Archive of Journal
Volume 78, Issue 7, Jul. 2022

GREEN PRODUCTS AWARENESS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE PURCHASE OF GREEN PRODUCTS IN WINDHOEK, KHOMAS REGION OF NAMIBIA.

Volume 78, Jul 2022
The process of paper has not been completed.

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: GREEN PRODUCTS AWARENESS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE PURCHASE OF GREEN PRODUCTS IN WINDHOEK, KHOMAS REGION OF NAMIBIA. \nAuthor.\n1. Dr. Benedict Sewe Odhiambo, New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology (NEC), Gaborone, Botswana.\n\nAbstract\nThe purpose of this research was to study green products awareness and its influence on the purchase of green products in Windhoek, Khomas Region of Namibia. The main objective of the study was to find out the level of awareness towards green products purchase. The study adopted mixed methods, primary data was collected using a standardized interview guide and structured questionnaire. A sample of 120 respondents was considered in the current research. \nIn-depth interviews conducted to assess the level of awareness of green products purchase in Khomas region. Quantitative primary data collected through structured questionnaire coded, cleaned and entered into SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, t-test and chi-square test for associations of continuous and categorical variables performed. The predictors for purchase of green products were determined using bivariate and logistic regression analysis. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis.\n Statistically significant association between the purchases of green products with the three main sources from which respondents knew about green products prevailed. The research finds statistically significant association between the purchases of green products with the role of social media in creating green product awareness. It also emerged that a statistically significant association between the purchase of green products and the independent variables determining green product information confirmed. The research also finds a negative association between purchase of green products and the knowledge about environmental benefits of green products. The results also showed that the main sources of green product information were the television, radio and social media. \nKey words: Green products; Green products awareness; Purchasing.

Author(s): Benedict Sewe Odhiambo

AFTER CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: MATHEMATICS STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE TEACHING IN LEARNING MATHEMATICS

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.5

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: The world before and after Covid 19 has drastically changed, and the impact of Covid 19, especially on education, noticeable at all levels. Since the emergence of the pandemic, researchers in different areas investigated the effect of the pandemic on teaching and learning from different aspects. However, the researches whom discussed the effectiveness of online learning on teaching and learning mathematics are countless. Thus, this research explored the effectiveness of online teaching on learning mathematics from students’ perspectives. It also identified the advantages and disadvantages of mathematics online learning. one hundred-seventy-one students (71 males) and (100 females) mathematics students of Al-Jouf University-Qurayyat were surveyed via written questionnaire prepared by the researcher after university open up. For data analysis, SPSS was employed to explore the effectiveness of online teaching in learning mathematics. The research found that the majority of the students reported positive attitudes and high level of acceptance for online learning of (M=4.14, SD=0.478). Furthermore, there were no statically significant differences between males and females in the attitudes and high levels of acceptance for online learning of mathematics. Also, students with high GPA (more than 4/5) were more aware of the advantages of online learning compared to students (less than 4). Finally, when it comes to the level of study, there is no significant differences in the effectiveness of online learning on teaching and learning mathematics.

Author(s): Fatimah Alenazi

THE USE OF GIS FOR MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE (MAR) SITE SELECTION IN WADI ARABA - JORDAN

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.8

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: Jordan is considered as one of the ten most waterscarce countries in the world, but the country facing challenges in its water sector, Groundwater is the most important source of water in Jordan, it provides more than half of the total water demand, Some of Jordan groundwater resources are presently exploited at maximum capacity and in some cases more than safe yield. To meet this challenge, we should search for practical solutions that increase groundwater recharge, naturally or artificially. This study aims to select suitable sites for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) through GIS techniques, the selected criteria choosing based on Rainfall, Slope, Geological formations, Land Use, Soil texture and Depth to water table, and assigned weightages and ranks, these layers have been integrated into GIS software for generating MAR suitability map of Wadi Araba. The area falls into five categories of (MAR) potential zones i.e., very good, good, moderate, low, and very low depending on the likelihood of (MAR) suitable locations. Based on this study, it is found that 16.7% with an area of 1473.7 km2 and 30.15% with 2649.5 km2 area are under the very good and good category of (MAR) suitability respectively. An area of 1779.3 km2 represents 20.24% is found under the moderate category whereas 1944.24 km2 and 890.94 km2 equals 32.82% of Wadi Araba area falls under the low and very low category of (MAR) suitability respectively.

Author(s): Ala' Hamed Alelaimat, Ismail Yusoff, Tham Fatt Ng, Yahya A Majali, Mohd Khairul Nizar Shamsuddin

A MULTI-PERSPECTIVE REFLECTION OF HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE STUDENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: A CASE STUDY OF TWO URBAN AND TWO RURAL SCHOOLS IN GHANA

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.6

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: The environment humans live in is unstable and variable, making management extremely difficult. This has developed into one of the world\'s most pressing challenges. The environmental crisis is deteriorating. This crisis spans activities such as stone quarrying, water, air, and noise pollution, sand mining, and sanitation issues. This is primarily due to a lack of awareness, unfavourable attitudes and actions about land degradation and a lack of practical implementation of environmental expertise. Considering these, it is necessary to conduct a study to ascertain environmental literacy and elicit the diverse perceptions of senior high school students on environmental issues and literacy. The study employed a mixed-method research strategy. The primary data collection tools were questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a framework for thematic content analysis. The finding demonstrates that Ghana\'s environmental challenges require significant attention. As a result, the study advocates for a more effective environmental education for all high school students to foster collaboration between humans and their environment, increasing their environmental literacy and advancing sustainability.\n\nKeywords: Environmental issues, high school students, Integrated Sciences, perception

Author(s): Sakyiwaa Boateng

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN LANGUAGES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY AT THE VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.1

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: African languages in teaching and learning activities were introduced to provide space for multilingualism and enhance teaching and learning in higher education. More specifically, the greater inclusion of African languages in the curriculum and university as a whole is expected to help promote access, retention, and success of students as well as preserve and develop the historically marginalized African languages. In order to assess the progress of Africa languages development within a South African University, this research set out by means of a questionnaire to explore the explore the issues, experiences, and challenges at a South African University of Technology in relation to the concepts of Translanguaging and multilingualism. Both these concepts refer to how various languages are deployed in order to enhance communication between different native speakers. Given South Africa has 11 official languages, and home to many more non-official ones, it is important to understand the dynamics of how languages can be developed to better our diverse societies. Data was collected electronically from approximately 2900 students by means of a data collecting platform connected to students online learning platform. The data was analyzed and the main result is that Translanguaging and multilingualism can help to improve teaching and learning at the Higher Education level.

Author(s): Anton Michael Pillay, Jacob Thamaga, Thabang Molatou, Tebogo Mathebula

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ PERSPECTIVES OF STRENGTHENING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOLS IN QUEENSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.9

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: This paper explored the school principals’ perspectives of strengthening transformational leadership in schools in Queenstown, South Africa. Transformational leadership theory was used to ground the paper. A qualitative approach and case study research design were used. Eight secondary schools were conveniently selected and from each school, a principal was purposefully sampled. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The data collected were analysed using content analysis and were presented in themes. The following are the main findings: The point of departure is that the principal and the stakeholders need to execute change in tandem with committed members thorough openness and transparency about changes to be effected. To bring change for the better in the practices of the organisation under the guidance of the principal needs consideration of organisational structures, academic programme, teaching methods and relationships among others. The principal with all the relevant stakeholders needs to adhere to distribution of leadership and enhancement of collaborative culture. This is achieved by creating the vision; support strategy and catalysing the development of every individual’s strength to move the organisation forward. Paying particular attention on developing leaders to devote their full potential on the four areas of development, namely idealised influence, individual consideration inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation strengthens leadership transformation. These are the recommendations: Due consideration of organisational structures, academic programme, teaching methods and relationships among others are the fundamentals of school transformation. Openness to subordinates, cascading everything down to everyone, frankness and openness to all stakeholders including the community. Leaders to encourage innovation and creativity through challenging the status quo or the current views of the group about the organization. Creation of schools for the foreseeable future and use of the space as organisers for educating the young by making it more adaptable to the 21st century by adopting spaces, small learning groups, new technologies and conducive environments to both contemplation and interaction.

Author(s): Owen Madalambana, Mabandla Nonyashe, Dudu Christabel Mantlana

FARM POST-HARVEST LOSSES AND THEIR DETERMINANTS AMONG NAVEL AND LEMON FARMERS IN KAT RIVER VALLEY, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.7

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: Farm post-harvest losses continue to be a threat to the citrus fruit value chain. Reducing these losses is the goal for each citrus farmer. However, a lack of knowledge on the extent of farm-harvest and the associated factors remains unknown. This study, therefore, examined the extent of post-harvest losses and identifies their determinants among navel and lemon farmers in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The cross-sectional data were gathered from a sample of 81 land reform navel and lemon farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. A multiple stage sampling procedure was used in this study. On one hand, descriptive analysis was used to estimate socio-economic characteristics and percentages of post-harvest losses at the farm level. On the other hand, multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of post-harvest losses at the farm level. The descriptive results on socio-economic characteristics show that the majority of farmers were males (96.7%) and the mean average age was 57 years. Furthermore, the results showed that the losses for both fruits were due to faulty storage (2.30 kg/ha in navel and 1.60 kg/ha in lemon). The results from multiple linear regression showed that the age of respondents, level of education and total output influenced navel post-harvest losses. Also, age, the area under irrigation and storage facility determined post-harvest losses at the farm level. The study recommends the establishment of producer organizations, small cold storage in production areas and training of farmers.

Author(s): Mzuyanda Christian, Phiwe Jiba, Siphokuhle Nohamba

PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES AND FACTOR STRUCTURE OF EDUCATIONAL STRESS SCALE FOR ADOLESCENTS IN PAKISTAN

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.3

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: Every human being faces stress in their life and no one can say that they did not experience it at all. With passing time, stress is becoming highly prominent among school students. In Pakistan, there is a high need of self-reported scale for adolescents. Current study was aimed to carry out Urdu translation, cross language validation and factor structure of Educational stress scale for adolescents (Urdu version). From October 2021 to November 2021, data was collected by non probability sampling technique from public schools. In total, 910 adolescents of 10 to 19 years (including male (n=454) and female adolescents (n = 456) (M=13.45, SD=1.63) were part of the main study. Findings of pilot study shown that the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents had acceptable reliabilities (Urdu Version α = 0.85; English Version α = 0.83). Test retest correlation coefficients was computed after 15 days gap to check cross language validity that displayed correlation r = 0.86. In addition, results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed similar factor structure same as original author which was based on five factors. Results highlighted that Urdu version of the Educational stress scale for adolescents is reliable as well as valid scale for the measuring school stress among adolescents in Pakistan.

Author(s): Tahira Jabeen, Aneela Maqsood

THE IMPORTANCE OF TALENT MANAGEMENT IN A CHANGING RETAIL BUSINESS BANKING WORK ENVIRONMENT

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.2

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: This study assesses the importance of talent management in the constantly changing world of working. The talent management concept is deemed the cornerstone in human resource management studies as it covers different features of human resources by polishing employees’ skills and expertise with different methods. The world of working has changed; the working environment, characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). has impacted how large organisations manage their talent programmes. Markets are volatile and the rand is being levigated. Whilst Talent Management has always been critical to organisational success regardless of the economic climate, it becomes even more critical during difficult times as organisations need to do more with less. The study was undertaken in a prominent retail business banking institution in South Africa. A sample of 196 employees in Analytics was drawn using simple random sampling. Data was collected using interviews and a self-designed questionnaire whose psychometric properties were statistically assessed. The researcher used a case study research strategy, underpinned by exploratory and descriptive approaches with data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. Whilst significant differences regarding the importance of talent management based on biographical profiles was noted, employees highly rated the importance of talent management.

Author(s): Sanjana Brijball Parumasur, Londeka Xulu

RESPONDING TO THE NEW NORM: ANALYSING BUSINESS EDUCATION TEACHER'S TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCY AND THE IMPACT ON ONLINE TEACHING

Volume 78, Jul 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.7.4

View Abstract   Hide Abstract   |   PDF Version
Abstract: The online teaching-and-learning model is progressively becoming the norm globally, with education becoming more convenient and accessible to everyone thanks to the internet. Hence, it was deemed necessary for this study to examine Business Education teachers’ technology proficiency for online teaching. Employing the theoretical framework of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), this study examines Business Education teachers’ levels of technology use in Business Education teaching. Using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, probability and purposive sampling, the majority of participants were found to not engage in online teaching; as well not integrate technology in their teaching. Based on a TPACK analysis, the findings suggest the following influencing factors: a low level of technology proficiency; lack of teacher support programmes; and lack of access to modern educational technologies. The pedagogical implication of these findings is that the effective online teaching and learning of Business Education subjects are not being implemented. The study concludes that government investment in educational technologies and teacher development training programmes related to technology integration is critical for Nigerian public secondary schools.

Author(s): Clinton Chidiebere Anyanwu, Desmond Wesley Govender, Jabulisile Cynthia Ngwenya