Central University of Technology

About: Central University of Technology is a education organization based out in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Higher education & Population. The organization has 852 authors who have published 1478 publications receiving 13171 citations. The organization is also known as: Technikon Free State & Central University of Technology Free State.

Gender Differences in the Perceptions of Entrepreneurship Hindrances: A Case of Vocational Education Students in Zimbabwe

Abstract: Despite the compelling evidence on the capacity of gender biases rooted in subjective beliefs and assumptions to shape recognition and evaluation of business opportunities, there is limited research on whether females and males in resilient, economically troubled economies such as Zimbabwe conceive entrepreneurial constraints differently or in similar ways. In view of literature that highlights some marked gender variations in perceived feasibility and desirability of participating in entrepreneurial ventures, the current study explored whether femalestudents at Zimbabwean vocational education institutions would be more inclined to perceive entrepreneurial barriers differently than their male counterparts. A total of 365 students identified through simple random sampling were invited to participate in the study. On completion of the survey, 160 questionnaires were successfully completed, presenting a response rate of 43.8%.The findings reveal that there were no significant differences between male and female students in their perceptions of entrepreneurship support, regulatory and socio-cultural barriers. However, males had stronger perceptions of financial barriers while females had stronger perceptions of personal barriers. The implication of these findings is that the Government of Zimbabwe should institute and implement more gender parity-based measures to ensure prospective entrepreneurs’ transformative reflection on venture creation, and more inclusive access to and participation in entrepreneurial activities.Keywords: Gender differences, entrepreneurship barriers, students, Zimbabwe

Effective Teaching of Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Abstract: This study investigated learners’ alternative conceptions of and conceptual difficulties of conservation of mechanical energy energy. The research sample consisted of thirty seven (37) learners enrolled at a South African high School situated in a rural village, in the Northwest Province. A pre-test/ post-test comparison group design was followed. Data analysis was carried out by the use of the average normalized gains. The questionnaire that served as pre- and post-test probed into learners' alternative conceptions and conceptual difficulties of mechanical energy. The effectiveness of the intervention was indicated by the amount of conceptual change accomplished that followed from a calculation of the normalised learning gain. The inquiry teaching was implemented through the 5E instructional model.The teaching and learning experiences were designed using situations and experiences that were familiar to the learners and the success of the intervention to accomplish change was assessed and the normalized learning gains was found to be 72%. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p200

Evaluating a Collaborative Cost Management Framework with Lean Construction Experts

Abstract: The pervasiveness of in public sector projects running over budget is a call to all stakeholders to address cost performance issues in the construction industry. This paper proposes a framework for addressing construction cost performance issues that bedevil the public sector. The framework is intended to aid mitigation strategies required to overcome established cost management challenges. The framework was developed through the analysis of data from a qualitative multiple case study research design. Projects and associated interviewees were purposively selected to ensure data alignment to the subject matter; cost management and lean construction. Projects experienced excessive cost overruns and there is a need for a more collaborative solution to managing costs. The data from the interviews were compared with the evidence from project-related documents to develop a framework that was validated through expert interviews conducted among lean construction experts. Excessive cost overruns were experienced from all case studies analysed. Thus indicating a continuous problem. Data support the need for a collaborative cost management framework to improve the performance of public sector projects. The collaborative practices and lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5 Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. Experts agree that the CCMF demand for professionals to really collaborate and hold them accountable for project delivery success.

Information Communication Technologies for Travel in Southern African Cities

Abstract: This paper investigates the current state of ICT use for travel by public and private transportation users in two different Southern African cities of Bloemfontein, South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana. ICT use is seldom in transportation systems in the developing world, the transportation systems are still conventional with minimal communication technologies supporting the system. This study investigates ICT use for travel and travel purposes for which ICT is currently applicable.

Intrinsic vulnerability assessment of shallow aquifers of the sedimentary basin of southwestern Nigeria

Abstract: The shallow groundwater of the multi-layered sedimentary basin aquifer of southwestern Nigeria was assessed based on its intrinsic vulnerability property. The vulnerability evaluation involves determining the protective cover and infiltration condition of the unsaturated zone in the basin. This was achieved using the PI (P stands for protective cover effectiveness of the overlying lithology and I indicates the degree of infiltration bypass) vulnerability method of the European vulnerability approach. The PI method specifically measures the protection cover and the degree to which the protective cover is bypassed. Intrinsic parameters assessed were the subsoil, lithology, topsoil, recharge and fracturing for the protective cover. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of topsoil, infiltration processes and the lateral surface and subsurface flow were evaluated for the infiltration bypassed. The results show moderate to very low vulnerability areas. Low vulnerability areas were characterised by lithology with massive sandstone and limestone, subsoils of sandy loam texture, high slopes and high depth to water table. The moderate vulnerability areas were characterised by high rainfall and high recharge, low water table, unconsolidated sandstones and alluvium lithology. The intrinsic vulnerability properties shown in vulnerability maps will be a useful tool in planning and monitoring land use activities that can be of impact in groundwater pollution.