Showing items 1 - 20 of 27

Your selections:

Assessing Local and National Government Interaction in LED: A Policy Evaluation of South Africa’s Metros

- Soga, Babalwa, Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

A relationship between social media platforms and the financial success of modern African entrepreneurs

- Ukpere, Wilfred, Slabbert, Andre D, Ukpere, Celestine L.

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred , Slabbert, Andre D , Ukpere, Celestine L.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Social media , Entrepreneurs
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5476 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13453
  • Description: Globalisation, technological developments, and corporate mergers and acquisitions have brought fundamental changes to the modern entrepreneurial landscape. Reduced data bundle rates, the expansion of telecommunications, and the increased use of the Internet in Africa are the main driving forces. In recent times, African entrepreneurship has been in a constant state of development and flux. This paper reports the findings of an online survey conducted in Africa in 2013, investigating the experiences of entrepreneurs on the continent in adapting and incorporating online social network platforms and digital tools in both the formal and informal sectors. In recent times, African entrepreneurs have realised that the empowered, sophisticated, critical and well-informed society living on the continent in the present day is different from that of the previous post-colonial era. The Internet (and more recently social media enabled through Web2.0) has enabled the business community at large to control information and have power over the marketing process, with concomitant dilemmas and challenges for African entrepreneurs. This paper explains what role the new face of the Internet, widely referred to as Web2.0 or social media has played in unlocking this vast potential in terms of enabling the economic survival and success of modern African entrepreneur. Embracing social media platforms and tools facilitates entrepreneurship through the creation of competitive advantages that build prosperity in the modern global economy. Social-media platforms are therefore important strategic marketing tools for entrepreneurs.
  • Full Text:

A review of instructional delivery in social work education using ICT tools

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Benedict, H.T, Balogun, O.O

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Benedict, H.T , Balogun, O.O
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Social work - Study and teaching , Information and Communication Technology
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5472 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13448
  • Description: Education has been aptly referred to as a veritable tool for meaningful development. The quality and effectiveness of teaching determine to a great extent the overall quality of education and the attainment of educational goals and objectives. Information and Communication Technology ICT) has been globally acclaimed as a tool that can accelerate and promote teaching and learning (National Policy for Information Technology, 2001). As opined by Kirschmer and Waperies, (2003), Information and Communication Technology can make the school more efficient and productive, there by engendering a variety of tools to enhance and facilitate teachers’ professional activities. This theoretical paper reiterates the vital role of ICT in effective teaching and learning generally and essentially in Social Work Education. It kicked off by examining the concepts of ICT and social work; establishing the need for ICT tools in instructional delivery in social work. The paper thereafter examined some applications of ICT tools in Social Work Education delivery and emphasizes the need for social work educators to judiciously utilize the opportunities and benefits inherent in ICT oriented instructional delivery. The paper concludes with a caution on the potential impact of ICT on professional identity of confidentiality.
  • Full Text:

Application of grounded theory in career research reviewed

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Van Rensburg, Adele Janse

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Van Rensburg, Adele Janse
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Grounded theory
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5457 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13433
  • Description: Most research studies pose some element of concern, discrepancies and controversy. Grounded theory (GT) research is not an exception. This paper provides an overview of how GT was applied in a PhD study about career transition phenomenon. It should be noted that it is not the intent of this paper to provide a detailed account of the completed study, but rather to provide a practical example of the process followed, which first-time GT researchers might find useful. Therefore, firstly, this paper provides an overview of GT in general, including two of the most controversial topics which are the use of literature and the application of qualitative data analysis (QDA) programs. Secondly, the researcher’s school of thought and her first-hand account of how grounded theory was applied, is explained.
  • Full Text:

Democracy and development in Rivers State of Nigeria

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Otto, Godly

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Otto, Godly
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Democracy - Nigeria , Nigeria - Politics and government
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5466 , ISSN 2039-9340 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13442
  • Description: Democracy is popularly defined as the government of the people by the people for the people. In other words, it is a peoples’ government informed by the majority for the interest of the greatest number in society. Such a government must therefore aspire to improve the welfare of the greatest number in society to remain relevant. Nigerians clamoured for the return to democratic governance for a long time and that clamour was not without conflicts and injuries. However, since 1999, democracy has been in the country and currently is about 13 years old. The question is: are the expectations being realized? This work compares the pre-democratic and democratic dispensations in Rivers State using the unbalanced growth theory. The work observed that the cost of democracy in Nigeria at this time is relatively high compared to the military era. There is a need for more efficiency in governance in Nigeria now.
  • Full Text:

Evaluating HIV/AIDS programme within South African universities

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Gobind, Jenni

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Gobind, Jenni
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: HIV/AIDS programmes - South Africa - Evaluation , AIDS (Disease) - Government policy - South Africa
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5470 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13446
  • Description: This paper presents the occasion to consider the need and benefit of evaluating HIV/AIDS programmes within South African universities. The emergence of the need for workplace policy has resulted in a barrage of HIV workplace policies saturating the workplace. The International Labour Organisation and Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) have made recommendations as to points, which policy and decision makers should consider in the development of national policies and programmes on HIV/AIDS. Many Higher Education Institution policy makers have yet to question the need and benefits of an HIV/AIDS programme. This paper further suggests that an HIV/AIDS programme should be followed by an evaluation that would determine the effectiveness of such programme.
  • Full Text:

Exploration of psychosocial risk and the handling of unsafe acts and misconducts in the workplace

- Visagie, Jan, Ukpere, Wilfred I., Swanepoel, Jacquelene

  • Authors: Visagie, Jan , Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Swanepoel, Jacquelene
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Occupational risks , Industrial safety
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5473 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13449
  • Description: The aim of this article was to investigate the psychosocial risk environment influencing employee behaviour, and subsequently the trust relationship between employer and employee. The unique nature and commonness of negative acts, such as unsafe behaviour, human errors, poor performance and negligence (also referred to as unsafe practices) are explored in this article. Pertinent literatures were reviewed on the nature of negative acts or unsafe behaviour. The findings of this study were used to draw comparisons between unsafe behaviour/misconduct and accidents in the workplace and finally recommendations were made on how the problem can be addressed from a labour relations perspective. The results indicate that a relationship between unsafe practice/misconduct and occupational injuries and accidents exist, owing to system flaws, human error or psychosocial risk.
  • Full Text:

Exploring the triggers of transformational change in the South African Department of Correctional Services

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Coetzee, Jos, Mdletye, Mbongeni A.

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Coetzee, Jos , Mdletye, Mbongeni A.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Organizational change , South Africa. Dept. of Correctional Services
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5459 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13435
  • Description: sChange is a critical phenomenon in any organisation that wants to optimise its performance at individual, team and organizational levels in order to survive and remain competitive in the intensely competitive and globalised operational environment – be it economic, social, political, technological, international or labour market environment. This paper presents empirical evidence gathered from research participants in the Correctional Centres located in the KwaZulu-Natal Region of the Department of Correctional Services on the factors that triggered the fundamental culture change from the punishment-oriented philosophy to the rehabilitation-driven philosophy in terms of the treatment of sentenced offenders (herein referred to as DCS change). An interest in the triggers of transformational change within a correctional environment has motivated the authors to embark on an empirical study which sought to establish the triggers of the transformational change in the Department of Correctional Services of South Africa. The study was significant, particularly if one considers the fact that there is generally an interest in the factors that force organisations to initiate and implement organisation-wide changes. Change and transformation strategists, organisation development practitioners, and managers in general in both the public and private sector globally and in South Africa in particular will benefit from the study, particular if one considers the fact that transformational change interventions are currently being implemented across the South African public service as part of the government’s agenda of reconstructing and developing the South African society. An extensive literature study on the external and internal triggers of organisational change was undertaken as part of contextualising the triggers of transformational change within the South African Correctional Services environment in general. The literature study was followed by the empirical study which focused on gathering data from correctional officials and offenders through utilising two survey questionnaires. The empirical findings revealed that the fundamental culture change from the punishment-oriented philosophy which was characterised by nonexistence of a human rights culture to a rehabilitation-focused philosophy underpinned by the promotion and maintenance of a human rights culture was sparked off by various internal and external factors. These ranged from financial, social and political reasons to complaints about service from offenders, complaints from national and international bodies regarding human rights violations, competitive forces, proactive and progressive leadership,and the need to reduce recidivism.
  • Full Text:

Factors impacting job satisfaction of employees in the fast food industry in Cape Town

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Ukandu, Nnenna E.

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Ukandu, Nnenna E.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Job satisfaction , Fast food restaurants - Employees
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5451 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13427
  • Description: Job satisfaction increases the level of performance in any organisation including the fast food outlets. Job satisfaction helps to stimulate employees’ commitment in the workplace. In other words, employee satisfaction is vital for organisational development and growth. The fast food workers are unique and have their individual needs, potentials, values and goals. Job satisfaction can also enhance the level of motivation in the workplace. Hence, when the workers are satisfied, they also tend to be motivated towards organisational goals. This paper aims to look at factors impacting the job satisfaction of employee within the fast food industry, in order to proffer ways of improving the level of job satisfaction of fast food employees, in order to achieve a high level of employee and organisational performance. A survey concentrated mainly on the fast food industry. Only fast food employees with at least six (6) months experience were selected for the study, in order to obtain a reliable and valid response. Data was obtained from both the operational workers, administration, cashiers and the managers. A total of 200 closed-ended questionnaires were distributed and 123 employees responded, which gave a response rate of 62.5%. Research finding shows that the rate of personal growth of the employees in their workplace was not satisfactory with a rate of 56.1% respondents. Also, the flexible time plan was not very satisfactory to the workers since they were given a flexible time sometimes during busy periods. In addition, the employees were not allowed to participate in decisions that affects them. It is thus proposed that fast food employees should be empowered through effective participation in decision making. Moreover, the employee skills should be improved through coaching and feedback system.
  • Full Text:

Financial performance measures and business objectives attainment in fast food SMMEs in the Cape Metropoli s: a preliminary liability and suitability analysis

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Smit, Yolande, Ngary, Clency, Bruwer, Juan-Pierre

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Smit, Yolande , Ngary, Clency , Bruwer, Juan-Pierre
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Fast food restaurants - Economic aspects - South Africa - Cape Town
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5455 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13431
  • Description: According to the Small Business Act No. 102 of 1996, Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were introduced by the South African government to assist with the achievement of uplifting the national economy to reduce the rising trend unemployment and poverty in the country. SMMEs are believed to contribute up to 30% of the Gross Domestic Product of South Africa and are further believed to be responsible for absorbing up to 80% of the national labour force. Regrettably, prior research suggests that these initiatives have not succeeded in reducing unemployment and eradicating poverty, since more than 75% of SMMEs have been reported to fail within their first two years of existence. Economic factors have been blamed for the dismal outcomes. However, the achievement of business objectives is very relevant to how a business is managed, particularly from a financial outlook. In essence, the current authors are of the view that SMMEs were not attaining their objectives owing to the ineffective utilisation of financial performance measures, which consequently affects the smooth existence of these entities as a going concern. The main objective of this paper was to determine the extent to which SMMEs make use of financial performance measures to attain their business objectives. The research adopted a quantitative approach, which entails the collection of data from 30 SMMEs leaders (owners and/or managers) in the Cape Metropolis. All participants were required to adhere to a list of strict delineation criteria. The finding reveals that SMMEs leaders do make use of financial performance measures to manage their respective businesses towards the attainment of business objectives, but only to a limited extent.
  • Full Text:

Impact of leadership styles on teaching and learning process in Imo State

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Anyanwu, O.J., Okoroji, L.I.

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Anyanwu, O.J. , Okoroji, L.I.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Leadership , High school teachers
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5462 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13438
  • Description: The research examined the effect of leadership styles on teaching and learning process. The population comprises the academic staff of selected secondary schools in Owerri North Local Government Area (LGA). The academic staff members selected includes junior and senior staff members, as well as male and female staff. Sixty-six teachers, which constitute the population of academic staff of selected from secondary school makes up the sample for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Self structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The method of data analysis used on this research work is ANOVA statistics. Based on the summary of the findings, Gender to a high extent, influences the leadership style used in classroom teaching and learning process. The result also reveals that majority of secondary school teachers in Owerri North used democratic leadership style more than other types of leadership styles. Having listed some findings of the research work, it is necessary to make recommendation. Both male and female teachers should be exposed to constant and relevant seminars, workshop by the school management boards in order to ensure that these teachers are equipped with better understanding of leadership style as well as better combination of these styles.
  • Full Text:

Monitoring infrastructure policy reforms and rural poverty reduction in Ghana : the case of Keta Sea Defence Project

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Garr, Ewald Q., LLe, Isioma U.

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Garr, Ewald Q. , LLe, Isioma U.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Poverty - Ghana , Infrastructure (Economics) - Ghana , Rural poor - Ghana
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5452 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13428
  • Description: Over the years Ghana has adopted many policy reforms with the aim of reducing poverty. Though official reports indicate reduction in poverty, poverty has become a rural phenomenon. An essential factor identified as crucial for rural poverty reduction is infrastructure. Though the government of Ghana has acknowledged the potential contribution of infrastructure to poverty reduction, and continues to increase annual expenditure on infrastructure provision, the government is worried about the failure of many infrastructure projects to reduce poverty. Since policies provide frameworks that guide action, it would be expected that Ghana’s infrastructure policies address these problems. The study explores the relationship between infrastructure and rural poverty reduction, and the adequacy of Ghana’s infrastructure policy environment in contributing to rural poverty reduction.
  • Full Text:

Monitoring public participation processes at local government level : with specific reference to agricultural processes in Ntcheu district

- Namondwe, Z., Ile, I.U, Ukpere, Wilfred I.

  • Authors: Namondwe, Z. , Ile, I.U , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Agriculture - Malawi , Agriculture extension services - Malawi
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/363944 , uj:5425 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11952
  • Description: Agriculture is the greatest source of economic development in Malawi. With decentralisation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food security through the Department of Agriculture Extension Services sector, established the New Agricultural Extension policy to create participatory processes to address farmers’ needs. This is against the background that research has shown that the more people participate in developmental issues the more their needs are prioritised, especially if the participatory structures have legal backing and are respected by stakeholders, including government officials. This research engaged the established participatory structures in agricultural processes and the extent of their efficiency. It emerged that these structured were not as effective because committees that could allow for the participation of farmers in planning and decision making at Area and District level are in fact not operational as expected.
  • Full Text:

Perceptions: a critical factor in transformational change management – lessons from the Department of Correctional Services of South Africa

- Mdletye, Mbongeni A., Coetzee, Jos, Ukpere, Wilfred I.

  • Authors: Mdletye, Mbongeni A. , Coetzee, Jos , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Organizational change - Management , South Africa. Dept. of Correctional Services
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5463 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13439
  • Description: There is growing recognition globally that the current organisational change management methodologies and practices are ineffective. This admission is based on the fact that change efforts implemented in organisations do not produce the desired results in terms of set change objectives. This assertion is evidenced by the dismal success rate in the implementation of organisational change initiatives. Empirical studies conducted previously by authors such as Hattingh (2004), Balogun and Hope Hailey (2004), Bregman (2009), Lotich (2011), and Choi and Ruona (2011) have confirmed that there is indeed a high failure rate in the implementation of organisational change efforts. The high failure rate that organisations record is attributed to managers’ neglect of the elements and dynamics of change, which constitute the human dimension of change. People’s perceptions of change form part of the dynamics of change which need to be seriously addressed if success in the implementation of organisational change efforts is to be attained. Empirical studies that seek to validate the claim that perceptions play a critical role in shaping people’s attitudes towards change and consequently their responses to change in terms of their reactions and resistance to change, have somehow been very limited. This is what this study sought to do – to investigate, establish, explore and understand the role that perceptions play in influencing people’s attitudes towards change, thereby influencing the status of change in terms of success or failure. The undertaking of the study on perceptions was to ensure that managers understand the influence that perceptions have on people’s attitudes towards change. The researcher conducted a literature study in order to contextualise the role of perceptions in influencing people’s attitudes within the offender correctional environment in the Department of Correctional Services of South Africa. Two survey questionnaires, one for correctional officials and the other for offenders, were utilised for purposes of collecting data. The results of the study revealed that perceptions play a significant role in shaping people’s attitudes towards change and consequently their reactions to and experiences of change.
  • Full Text:

Police brutality in post-apartheid South Africa reviewed

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Zondi, Z. V.

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Zondi, Z. V.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Police brutality - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5482 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13543
  • Description: The objective of this paper was to revisit the issue of police brutality in post-apartheid South Africa, since it has recently become a highly contextual topic with polarising views. Some individuals have tried to justify the level of brutality by the South African Police Service, while others disagree with these views and perceive the issue as problematic. Apart from the literature review, questionnaires where formulated distributed to twenty individuals from the general public, in order to ascertain their perception regarding the issue. This questionnaire was structured in a way that would allow the individuals to not only state their opinion regarding the different aspects of the South African Police Service but to also enable the respondent to elaborate on their reasoning. The finding from the feedback obtained from ten respondents reveal that police brutality is perceived as a major problem in South Africa, and most individuals are perturb by the current state of affairs. However, they feel very helpless in their ability to change the situation. Some respondents feel that it is only people in top positions in the police hierarchy or government that could influence the change that is required to improve the situation, in order to enhance the image of the South African Police Services, in such a way that communities could perceive them more as friends rather than enemies.
  • Full Text:

Potential sources, impact and mitigation of stress in the workplace : a review and preliminary case of AD-CJO Technology Company

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Douvaras, Angeliki

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Douvaras, Angeliki
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Employee wellness , Stress in the workplace , AD-CJO Technology Company
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5478 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13455
  • Description: The objective of this paper was to investigate the causes of stress in an organisation, and its effects on individuals in the organisations, in order to propose mechanisms of mitigating stress in the workplace. Data was obtained through literatures that were reviewed as well as through a stress questionnaire, from the International Stress Management Association (ISMA), which was handed out to the procurement department of AD-CJO Technology Company. An interview that was conducted with a senior Manager in the Procurement department of the company. The findings reveals that stress is a major issue in the workplace, hence, organisations should strive to combat it to a manageable degree, so that employees are not adversely affected. Some ameliorating mechanisms such as employee wellness programmes, stress management programs, counselling, and social support systems have been proposed to address the problems of stress at AD-CJO Technology Company and any organisation. However, it should kept in mind that stress cannot be eradicated to a zero base. Some element of it is required in order to stay motivated and develop a drive towards personal and organisational goal attainment.
  • Full Text:

Responding to change in a large organization from a leadership angle

- Ukpere, Wilfred, Visagie, Jan, Coetzee, Rein

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred , Visagie, Jan , Coetzee, Rein
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Leadership , Organizational change
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5461 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13437
  • Description: The reality today is that organizations and leaders are faced with unrelenting demands to change. Globalisation, competitiveness and ever changing business environments have forced organisations to constantly consider innovative changes. The challenge today is for leaders to be able to reduce the resistance to change, and thus allowing for successful change navigation. It is therefore necessary to be mindful of the various approaches to change in order to ensure that change can be successfully implemented. The success of any change intervention depends on the leadership of the organisation. It is therefore important to note that leadership is an enabler of any type of change. In general leadership can be seen as the driving force to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Effective leaders know that the successful implementation of change begins with attending to the human side in the organisation. Therefore, leadership is about the leader’s ability to influence people and allowing them to change perceptions, behaviours, attitudes and finally action. This paper is an attempt to address specific requirements, referring to relevant leadership competencies and providing more empowering views on the essence of leadership in navigating a successful change intervention.
  • Full Text:

Rising trend in social media usage by women entrepreneurs across the globe to unlock their potentials for business success

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Slabbert, Andre D, Ukpere, Celestine Lugaye

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Slabbert, Andre D , Ukpere, Celestine Lugaye
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Women entrepreneurs , Social media , Success in business
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5460 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13436
  • Description: Dwindling circulation of traditional media such as television, radio, newspapers and magazines has resulted from the growth of adapting digital technology and tools that involve the internet. The practice of surfing the web 2.0 to obtain real time information instantly, has led to the rise of an ever more connected infrastructure atmosphere globally. Digital marketing and online trading through e-commerce and m-commerce platforms is applied in these interconnected environment; it involves wide variety of approaches, whose success depends on the user-centric and interrelated approach to technology. A new type of media has been enabled with the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Marketers are realising the power of the Internet, as a communication platform and a way of following conversation since the past two decades. In marketing, strategy starts on the outside, considering the needs and expectations of the consumer and moving inwards to the root of the brand’s identity, to see where the business can gain advantage and add value. The study of Social Media Platforms and their impact in unlocking the financial success of the women entrepreneurs globally has been widely observed and quite vital to the new generation of gender based ventures that are digitally driven through the use of technology. This type of development through which women adapt and utilise Social Media platforms promotes the creation of a new revolution of modern digital entrepreneurial culture, by changing the female society from a technologically challenged to a technologically savvy one that changes their mind-set from the job seeking culture to embrace a job creating one, through opportunities that are made available by the use of Social Media Platforms and the Internet. Both formal and informal women owned ventures have been observed to adopt social media platforms to grow their communities as a medium for keeping in touch and getting current and ground feedback on products or services from existing and prospective clients.
  • Full Text:

Stakeholder relations management as a public relations tool for socio-economic development in Nigeria

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Itanyi, Okechukwu

  • Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Itanyi, Okechukwu
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Stakeholder relations management , Economic development - Nigeria
  • Type: Journal
  • Identifier: uj:5453 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13429
  • Description: No proper organization can function independent of its environment. Each is made up of an internal structure, and exists within a framework of interrelated system of relationships with key stakeholders such as competitors, donors, consumers, regulators, the media, and so on. Therefore, there is the need to depart from the traditional approach of influencing public opinion to a more modern and strategic approach of guarding public moods, disposition and judgement before even attempting to satisfy expectations. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether Stakeholder Relations Management can be used as a Public Relations tool for socio-economic development in Nigeria. The aim was to establish the veracity of the statement that stakeholder relations management is a public relations tool and if it could be used for socio-economic development of Nigeria. Data was collected from available literature on stakeholder relations management and public relations. Also the professional observations of the authors were also used. Good stakeholder relationship management which is one of the tools of modern public relations that foster a sense of joint ownership, prevents undue bureaucracy or industrial disputes, makes resources available, keeps information/knowledge and feedback flowing and enhances cooperation to achieve the desired outcome of socio-economic development. The study proposed that organizations have to evaluate the possibility of adapting and/or integrating the benefit of the emerging stakeholder management trends into their institutional framework. The management of organizations must realize that for their organizations to be competitive in the global economy, they have to leverage on these collaborative relationships with both internal and external systems in their networks to achieve results.
  • Full Text:

Technology and work-life conflict of academics in a South African higher education institution

- Kotecha, Kajal, Geldenhuys, Madelyn, Ukpere, Wilfred I.

  • Authors: Kotecha, Kajal , Geldenhuys, Madelyn , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Work-life balance , Work-life conflict , Information and Communication Technology
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5475 , ISSN 2039-9340 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13451
  • Description: The use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to work after regular working hours has become prevalent in the academic profession. Although ICTs are known to enhance work flexibility, they also seem to encourage academics to use ICT devices after hours for work-related purposes. The objective of this study was to investigate the implications of technologyassisted supplemental work (TASW) on the work-life conflict (WLC) of academics. The moderating role of gender was also taken into consideration in investigating the relationship between TASW and WLC. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and made use of an online survey to collect data. The WLC scale and the TASW scale were used. The sample consisted of academics from a higher education in South Africa (n = 216). The results of the research revealed a significant relationship between TASW and WLC. TASW is a significant predictor of WLC. Furthermore, the results revealed that gender significantly moderated the relationship between TASW and WLC. This study contributes further knowledge to the emerging field of research relating to TASW in a South African context. This study also emphasises the implications of using ICTs and their potential to encourage academics to extend their working hours.This study therefore questions the benefits of this work flexibility that many academics are privileged to have from using ICTs
  • Full Text:
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact