Vista University

About: Vista University is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Boron trifluoride & Higher education. The organization has 225 authors who have published 336 publications receiving 3345 citations.

"Looks Maketh the Man": The Female Gaze and the Construction of Masculinity

Abstract: The paper examines the influence of the “female gaze” on the construction of masculinity. It attempts to show masculine identity cannot be interpreted separate from the image of men projected by, o...

Some antecedents of employee commitment and their influence on job performance: A multi foci study

Abstract: The challenge of using scarce and limited resources to satisfy almost limitless needs will, from a management perspective, be like the proverbial cat: it will never go away. The optimal use of human resources, in particular, remains a daunting task. In an economic environment characterized by increasing global competitiveness, failure to realize this important objective could be organizationally terminal, as inefficient organizations are unlikely to survive over the long term. A variety of different measures could be used to evaluate organizational effectiveness. In this study, the individual job performance level of employees is regarded as an indicator of organizational effectiveness. It is hypothesized that the individual job performance of employees can be improved by enhancing employee commitment (commitment to the organization, job, supervisor, profession). In other words, the general notion is that, if employees perceive a high level of congruence between their individual objectives and those of the organization, job, supervisor, and profession, they are likely to be better performers. The empirical results showed that commitment to the profession has the strongest positive influence (p < 0.01) on job performance. The impact of organizational commitment was also positive, but only at the 5% level. Neither job involvement (commitment to the job) nor commitment to the supervisor had any influence on job performance. All the antecedents modelled exerted some influence on the different types of commitment. Internal locus of control exerts a negative influence on all of them, and career factors exert a positive influence on all of them. Both self-esteem and anticipatory socialization enhance organizational commitment and commitment to the profession, while external locus of control's influence is limited to enhancing job involvement.

Trends in vegetation degradation in relation to land tenure, rainfall, and population changes in Peddie district, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Abstract: Spatial and temporal variations in vegetation are examined in relation to land tenure, population increase, and rainfall variation in a part of Peddie district, Eastern Cape. Sequential aerial photographs between 1938 and 1988 are analyzed to determine trends in vegetation and population change in three different land-tenure units. The areal extent at each date of four distinct vegetation categories is determined using PC ARC/INFO GIS. Long-term annual rainfall trends for the area are analyzed and juxtaposed with vegetation changes. Extensive ground-truthing exercises are carried out to verify the present condition of vegetation condition in terms of cover and species composition. Differences in land-tenure systems are discerned as the dominant factor controlling variations in vegetation degradation. The study also reveals that neither population changes nor rainfall variations can explain the observed trends in vegetation degradation. Earlier injudicious land-use practices, sustained since the turn of the last century, may provide plausible explanations for the trends and present status of vegetation degradation in the area.

Occupational aspirations of black south african adolescents

Abstract: The present study provides a description of the occupational aspirations of 216 black high school students in a special program by the amount of training required (status) and Holland's 1973 typology as well as by gender, age, socioeconomic status, knowledge of self, and occupational knowledge. Analysis indicates that most adolescents aspire to Social and Investigative occupations, and occupations with a high status. Most of this select sample displayed low self- and occupational knowledge. Aspirations appear unrealistic in terms of trends within the labor market, but might be more realistic with effective and relevant guidance programs in schools.

Organic matter, pH and nutrient distribution in soil layers of a savanna Thornveld subjected to different burning frequencies at Alice in the Eastern Cape

Abstract: Fire is an important tool for the management of grazed savanna grasslands in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aim of this study was to quantify the influence of veld burning frequency on soil properties especially organic matter, pH, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, Na and extractable P. Soil samples were collected from different depths in plots of a 17-year old experiment where burning frequencies were: no burning (B0), annual (B1), triennial (B3) and sexennial (B6). A land under continuous grazing and not burned (G) and strips between the plots (R) were also sampled for comparison. Burning significantly (p G>B3>B6>B1>R. The trend in the distribut...