DSpace Repository

Welcome to the NWU Repository, the open access Institutional Repository of the North-West University (NWU-IR). This is a digital archive that collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of NWU. The aim of the NWU-IR is to increase the visibility, availability and impact of the research output of the North-West University through Open Access, search engine indexing and harvesting by several initiatives.

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Exploring five professional violinists’ flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
(North-West University, 2024) D’Alebout, Carli; van der Merwe, L Koornhof, P
This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study explores how five professional violinists, who teach and perform in South Africa, make sense of their lived flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances. I am interested in understanding how the participants make sense of their flow experiences and to what extent Csikszentmihalyi, (2014:133) nine conditions for flow explain the inhibiting and promoting conditions of flow for the participants. By making use of an IPA approach, I can give extensive attention to each individual to deeply and thoroughly understand their sense-making. The five professional violinists, of whom I was also one, were purposely selected for this study because of their extensive flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances. My own participation in the study is not in conflict with the core principles of IPA. The participants' profiles added to the study's uniqueness, because they are all professional performers and violin teachers in South Africa. Data were collected by conducting in-depth, semi-structured online video interviews. Rigorous data analysis was conducted by using seven steps suggested by Smith et al. (2022:88-102). Eight group experiential themes emerged from the data. These themes are: 1) The importance of preparation; 2) Awareness and managing thoughts and attention; 3) Emotion, intention and the message of the music; 4) Interactive musical relationships; 5) The audience's role in the performer's flow experience; 6) The influence of past experiences; 7) Unique interpretations of flow; and 8) The outcomes of having experienced or not experienced flow. This study is the first of its kind in South Africa as it highlights professional South African performing violinists' unique flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances. The study contributes to the improvement of practice by creating increased awareness of the conditions that promote and inhibit flow experiences for professional, amateur, and student performers as well as music teachers.
Die Ontwikkeling en Ontwerp van 'n Strategiese Menslike Hulpbronplan vir die Maatskappy Nedlloyd Lines SA
(North-West University (South Africa), 1992) Wessels, Sylvia; Uys, Mr. Robert
An assessment of the effects of civil war on gender equality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(North-West University, 2026) Zwane, Mbalenhle.Belinah; Venter,J.C.M Mongale,C.O
In the area of wars in the international and intra-state conflicts which has adversely affected poverty, resource scarcity and human rights violations, resulting in serious consequences for women and girls. In the DRC women are going through traumatic experiences such as sexual assault, mass executions, famine, public bombings, epidemics, torture, arbitrary incarceration, forced migration, ethnic cleansing, threats, intimidation and displacement particularly in conflict-affected areas. These challenges deepen existing inequalities women in conflict-affected settings are experiencing the difficulties of gender equality and women empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study employs a qualitative research method utilizing a desktop research design to explore the relationship between civil war and gender inequality. It gathers secondary data from various sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, government publications, reports by international organizations, and policy documents. Data analysis is applied to examine the data through feminist theory, intersectionality theory, and post-colonial theory. These perspectives facilitate a deep understanding of how gendered power relations, intersecting forms of inequality, and historical structural conditions influence women's experiences in conflict situations. The study looks at how war makes women more vulnerable by looking at trauma, health problems, being forced to leave their homes, sexual and gender-based violence, lack of economic and social stability, and difficulties in getting involved in society and education. . According to the findings, protracted civil conflicts have exacerbated gender inequality by subjecting women to extend beyond sexual and gender-based violence, leaving them homeless, denying them access to education, medical consequences, and employment opportunities, and preventing them from participating in choices regarding peace and national governance. Despite the fact that the Women, Peace, and Security agenda has increased global awareness of women's rights, persistent violence, weak governments, and entrenched cultural views that favour males make it difficult to put these concepts into practice. The study comes to the conclusion that improved institutional responses, successful implementation of gender-responsive policies, increased participation of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes, and improved cooperation between the government, regional organizations, and international stakeholders are all necessary for sustainable peace and gender equality in DRC. By offering a comprehensive examination of the consequences of protracted civil war on women's vulnerability and gender equality in the DRC, the study adds to the body of information already available on conflict, gender equality, and peacebuilding.
Exploring the assessment experiences of eight South African practical music assessors during the COVID-19 pandemic
(North-West University, 2024) Isaacs, CL; Cupido, CA
Traditionally, the assessment of classical music performances was conducted in a "live" setting where a practical music assessor is present in the same venue as the music performer. As of March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social and physical distancing measures were put in place that influenced and transformed the assessment approaches and strategies of classical music performances. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the assessment experiences of eight South African practical music assessors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional aims were to identify and understand the similarities and differences between in-person and online practical music assessment environments, to describe how the assessment approaches of classical music performances differed or had to be adapted within the in-person and online practical music assessment environment, and to assess the sustainability of online practical music assessments in South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, while the concepts, insights and detailed understanding were derived from common patterns or themes in the data, which were presented in a rich, descriptive analysis (Merriam, 2002:6). Six main themes emerged: The practical music assessor's influence on the music assessment process; Attributes of online and in-person practical music performances; Changes in the practical music assessor's listening behaviour; The significance of human interaction in practical music assessments; Benefits of online practical music assessments and platforms; Challenges of online practical music assessments and platforms. The study's findings revealed that the practical music assessor wields a significant influence on the assessment process and the effectiveness of that process. It was revealed that the online environment is not conducive to expressive music performances and that it influenced the practical music assessor's listening behaviour and listening experience. A benefit of online practical music assessments was the expanded accessibility and convenience that it afforded students with limited access to in-person practical music assessments. Amongst the challenges of online practical music assessments, the importance of sound ranked as the most significant.
Die Bestuur van Diversiteit in die Suid-Afrikaanse Werksplek: 'n Literatuurperspektief (Vertaal).
(North-West University (South Africa), 2000) Wiebe-Randeree , Katherine
A literature review, delving into the most recent writing by academics and business leaders, was undertaken to study both Global and South African perspectives on managing diversity in the workplace. This study was considered timely and of practical importance to South African organisations, due to the recent legislation of the Employment Equity Act (EE A), and the resistance and lack of compliance being demonstrated by South African managers. [ihe aim of the study was to generate a clear understanding of the breadth and complexity of diversity issues, initiatives and management, and then to isolate practical and successful diversity practices to overcome the barriers and challenges specific to the South African workplace.