Browsing by Author "Moodley, Sathiasiven."

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A biopsychosocial evaluation of readmissions to a mental hospital.
(1993) Moodley, Krishnavallie.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
Since deinstitutionalization many patients, instead of remaining in the community, revolve through the doors of psychiatric facilities resulting in the "Revolving Door Syndrome". Hence a biopsychosocial evaluation of readmissions was undertaken to see what processes came into play once a patient was discharged from a mental hospital and subsequently readmitted. Seventy Indian patients admitted to the Midlands hospital complex, Pietermaritzburg were interviewed and the data was collected. This comprised 40 readmissions and a control group of 30 first admissions. The diagnosis was made according to DSM-III-R. The results obtained were statistically analyzed and a chi square analysis was done to ascertain if there were any significant differences between the 2 groups. The following were the major findings 1. Most of the patients were in age group 20-29 years. 2. There was a preponderance of males in both groups. 3. Most of the patients in the readmitted group were unemployed and were receiving a disability grant. 4. The majority of patients was single or separated. 5. Most of the patients were discharged on a combination of drug and depot preparation. 6. A large percentage had two and more previous admissions. 7. Length of stay was less than 1 month in a large number of patients. 8. Community tenure was less than 1 year in most of the patients. 9. Even though the majority of patients reported regular attendance, a fair percentage reported attendance at the community clinic. 10. The reason for readmission was mainly aggressive behaviour and aggressive behaviour associated with substance abuse. 11. The discharge diagnosis was schizophrenia in a large number of patients. This study has several important implications for the community care of the patient and various recommendations are made to curtail the revolving door, as follows : 1. There is an urgent need for community based resources. eg. sheltered workshops, supervised housing, industrial and occupational therapy, halfway houses and day hospitals, which would help the chronically mentally ill patients lead more meaningful lives following discharge. 2. The family of the chronically mentally ill patient needs to be actively involved in the management of these patients and mental health workers must solicit the family's support, by educating them about schizophrenia, helping them to increase coping mechanisms and to decrease stress. It is recommended that support groups be held in the community for the families of patients. 3. The patient's family needs to be advised that when the patient show signs of decompensation, they should take the patient to the community clinic, rather than to the District Surgeon to avoid unnecessary rehospitalization. 4. The importance of maintenance medication cannot be overemphasised. There is a need to change the attitude of the patient and family with regard to their negative attitude about medication. 5. The high rate of readmission due to aggressive behaviour (which is aggravated by substance abuse) needs intervention. Substance abuse groups must be held in the community and the community needs to be educated about the consequences of substance abuse in the mentally ill.
A case study of environmental health in the South Durban basin.
(2005) Niranjan, Ivan.; Subban, Mogesperie.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
No abstract available.
"Foundations" from workshop to classroom : an evaluation of the impact of the "Foundations" supplement.
(2001) Moodley, Sathiasiven.; Nel, Benjamin Rodnney.; Sookrajh, Reshma.
Due to the unique nature of South African public education, it is not always viable to invest in expensive, high maintenance resources. Out of this context the Media in Education Trust (MIET) sought to provide resources that would meet the need for low maintenance resources, even harnessing the power of the educator as a resource. In 1999 the "Foundations" supplements made their appearance, featuring in certain prominent newspapers. Towards the latter part of 1999 the years work on ''Foundations'' was packaged into the ''Foundations'' pack, which consisted of 2 books and a series of 8 posters. With this in mind this dissertation was initiated by the desire to evaluate the supplement and pack and its usage. The evaluation was narrowed even further by focussing specifically on participants of a workshop held on the usage of "Foundations". The dissertation was aimed at seeing if workshop participants were motivated to use the pack and whether these had become part of their teaching practice. During the course of this research the Centre for Research, Evaluation and Policy at the University of Durban - Westville was commissioned to evaluate two of MIET's projects. The opportunity thus presented itself for the research scope to be expanded. During the course of this research data was evaluated from a MIET workshop at Berea in Durban, a workshop in Vryheid attended and a workshop in Empangeni viewed. The majority of participants viewed the workshops very positively. The questionnaires given to educators at specific schools revealed that the majority of educators are aware of "Foundations" and attempt to utilise it in some form or the other. ''Foundations'' does have a unique place in classrooms throughout South Africa. What exists as an issue is the manner in which it is brought into the fore as a valuable resource.
Globalisation and its impact on the governance of local authorities : a case study of the eThekwini Municipality.
(2004) Ramlachan, Premlall Kissoonchand.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
This study focuses on globalisation and its impact on the governance of local authorities, with particular reference to the eThekwini Municipality. The research is topical and relevant to the times. Currently, local government and administration in South Africa is undergoing restructuring and transformation in accordance with key national policies and recent legislative mandates. The restructuring of local government has been driven by the process of democratization and re-distribution. This drive has changed local government boundaries, introduced new structures and systems and re-orientated planning and the general environment. This phase in the transformation represents a fresh and final opportunity for local government to transform itself in a manner that will achieve sustainable and a developmental local government that will improve the quality of life of all South Africans economically, politically, socially, culturally and technologically. New conceptual frameworks, and new ways of dealing with problems and challenges have been introduced and the process of giving effect to the changes is bound to continue for some time into the foreseeable future. As South Africa confronts critical domestic challenges of economic growth and job creation, meeting basic needs, alleviating poverty, developing its people and ensuring a safe and secure environment, it continues to deliberate in international forums such as Southern African Development Community (SADC) and New Partnership on Africa's Development (NEPAD), and perform other global responsibilities. Globalisation is commonly portrayed as a multi-faceted phenomenon with trends in trade, technology, international capital movements and multi-national organizations all moving towards the creation of a new autonomous and homogenous global economic realm. In simple terms it demands that trends being developed by Local xvm Government keep abreast of what is happening in other countries throughout the World. Globalisation has brought into sharp focus the rapidly evolving functions of "regionalisation" in the World. The ease with which goods, services and finances are sourced has impacted on how the world operates. On a negative level, it has resulted in growing inequalities and polarization between more localities and regions that are able to engage and compete within the global economy and those who are unable to. Within the current political framework in South Africa's core principles, basic systems, and procedures are designed to encourage and facilitate community participation and strengthen local governance, management and development. This would allow for progressive steps towards social and economic upliftment of communities as envisaged in the White Paper on Local Government. Good governance and democracy are essential to ensure maximum participation and ownership of the decision making process at the local level. Moreover, key pillars of the strategy at the eThekwini Municipality are meeting basic needs, strengthening the economy and building skills and improving technology. In local government the emergence of a uniquely South African organization and leadership culture that recognizes the values and skills inherent in our cultural diversity is fundamental in sustaining the trends of globalisation. This holistic differences in approach should be viewed as a unique competitive advantage that improves the quality of decisionmaking. This study recognizes that South Africa needs to participate positively within the global community as a key player while addressing a multitude of domestic challenges. The study was conceptualized within a framework of globalisation and its fit into the paradigm of local governance. It also focuses on the traditional, innovative and global xix approaches to public administration and focuses on the impact and relevance to globalisation. The positive and negative implications of globalisation are highlighted and recommendations are made on the basis that South Africa and more particularly the eThekwini Municipality cannot ignore globalisation. Globalisation is here to stay and South Africa must plat its role within the global context. The study attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice of globalisation. As South Africa deliberates within the African Union and embarks on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) while confronting domestic challenges, it also has to perform global responsibilities. The research instruments and techniques used in this study consisted of theoretical search, empirical survey and data interpretation. The empirical survey captures the understanding of globalisation, responses within the core themes of each hypotheses, overall objectives and relationship between core themes. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used. The study proposes and makes valuable recommendations for globalisation and its impact on the governance of local authorities. For the eThekwini Municipality to conform to these domestic and global trends the following recommendations should be considered: • Embrace globalisation as a fact and view it as a challenge for Africa. • Develop effective public-private partnerships, which will sustain the impact of local governance. • Enhance information technology, knowledge, skills and competencies. • Develop regional agreements for local and global cities. • Provide training to improve capacities to contribute towards organizational effectiveness. • To make the global economy more sustainable and inclusive in the developing countries. xx • Develop local leadership to meet the globalisation challenge. • Institute structural and institutional adjustment for developmental local government. • The eThekwini Municipality must emulate best practices of global cities. • Establish globalisation committee to keep abreast of the globalisation issues. • Use cultural diversity to improve the quality of decision-making. • Although the eThekwini has a generally well-developed infrastructural system, it is largely concentrated within the urban core and its principal development corridors. This system needs to be extended, maintained and upgraded if the core and periphery areas of eThekwini are to become integrated, support internationally competitive partners and attract new alliances. • Twinning of cities is an important measure to monitor global trends and alliances. • Further research and studies into the trends and influences of globalisation as applied with local authorities needs to be undertaken.
Grievance and disciplinary procedures at the local government level.
(1992) Maharaj, Pamela.; Singh, Deoram.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
No abstract available.
Impact of urbanisation on municipal services delivery with particular emphasis on the provision of water in the Durban metropolitan area.
(2000) Pillay, Pregala.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
The main aim of this thesis was to explore the impact of urbanisation on the provision of water to the people of the Durban Metropolitan Area. The literature study revealed that urbanisation is proceeding rapidly and that the urban population in Durban will continue to grow and expand. Employment opportunities and enhanced service delivery in urban areas were two of the primary factors that attracted people to the city centres. The provision of water was identified as a growing priority in the new South Africa. It was found that whilst the privileged minority enjoyed first world lifestyles, the majority of people were poverty stricken and had little or no access to basic services. The literature as it exists reflects that local government is entrusted with a mammoth and crucial task in enhancing sustainable service delivery at affordable prices to impoverished communities. In light thereof, local government required a concerted strategy to address urban needs if it is to respond more effectively to its clientele and to the effects of urbanisation in the new millennium. The empirical study included the use of questionnaires to: - managers at the Urban strategy Unit; - managers at Durban Metro Water Services; and - two hundred subjects randomly selected from the Inanda/ Phoenix, Cato Crest / Cato Manor, Clare Estate / Reservoir Hills and Umlazi informal settlements. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings illustrates that an increase in urbanisation patterns has caused a decline in job opportunities and has added pressure to the local government infrastructure. The data revealed that the major obstacles to water delivery was accelerated urbanisation, lack of finance, high construction costs, high population growth rates, shortage of skilled labour, violence and crime and inadequate community participation. The empirical study revealed that people of all ages resided in the informal settlements. The majority of people were unemployed, generally had access to primary or secondary education and occupied menial jobs which were poorly remunerated. There is a need to create a National Commission on Urbanisation Development which can serve as an advisory body to government. This provision is universally recommended by urban geographers and government officials. This study calls for central government to play a more meaningful role in service delivery by strengthening the authority of local governments to raise adequate revenues to meet rising urban service needs. Central government must also provide technical assistance and training to local officials in improving tax administration, collection procedures and increasing revenues from existing and new sources. Local authorities need to improve their own performance in service delivery. This can be achieved if it has the capacity to act effectively and efficiently. Administrative structures and practices should be designed according to the services to be provided and the policies to be implemented. Furthermore, private sector involvement is crucial to ensure the provision of water to people, especially in impoverished areas.
Knowledge management as a strategic tool for human resource management : a study of selected higher educational institutions.
(2010) Govender, Loganathan Narayansamy.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.; Perumal, Sadhasivan.
Although higher educational institutions the world over are beginning to recognize the importance of knowledge management, such institutions are still on the “very first steps of the long ladder” in addressing, evaluating and implementing the benefits of knowledge management with particular reference to the human resource management sector. Knowledge management is a viable means through which higher educational institutions could gainfully capitalize on its intellectual and social capital. Implementing knowledge management principles could bring about improved human resource efficiency and effectiveness and a resultant improved performance at higher educational institutions fostering a culture of excellence. Institutions of higher learning should therefore embrace knowledge management principles and practices in order to adequately address the challenges in a society that is becoming increasingly knowledge based. Relevant knowledge for human resource managers could be located at three different places. Individual knowledge is acquired through personal work experiences. Secondary knowledge could be attained through others insights, experiences and perceptions. Finally, much valued codified knowledge could be found in knowledge repositories. The realistic value of knowledge could be derived through the combination of all three approaches. Against this backdrop, this study explores knowledge management as a strategic tool for human resource management in higher educational institutions. Specifically, the dimensions such as organizational culture, organizational performance, technology, management support, and the institutions mission and vision will be evaluated to understand knowledge management within higher educational institutions. A questionnaire/survey was administered to a sample representing senior, middle and junior human resource managers at selected higher educational institutions in South Africa, Mauritius and India. In addition, a semi-structured interview was conducted with executive managers responsible for the human resource function in the higher educational institutions. The study investigated the impact of policies, systems and processes that the higher educational institutions implemented in support of knowledge management and knowledge sharing. A triangulated research approach was adopted through the administration of survey questionnaires amongst human resource managers, conducting semistructured interviews with executive managers, and a comprehensive literature review backed up with a review of the findings of similar studies. The outcomes of the study demonstrate that significant benefits could be derived by HEI’s in adopting an integrative approach between the human resource and knowledge management functions. The research results provide convincing arguments to support the integration of human resource management and knowledge management initiatives in HEI’s and affirms the assumption that these two disciplines are mutually inclusive. Whilst the HRM function at HEI’s have demonstrated that they have the capability and resources to implement knowledge management initiatives, the results reflect that much ground needs to be covered to realize the full benefits of this endeavour. The research culminates in providing important recommendations and guidelines, as well as the development of an integrated normative model on how human resource departments at higher educational institutions could embrace knowledge management as a strategic human resource management tool. The study confirms that an effective knowledge management strategy for human resource management that is aligned to the organizations’ strategic objectives is imperative in the 21st century organizational era, and more specifically for higher educational institutions in South Africa.
Local economic development : a case study of the International Convention Centre in Durban.
(2002) Mposula, Sibusiso Tito Africa.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
No abstract available.
Management of legal aid clinics in South Africa
(2001) Subban, Mogesperie.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.; Singh, D.
No abstract available.
Materials administration in South African municipalities.
(1991) Moodley, Sathiasiven.; Sing, Deoram.
No abstract available.
The performance appraisal function in selected South African local authorities.
(1993) Sookdew, Saguna.; Sing, Deoram.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
In this dissertation a study is undertaken of the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities. Local authorities in South Africa are the third tier of government and are subordinate to the other two tiers, namely, the central and provincial authorities. They are established to render a variety of goods and services to the local community and to contribute to the national goal of community welfare. In the light of changing circumstances in South Africa, communities are becoming more advanced and complex and are placing new demands on local authorities everyday. Therefore, local authorities must ensure that their limited human resources are utilised as efficiently and effectively as possible to achieve an acceptable quality of life for the local community. Thus, municipal personnel administration plays an important role in contributing to the welfare of the local community. Municipal personnel administration comprises of several component activities such as personnel provisioning, support functions, training and development, and personnel utilisation functions. Performance appraisal falls within ambit of the personnel utilisation function and plays a pivotal role in promoting the improved· productivity of municipal personnel. In view of the aforementioned, this study investigates the implementation of the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities. The research was necessitated by the fact that local authority employees make up 14,8 percent of public sector employment and up to 70 percent of a local authority's operating budget is allocated for staff expenditure. Therefore, it is important that local authorities have an efficient and effective work force, and one of the ways this can be achieved is through the implementation of the performance appraisal function. Furthermore, very little research has been undertaken on the performance appraisal function as an activity within municipal personnel administration. Municipal employees must ensure that all activities constituting the performance appraisal function be implemented in terms of the dictates of the generic administrative, management, functional and auxiliary and instrumental activities. They must also adhere to the normative guidelines which have direct bearing on the performance appraisal function, such as legislative supremacy, maintenance of public accountability, efficiency and effectiveness, respect for community values and ethical standards. The study undertaken on the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities is viewed from a theoretical and operational perspective as follows: performance appraisal and municipal administration; theoretical perspectives of the performance appraisal function; nature and content of performance appraisal systems; the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities; and developing an acceptable performance appraisal system for South African local authorities. The performance appraisal systems at local authorities studied, are primarily viewed within an administrative frame of reference. Particular attention is focused on the generic administrative, management, functional and auxiliary and instrumental activities, as well as the normative factors of public administration. The efficient and effective utilisation of municipal personnel resources, especially in regard to their placement, development and promotion through the use of the performance appraisal function, is stressed. In the light of the aforementioned the following recommendations are made: (i) that municipal councils and high-ranking officials give due regard to the importance of the performance appraisal function within the context of municipal personnel administration; (ii) introduction of the performance management and development programme as postulated in chapter 6; (iii) review of performance appraisal on an ongoing basis (at least once a year) within an administrative frame of reference with particular attention to the following: legislative measures; policy directives; organising; financing; staffing; determining systems and procedures; and exercising control; (iv) that supervisors (appraisers) in municipal departments undergo training to implement the appraisal system and to keep abreast with the latest developments in the field; and (v) the creation of a separate department or section to deal specifically with the performance appraisal function.
Stores financial administration at three South African universities.
(1987) Moodley, Sathiasiven.; Coetzee, W. A. J.; Sing, Deoram.
No abstract available.
A study of the acute neurological side effects in hospitalized psychiatric patients receiving neuroleptic drug treatment.
(1993) Raymond, Neville Vincent.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
Neuroleptic drugs are essential in the treatment of schizophrenia and many other psychiatric disorders. These drugs do however cause a wide range of side effects which can be very distressing to patients. In particular the acute neurological side effects of parkinsonism, akathisia and dystonia, which are termed extrapyramidal syndromes, can be a limiting factor in the use of these drugs (Weiden et al 1987). Fort Napier Hospital is a large psychiatric referral hospital and the majority of patients admitted require neuroleptic drug treatment. Extrapyramidal side effects are regularly seen amongst these patients. This study was designed to discover the incidence of parkinsonism, akathisia and dystonia amongst patients treated with neuroleptic drugs and what specific factors were responsible for these side effects. Relevant literature on this topic was reviewed and comparable studies done in America, Europe and South Africa are discussed. The study sample consisted of one hundred patients who were examined regularly over a two week period for signs of parkinsonism, akathisia, or dystonia which were rated quantitatively according to specific rating scales. Patient and drug variables were then analysed to assess what factors were responsible for these side effects. The incidence of drug-induced parkinsonism was 29%, akathisia 35% and dystonia 20%. Combinations of these three syndromes were observed resulting in an overall incidence of 47%. High potency drugs such as haloperidol and trifluoperazine were responsible for a large percentage of all the side effects, while of the low potency drugs, thioridazine produced less side effects than chlorpromazine. Oral drugs combined with intramuscular depot drugs resulted in a high incidence of side effects. The phase of treatment was clinically important with dystonia occurring more often within the first three days of treatment, akathisia within ten days and parkinsonism after ten to fourteen days. Other factors that were studied included the patients age, sex and prior history of neuroleptic-induced neurological side effects. Due to the predominantly young patient population in this study, the mean age of those patients who developed parkinsonism was 26,7 years, akathisia 27,5 years and dystonia 25,8 years. These side effects were seen more commonly in males than in females. Of the 27 patients in this study who had a prior history of neurological side effects, 15 (56%) developed similar side effects following re-exposure to neuroleptic drugs. Conclusions derived from this study include the need for clinicians to select the correct type and dose of neuroleptic for individual patients in order to minimize the development of neurological side effects. Accurate, early diagnosis of side effects by regular examination of patients is necessary for effective patient management. Clinicians should be made more aware of the side effects that can develop with the use of neuroleptic drugs and the effect these side effects have on patients.