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.

Facing the Future: The Perceptions of Black Adolescents on their Prospects in South Africa

Abstract: This study focuses on the impact of social change on the black youth of post-apartheid South Africa. It is argued that adolescents’ perspectives on their future in this country are of particular re...

A Critical Reflection on Transformative Learning as Experienced by Student-Teachers during School-Based Learning

Abstract: Transformative learning is defined as the process of effective change in a frame of reference. It is based on the Transformative Theory developed by Jack Mezirow. . He advocates critical reflection on experiences, so as to experience a perspective transformation. Mezirow argues that “reflection involves a critique of assumptions to determine whether the belief acquired through cultural assimilation in childhood, remains functional for us as adults”. This study finds transformative learning relevant to South African school contexts, since the definition of ‘school’ in this country is heavily loaded with different meanings denoting various attributes. The communities are also varied in their cultures, languages, socio-economic standards, and residential areas previously determined by race. Some perspectives of transformative learning are discussed. They are consciousness-raising, critical reflection, development, individuation and the existential process. The school-based university students engaged in transformative pedagogy at the different schools. The application of learning through the existential process caused change in perspectives of various people at school. The study, consequently, recommends existential process for the transformative pedagogy. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p452

Perceptions of justice and extra-role behaviours of survivors after organisational restructuring at a consolidated bank in Nigeria : original research

Abstract: Orientation: Perception of justice amongst survivors of organisational downsizing is crucial for extra-role engagements. Researchers have recorded extra-role behaviours because they are important for organisational efficiency and success. Research purpose: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between employees' perceptions of justice and their organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) after organisations downsize. Motivation for the study: Many organisations that are downsizing do not seriously consider the unintended consequences of downsizing on the behaviour of survivors. This study intends to draw the attention of organisations that are downsizing to this oversight. Research design, approach and method: The researchers used a quantitative research design and survey method for the study. They distributed a self-administered questionnaire to 130 employees from a population of 180 survivors at the head office of a commercial bank that recently downsized in Lagos, Nigeria. Main findings: The research results showed that there was no fairness in the downsizing exercise. This resulted in low morale amongst survivors and unwillingness to engage in extra-role behaviours. Practical/managerial implications: It is important for organisations that are downsizing to use a participative approach in order to achieve organisational efficiency and improve productivity after restructuring. Contribution/value-added: The results of the study will give the managers of organisations, which are planning to downsize, a useful insight into how to plan the exercise, how to implement the plans, and how to manage the employees they will retrench and those they will retain after concluding the downsizing exercise.

Direct estimation of catchment response time parameters in medium to large catchments using observed streamflow data

Abstract: In single-event deterministic design flood estimation methods, estimates of the peak discharge are based on a single, representative catchment response time parameter. In small catchments, a simplified convolution process between a single observed hyetograph and hydrograph is generally used to estimate time parameters such as the time to peak (TP), time of concentration (TC) and lag time (TL) to reflect the ‘observed’ catchment response time. However, such simplification is neither practical nor applicable in medium to large heterogeneous catchments where antecedent moisture from previous rainfall events and spatially non-uniform rainfall hyetographs can result in multi-peaked hydrographs. In addition, the paucity of rainfall data at sub-daily timescales further limits the reliable estimation of catchment responses using observed hyetographs and hydrographs at these catchment scales. This paper presents the development of a new and consistent approach to estimate catchment response times, expressed as the time to peak (TPx) obtained directly from observed streamflow data. The relationships between catchment response time parameters and conceptualised triangular-shaped hydrograph approximations and linear catchment response functions are investigated in four climatologically different regions of South Africa. Flood event characteristics using primary streamflow data from 74 flow-gauging stations were extracted and analysed to derive unique relationships between peak discharge, baseflow, direct runoff and catchment response time in terms of TPx. The TPx parameters are estimated from observed streamflow data using three different methods: (i) duration of total net rise of a multi-peaked hydrograph, (ii) triangular-shaped direct runoff hydrograph approximations, and (iii) linear catchment response functions. The results show that for design hydrology and for the derivation of empirical equations to estimate catchment response times in ungauged catchments, the catchment TPx should be estimated from both the use of an average catchment TPx value computed using either Methods (i) or (ii) and a linear catchment response function as used in Method (iii). The use of the different methods in combination is not only practical, but is also objective and has consistent results. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Validation of miniaturised tensile testing on dmls ti6al4v (eli) specimens

Abstract: Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is a relatively new technology that is developing rapidly. Since DMLS material is created by melting/solidifying tracks and layers from powder, even building geometry can influence the mechanical properties. To certify a material, the testing specimens must be designed and manufactured according to the appropriate standards. Miniaturised tensile DMLS samples could be a good alternative for express quality control, and could reduce the cost of DMLS-specific testing. In this study, as-built and stress-relieved miniaturised tensile DMLS Ti6Al4V (ELI) specimens with different surface qualities were investigated. The fracture surfaces and mechanical properties of the mini-tensile specimens were analysed and compared with standard full-sized specimens also manufactured by DMLS. The obtained data showed the applicability of mini-tensile tests for the express analysis of DMLS objects if a correction factor is applied for the calculation of the load-bearing cross-section of the specimen.