rainfall and notably among others, intense droughts. Despite the United Nations anchored events and conferences geared towards tackling climate change, little success has been recorded till date. Biomimicry, a novel science and method that studies nature’s models and then emulates their forms, processes, and strategies offer a sustainable approach to this menace of climate change. It also has the potential to offer efficient alternatives to the human activities that contribute to the depletion and pollution of the environment. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate and present the potential of biomimicry in for climate change mitigation in the built environment. An extant literature review was conducted on biomimicry and its roles in tackling climate change through mitigation and adaptation. The result explores various Biomimetic innovations and applications with their potential to sustainably mitigate the menace of climate change if adopted. This study is expected to refocus human efforts towards biomimicry where it is believed that nature, during its 3.8 billion years of existence has evolved with highly efficient processes and systems, with the potential to produce solutions to the environmental challenges facing mankind, especially climate change.
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A study to compare the effect of spinal manipulation versus mobilization on hamstring muscle strength

- Aaron, Kevin

  • Authors: Aaron, Kevin
  • Date: 2013-12-09
  • Subjects: Muscle strength , Hamstring muscle , Spinal adjustment , Physical therapy
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8703
  • Description: M.Tech. (Chiropractic) , Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of spinal manipulation versus mobilization of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac (SI) joints on the contractile strength of the hamstring muscle group with regards to strength and flexibility. Method: This study consisted of 2 groups of 15 participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years of age. Males and females were first separated to ensure equal male to female ratios within each group. The potential participants were examined and accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The method of treatment administered to each group was determined by group allocation. Group 1 received spinal manipulation directed towards restrictions located within the lumbar spine and/or SI joints. Group 2 received spinal mobilization directed towards restrictions located within the lumbar spine and/or SI joints. Procedure: Treatment consisted of 4 treatment sessions with an additional follow up visit over a 2 week period. Objective data was recorded on visit 1 before and after treatment, visit 3 before and after treatment and on visit 5 in which there was no treatment administered, its purpose was purely to obtain measurements. The measurements were taken in this way in order to determine immediate as well as medium term changes. Objective data consisted of hamstring muscle strength readings taken using a handheld dynamometer and hamstring muscle flexibility readings taken using a digital inclinometer. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. The manipulation and mobilization techniques used were directed towards dysfunctional joints within the lumbar spine and/or SI regions, which were detected by motion palpation. Results: Regarding muscle strength, statistically significant results were noted in Group 1 at visits 1 and 3 on both the right and left sides when determining the immediate effects of the treatment. Medium term changes were seen during the time interval between visits 1 and 3, as well as between visits 1 and 5 bilaterally. When determining the immediate effects of the treatment, Group 2 did not demonstrate muscle strength changes at visit 1 on the right, however statistically significant results were found at visit 3 on the right as well as at visits 1 and 3 on the left. Medium term changes were seen during the time interval between visits 1 and 3, as well as between visits 1 and 5 bilaterally. Manipulation and mobilization were shown to have a statistically significant effect on hamstring muscle strength, although manipulation was shown to have a more beneficial effect on muscle strength both immediately and over time, though this was only found on the left. Regarding muscle flexibility, statistically significant results were noted in Group 1 on both right and left sides at visits 1 and 3 when determining the immediate effects of the treatment. Statistically significant changes only occurred on the left between visits 1 and 5 when determining the medium term effects of the treatment. Group 2 showed statistically significant changes at visit 3 on the right as well as at visits 1 and 3 on the left when determining the immediate effects of the treatment. When determining the medium term effects of the treatment no statistically significant changes were found over the duration of the study. There was no difference found between the groups in terms of the effect that the treatment had on hamstring muscle flexibility, although isolated improvements occurred over time in the manipulation group. Conclusion: The results show that both manipulation and mobilization have a statistically significant effect on hamstring muscle strength. However, manipulation was shown to have a more significant effect. Changes in hamstring muscle flexibility were found to occur immediately and over time in the manipulation group, however only immediate effects were noted in the mobilization group. Therefore, when compared to mobilization, manipulation appears to have a greater effect on hamstring muscle strength and flexibility.
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Fungal diversity and mycotoxin contamination of some selected food commodities from Ivory Coast

- Aasa, Adeola Oluwakemi

  • Authors: Aasa, Adeola Oluwakemi
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Mycotoxins , Mycotoxicoses , Fungi , Food contamination - Côte d'Ivoire
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/477194 , uj:43108
  • Description: Abstract: This study surveyed fungi and mycotoxins in important food crops consumed in Ivory Coast. To achieve this, the following local food items (attieke, cassava flakes, chilli, gnangnan, haricot, melon, millet, okra, rice, white maize and yellow maize) were sampled from local markets (Adjame, Cocody and Youpougon) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. They were screened for fungal contamination based on morphological characters and confirmed by PCR using the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 4 primers (ITS1 and ITS4). A total of 227 isolates were morphologically identified withisolates dominated by species within the genera Aspegillus (54.9 %) followed by Penicillium (23.3 %) and Fusarium (14.3 %). Few isolated species were confirmed in other genera which include Alternaria, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Emerica, Rhizopus and Trichoderma spp.The highest mean fungal load of 6.85 x 105 CFU/g was found in white maize while the lowest mean level of 4.39x104CFU/g was recorded in cassava flakes. The subset of isolates were identified using ITS1 and ITS4, as Aspergillus species found to be most frequentin cassava flakes, chilli, gnangnan, haricot, rice and yellow maize. Penicillium species were also found frequent in chilli, haricot and rice, while Fusarium species were frequent in melon and millet... , M.A. (Biotechnology)
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Herding behaviour in financial markets : empirical evidence from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

- Ababio, Kofi A., Muteba Mwamba, John W.

Empirical examination of herding behaviour in the Johannesburg stock exchange : a sectoral analysis

- Ababio, Kofi A., Mwamba, John M.

Test of herding behaviour in the Johannesburg stock exchange : application of quantile regression model

- Ababio, Kofi Agyarko, Mwamba, John Muteba

Investors’ trading behaviour, stock selection and portfolio optimisation

- Ababio, Kofi Agyarko

  • Authors: Ababio, Kofi Agyarko
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Stock exchanges - South Africa - Johannesburg , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/283003 , uj:30507
  • Description: Abstract: The thesis investigates the existence of herding behaviour in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. In addition, adopting a descriptive theory of decision-making, the thesis explores the possibility of adding value to investors‟ portfolio by investing solely in stocks driven by human mentality and psychology. Data were obtained from the INET BFA Expert - Iress Database and comprised the universe of listed stocks in the financial industry of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange spanning the period from January 2010 to October 2016. The thesis is organised in two phases and contributes to the field of financial economics specifically behavioural economics and portfolio management and bridges the gap between the two fields. The thesis offers an intuitive and a psychologically corroborated descriptive investment strategy capable of adding value to investors‟ portfolio. While the first phase of the thesis highlights and describes key investor behaviours which are largely at variance with the rational assumption documented in the behavioural economics literature, the second phase incorporates investors‟ psychology in the stock selection and portfolio optimisation. The two initial empirical chapters (i.e. Chapter 3 & Chapter 4) were primarily devoted to searching evidence of herding behaviour in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange1. Three advanced methodologies were adopted in testing evidence of herding behaviour. Chapter 5, the last empirical chapter adopts a descriptive decision theory, the Cumulative Prospect Theory and the Mean-Variance portfolio optimisation criterion to optimise and evaluate classified and formulated portfolios based on the Cumulative Prospect Theory. Following Chapter 2 the literature review, Chapter 3 tested evidence of herding behaviour both at the industry and the sectoral levels adopting the quantile regression model. At the sectoral level, herding behaviour showed asymmetry. While investors in the banking sector exhibited the herding behaviour during the bear market phase, in the real estate sector, investors suffered from the behavioural bias during the bull market phase. However, in the entire financial industry, the results showed evidence of herding behaviour during the bull market phase only. Likewise, Chapter 4 compared results of two conventional approaches with the Bayesian model in testing evidence of herding behaviour. Apart from the insurance sector, the results showed evidence of herding behaviour in the rest of the sectors during the bear and the bull market phases using the conventional approaches. Similarly, using the conventional approaches and the Bayesian models, investors in the entire financial industry showed evidence of herding behaviour. Portfolio optimisation results in the last empirical chapter consistently showed that stocks with extremely lower Cumulative Prospect Theory values outperformed stocks with extremely higher Cumulative Prospect Theory values. The results further established the superiority of the Cumulative Prospect Theory as an empirically corroborated theory of decision-making with rich psychological content. , Ph.D. (Economics)
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Optimisation of mixed assets portfolio using copula differential evolution : a behavioural approach

- Ababio, Kofi Agyarko, Mba, Jules Clement, Koumba, Ur

A treatment protocol for the treatment of cervical facet syndrome comparing the use of cryotherapy before or after the chiropractic adjustment

- Abader, Andre Michael

An investigation into the application of judicial case management in the South African civil court system to enhance quality and access to justice

- Abader, Moegamat Ishaam

  • Authors: Abader, Moegamat Ishaam
  • Date: 2012-08-20
  • Subjects: Court administration - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:2816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6253
  • Description: M.B.A. , An investigation into the application of judicial case management in the South African civil court system to enhance quality and access to justice. Background The South African judicial system, and in particular, the lower Courts have been plagued by inefficiency and inadequate use of its resources. This, in turn, has lead to inordinate delays in the prosecution of both civil and criminal matters. This research will however focus on the civil prosecution of cases. Ultimately, the quality of service being provided to both internal and external customers is lacking and is evidenced by the slow pace of cases through the system. The civil justice system in South Africa is in need of an overhaul as the quality of the service provided by the courts has been questioned extensively. The focus of this research is to look at judicial case management as well as some of the current factors that may be responsible for the delays in the civil justice system and to propose judicial case management as a possible solution to enhance quality in the South African judicial system. Related to the concept of quality are productivity and efficiency and, by implication, these areas may also be improved. Accordingly, this study will assess the current situation in the South African civil justice system and investigate if judicial case management will assist in achieving quality and productivity. IV Objectives The overall objective of this study is to formulate recommendations to enhance quality and access the civil justice system. To reach the above aim, the following objectives are relavant: 1.3.1 Conduct interviews with members of the public and legal professionals involved in the civil justice system in South Africa to assess their perceptions of the system. 1.3.2 During the interviews, elicit recommendations on how the system may be improved with particular emphasis on judicial case management. 1.3.3 Conduct a literature review of relevant and available literature that investigates developments in the British, Canadian, Australian and part of the American legal system, respectively. 1.3.4 Describe and analyse the data collected. 1.3.5 Compare the data collected in the South African context with developments in international judicial systems. 1.3.6 Make recommendations with a view to improving quality in the South African civil justice system. Design and data collection A qualitative research paradigm will be used for this study. Primary data was collected using the semi-structured interview method and the in-depth interview methods, respectively, in order to determine the views among some legal professionals in the province of Gauteng as well as certain members of the public. Documentary secondary data was also used in this research project in addition to the primary data collection methods. Conclusions In summary, the conclusions can be drawn that: there are problems in the South African civil justice system that lead to increased costs, unnecessary delay and complexity of the system; the causes of the problems are related to a wide variety of issues that range from, inter alia, human resources, training, operational issues, jurisdiction of courts, the structure and functioning of the courts, pleadings and the rules of court; there is a need and a willingness for judicial case management, despite some opposition, but that nature and form thereof will have to be the subject of discussion. Recommendations Recommendations to improve the system range from improving statistical analyses; increasing the public participation process in law making; improving the sheriffs services and service of process; improving the management and administration of the courts; introducing alternative dispute resolution and possibly mandatory dispute resolution; addressing procedural issues and finally, introducing some form of judicial case management.
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The responsibility of international organisations for non-fulfilment of their mandate in humanitarian crises

- Abanda, Colin Ndeh

A deep gold mine metagenome as a source of novel esterases.

- Abbai, Nathlee S., Van Heerden, Esta, Piater, Lizelle A., Litthauer, Derek

  • Authors: Abbai, Nathlee S. , Van Heerden, Esta , Piater, Lizelle A. , Litthauer, Derek
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Lipolytic activity , Biofilms , Esterases
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5843 , ISSN 1684–5315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7898
  • Description: New sources of enzymes for biotechnological applications are continually being sought for. While diverse microbial ecosysyems have been demonstrated in the deep subsurfaces, deep mines provide easy access to these specialist communities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess a deep mine biofilm as a source of novel esterase enzymes. Biofilm was collected from the Beatrix Mine in South Africa, at a depth of 808 m. Assessment of the diversity revealed a group of previously uncultured bacteria and archaea. A metagenome library was screened for esterolytic activity, producing two esterolytic clones: a phospholipase patatin protein and an isochorismatase family protein. The isochorismatase family protein contained the catalytic Asp and Cys but not the Arg, which is considered as important for catalysis. The patatin showed 55% similarity to its closest relative; the patatin family protein from Plesiocystis pacifica. The expressed patatin displayed a preference for the C6 ester and was maximally active at pH 8 and 30°C. This study reported that screening of a relatively small metagenome library from the deep mine biofilm provided two esterolytic clones, which differed from their known counterparts. This indicates that the deep mine ecosystems contain an untapped resource of novel and potentially useful enzymes which may have applications in chemical syntheses.
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Beyond good Muslim, bad Muslim : a decolonial critique of postcolonial Muslim ontology

- Abbasi, Alexander Marwan

  • Authors: Abbasi, Alexander Marwan
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Muslims , Ontology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296250 , uj:32274
  • Description: Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to redefine 1) how decoloniality relates to the figure of the Muslim and 2) how decoloniality relates to postcolonial Muslim thinking. The field of Decolonial Studies has done substantial archival work on revealing the underside of modernity; what decolonial scholarship calls coloniality. Many of the thinkers whom have formed the canon of Decolonial Studies have been located in Latin America, the Caribbean and North America though, and have not fully explored the depth of the Muslim Question in relation to coloniality. The first half of this work deals with redefining the narrative of coloniality with regards to systems of Islamophobia and anti- Muslimness which shed further light on the complexities of Western ontology. The second half deals with postcolonial Muslim thinkers who have provided necessary decolonial insights into the ways Muslims have sought to resist and move beyond the confines of coloniality while also perpetuating neo/colonial divides. This work argues for a process of critique and appraisal of postcolonial reflections on Muslim ontology with the ultimate aim of decolonizing Muslim being. The concept of the good Muslim – bad Muslim binary is also investigated as one of the main ways which the political disciplines Muslim ontology; by making Muslims friends through Islamophilia or enemies through Islamophobia, the good Muslim – bad Muslim binary is a discourse and function of power which must be reconceptualized in order to account for the longue durée of coloniality and the persistence anti-Muslim/Islamist social orders. Ultimately, I argue that in order to move beyond the good Muslim – bad Muslim binary and the neocolonial snares of postcolonial Muslim thought, we must more deeply reconstruct what it means to decolonize Muslim political ontology. , M.A.
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Differences in attribution style and self-conscious emotions between different categories of shyness

- Abbasi, Lubna

  • Authors: Abbasi, Lubna
  • Date: 2010-04-19T07:38:14Z
  • Subjects: Attribution (Social psychology) , Emotions , Bashfulness , Self-consciousness
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6778 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3209
  • Description: M.A. , The present study examined the relationship between shyness and self-conscious emotions in terms of attribution style. Participants were administered questionnaires and then categorized into fearful shy, self-conscious shy, undifferentiated shy and non-shy groups. These four groups were then compared in terms of shyness, shame, guilt, embarrassment, and attribution style. Furthermore, the relationships between shame, guilt, and embarrassment and the different attribution styles were examined. The fearful shy, self-conscious shy and undifferentiated shy groups differed from the non-shy group in terms of the attribution styles of context and luck. The fearful shy group was found to score higher than the non-shy group in terms of context, in addition to the fearful shy as well as the self-conscious shy groups scoring higher than the non-shy groups in terms of luck. However no differences were found in terms of ability and effort between the four groups. With regards to experiencing self-conscious emotions, the fearful shy, self-conscious shy, and the undifferentiated shy groups differed from the non-shy group by scoring higher on shame. The fearful shy, self-conscious shy, and the undifferentiated shy groups also scored higher in terms of embarrassment from the non-shy group, with the fearful shy group scoring the highest followed by the self-conscious shy group and then the undifferentiated shy group. Furthermore, the fearful shy and undifferentiated shy differed from one another with the fearful shy group scoring higher in terms of embarrassment. The four groups, however, did not vary in terms of guilt. In terms of the relationship between attribution styles and self-conscious emotions, positive correlations were found between ability and shame and ability and embarrassment. A positive correlation was found between effort and guilt. Positive correlations between luck and shame and luck and embarrassment were also found. Self-conscious emotions were found to be highly correlated with shyness. Attribution styles may play a significant role in terms of an individual experiencing these emotions. Shy individuals may differ from non-shy individuals with regards to the attributions they engage in, causing them to experience self-conscious emotions to a higher extent. This may suggest a cognitive component that may be associated with self-conscious emotions. Therefore, shy individuals may be predisposed to experiencing self-conscious emotions more frequently than non-shy individuals. It is suggested that future research focus on this cognitive component in the experience of self-conscious emotions.
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Human resources management in the South African socio-economic context

- Abbott, Penny

  • Authors: Abbott, Penny
  • Date: 2012-10-30
  • Subjects: Human resource management , Personnel management , Industrial sociology
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:10473 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7945
  • Description: Ph.D. , The purpose of this study was to explore the lived reality of the work of Human Resource practitioners in South Africa in relation to the socio-economic context of their organisations and to consider how appropriate or not their responses might be to the impacts of that context on their work. This was explored through a qualitative study wherein interviews with 50 volunteer practitioners from all types of organisations spread across the country were conducted and compared to views of 17 informed commentators in this field. It was found that the work of Human Resource practitioners is signficantly impacted by social and economic factors external to the workplace, but that the current response by practitioners is probably not as appropriate as it could or should be. A role for human practitioners as “social activists” was identified and factors influencing whether such a role is played were explored. Frameworks of appropriate actions are proposed at both strategic and individual contributor level to support this role. The role of Human Resource professional bodies in addressing social issues in South Africa is challenged and a framework proposed to improve the extent to which leadership is given to Human Resource practitioners and to increase the visibility and voice of the profession in contributing to alleviation of societal problems. Recommendations for implementation of the proposed frameworks are proposed. One of the most significant recommendations is for Continuing Professional Development to provide coaching support based on Constructive-Developmental theory to enhance the ability of Human Resource practitioners to cope with the high levels of complexity that they encounter in their roles. Further research into a proposed model of influencing factors in the social activist role is recommended.
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The role of the coordinator in structured mentoring schemes

- Abbott, Penny

  • Authors: Abbott, Penny
  • Date: 2012-06-05
  • Subjects: Project management , Mentoring in business , Performance technology
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:2381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4836
  • Description: M. Phil. , The purpose of this study was to explore the role and experiences of the coordinators of structured mentoring schemes across various sectors of society in South Africa. A purposive sample of 25 schemes was identified and both quantitative and qualitative data was obtained through questionnaires and interviews. It was found that mentoring in South Africa, as with overseas countries, is used for a wide variety of purposes. There are varying degrees of success reported from these schemes and the predominant model of mentoring as reported in the research tends to follow the “sponsorship” approach to mentoring, which may not be the most appropriate for transformation in South Africa. Coordinators often find their roles lonely and frustrating, partly because the role is combined with other roles which take priority. Coordinators tend to initiate their own role and derive mainly altruistic role satisfaction. This initiation of the role can lead to organizational isolation and lack of management support for the mentoring scheme. Recommendations for development and support of coordinators are made.
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A comparative analysis of political risks in Nigeria and Brazil

- Abdi, Shalle Hussein

The relationship between mindfulness and burnout amongst employees in a South African corporate organisation

- Abdool Karrim Ismail, Husain

  • Authors: Abdool Karrim Ismail, Husain
  • Date: 2011-12-07
  • Subjects: Job stress , Mindfulness , Burnout (Psychology)
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:1865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4221
  • Description: M.A. , Burnout due to work-related stress is an ever-increasing problem around the world. Burnout is virulent and has entrenched itself in modern corporate life making corporate workers susceptible to its effects. Mindfulness meditation training has been found to be beneficial in enhancing psychological welfare and can ameliorate the effects of burnout. Research on burnout and mindfulness has been limited within the South African corporate context. This study aimed to explore the extent of burnout among employees in a South African corporate organisation and to examine the relationship between burnout and mindfulness in the same population. It was hypothesised that burnout was prevalent and that there will be a statistically significant relationship between mindfulness and burnout. Another aim was to determine whether the OLBI and the MAAS were reliable for use in a South African context. An additional aim was to determine which variable (mindfulness, job satisfaction or social support) contributed significantly to burnout. The sample consisted of 207 participants from a bank in Johannesburg. Each participant completed a biographical data questionnaire, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Overall Job Satisfaction scale and the Social Support scale. The results of this research confirmed that burnout was prevalent in the organisation. However, the prevalence was not as extensive as expected. Nevertheless, results indicated that some participants were exhausted. The results provide evidence for a moderately significant negative correlation between burnout and mindfulness [r = -0.543, p <0.01]. This suggests that the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness training can potentially be accessed to ameliorate the negative effects of burnout. High reliability coefficients were found for the OLBI (alpha=0.883), MAAS (alpha=0.904), Job Satisfaction (alpha=0.732) and Social Support (alpha=0.809) scales. Three variables (mindfulness, job satisfaction and social support) explained 59.3% of the variance in burnout [F(3, 198) = 96.31, p<0.001]. Job satisfaction contributed most to burnout, recording the highest beta value [beta = -.472, p < .001]. Mindfulness was the second highest contributor [beta = -.379, p < .001], followed by social support [beta = -.175, p < .001]. Support was garnered for the use of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model as a framework for examining burnout among corporate workers insofar as job resources mediated between job demands and burnout. Future studies should involve large-scale standardisation research for the OLBI and the MAAS in order to expand their use beyond their research utility and allow for their use in everyday circumstances.
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The relationship between mindfulness and burnout amongst employees in a South African corporate organisation

- Abdool Karrim Ismail, Husain

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