Archive of Journal
Volume 78, Issue 8, Aug. 2022

DO HIGH PRE-OPERATIVE CA-125 LEVELS PREDICT EARLY RECURRENCE IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH-GRADE EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER ?

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.8

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Abstract: Background CA-125 is used as a marker in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of ovarian cancers. High CA-125 levels indicate a high tumor burden, large ascites volume, and advanced stage. In the present study, the predictive value of CA-125 for the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients was determined. Materials-Methods The data of 173 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 2009 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. CA-125 values before primary treatment were recorded. All patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy or primary tumor surgery. Patients with normal CA-125 values at the end of treatment, and those with residual tumor, were followed up until the first recurrence. Disease-free and overall survival were analyzed. Results According to the preoperative CA-125 values, the disease-free survival time before treatment in patients with CA-125 levels of 0–40, 41–120, and > 121 U/ml was 73, 59.8, and 54 months, respectively; the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.174). Patients with a ≥ 3-fold increase in their CA-125 value at recurrence had shorter overall survival (0–40 U/ml: 86 months; 41–120 U/ml: 60 months; > 121 U/ml: 54 months; p = 0.025). For patients without residual tumor after surgery, overall survival was 61 months, but it was significantly shorter (38 months) in those with residual tumor > 1 cm (p=0.001). Conclusion Levels of the tumor marker CA-125 are used to determine the response to treatment, residual tumor, and disease recurrence in ovarian cancer patients. Although elevated CA-125 levels alone do not contribute to the prognosis, patients with values 3-fold higher than before treatment had shorter overall survival.

Author(s): Nilufer Bulut, Tanju Kapagan

PERCEPTION AND PROSPECTS OF EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT ADMINISTRATORS USING COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TESTING: CASE STUDIES FROM WEST AND SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.3

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Abstract: The Covid-19 Pandemic affected world economies unimaginably, not leaving out the educational sector. Standardised educational assessments commonly deployed as paper-pencil in less developed countries faced challenges that call for technological adoption. The study was qualitative research of case study type. The study population was top-level officials in national examination bodies in Nigeria who served as key informants sampled using purposive and snowball techniques. In-depth interviews were conducted for data collection supported by documentary analysis to examine the perception and prospects of adopting Computer Adaptive Testing for Standardized Educational Assessment with case Studies from West and South Africa. Findings revealed that key informants positively perceived computer adaptive testing and were seen as consistent with current practices, experiences, and needs. The prospect of adopting the technology by examination bodies in West Africa was relatively high. However, there are myriad challenges to overcome to bring this to reality. Considering these findings, some recommendations were given. Keywords: Perception, Prospects, CAT, Standardised testing, Educational assessment, Covid-19, Less developed countries. The Covid-19 Pandemic affected world economies unimaginably, not leaving out the educational sector. Standardised educational assessments commonly deployed as paper-pencil in less developed countries faced challenges that call for technological adoption. The study was qualitative research of case study type. The study population was top-level officials in national examination bodies in Nigeria who served as key informants sampled using purposive and snowball techniques. In-depth interviews were conducted for data collection supported by documentary analysis to examine the perception and prospects of adopting Computer Adaptive Testing for Standardized Educational Assessment with case Studies from West and South Africa. Findings revealed that key informants positively perceived computer adaptive testing and were seen as consistent with current practices, experiences, and needs. The prospect of adopting the technology by examination bodies in West Africa was relatively high. However, there are myriad challenges to overcome to bring this to reality. Considering these findings, some recommendations were given.

Author(s): Jumoke I. Oladele, Mdutshekelwa Ndlovu, Esther O. Bamidele, Henry O. Owolabi

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ACADEMICS REFLECTIONS OF A VOCATIONAL TEACHER EDUCATION DIPLOMA (VTED) AT A UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.11

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Abstract: Good teaching in higher education is largely believed to be an important variable in the student success matrix. Universities therefore invest a significant part of their time in developing their academics through postgraduate teaching qualifications so as to enhance their teaching competence and effectiveness. This research critically examined the experiences of a group of academics at a university in South Africa that had recently graduated with a VTED. The study adopted a qualitative methodology where data were collected by means of an in-depth interview schedule. The study revealed that the VTED was well received by the participants as it enhanced their conceptualization of teaching and learning matters. The major recommendation was that university appointment boards should consider this qualification as a requirement for appointment as a university teacher and where one is appointed without it then one should be supported to acquire the qualification within five years of appointment

Author(s): Severino Machingambi

WHERE TO AND WHERE FROM? EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S READINESS TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.12

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Abstract: This study sought to establish stakeholder perceptions of the state of readiness of the Eastern Cape Department of Education to respond to COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted a case-study design within a qualitative approach. Data was gathered from two subject specialists, 11 principals and 11 teachers in one district of the Department of Education (DoE) in South Africa through semi-structured telephonic interviews. Data was analysed through a thematic analysis framework after themes were generated during content analytical processing of the data. Permission was sought from and granted by the participants. Findings revealed that the district was plagued by inaccessibility and lack of savviness about information and communication technologies and related resources which manifested through poor ICT infrastructure and lack of blended learning pedagogy and policy. It also emerged that teachers and learners lacked motivation to use ICTs in teaching and learning which was evident through lack of personal drive. Poor visionary leadership and management in schools costed decision making processes, as well as lack of effective ICT teacher training and induction opportunities. The study concluded that while the DoE is desperate to rescue the school calendar, findings indicated strongly that the province was not ready. Recommendations include the need for the DoE to implement ICT for teaching through intense teacher training on the use of these tools and technologies to enable appropriate near future implementation of online learning and e-learning technologies. Internet connectivity should also be prioritised and be made readily available to learners.

Author(s): Newlin Marongwe, Israel Kariyana, Munienge Mbodila

FORECASTING PRICE OF FUEL USING TIME SERIES AUTOREGRESSIVE INTEGRATED MOVING AVERAGE MODEL: A ZAMBIAN REVIEW FROM 1998 TO 2022

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.7

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Abstract: Fuel plays a pivotal role in the economic development of every developing country, which means many sectors of the economy will be unfavourably affected by increasing the price of fuel. This paper reviews and analyses annual data on fuel prices from 1998 to 2022. Data were analysed using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) (1,1,2) to predict the price of fuel from 2022 to 2032. The ARIMA (1,1,2) model was used due to its accuracy, mathematical soundness, and flexibility, thanks to the inclusion of AR and MA terms over a regression analysis. The results showed that ARIMA (1, 1, 2) was the best fit for the price of fuel since its errors are smaller than Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES), Double Exponential Smoothing (DES), and Triple Exponential Smoothing (TES). Results of the study also showed that the fuel price will increase from 2022 to 2032 in Zambia. These results are useful to policy and decision-makers such as Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Energy Regulation Board (ERB), and Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications (MoTWSC) in a bid to plan and execute their duties effectively.

Author(s): Julius Zulu, Gardner Mwansa, Mataa Wakumelo

FACTORS IMPEDING SERVICE DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICAN MUNICIPALITIES: THE CASE OF CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.9

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Abstract: Municipal government faces a number of difficulties in providing improved services, which occasionally sparks protests from the local communities. The study’s objective was to look at the institutional factors that affect how services are delivered by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (CoJ). The research approach used is a qualitative one. Document analysis was utilised to gather secondary data, while interviews with CoJ employees were used to get primary data. The article's main emphasis is on Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Local Economic Development (LED) policy considerations. The effective service delivery theory was chosen as the study's theoretical framework.The findings show that the statutory framework for service delivery in South Africa is appropriate and offers clear recommendations for local municipalities. Furthermore, municipalities may find a solution in the theoretical framework of effective service delivery. This theory places a strong focus on the concepts of effectiveness and appropriateness in service delivery. Despite the theoretical, legal, and conceptual frameworks for service delivery, there is little indication that they are being utilised and valued in South African municipalities. In the context of CoJ, it is evident that the city's designation as ‘The City of Gold’, the discovery of minerals like gold and copper in Johannesburg, as well as vacant land and the city's name, have all contributed to the significant influx of migrants looking for a better life. There is no question that the CoJ has a well-run administrative structure, but a chain reaction has rendered the intended service delivery insufficient. Additionally, there are concerns about the dedication of individuals who have been given the responsibility of providing services. In light of the findings, political and policy proposals have been made that might help the CoJ and other South African municipalities provide better services to their citizens.

Author(s): Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad, Itebogeng Masibigiri

FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND HANDLING PRACTICES OF POULTRY PRODUCTS BY CONSUMERS IN NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA DISTRICT, NORTH-WEST PROVINCE

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.4

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Abstract: Improvements in food safety education for the prevention of foodborne illnesses can be achieved if consumer food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices are known and understood. Despite increasing scholarly interest in food safety issues, food safety challenges continue to be a problem and have not decreased, necessitating the need for food safety education. The study analysed food safety knowledge and handling practices of poultry products by consumers. Data were collected from 384 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics in the form of mean, standard deviation and variance were used to identify the sources of information available to consumers about food safety and handling practices as well as the sources of information used whereby traditional and mass media (television, newspaper, radio, magazine, and social media) were the frequently used (47%) sources of information. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess consumers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of food safety and the first principal component (PC1) had a higher explanatory power, which accounted for 29,07% of the variation in the overall food safety knowledge, attitudes and handling practices of consumers when dealing with poultry products. However, the results obtained from the linear regression analysis showed a contradiction between the results obtained by the principal component analysis and the food safety knowledge scores.

Author(s): Tshomarelo Dikgole, Christian Mzuyanda, Usapfa Luvhengo

MODELLING THE LINK BETWEEN SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYTICS, SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING APPROACH

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.6

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Abstract: Little are known about the nature of the interaction between supply chain analytics, supply chain innovation and competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a theoretical model to investigate whether supply chain analytics positively affects supply chain innovation and competitive advantage, and to examine how supply chain innovation may improve competitive advantage. A theoretical model was developed from extant studies and assessed through the development of a questionnaire survey conducted with South African manufacturers and logistics intermediaries involved in global supply chain operations. The data was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the suggested model. It was found that supply chain analytics have a discernible positive influence on supply chain innovation and competitive advantage. Furthermore, supply chain innovation was found to have a significant impact on enhancing competitive advantage. Therefore, this work provides evidence for the importance of supply chain analytics and supply chain innovation in supporting competitive advantage, in doing so, supply chain innovation mediates the link supply chain analytics and competitive advantage. This study contributes to providing an empirical understanding of the strategic retention of supply chain analytics and supply chain innovation in the supply chain management discipline. Furthermore, it confirms and expands existing theories about innovation and competitive advantage. The findings provide firm grounds for managerial decisions on investment in innovation. This research is the first of its kind to empirically validate the relationships between supply chain analytics, supply chain innovation and competitive advantage in South Africa.\nKeywords: competitive advantage; supply chain innovation; supply chain analytics; structural equation modelling.

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure

DO CERTAIN PERSONALITY TRAITS INFLUENCE STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS?

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.5

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Abstract: In a study conducted at a public urban university in Johannesburg, South Africa, twenty eight first year pre-service secondary mathematics teachers volunteered to take part in two online personality surveys. The one was constructed to determine the more prominent personality traits in each student among the five traits tested for. The second online questionnaire was constructed to determine the students’ work habits and operational values. In addition, examination grades from the first year mathematics subject were obtained. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between exam performance and the personality traits openness and extraversion. The results suggest that the traditional teaching approach in the mathematics classroom with high lecturer to student ratio, rigid curriculum, paper based tests clearly disfavours students who can be characterised as creative and independant. This group includes students who are out-of-the-box thinkers who have talents that can really make a difference in the workspace and the economy. Disfavouring these students prevents the right people from entering positions where their skills are needed. It is also acknowledged that there are other factors beyond the scope of this study which also have an influence on academic performance.

Author(s): Belinda van der Westhuizen, Celine Harillal, George Ekol

LEADERSHIP STYLES USED BY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS OF RURAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF MTHATHA TO IMPROVE LEARNERS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.2

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Abstract: This paper sought to investigate the leadership styles used by school principals to improve learners’ academic performance in rural secondary schools in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study was grounded on a participative leadership theoretical framework which contends that staff is kept informed about everything that affects their work and share decision making and problem-solving responsibilities. Qualitative research approach using a case study research design was used. Eight rural secondary schools in Mthatha were conveniently selected with a purposive sampling used to select the participants. The sample size included eight rural school principals in Mthatha. Data was collected through semistructured interviews. Manual analysis of qualitative data was used. These are some of the findings: There is a relationship between the leadership styles applied by principals and learners’ academic performance. Principals use a variety of leadership styles to enhance leaners’ academic performance. Principals involve other stakeholders in decision making processes to enhance learners’ academic performance. Principals of low performing schools attribute their let down to laxity from teachers and learners, lack of resources, socio-economic factors, inadequate support from the department, problem of discipline, theft, late coming and poor human relations. The recommendations are: Principals should lead their schools on the basis of moral leadership to ensure effectiveness and academic enhancement; The school principals should be made aware and be empowered through workshops by the Education Department, on the benefits of employing democratic and participatory styles of leadership in their schools; In order to enhance learners’ academic performance, effective monitoring and support of school principals by the department is essential; Rural school principals should start to form professional working groups among themselves in order to assist and build one another; School principals should always work on recruiting dedicated, qualified and skilled teachers into their schools; Education Department should employ security personnel and place them at every rural secondary school to safeguard the little resources and to try and curb the scourge of theft and vandalism happening in rural schools.

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

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CURRICULUM DESIGN OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM STATEMENT (NCS) AND THE CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT POLICY STATEMENT (CAPS), AND MATHEMATICS UNDERACHIEVEMENT IN GRADE 12: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED SCHOOLS IN KING WILLIAMS TOWN DISTRICT, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.1

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Abstract: The Mathematics pass rate has been a problem in high schools in South Africa. Many factors have been found to contribute to the high failure rate in this subject. This research seeks to address the following research question: Which CAPS Mathematics curriculum design aspects have a bearing on the underachievement in Mathematics at Grade 12 level, compared to NCS, at selected secondary schools in King Williams Town District, Eastern Cape province? Data was collected from interviews carried out with Grade 12 Mathematics educators (12 educators for CAPS and six educators for NCS) from schools in the King Williams Town District. The findings showed that Mathematics curriculum design, as well as the progression or link from primary to high school for both NCS and CAPS, was easy to integrate with other learning areas, although not all the content was covered, which disadvantaged students. It was difficult to cover all the content since the scope was too wide for both NCS and CAPS. There was no problem with the sequencing of the topics for NCS while there was a problem with the sequencing of topics in CAPS. The content of NCS differed in intensity; otherwise, topics were the same from grade to grade. This was the same for CAPS. The time allocated for both NCS and CAPS was not enough and that led to difficulties in completing the Mathematics syllabus in time. The differences between curriculum design aspects of the NCS and CAPS are insignificant. As a result, it can be concluded that the curriculum design aspects for CAPS still contribute to underachievement in Mathematics at matric level. No previous studies have compared the NCS curriculum design aspects and CAPS and their effect on underachievement in Mathematics at matric. This study addresses this gap and informs the Department of Basic Education about CAPS Mathematics curriculum design aspects and the effect of these on underachievement at matric level.

Author(s): Bonani Sibanda

RURAL LEARNERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON ONLINE LEARNING PROCESSES: TOWARDS STRENGTHENING INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN MARGINALISED SCHOOLS

Volume 78, Aug 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.8.10

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Abstract: Worldwide, temporary closure of schools became the best option when the Covid-19 pandemic was declared. To prevent interruption in teaching and learning and loss of a school year, technology-based pedagogy was introduced, and online learning promoted. The promotion of online processes disregarded several issues such as teachers and learners’ incapacity to use digital gargets, challenges with network and electricity in the rural communities. The main objective of the study was to ascertain how rural learners perceive online learning. Hence, the purpose of the study was to get learners’ perceptions regarding online learning platforms introduced during Covid-19 lockdown. A mixed-method was employed where a single-phased approach in which quantitative and qualitative data were telephonically collected, five participants were interviewed. Data were collected and analysed by separately analysing questionnaires and field notes, thereafter, compared, and interpreted together. Findings of the study revealed that most rural learners mentioned that they had network challenges that led to online platforms not to be of assistance to them. On the other hand, the study indicated that some learners had never been introduced to technology teaching and learning hence, they were not able to access virtual classes. Teachers were hesitant about online lessons as learners were never introduced to online learning and, therefore, used to face-to-face. Therefore, it is recommended that the Department of Higher Education and Training should offer compulsory continuing Information Technology Communication Technology to rural teachers so that they are able to train their learners. Furthermore, rural schools should be supplied with FIBRE so that they do not depend on network, as learners need to be developed computer literacy from the Foundation Phase in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Author(s): Mabel-Wendy N. Mashologu