This paper articulates the implementation of new Public Procurement Act (No.15, 2015) in the Local Authorities (municipalities) in Namibia. This paper explores the concept of implementation with specific focus on how the decisions and plans based on the new procurement process were executed in practice within the Local Authorities in Namibia. Quantitative questionnaires were used and the numerical data obtained was analysed and presented in the form of numbers and statistics. The major findings of this paper show that the implementation process was not successful as the municipalities and its employees were not ready for the implementation of the new Public Procurement Act (No.15, 2015). The need for proper planning prior implementation was emphasized. It was found that key factors such as leadership and management aspects, communication, training of employees should be considered before implementation. This research adds great value as it addresses the need for a proper communication of the new system and leadership development to drive and manage the implementation process. The research also contributes to the body of existing knowledge as it alludes to people, as the most intangible components of readiness and when they are not ready, the results of implementation would be negative. Recommendations were made as outcomes of conclusions drawn from the data gathered during the research and are considered to have potential for improved and successful implementation of the new Public Procurement Act within the municipalities in Namibia.
{"title":"Implementation of the new public procurement Act no. 15, 2015: a case study of the local authorities (municipalities) in Namibia","authors":"Michael Ochurub, A. Jeremiah, Erna Ochurus","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v3i1.46","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v3i1.46","url":null,"abstract":"This paper articulates the implementation of new Public Procurement Act (No.15, 2015) in the Local Authorities (municipalities) in Namibia. This paper explores the concept of implementation with specific focus on how the decisions and plans based on the new procurement process were executed in practice within the Local Authorities in Namibia. Quantitative questionnaires were used and the numerical data obtained was analysed and presented in the form of numbers and statistics. The major findings of this paper show that the implementation process was not successful as the municipalities and its employees were not ready for the implementation of the new Public Procurement Act (No.15, 2015). The need for proper planning prior implementation was emphasized. It was found that key factors such as leadership and management aspects, communication, training of employees should be considered before implementation. This research adds great value as it addresses the need for a proper communication of the new system and leadership development to drive and manage the implementation process. The research also contributes to the body of existing knowledge as it alludes to people, as the most intangible components of readiness and when they are not ready, the results of implementation would be negative. Recommendations were made as outcomes of conclusions drawn from the data gathered during the research and are considered to have potential for improved and successful implementation of the new Public Procurement Act within the municipalities in Namibia.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"146 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131164906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study employs linguistic stylistic analysis, specifically, Leech and Shorts’ (2007) stylistic categories to identify the stylistic features used predominantly in selected newspaper editorials. The corpus used is made up of thirty editorials which are randomly selected. It employs the qualitative research design to analyse selected texts. The analysis reveals that the editorial of the Daily Graphicabounds in the use of stylistic features through the use of lexical items. Among others, the study discusses that the editorial makes use of major lexical items such as nouns, adjectives, adverbs and verbs, with nouns dominating the lexical choices and adjectives, the least. It adds that the use of different linguistic and stylistic features in the packaging ofinformation is motivated and purposeful, because the features help in the interpretation and meaning of the editorial. The analysis of lexical items has helped to provide an interpretation to the editorials in addition to showing the communicative relationship between author and reader. Pedagogically, the study is significant in the sense that it provides an avenue for students and teachers of language to observe how the appropriate selection of lexical items helps in text construction and meaning creation. The study recommends that stylistic features are helpful in the packaging and interpretation of texts (editorials included), therefore, language users: writers, teachers, students and other users of language, especially in ESL and EFL contexts, should beguided in authentic use of linguistic items in the packaging of information in the language classroom and in other contexts.This study makes a modest contribution to understanding the relationship between collective action and collective identity in CBNRM and similar institutions.
{"title":"Style in the Print Media: Perspectives from the Editorials of a Ghanaian Newspaper","authors":"Amma Abrafi Adjei","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.20","url":null,"abstract":"The study employs linguistic stylistic analysis, specifically, Leech and Shorts’ (2007) stylistic categories to identify the stylistic features used predominantly in selected newspaper editorials. The corpus used is made up of thirty editorials which are randomly selected. It employs the qualitative research design to analyse selected texts. The analysis reveals that the editorial of the Daily Graphicabounds in the use of stylistic features through the use of lexical items. Among others, the study discusses that the editorial makes use of major lexical items such as nouns, adjectives, adverbs and verbs, with nouns dominating the lexical choices and adjectives, the least. It adds that the use of different linguistic and stylistic features in the packaging ofinformation is motivated and purposeful, because the features help in the interpretation and meaning of the editorial. The analysis of lexical items has helped to provide an interpretation to the editorials in addition to showing the communicative relationship between author and reader. Pedagogically, the study is significant in the sense that it provides an avenue for students and teachers of language to observe how the appropriate selection of lexical items helps in text construction and meaning creation. The study recommends that stylistic features are helpful in the packaging and interpretation of texts (editorials included), therefore, language users: writers, teachers, students and other users of language, especially in ESL and EFL contexts, should beguided in authentic use of linguistic items in the packaging of information in the language classroom and in other contexts.This study makes a modest contribution to understanding the relationship between collective action and collective identity in CBNRM and similar institutions.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"44 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114806220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study investigated the macro and micro-elements status of the soil and browse plants (Colophospermum mopane) between three land management systems over two seasons. Browse plant samples were randomlyharvested from five individual browse plants in each of the three nested 250 m2belt transects in each of the threecamps per land management system. Three soil samples per 250 m2belt transect were collected during browse sampling at a depth of 20 cm using a soil auger. A General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS (2007) was used for data analyses. The browse N levelwas greater (P < 0.001) in the ranch than the game reserve and communal in both seasons. The browse Ca level was higher (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than the other land management systems in winter season only. The browse Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu levels were greater (P < 0.001) in the ranch in winter than in summer. Soil Ca level was greater (P < 0.001) in winter only in the game reserve than the ranch and the communal lands. Seasonal variations in soil P was greater (P < 0.001) in soils collected from the ranch in winter than summer. Soil micro elements, Fe levels were greater (P < 0.001) in winter in the ranch, followed by the game reserve and lowest in the communal lands. Soil Zn level was higher (P < 0.001) in summer in the game reserve than the other land management systems. The study found that variations between land management systems and seasons greatly affected soil and browse plant minerals.
{"title":"Influence of seasonal variation and land management systems on soils and Colophospermum mopane forage mineral status in the central northern Namibia","authors":"A. Kahumba","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.17","url":null,"abstract":"The study investigated the macro and micro-elements status of the soil and browse plants (Colophospermum mopane) between three land management systems over two seasons. Browse plant samples were randomlyharvested from five individual browse plants in each of the three nested 250 m2belt transects in each of the threecamps per land management system. Three soil samples per 250 m2belt transect were collected during browse sampling at a depth of 20 cm using a soil auger. A General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS (2007) was used for data analyses. The browse N levelwas greater (P < 0.001) in the ranch than the game reserve and communal in both seasons. The browse Ca level was higher (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than the other land management systems in winter season only. The browse Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu levels were greater (P < 0.001) in the ranch in winter than in summer. Soil Ca level was greater (P < 0.001) in winter only in the game reserve than the ranch and the communal lands. Seasonal variations in soil P was greater (P < 0.001) in soils collected from the ranch in winter than summer. Soil micro elements, Fe levels were greater (P < 0.001) in winter in the ranch, followed by the game reserve and lowest in the communal lands. Soil Zn level was higher (P < 0.001) in summer in the game reserve than the other land management systems. The study found that variations between land management systems and seasons greatly affected soil and browse plant minerals.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130305944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Conservation and community development are increasingly understood to require sustained collective action. This study postulates collective action and collective identity as necessary but vulnerable in the management of Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) institutions. The study uses purposive and snowball sampling to select key informants interviews and documentary analysis to augment the comprehensiveness. Conservancy members (47) and individuals from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government (9) with experience and knowledge of the conservancy were interviewed. The study adopted a thematic analysis approach with deductive analysis to interrogate the data. The adaptation framework based on the identification and affective commitment was used to organise and present the findings. The findings reveal the casual factors and excerpts that best described how respondents articulated change and stability in the identification and affective commitment. The paper concludes that for CBNRMinstitutions to function effectively management should be sensitive to heterogeneity within the collective. It further concluded that management should be aware of how members of the collective express themselves and be mindful of the nuances of the language they use. Lastly, management should appreciate that government and other agencies by acting as ‘honest brokers’ they can contribute to sustaining the collective action and collective identity in CBNRM and similar institutions.
{"title":"Managing change in collective action and collective identity to sustain Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) institutions in Namibia: A case study of Doro !Nawas Conservancy","authors":"A. Mosimane","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.15","url":null,"abstract":"Conservation and community development are increasingly understood to require sustained collective action. This study postulates collective action and collective identity as necessary but vulnerable in the management of Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) institutions. The study uses purposive and snowball sampling to select key informants interviews and documentary analysis to augment the comprehensiveness. Conservancy members (47) and individuals from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government (9) with experience and knowledge of the conservancy were interviewed. The study adopted a thematic analysis approach with deductive analysis to interrogate the data. The adaptation framework based on the identification and affective commitment was used to organise and present the findings. The findings reveal the casual factors and excerpts that best described how respondents articulated change and stability in the identification and affective commitment. The paper concludes that for CBNRMinstitutions to function effectively management should be sensitive to heterogeneity within the collective. It further concluded that management should be aware of how members of the collective express themselves and be mindful of the nuances of the language they use. Lastly, management should appreciate that government and other agencies by acting as ‘honest brokers’ they can contribute to sustaining the collective action and collective identity in CBNRM and similar institutions.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"230 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124289778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACTOngoing studies in the Namaqua Sector, situated in the Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Province (NNMP), have been vital in understanding the geological activities that occurred during the Rodinia supercontinent assembly. These geological activities are usually key to discovering new mineral raw materials. The Tschaukaib Granitic Suite, which is believed to be part of the Gordonia Thrust Stack (GTS) of the Kakamas Domain, crops out within Tschaukaib Mountains and was characterized in this study on the basis of surface mapping, petrographic and major element geochemistry. Three types of granites were identified, namely: granodiorite, quartz monzonite and granite with SiO2 content ranging from 64.9 wt % to 69.8 wt %. Whole rock geochemistry further shows that they are calc-alkaline, alkali-calcic, ferroan, peraluminous (Al2O3 > K2O + Na2O + CaO) and have >1 % Cross, Iddings, Pirsson and Washington (CIPW) corundum. The geochemical characteristics indicates that the granitoids were emplaced during the continental collision and are formed from partial melting of recycled crustal material which took place during the Rodinia supercontinent. The geochemistry shows a conspicuous fractional crystallization signature. Geological mapping and structural analysis of the Tschaukaib Granitic Suite area shows a NW-SE and E-W trending regional foliation in the Tschaukaib Augen Gneiss (quartz monzonite) which corresponds to the main D2 Namaqua metamorphic event. Several shear zones were mapped and are consistent to the Pofadder Shear Zone which runs in the NW-SE and E-W directions, parallel to the study area. Petrographic analysis of the granitoids has identified mineral assemblages which shows that the granitoids have undergone high strain and alterations, however, it is not clear which Namaqua deformation episode brought about these features.
{"title":"77Namibian Journal forResearch, Science andTechnologyVol 2, December2020NJRST 2 (2020): 77-89 Geological Mapping and Major Elements Characterization of the Tschaukaib Granitic Suite, South West Namibia","authors":"A. T. Joseph, A. Vatuva, J. Indongo","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.21","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACTOngoing studies in the Namaqua Sector, situated in the Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Province (NNMP), have been vital in understanding the geological activities that occurred during the Rodinia supercontinent assembly. These geological activities are usually key to discovering new mineral raw materials. The Tschaukaib Granitic Suite, which is believed to be part of the Gordonia Thrust Stack (GTS) of the Kakamas Domain, crops out within Tschaukaib Mountains and was characterized in this study on the basis of surface mapping, petrographic and major element geochemistry. Three types of granites were identified, namely: granodiorite, quartz monzonite and granite with SiO2 content ranging from 64.9 wt % to 69.8 wt %. Whole rock geochemistry further shows that they are calc-alkaline, alkali-calcic, ferroan, peraluminous (Al2O3 > K2O + Na2O + CaO) and have >1 % Cross, Iddings, Pirsson and Washington (CIPW) corundum. The geochemical characteristics indicates that the granitoids were emplaced during the continental collision and are formed from partial melting of recycled crustal material which took place during the Rodinia supercontinent. The geochemistry shows a conspicuous fractional crystallization signature. Geological mapping and structural analysis of the Tschaukaib Granitic Suite area shows a NW-SE and E-W trending regional foliation in the Tschaukaib Augen Gneiss (quartz monzonite) which corresponds to the main D2 Namaqua metamorphic event. Several shear zones were mapped and are consistent to the Pofadder Shear Zone which runs in the NW-SE and E-W directions, parallel to the study area. Petrographic analysis of the granitoids has identified mineral assemblages which shows that the granitoids have undergone high strain and alterations, however, it is not clear which Namaqua deformation episode brought about these features.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"57 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130696041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Namibian independence in 1990 imparted a massive challenge to reform education and to refresh the system. Each child had to receive a fair chance to succeed in secondary education, fostering the country's human-capital formation to improve economic performance. In this study uses data from 1996 to 2018 period to analyse the Secondary Education system in order to determine the systems’ progress by hypothesizing that educational output is attributed to spatial location, resource allocation and other opportunities. Results show that on a national basis, the average student performance declined. On regional level, results reveal that, (i) general access to secondary education improved significantly, (ii) the educational level of secondary education as reflected in the student points declined continuously, (iii) the narrowing performance variation did not contribute to the national goals, and (iv) that further attention is required to reach the goal of educational democracy. The findings give signals to the need that should urgently assess the drivers of human capital that enables the links secondary education output to economic achievements. On a macro level, the paper shows that, after two decades, the education reform slowly started to show positive results. Meanwhile, on a micro level, the analysis showed that both types of schools and educational support per student explain the level of secondary educational output, which would result into human capital.
{"title":"The Absolute and Relative Quality of the Namibian Secondary Education: A distributional approach on grade 12 (NSSCH) performance","authors":"H. J. Sartorius von Bach, K. M. Kalundu","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.26","url":null,"abstract":"The Namibian independence in 1990 imparted a massive challenge to reform education and to refresh the system. Each child had to receive a fair chance to succeed in secondary education, fostering the country's human-capital formation to improve economic performance. In this study uses data from 1996 to 2018 period to analyse the Secondary Education system in order to determine the systems’ progress by hypothesizing that educational output is attributed to spatial location, resource allocation and other opportunities. Results show that on a national basis, the average student performance declined. On regional level, results reveal that, (i) general access to secondary education improved significantly, (ii) the educational level of secondary education as reflected in the student points declined continuously, (iii) the narrowing performance variation did not contribute to the national goals, and (iv) that further attention is required to reach the goal of educational democracy. The findings give signals to the need that should urgently assess the drivers of human capital that enables the links secondary education output to economic achievements. On a macro level, the paper shows that, after two decades, the education reform slowly started to show positive results. Meanwhile, on a micro level, the analysis showed that both types of schools and educational support per student explain the level of secondary educational output, which would result into human capital.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"47 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123685710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lithium is a unique metal and a raw material for the batteries of electronic equipment and electric cars, making it one of the most valuable elements in the Industry 4.0 era. The Karibib Pegmatite Belt (KPB) has been prospected for lithium mineralization since the 19th century. There is however a need for detailed studies of lithium-bearing pegmatites in this area. This research therefore focuses on the distribution and occurrence of lithium-bearing minerals within the Helikon pegmatites (5 and 6), and develops a criterion that can be used for lithium exploration. The Helikon pegmatites are some of the pegmatites that occurs within the KPB. Both Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites show well developed zonation, with discrete and discontinuous mineralization restricted to areas with well-developed internal zonation. The primary lithium mineralization is characterized by purple and grey lepidolite, with minor amounts of petalite. Furthermore, lithium mineralization occurs as both massive and disseminated at the Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites, but it also occurs as banded at Helikon 6. ICP-MS analysis determined an overall lithium grade of 3.01%_Li2O and XRD was used to identify all the lithium bearing minerals. The provenance of the Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites is found to be from Damaran S-type granites. The fractionation coefficients showed that Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites are both highly fractionated pegmatites, but Helikon 5 is more prospected for lithium mineralization than the Helikon 6 pegmatite.
{"title":"Distribution and occurrence of lithium-bearing minerals in the Helikon pegmatites in Karibib, Namibia","authors":"S. M. Mandevhu, A. Vatuva, S. Kahovera","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.22","url":null,"abstract":"Lithium is a unique metal and a raw material for the batteries of electronic equipment and electric cars, making it one of the most valuable elements in the Industry 4.0 era. The Karibib Pegmatite Belt (KPB) has been prospected for lithium mineralization since the 19th century. There is however a need for detailed studies of lithium-bearing pegmatites in this area. This research therefore focuses on the distribution and occurrence of lithium-bearing minerals within the Helikon pegmatites (5 and 6), and develops a criterion that can be used for lithium exploration. The Helikon pegmatites are some of the pegmatites that occurs within the KPB. Both Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites show well developed zonation, with discrete and discontinuous mineralization restricted to areas with well-developed internal zonation. The primary lithium mineralization is characterized by purple and grey lepidolite, with minor amounts of petalite. Furthermore, lithium mineralization occurs as both massive and disseminated at the Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites, but it also occurs as banded at Helikon 6. ICP-MS analysis determined an overall lithium grade of 3.01%_Li2O and XRD was used to identify all the lithium bearing minerals. The provenance of the Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites is found to be from Damaran S-type granites. The fractionation coefficients showed that Helikon 5 and 6 pegmatites are both highly fractionated pegmatites, but Helikon 5 is more prospected for lithium mineralization than the Helikon 6 pegmatite.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"101 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134372671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Using the social realism theory of Margret Archer as an analytical tool, this article presents the findings of a research study which was conducted to explore mechanisms for assuring the quality of open and distance learning (ODL) that are implemented in higher education (HE) in Namibia. The study employed a case study research design, taking a pragmatic paradigm whereby three programmes offered through ODL modes of delivery were selected from each of the participating institutions and investigated in terms of the various mechanisms used to assure their quality. Three methods of data collection were used, namely interviews with academics and administrators involved in ODL, document analysis and a questionnaire administered to ODL students. Data were analysed and interpreted using qualitative and quantitative methods. The study found that both higher education institutions (HEIs) and National Quality Assurance Agencies (NQAAs) have in place overarching policies and procedures for quality assurance (QA). However, the QA mechanisms adopted by HEIs and NQAAs comprised a single set of ‘one-size-fits-all’ criteria covering all types of modes of delivery. It was, therefore, found that the ODL criteria were not sufficiently and explicitly covered and that the systems were biased towards the conventional, face-to-face modes of delivery. Based on these findings, the study recommended that both HEIs and NQAAs should have in place clearly and explicitly defined QA criteria and procedures for ODL in order to adequately address the unique quality challenges faced by ODL
{"title":"EXPLORING MECHANISMS FOR ASSURING THE QUALITY OF OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN NAMIBIA","authors":"N. Kadhila","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.19","url":null,"abstract":"Using the social realism theory of Margret Archer as an analytical tool, this article presents the findings of a research study which was conducted to explore mechanisms for assuring the quality of open and distance learning (ODL) that are implemented in higher education (HE) in Namibia. The study employed a case study research design, taking a pragmatic paradigm whereby three programmes offered through ODL modes of delivery were selected from each of the participating institutions and investigated in terms of the various mechanisms used to assure their quality. Three methods of data collection were used, namely interviews with academics and administrators involved in ODL, document analysis and a questionnaire administered to ODL students. Data were analysed and interpreted using qualitative and quantitative methods. The study found that both higher education institutions (HEIs) and National Quality Assurance Agencies (NQAAs) have in place overarching policies and procedures for quality assurance (QA). However, the QA mechanisms adopted by HEIs and NQAAs comprised a single set of ‘one-size-fits-all’ criteria covering all types of modes of delivery. It was, therefore, found that the ODL criteria were not sufficiently and explicitly covered and that the systems were biased towards the conventional, face-to-face modes of delivery. Based on these findings, the study recommended that both HEIs and NQAAs should have in place clearly and explicitly defined QA criteria and procedures for ODL in order to adequately address the unique quality challenges faced by ODL","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"55 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132479756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rainfall is generally regarded as the key driver for ecosystem processes, particularly important within the dynamics of semi-arid regions. Since the precipitation impacts the natural environment, human society and the economy, the paper applied rainfall forecasting to avail early warning patterns. The Waterberg rainfall data from 1895 to 2019 was used to determine a better understanding of its pattern. This is necessitated because knowledge of rainfall patterns are required for reviewing production targets and a necessity for decision making in agriculture. Data shows that only 34% of the rainfall years accounted average rainfall, meanwhile 66% of rainfall years is either classified as above or below. Further, results show that the ENSO patterns follow a cyclical pattern, which corresponds to the local Waterberg rainfall. Econometric approaches postulate that there exists volatility of rainfall, effective rainfall, its intensity, cycles and the ENSO data. This paper shows that rainfall forecasting is possible when using a model that takes into account the variation in the ENSO, cyclical pattern and the accumulation of various rainfall cycles. A five year forecast shows that the current experienced drought cycle is coming to an end, and that the prospects of above average years will only persist for 2 years. We recommend that knowledge of the cyclical trend needs to be translated into reliable periodic statements to safeguard Namibia against future famines, possible food shortages and counter rising food prices. Although the methods are robust, they call for further research into the causes of dynamics of observed rainfall variability.
{"title":"Estimating the Rainfall Patterns in Namibia: Are rainfall patterns a myth or fact?","authors":"H. J. Sartorius von Bach, K. M. Kalundu","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.23","url":null,"abstract":"Rainfall is generally regarded as the key driver for ecosystem processes, particularly important within the dynamics of semi-arid regions. Since the precipitation impacts the natural environment, human society and the economy, the paper applied rainfall forecasting to avail early warning patterns. The Waterberg rainfall data from 1895 to 2019 was used to determine a better understanding of its pattern. This is necessitated because knowledge of rainfall patterns are required for reviewing production targets and a necessity for decision making in agriculture. Data shows that only 34% of the rainfall years accounted average rainfall, meanwhile 66% of rainfall years is either classified as above or below. Further, results show that the ENSO patterns follow a cyclical pattern, which corresponds to the local Waterberg rainfall. Econometric approaches postulate that there exists volatility of rainfall, effective rainfall, its intensity, cycles and the ENSO data. This paper shows that rainfall forecasting is possible when using a model that takes into account the variation in the ENSO, cyclical pattern and the accumulation of various rainfall cycles. A five year forecast shows that the current experienced drought cycle is coming to an end, and that the prospects of above average years will only persist for 2 years. We recommend that knowledge of the cyclical trend needs to be translated into reliable periodic statements to safeguard Namibia against future famines, possible food shortages and counter rising food prices. Although the methods are robust, they call for further research into the causes of dynamics of observed rainfall variability.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"115 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121362795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Mahalie, Penehafo Angula, K. H. Mitonga, O. Oladimeji
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and outdated risk factors are some of the increasing chronic comorbidities for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), leading to poor cardiovascular outcomes. Health systems in Namibia are not responding adequately to this problem by identifying risk factors when screening clients for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Despite effortsto ensure integration of CVDs data management into existing ART platforms, incomplete disease surveillance and record-keeping remain prominent drawbacks for data managers. Hence the challenge to produce tangible evidence on relationships between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiovascular diseases.This study aimed to determine perceptions of healthcare workers regarding data management practices useful in integrated CVD-related preventive care services to PLHIV.A qualitative approach with phenomenological study design incorporating Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach was implemented. Thirteen key informants were purposively selected and interviewed. Data was transcribed verbatim, exported to ATLAS.ti and analysed by generating themes,quotes and networks. Five themes related to data management practices regarding CVDs and its risk factors in the context of HIV at targeted health facilities have been identified. They include monitoring exposure to CVDs risk factors; measuring health outcomes of those risks; handling of risk factors data, and how to use data for decision making in response to CVDs among PLHIV.
{"title":"Perception of health workers on the data management practices useful for providing integrated cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related preventive care services to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in Khomas Region, Namibia: A qualitative study","authors":"R. Mahalie, Penehafo Angula, K. H. Mitonga, O. Oladimeji","doi":"10.54421/njrst.v2i1.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.54421/njrst.v2i1.24","url":null,"abstract":"Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and outdated risk factors are some of the increasing chronic comorbidities for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), leading to poor cardiovascular outcomes. Health systems in Namibia are not responding adequately to this problem by identifying risk factors when screening clients for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Despite effortsto ensure integration of CVDs data management into existing ART platforms, incomplete disease surveillance and record-keeping remain prominent drawbacks for data managers. Hence the challenge to produce tangible evidence on relationships between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiovascular diseases.This study aimed to determine perceptions of healthcare workers regarding data management practices useful in integrated CVD-related preventive care services to PLHIV.A qualitative approach with phenomenological study design incorporating Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach was implemented. Thirteen key informants were purposively selected and interviewed. Data was transcribed verbatim, exported to ATLAS.ti and analysed by generating themes,quotes and networks. Five themes related to data management practices regarding CVDs and its risk factors in the context of HIV at targeted health facilities have been identified. They include monitoring exposure to CVDs risk factors; measuring health outcomes of those risks; handling of risk factors data, and how to use data for decision making in response to CVDs among PLHIV.","PeriodicalId":314128,"journal":{"name":"Namibian Journal for Research, Science and Technology","volume":"51 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115114377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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