UWCScholar
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A review and comparison of methods of testing for heteroskedasticity in the linear regression model
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Blignaut, Renette; Luus, Retha; Steel, Sarel
This study reviews inferential methods for diagnosing heteroskedasticity in the linear regression model, classifying the methods into four types: deflator tests, auxiliary design tests, omnibus tests, and portmanteau tests. A Monte Carlo simulation experiment is used to compare the performance of deflator tests and the performance of auxiliary design and omnibus tests, using the metric of average excess power over size. Certain lesser-known tests (that are not included with some standard statistical software) are found to outperform better-known tests. For instance, the best-performing deflator test was the Evans-King test, and the best-performing auxiliary design and omnibus tests were Verbyla's test and the Cook-Weisberg test, and not standard methods such as White's test and the Breusch-Pagan-Koenker test.
Ethical transgressions among healthcare professionals in South Africa from 2014 to 2023
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2025) Nortjé, Nico; Pontarelli, Maureen; Gezu, Yanet
Background: Patients have become more comfortable lodging complaints with professional regulatory bodies over the last several years, likely influenced by the trending nature of patient-centred care and consumerism in healthcare and increased access to information through social media. Aim: To analyse the frequency and nature of reported ethical transgressions and penalties among registered South African healthcare professionals from 2014 to 2023. Setting: The study took place in South Africa. Methods: A list of all sanctioned cases was obtained from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (data were unavailable for 2019). A mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative content analyses was followed. Results: The study analysed 1012 ethical transgressions among 452 registered medical practitioners, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, dentists and occupational therapists. Fraudulent conduct accounted for the largest number (n = 507 [50.1%]) of transgressions across all professions. The most common penalty imposed was a fine of R1000 to R10000 (26% of total penalties). Both a fine and a suspension were imposed in 82% of cases. Completion of an ethics-based educational course accounted for only 3%. Conclusion: Fraudulent conduct remains the highest reported ethical transgression among registered healthcare professionals in South Africa. Individualised education that remediates deficiencies in ethical behaviours through analysis and reflection could be beneficial in mitigating ethical misconduct among healthcare professionals. Contribution: This study provides a comparative analysis of ethical transgressions and penalties among healthcare professionals in South Africa. It also offers insights into necessary areas of improvement of education and training and suggests a different approach to disciplinary action
Exploring ‘agency-level performance budgetary incentives’ as an effective tool to improve policy outcomes: A case study of the Western Cape government budgeting system.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Josephs, Ezra M
The research study focuses on the adoption and implementation of performance budgeting within the Western Cape province of South Africa, a critical area of inquiry given the ongoing challenges faced by the region, including unemployment, crime, and public health issues. Performance budgeting is understood as a strategic approach designed to enhance the efficiency of public expenditure by linking funding to measurable outcomes. This study aims to explore how performance budgeting can be integrated into the budgetary processes of the Western Cape Government, specifically through agency-level budgetary performance incentives, thereby potentially improving policy outcomes. The significance of this research lies in its exploratory nature, as it seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which performance budgeting can be effectively utilised in a subnational context. By examining the existing planning, programming, and budgeting systems, the study identifies the current features of performance budgeting incentives, as well as the enablers and inhibitors that may affect the implementation of performance budgeting practices. Through qualitative methods, including interviews with Provincial Treasury officials, the research provides insights into the practicalities and challenges of integrating performance-based approaches in public finance management. Ultimately, this research study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on public sector reform and governance by providing a foundational understanding of performance budgeting in the Western Cape. It seeks to offer recommendations for enhancing resource allocation and spending efficiency, thereby fostering improved policy outcomes that respond to the pressing needs of the province's communities.
Assessing the readiness of micro-businesses in the Cape Mmetropolitan to adopt data analytics software
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mungai, watiri
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) particularly, micro-businesses, have access to an increasing volume of data generated through their daily operations. However, their low rate of
adoption and integration of data analytics software into business operations hinders their ability to make effective data-driven decisions. This limits their potential for growth and success
because of not maximising the potential of their data. Additionally, they also have limited knowledge and understanding of the factors that determine to their readiness to adopt and
integrate data analytics software. Without a means to assess their readiness, many SMEs, specifically micro-businesses will continue to hold the misconception that they are incapable
of incorporating data analytics software into their business processes. This study therefore developed an assessment instrument to help micro-businesses evaluate
their readiness for adopting and integrating data analytics software into their businesses. The study drew on four models and frameworks namely the Technology-Organization-
Environment (TOE), Resource-Based View (RBV), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to develop the key criteria of
this instrument. The data for this study was collected through face- to-face, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 21 micro-businesses. This approach allowed for an in-depth analysis of each sub- criterion based on their daily real world business conditions, the ease of answering the questions within the proposed instrument, and participants understanding of the key concepts surrounding data analytics software adoption. The response helped. assess and determine the applicability of the proposed data analytics software assessment instrument. Thereafter, the data was analysed using qualitative content analysis to code and synthesise the responses of micro-business which provided significant insights into the identified dimensions and its sub- criterion. This led to a further refinement of the draft instrument. The findings revealed that Data accessibility, data availability, data quality, cybersecurity awareness, skilled personnel, organisational training, hardware, software, finance, infrastructure, relative advantage, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, complexity and social influence were relevant for inclusion in the assessment instrument. A final evaluation of the practical utility of the instrument was undertaken by applying it among
three micro-enterprises. During this exercise it was found that the questions in the final data analytics software readiness assessment instrument were understandable and easily answered by all three micro-businesses which allowed them, to successfully assess their level of readiness to adopt and integrate the data analytics software.
Exploring the lived experiences of selected grade 9 teachers’ integration of indigenous knowledge in their science lessons in the Western Cape province.
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Magade, Athandile
This study investigated the lived experiences of Grade 9 Natural Sciences teachers with the infusing of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in their teaching. Anchored in a
phenomenological research design and drawing from Giorgi’s analytic approach to data analysis, the study sought to gain insight on how teachers conceptualise, make sense of and
work with the inclusion of IKS in a knowledge world that is predominantly constructed and constituted by Western scientific knowledge. Unstructured interviews were conducted with six
teachers who were purposively selected, and their stories were analysed in detail to find the central themes and connections. The findings indicate that teachers recognise the cultural
significance and the educational relevance of IKS but experience some challenges to integrate Indigenous Knowledge System effectively. The challenges include limited time (due to
curriculum pace), lack of clear teaching approaches, lack of support by the Department of Education and the non-existence of a professional development focusing on Indigenous
Knowledge System. Because of these constraints, some teachers integrate Indigenous Knowledge System informally and at times conduct oral conversations with traditional
knowledge holders on Indigenous Knowledge System for personal experiences. The findings of this can study contribute to proactive integration of KIS in the science curriculum as it argues for more cultural and contextually relevant pedagogical approaches. The study recommends focused curriculum revision, ongoing professional development of teachers, and shared partnerships with Indigenous Knowledge System holders for effective integration of IKS in Natural Sciences education. These are the efforts necessary to establish equitable and
cultural-responsive science education in South Africa. At the end, the research contributes to transformation of science education, and demands attention to more holistic, contextualised
teaching practices.