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Exploring the role of healthcare personnel in designing tuberculosis infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings : a scoping review
(MDPI AG, 2024-4) Masuku, Sikhethiwe; Mooa, Ramadimetja Shirley; Peu, Mmapheko Doriccah
Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) in high TB-burdened countries continue to be at high risk of occupational TB due to inadequate implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control (TB-IPC) measures and a lack of understanding of the context and relevance to local settings. Such transmission in the healthcare workplace has prompted the development and dissemination of numerous guidelines for strengthening TB-IPC for use in settings globally. However, a lack of involvement of healthcare personnel in the conceptualisation and development of guidelines and programmes seeking to improve TB-IPC in high-burden countries generally has been observed. Objectives: The aim of this review was to explore the inclusion of HCP in decision-making when designing the TB-IPC guidelines, in healthcare settings. Methods: A scoping review methodology was selected for this study to gain insight into the relevant research evidence, identifying and mapping key elements in the TB-IPC measures in relation to HCP as implementors. Results: Studies in this review refer to factors related to HCP's knowledge of TB-IPC, perception regarding occupational risks and behaviours, their role against a background of structural resource constraints, and guidelines' adherence. They report several challenges in TB-IPC implementation and adherence, particularly eliciting recommendations from HCP for improved TB-IPC practices. Conclusions: This review highlights a lack of participation in decision-making by the implementers of the policies and guidelines, yet adherence to TB-IPC measures is anticipated. Future research needs to focus more on consultations with users to understand the preferences from both within individual healthcare facilities and the communities. There is an urgent need for research on the participation of the implementers in the decision-making when developing TB-IPC policies and guidelines.
Social justice and the role of business: a case study of Sorbet franchisees in KwaZulu-Natal
(2024-08) Anderson, Andrea Avril; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are crucial to the nation's
prosperity. A robust SME sector significantly contributes to the economy's Gross
Domestic Product by lowering poverty and unemployment rates and encouraging
entrepreneurship. Despite their substantial relevance and contribution to
economic growth, SMEs worldwide— particularly in South Africa—continue to
suffer a number of difficulties. This study explored the role of Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in promoting social justice and business transformation in
KwaZulu-Natal. The growth and prevalence of SMEs are both noticeably low in
KwaZulu-Natal. As a result, the objectives of the study are to examine the
difficulties in KwaZulu-Natal with regard to SME funding and governmental
support for Sorbet, to identify the function of change management in advancing
Sorbet's social justice in KwaZulu-Natal and to list the social justice initiatives that
Sorbet in KwaZulu-Natal has implemented and to establish Sorbet, the chosen
SME, and its plans for promoting transformational business in KwaZulu-Natal.
Sorbet is a well-known network of beauty and wellness salons that is well
regarded for its exceptional services and dedication to promoting social justice
and improving the society. Sorbet effectively incorporates corporate social
responsibility into their business strategy, actively participating in a range of social
issues such as women's empowerment, youth development, and community
assistance projects. The brand's inclusive policies and commitment to ensuring
equal opportunities for workers and customers demonstrate the important role
that companies can have in advancing social change and justice in society. The
study examined the various forms of social justice and business transformation
strategies perceived by employees and managers of a selected SME, Sorbet, in
KwaZulu-Natal. The research design adopts a quantitative approach with a pre
coded structured questionnaire administered to the selected sample. Using
Sekaran and Bougie's (2016) computed statistical table, out of a target population
of 330 elements, the sample equated to n = 181. The simple random sample
without replacement was used to select the requisite selection. The researcher
collected the completed questionnaires, capturing the data to form a data set. The
questionnaire used for this study included a mix of structured questions with closed-ended responses and Likert-scale statements. These were designed to
target a specific area and gather accurate data that could be analysed
statistically. This was statistically tested using the more robust tools of parametric
tests with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The
statistical breakdown was performed in two stages, specifically a descriptive
statistical analysis and inferential statistics to evaluate the hypotheses. Several
significant findings emerged from the thorough theoretical examination of the
statistics. Furthermore, these findings were corroborated by other authors and
researchers who conducted comparable investigations and whose results were
analysed in relation to the findings of the present study. The study contributes
academically to the field of Management, specifically the SME sector, within
South Africa and explores its adaptability to the South African context. The
research design includes descriptive statistics for the quantitative data gathered
in the form of graphs, cross-tabulations, and other figures.
Examples of inferential techniques include correlations and chi-square test
results, which are interpreted using p-values. A statistical significance
statement is typically used to report a result. A test statistic generates a p-value.
"p 0.05" indicates a significant finding. "p 0.05" indicates an important finding.
The exploratory framework created as a model for Sorbet, in conjunction with
the study's findings and suggestions, may prove useful for future goal-oriented
strategies by the Organisation. The study concludes with recommendations for
future research in this emerging field.
Social media as a tool to grow brand preference amongst millennials in the greater Durban area
(2024-08) Chibvura, Faith Rudairo; Penceliah, Soobramoney
The aim of the study is to evaluate social media as a tool to grow brands amongst
millennials in the greater Durban area. Social marketing has proved to be crucial in
creating brand preference and brand exposure, considering its inexpensiveness and
capability to reach a greater number of potential customers. Some of the social media
websites that have a great influence on millennials are Facebook, WhatsApp,
Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, SnapChat and TikTok. Social media marketing
marks the current advancement in marketing created by the use of social media
websites as a way of empowering customers to interact on the internet concerning
brand preference. This study is crucial because social media currently affects
economic growth in many aspects, such as boosting brand image, increasing demand,
and hence increasing productivity in the country.
Social media is also responsible for the growth, survival and collapse of many
businesses. Currently, access to personal computers, smartphones, the internet and
e-commerce has increased so much to the extent that many providers are now
advertising on social media, linking their websites with social media platforms, which
is more effective and efficient. The sustainability and survival of small businesses also
depend on how social media presents the brand image of their products and how well
they are able to market on social media. This study anticipates adding new knowledge
on using social media effectively to grow brand preference. This study contributes new
knowledge to the literature on effectively closing the gap between millennials'
perceptions of social media and its performance in growing brand preference.
Furthermore, this study provides the social media content creator’s perspective on the
effectiveness of social media as a tool to grow brand preference. Despite the
tremendous progress in social media marketing and the increase in users’ numbers,
the economic feasibility of these social media websites still needs to be studied and
explored. Research on the use of social media to promote growth in brand preference
amongst the millennials is very scanty at best; hence, little is understood about the
millennials and their purchase behaviour, most specifically in regard to the social media
websites used by many brands. Moreover, it is very difficult to monitor what customers
post on social media, despite the fact that many brands have been affected both positively and negatively, which highlights the need for more research on social media
as a tool to grow brand preference positively and effectively. The objectives of the
study are to assess various ways in which social media develops and enhances
positive awareness and brand preference; to examine the influence of social media on
the buying decision-making process of millennials in Durban; To identify the
perceptions of millennials on social media and social media performance in Durban;
and to suggest strategies for managing and monitoring social space activities towards
a positive brand preference.
A mixed-methods approach was used for the study to achieve the research objectives.
The target population were the millennials in the greater Durban area. Purposive
sampling was used to select a sample of 400 participants for quantitative data and 10
participants for qualitative data collection. The study presents a regression model that
highlights the factors significantly affecting social media and customer satisfaction,
emphasising the importance of managing and enhancing various aspects of social
media interaction to improve overall customer satisfaction levels. The study results
indicate that brand awareness and recognition are critical factors for growing brand
preference, and maintaining a consistent brand identity and leveraging social media
are effective strategies for enhancing these aspects. However, it is important to
recognise that the significance of brand recall may vary, and businesses should
consider their specific context and continuously assess consumer sentiment to make
informed branding decisions. The study concludes that businesses may improve their
brand awareness, communicate with customers, and favourably influence purchasing
decisions by understanding and properly exploiting social media. Social media has
been found to be an effective tool to grow brand preference.
The role of community workers in promoting service delivery in Nsikazi North, Mpumalanga
(2024-07) Mavundhla, Jabulani Phema; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Municipal IQ, a research organization that collects data on service-delivery-related
protests targeting municipalities, found on average, 94 protests per year took place in
South Africa between 2004 and 2016, for service delivery perceived as lacking in many
South African communities. In an explorative manner, the research seeks to
investigate the roles and effectiveness of community workers in improving service
delivery in various communities, with special focus on rural areas of Nsikazi North,
Mpumalanga province.
The primary research objective is to investigate the effectiveness of community
workers in service delivery initiatives in the rural areas of Nsikazi North in the
Mpumalanga Province. The study shall follow a qualitative method to collect in-depth
details on the topic.
A review of literature will comprise published research relating to community workers
as agents of service delivery and challenges faced by different community workers in
delivering services in the community. In addition, the literature review provides
information on community perception towards community workers.
A semi-structured questionnaire, combined with a semi-structured interview method
will be employed to gather the required data. Residents from Nsikazi North will form
the sampling frame of the envisaged research, with 12 participants selected for
sampling, of which three respondents will be selected for semi-structured interviews
using convenience and snowballing methods. The remaining nine respondents shall
be chosen through a purposive sampling technique, which will include City of
Mbombela councillors, and Community Workers.
Effects of sugar taxation on small-scale canegrowers in eMpangeni, KwaZulu-Natal
(2024-08) Ndlazi, Mirriam Monica; Murwirapachena, Genius
In April 2018, the South African government implemented a Health Promotion Levy
(HPL), commonly known a sugar tax, on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This
followed the discovery that the regular consumption of SSBs is associated with an
increased risk of dental cavities, obesity and noncommunicable diseases. Since the
introduction of the sugar tax, there has been a noticeable reduction in the demand for
sugar. While sugar taxation is a necessary intervention towards addressing obesity
and non-communicable diseases, this has a significant financial impact in the sugar
industry. Equally affected are the small-scale canegrowers who rely solely on the
production of sugarcane for income. The study investigated the effects of the sugar
tax on small-scale canegrowers in the Empangeni area of KwaZulu-Natal. To achieve
this, the study adopted a cross-sectional research design where quantitative data was
collected from 262 small-scale canegrowers in the Empangeni region. Descriptive
statistics and the principal component analysis technique were subsequently utilised
to analyse the data. Several key findings emerged from the study which revealed
significant concerns among respondents, indicating a consensus on declining
sugarcane production, some growers abandoning their farms, and adverse impacts
such as job losses. Additionally, a lack of confidence in government support to mitigate
these effects was evident. These insights highlight the necessity for policy
interventions to address the challenges faced by small-scale canegrowers.