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Reflexive grappling with theory and methods of text analysis : race and racism represented in history textbooks

- Morgan, Katalin

Authors: Morgan, Katalin
Date: 2010
Subjects: History textbooks , Racism in textbooks
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13444
Description: Theoretical and methodological matters pertaining to school textbook analysis are an under-researched and under-documented area of specialisation. In this article I attempt to contribute to this field by reflecting on my own experience of grappling with these issues as relevant to the study of a number of South African school history textbooks. The topic of investigation is that of race and racism. I use this as a vehicle for operationalising the theoretical and methodological issues at hand. A key issue is whether historians and other ‘scientists’ make the methods of their disciplinary discoveries explicit or not, and the implications this could have for developing historical understanding. In the second part of the article I explain the theoretical position I assume towards the object of my study. It is a hermeneutic realist stance; a stance that attempts to use the researcher’s (own) particular historically and culturally conditioned mindset in the interpretive process. In some cases this led to an interpretation of the messages communicated in the textbook as flat and sterile, reinforcing stereotypes, while in others the reader is drawn into a discourse that tends to appeal to his or her humanity rather than judgement.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The effect of family relationships on technology-assisted supplemental work and work-life conflict among academics

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

Authors: Kotecha, Kajal , Ukpere, Wilfred , Geldenhuys, Madelyn
Date: 2014
Subjects: Work-life conflict , Work-life balance , Family relationships
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5454 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13430
Description: There is a rising trend in the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) by academics to work after regular working hours. The dual nature of ICTs enhances work flexibility and also encourages academics to use ICTs to engage in supplemental work practices. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of family relationships on technology assisted supplemental work and Work-Life Conflict (WLC) experienced by academics in a higher education institution in South Africa. Specifically, the moderating roles of marital status and children were taken into consideration in investigating the relationship between TASW and WLC. A quantitative research approach was adopted and an online survey was used collect data. The WLC scale and the TASW scale were as well 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 marital status and children 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. In particular, this study outlines the important role of marital status and children in influencing the relationship between TASW and WLC.
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The effect of workforce diversity on organizational performance of selected firms in Nigeria

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Ogbo, Ann I., Kifordu, Anyibuofu Anthony

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Ogbo, Ann I. , Kifordu, Anyibuofu Anthony
Date: 2014
Subjects: Diversity in the workplace - Nigeria , Organizational performance - Nigeria
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5479 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13456
Description: Workforce diversity includes the differences and similarities of the employees. Organizational performance is the extent to which the organizational objectives and goals are being achieved. Most business organizations fail in Nigeria because galvanizing diverse workforce to work as a team has been ineffective in terms of policy, training, exposure and approach to specific and overall goals. This has made profitability index difficult to measure in Nigeria. The objectives of the paper are: To determine whether workforce diversity has a positive influence on customer related issues; and to ascertain the effect of education as a tool, on the management of workforce diversity to enhance high profitability index. Findings revealed that workforce diversity has a positive effect on customer related issues in an organisation. In addition, it is found that education as a tool could be effectively utilized in managing workforce diversity to enhance high profitability. Workforce Diversity has been identified as a tool to improved organizational performance and has been as old as the first organization in Nigeria right from the barter system era of the early 1750 and at the industrial revolution and scientific management periods of 1911 to the modern epoch. A combination of the use of secondary data, oral interview, and content analysis was adopted. A spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of 0.95 was obtained. Findings in line with the objectives revealed positive influence of workforce diversity on organizational performance of the selected organisations in Nigeria. Conclusion and recommendation was drawn along that regard.
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The effectiveness and consistency of disciplinary actions and procedures within a South African organisation

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Knight, Xavier

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Knight, Xavier
Date: 2014
Subjects: Labor discipline
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5458 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13434
Description: Disciplinary procedures are used to correct behaviour which contradicts organisational goals and brings about labour peace in the workplace. However, if incorrectly applied, its consequences can be felt throughout the organisation. The objective of this paper was to examine how employees perceive the application of disciplinary action in the organisation and whether they felt that leaders were following correct procedures in this regard. A closed-ended questionnaire was distributed to a sample group of employees, where after focus group interviews were held to elaborate on answers given. The results revealed that employees felt disciplinary procedures were inconsistently applied, and that not all employees received the same treatment for similar actions. It is suggested that leaders within the investigated organisation receive guidance and appropriate training to correct this perception, which will lead to the consistent application of discipline and appropriate treatment of all employees, resulting in improved employee morale, motivation and a healthier work environment.
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The impact of effective inventory control management on organisational performance : a study of 7up Bottling Company, Nile Mile Enugu, Nigeria

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Ogbo, Ann I., Onekanma, Ifeyinwa Victoria

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Ogbo, Ann I. , Onekanma, Ifeyinwa Victoria
Date: 2014
Subjects: Inventory control - Management , Seven-up Bottling Company (Nigeria) - Inventory control , Perfomance
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5471 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13447
Description: This study took into consideration the relationship between effective system of inventory management and organization performance in the Seven-up Bottling Company, Nile Mile, Enugu. The researchers were motivated to embark on this study, in order to bring to fore the importance of effective inventory control system on organizational performance as it relates to the bottling company. A total of eighty-three respondent constitute the sample for the study. Four research questions and four hypotheses were generated and tested at 10% (that is 0.10) significant level using descriptive statistics and non-parametric test. The result of the analysis showed that flexibility in inventory control management is an important approach to achieving organizational performance. It was found that organizations benefits from inventory control management by way of easy storage and retrieval of material, improved sales effectiveness and reduced operational cost. The study also found that there is a relationship between operational feasibility, utility of inventory control management in the customer related issues of the organization and cost effectiveness technique are implemented to enhance the return on investment in the organization. Effective inventory control management is recognized as one of the areas management of any organization should acquire capability. It is recommended that organizations should adopt the inventory keeping method that best suit their operations.
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The raising of the flag in ‘Volkstaat’ Orania : perspectives on a school ceremony

- Morgan, Katalin, Hues, Henning

Authors: Morgan, Katalin , Hues, Henning
Date: 2010
Subjects: Afrikaners - Rites and ceremonies , Rites and ceremonies - South Africa - Orania
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5465 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13441
Description: In this paper we present an analysis of a social practice that was observed during a two month ethnographic field study in a school in the Afrikaans community of Orania. It is a flag ceremony that is carried out at the end of each week. We use two different framework positions from which to discuss the ceremony - Turner’s (2009) interpretive framework with which to analyse social action as ritual and Reckwitz’s (2003) “theories of practice” approach to see how it could be understood as forming part of everyday life. From the view of the former, rituals are mostly associated with power relations and initiation, and have rigid time and content structures. From the view of the latter, a type of “praxeological” approach, the observed ceremony could be interpreted as an integral part of everyday school life that is embedded and is an embodied routine, without rational, reflective practice. The aim of this article is to juxtapose and discuss these two alternative approaches as they apply to the observed ceremony. For this we turn to the work of Erving Goffman, who combines ritual theory with an everyday routine focus. The conclusions point to the need to examine the underlying logic of practices instead of only describing their evolving dynamics.
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The relevance of modern technology usage on the business ventures of Kenyan women entrepreneurs

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

Authors: Ukpere, Celestine Lugaye , Slabbert, Andre D , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
Date: 2014
Subjects: Businesswomen - Kenya , Women entrepreneurs - Kenya , Information and Communication Technology
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5480 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13457
Description: Technological advancement, the adoption of digital marketing and incorporation of digital platforms and websites have fundamentally changed the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa especially from a gender based perspective. Reduced data bundle rates, growth and spread of Internet use in Kenya has contributed to the development and incorporation of technology and digital tools by most women entrepreneurs in their business. During the last decade women based entrepreneurial ventures on the African continent has had to adapt and develop with the digital and modern technologies. This paper is a case study based on three business ventures, namely an informal small scale venture and two formal woman entrepreneurial ventures. The purpose of the paper was to establish the experiences of these women entrepreneurs with regards to their use of technology and digital marketing platforms, in order to ascertain their impact on the growth and development of their ventures. Incorporating technology tools in business has supported the survival and expansion of most Kenyan women entrepreneurs, through the creation of competitive advantages that allows and encourages prosperity within a global economic setting. This enables technology and digital marketing platforms to be categorised as an important strategic component and tool in modern commercial ventures. Women entrepreneurs on the African continent seem to have adapted to these new developments. This paper also reports specifically on the findings of an online survey conducted in Kenya in 2013, which investigated the experiences of women entrepreneurs in adapting and incorporating online social network platforms and digital tools in both the formal and informal sectors. This paper further explains the role digital technology tools such as ICTs, Online Marketing, and EMarketing including the Social media platforms, play to enhance Kenyan women entrepreneurial ventures.
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The status of internal controls in fast moving small medium and micro consumer goods enterprises within the Cape Peninsula

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Smit, Yolande, Bruwer, Juan-Pierre, Siwangaza, Luyolo

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Smit, Yolande , Bruwer, Juan-Pierre , Siwangaza, Luyolo
Date: 2014
Subjects: Small Medium and Micro Enterprises - South Africa , Business failures - South Africa
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5464 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13440
Description: South African Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) play an important role in terms of stimulating the national economy. Despite the aforementioned, prior research shows that the failure rate of these entities is amongst one of the highest in the world, which is believed to be caused by economic factors. Several economic factors which impact on SMME sustainability have subsequently been researched and identified. As a result, SMME sustainability has received attention from the national government in recent times. One of economic factors which have been perceived by the authors as a major contributor to the high SMME failure rate is the lack of internal controls. Ultimately the responsibilities to both implement internal control frameworks and maintain all internal controls, rests with the management of an organisation. In essence, it can be said that a business is uncontrollable when it is essentially unmanageable. With the absence of adequate internal controls, an environment is created where an organisation is susceptible to all kinds of detrimental risks and, if these risks are not taken care of on time, the overall sustainability of the organisation could be negatively affected, which may lead in imminent failure. The main objective of this study was to determine the degree to which the implementation of an adequate system of internal control can help improve SMME sustainability. The research that was conducted was empirical in nature and fell within the ambit of the positivistic research paradigm. Questionnaires were administered and distributed to 110 owners and/or managers of SMMEs (SMME leaders) that operate within the fast moving consumer goods industry, situated in the Cape Peninsula. Based on the findings, it is obvious that most of the SMMEs do have a variety of internal controls, as prescribed by formal internal control frameworks but their support in terms of SMMEs sustainability were quite limited.
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The use of posters in disseminating HIV/AIDS awareness information within higher education institutions

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Gobind, Jenni

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Gobind, Jenni
Date: 2014
Subjects: Posters , Dissemination of information , HIV infections - Africa , AIDS (Disease) - Africa
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5477 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13454
Description: HIV/AIDS continues to destroy individuals and communities within Africa. The need to explore creative forms of awareness information dissemination remains necessary. Posters continue to present a cheap alternative to expensive mass media campaigns. However, the effectiveness of posters in disseminating HIV/AIDS awareness information is difficult to ascertain. Designers of posters aim for visual appeal, with the intention that the posters attract the attention of target audience. Studies on how often posters are being noticed at universities, has not been undertaken. Studies have been undertaken to determine the use of posters within waiting rooms and emergency centres however, these environments allow for time to peruse unlike university corridors. This paper examines the visibility of posters at a university in order to determine the effectiveness of the use of posters in disseminating HIV/AIDS awareness information.
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