Browsing by Author "Gachie, Emily Wanjiru."

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Effects of substance abuse and addiction on society : a case study of KwaMashu Township.
(2018) Makhawula, Zamakhosi Favourite.; Gachie, Emily Wanjiru.
Substance abuse is regarded as a pervasive problem across the world. The epidemic of substance abuse in the present generation has assumed alarming dimensions in society. The most commonly abused substances include heroine, opioids, alcohol, sedatives, cannabis, also known as dagga, cocaine, also called LSD, amphetamines and tobacco. Due to the high cost of drugs in the market, the majority of addicts are not able to procure it; as a result, they get involved in illegal activities. This research will assist to provide the figures of the current alarming rise of substance abuse among the study population and its effects in the society at large. The increasing trends of substance abuse amongst the population are shattering both the youth and adults. The alarming statistics of substance abuse in society can be attributed to its high addiction potential, easy availability, unemployment and socio-occupational pressures faced by people in the country. Creating an awareness regarding the side effects of drugs and their addictive potential should be spearheaded by implementing vigorous campaigns in the country. These should focus on preventive measures and treatment options available for addiction to the communities. The present study aims to explore the effects of substance abuse and addiction on society. The target population are the community members, a community leader and a school principal. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire that was developed had both closed- and open -ended questions. The thematic process was used to analyse the data which emanated from the findings whilst the qualitative data was analysed using pie charts, histograms and graphs. A mixed method approach was employed in this study. Findings show that community members and leadership have adequate knowledge towards substance abuse, as well the effects and impact of drugs abuse. Some of the recommendations suggested by the participants were interventions such as awareness campaigns, focus group discussions, education and developmental programmes; the suggestion was that these must be strengthened in order to fight the scourge of substance abuse in the community, which would lead to a drug- free society.
Evaluation of a new online learning resource : the human computer interface design.
(2003) Gachie, Emily Wanjiru.; Amory, Alan M.
With the increasing demand for online learning, well-designed computer online learning resources are indispensable. User interfaces evaluation has become a critical quality attribute of interactive software intended to meet the requirements of the user groups. It is this aspect of adaptations that make them critical for the study of evaluation of user interfaces. This study describes a preliminary evaluation of the user interface design of a new online learning resource (Open Learning System). The main objectives of the study are to investigate the effect of the interaction on the user (usability, efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction), to assess the extent of the system (resource) functionality and to identify specific problems in the design (aspects of design that cause unexpected results or confusion). This will form part of iterative design and testing process of the new interface, which seeks to evaluate the success of the interface within the framework of the fundamental HCI principles under guidelines of the constructivists learning approach. The Open Learning System (OLS) is grounded on the constructivist-based learning approach. The underlying philosophy of the system assumes when learners are engaged in a social learning context, they actively construct knowledge, therefore the resource is considered as a tool to support learning and not an end in itself. By so doing it is geared to provide greater access to information, support Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) using tools such as e-mail, chat and discussion foruI? and creating context for learners' work and peer review. A theoretical framework for evaluating the OLS was developed and proposed which comprised of the constructivist epistemology, Rich Environment for Active Learning (REAL), the User Centred Design (UCD) approach and the Human Computer Interface (HCI) design principles. This integrated theoretical framework has been referred to as 'Designing-by-Constructivism' model. The study investigates the use of the OLS by two sets of users: staff members (module creators) and learners (module consumers). In view of the fact that the data collected is qualitative, the approach assumes the use of semi-structured questionnaires, evaluation matrix and interviews. The information/feedback gathered will assist the developers to do preliminary reviews. The study will also be useful to academics pursuing more HCI issues or those with an interest in developing learning resources. The main elements of the 'Designing-by-Constructivism' model were present in the resource. The results analysis indicates that the resource supports collaborative learning and the use of authentic activities in learning. This serves as an intrinsic motivation to most of the users. The results also show a high degree of user satisfaction and appreciation of OLS resource. Largely, the participants are satisfied that the overall OLS design met their needs. The major contribution being, "OLS is interactive and user friendly". However, some users have expressed the desire to have more tools incorporated into the resource, while others have expressed concern about difficulties in logging into the system.
Sustainable development in South Africa through research in the National System of Innovation.
(2014) Gachie, Emily Wanjiru.; Dassah, Maurice Oscar.; Penceliah, Yoganandee.
This research examined the role of research commercialisation for Sustainable Development (SD) in South African National System of Innovation (NSI) within the context of public administration. The introduction has provided the research objectives, problem statement and the research questions. It should be noted that the theoretical perspective served as a ‘reference dictionary’ that informs the rest of the research, the literature has also examined the role of research commercialisation for SD in the African region from an international perspective. Further, the pragmatic research design adopted provides the basis for undertaking mixed-method research, namely: quantitative followed by qualitative, supplemented by secondary documents and the methodological data analysis triangulation technique has facilitated the achievement of a ‘whole greater than the sum of the parts’. In addition, the research methodology assessed the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) research commercialisation for SD. The findings identifying the HEIs as an important source of research for SD resulting in the findings showed that the HEIs face considerable constraints that hinder research commercialisation for SD, which include human resource capacity gaps, infrastructure and funding. The findings also identified HEIs-private sector collaboration as an important alternative avenue for research commercialisation for SD as a consequence the recommendations proposed that improving research commercialisation for SD should be high among the triple helix policy agenda. Finally, the recommendations also emphasised the importance of consolidating NSI gains, including efficiency in disseminating research results, efficient exploitation of new knowledge and technology transfer, leveraging the central role of the private sector in the NSI, effective application of intellectual property rights, broadening NSI actors’ participation, simplification of policies and procedures and efficiency of allocation of funding.