Browsing by Title
-
Alimi, M.M.; Bagwasi, M.M. (Sage Publications http://www.sagepublications.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Using samples from local newspapers, letters and public speeches, this article argues that English assimilates to and reflects the Botswana culture through borrowing and semantic modification. It discusses those terminologies and expressions that depict the cultural values of Batswana in the usage of English in Botswana. Two types of borrowed items are discussed: those depicting old traditional practices that cannot be translated into English (kgosi and mophato) and those reflecting recent socio-political experiences in Botswana including the HIV/AIDS threat (tebelopele and omang). The people’s culture is also expressed by items such as brigade and the lands that have been semantically modified. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/728 Files in this item: 1
Alimi_JAAS_2009.pdf (1.466Mb) -
Wolski, P.; Masaka, T.; Raditsebe, L.; Murry-Hudson, M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Seasonal changes in inundation area and peak flood occurrence in the Okavango Delta are analysed using a multiple regression technique. The multiple regression models developed constitute useful and simple tools for predicting inundation area and peak flood occurrence in the Okavango Delta. The regression model for monthly inundation area achieves a coefficient of determination of 0.80 and standard error of 538 km². Explanatory variables in the model are various expressions of long-term and short-term antecedent rainfall and inflow conditions. The model for flood peak occurrence can be used for accurate predictions only in the Jao-Boro distributary, for which it achieves a coefficient of determination of 0.85 and standard error of 15 days, with distance to Delta inlet and an expression of flood size as explanatory variables. Propagation of the flood in the two other analysed distributaries, Maunachira-Khwai and Mboroga-Santantadibe, is complex and its quantitative description appears to be beyond the capacity of a simple regression approach. Additionally, the analyses presented provide insight into the role of storage in the dynamics of flood in the system: hydrological inputs are accommodated in the large system storage, and hydrological response is strongly dependent on the factors affecting (slow!) release from that storage. Based on the analyses, the classic model of kinematic flood wave propagation has been adapted accordingly. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/954 Files in this item: 1
Wolski 2005 Aspects of sea.pdf (2.080Mb) -
Pansiri, J.; Temtime, Z.T. (Emerald Publishing Group Ltd, www.emeraldinsight.com/jmd.htm, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper aims to identify perceived critical managerial factors (PCMFs) affecting the performance of SMEs, show the direction and extent of relationship between PCMFs and firm characteristics, and forward some research and policy implications. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/180 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_JMD_2008.pdf (1.957Mb) -
Chilisa, B. (Research and Development Unit, University of Botswana. http://www.thuto.org, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: The article reports findings on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the University of Botswana. Data from multiple sources was used to ascertain prevalence rates, morbidity and mortality among students and staff. Prevalence rates andfuture projections on morbidity could not be ascertained for both students and staff because of the absence of reliable data. The main conclusion drawn is that mortality rates for industrial and junior support staff are almost as high as that of the national adult population (15-49 years). Mortality rates for students and academic staff are however much lower than that projected for equivalent age groups in the national population. The study recommends the setting up of a comprehensive management information system supported by action-oriented research to inform institutional planning and to help comprehend how the epidemic will affect the university URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/604 Files in this item: 1
Chilisa_PULA_2001.pdf (1.076Mb) -
Ongori, H.; Agolla, J.E. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This research finding is based on the responses obtained from the undergraduate students at a higher learning institution (University) in Botswana. This paper investigated the stressors, symptoms and effects that are likely to be experienced by the undergraduate students in higher institutions (Universities). Stressors related to time, academic pressure, and academic environments were explored. A total of 320 students participated in this study. Data was collected through selfadministered questionnaires that were randomly distributed to the students during lecture time. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics and Tables. The open ended question was thematically analysed and the result presented in Table 5. It was found out that, academic workload, inadequate resources, low motivation, poor performance in academic, continuous poor performance in academic, overcrowded lecture halls, and uncertainty of getting job after graduating from the university lead to stress among students. It is hoped that, these findings will help the individual students, lecturers, career and counselling centres, and the university administrators to put in place mechanisms that mitigate the effects of stress at the University. In addition, the finding will also spur a scholarly debate on academic stress among students in higher institutions. We therefore suggest that, other researchers should consider using triangulation method. The limitation of our study was the sample size and lack of geographical coverage since our study only concentrated on one university. Therefore, the findings of this study cannot be generalised and as such the researchers suggest replication of this study using larger samples from other parts of the world to validate our findings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/837 Files in this item: 1
Ongori_ERR4_2009.pdf (1.161Mb) -
Alemaw, B.F.; Shemang, E.M.; Chaoka, T.R. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana is a semi-arid country with limited recharge to groundwater resources. Groundwater however is a major source of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses. There is therefore the need to ensure that the groundwater resources are of drinking quality, by protecting them against pollution sources such as landfills, pit latrines, industries, agricultural pesticides and waste. In this study a preliminary assessment of vulnerability of groundwater to pollution in Kanye well field in SE Botswana is undertaken. In order to assess the vulnerability of this aquifer to pollution, soils types, mapped geology and information from 82 boreholes were input into a GIS system to classify pollution vulnerability using Theissen polygons of the study area. Results indicate that 58% of the well field area is highly or very highly vulnerable to pollution, 34% is moderately vulnerable to pollution, and only 9% has low vulnerability. Estimates of the aquifer media characteristics in areas with only a few observations or few geological logs were considered to have higher uncertainty than areas with many observations. However, the use of the polynomial estimator enabled consideration of simple uncertainty for the aquifer media characteristics and pollution vulnerability modelling process. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/888 Files in this item: 1
Alemaw_PCE_2004.pdf (375.0Kb) -
Oladiran, M.T.; Uziak, J. (http://www.ais.up.ac.za/digi/docs/oladiran_paper.pdf, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: During the first semester of 2007/2008 academic session at the University of Botswana (UB), some mechanical engineering courses were delivered using a blended method i.e. online resource (eLearning) and traditional face to face approach. This paper presents results of a study to analyse students’ perception of the eLearning technology, namely WebCT/Blackboard. An electronic questionnaire was administered to a cohort of third year mechanical engineering students for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 92 items that covered such areas as facilities, resources, access, instruction and quality issues. An open ended section enabled students comment on other issues related to the course delivery. The results show that students were very receptive of ICT based course delivery. The paper discusses the challenges of using eLearning and proffers recommendations to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from technological investment and staff effort. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/459 Files in this item: 1
Oladiran_AICT_2009.pdf (548.4Kb) -
Mangope, B.; Kuyini, A.B.; Major, T. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, June NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This study examines the role and functions of the Botswana Assessment Centre in diagnosing the learning needs of primary school students. It also examines the issues and challenges faced by learners with special needs who are not assessed for placement and/or instructional modification in regular primary schools. This study endeavours to articulate the issues around this lack of assessment and its implications for the learners and teachers of such learners. Forty-nine teachers from primary schools in Gaborone and surroundings responded to a thirteen-item questionnaire. Data from this questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and ANOVA. The results show that the Botswana Assessment Centre (Central Resource Centre (CRC) is unable to assess all students who require assessment and that there is a long wait time for assessments. The results also revealed that although the majority of schools had School Intervention Teams (SIT) who were responsible for referring students to assessment, the role of teams was unclear in some schools. This study recommends that government address the critical shortage of staff facing the Centre and pay more attention to the composition and functioning of the SITs. Finally, the Ministry of Education should explore other ways of ensuring that assessment for placement and modification of instruction can be efficiently and effectively carried out across Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1079 Files in this item: 1
Mangope_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.630Mb) -
Muzila, M.; Setshogo, M.P.; Moseki, B.; Morapedi, R. (Global Science Books, http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The genus Prosopis comprises 44 species. Extensive introgression and hybridization is suspected in the genus, which makes identification of the species very difficult. Accurate identification of the species is crucial in controlling invasive species, within this genus. That is so because the method of control is species specific. The objective of the study was to determine the taxonomic structure of Prosopis species in Southern Botswana. A systematic qualitative approach was used to sample the species such that specimen selection was based on observable morphological discontinuities. The morphological characters were subjected to multivariate analysis since the analysis has been reported to be good at identifying hybrids. The multivariate analysis included anova, cluster analysis, factor analysis and canonical correlation. The study revealed four pure lines of Prosopis and nine hybrid species. The pure lines are Prosopis chilensis, P. juliflora, P. velutina and P glandulosa and they all belong to one section, ALGAROBIA. The observed hybrids were P. chilensis x P. glandulosa, P. glandulosa x P. chilensis, P. juliflora x P. glandulosa, P. chilensis x P. juliflora, Acacia karroo x P. juliflora, P. glandulosa x P. pallid, P. juliflora x P. pallid, P. chilensis x P. juliflora x P. glandulosa and P. chilensis x P. pallida. It was therefore concluded that the Prosopis species in Southern Botswana have formed a hybrid swam. And for the hybrids P. chilensis x P. glandulosa and P. glandulosa x P. chilensis it was concluded that gene flow between P. chilensis and P. glandulosa is bidirectional. For the hybrid P. juliflora x P. glandulosa it was concluded that gene flow was from P. juliflora to P. glandulosa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/921 Files in this item: 1
Muzila_AJPSB_2011.pdf (252.4Kb) -
Moleele, N.; Ringrose, S.; Arnberg, W.; Lunden, B.; Vanderpost, C. (Taylor and Francis http://www.clas.ufl.edu/lueci/southworth/RS-class-advanced/Discussion-readings/Moleele%20et%20al%202001%20Assessment%20of%20veg%20indexes%20i.pdf, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Considerable signi® cance is placed on the mapping and monitoring of degraded areas in semi-arid regions of the world, including Botswana. Degraded areas include those suVering from bush encroachment, believed to result from heavy cattle grazing over a number of years. However, certain bush encroachment species have been found to be relatively nutrient-rich.The present work considers the extent to which a series of quanti® ed layers throughmainly bush encroachment canopies can be identi® ed using conventional and newly derived vegetation indexes and transforms based on Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery. Field work involved the strati® cation of green biomass into ® rstly the herbaceous cover layer; secondly the 0.3± 1.5m browse layer; then the 1.5± 2.5m browse layer; and ® nally the >2.5m browse layer. Biomass measurements from these layers were statistically associated with conventional vegetation indexes and transforms such as the NormalizedDiVerenceVegetation Index (NDVI), brightness and greenness values, and relatively newly derived darkening indexes involving the mid-infrared bands. When green biomass and transformed pixel data were averaged per classi® ed vegetation unit, weak negative correlations emerged between grass biomass and the transformed pixel data and no signi® cant correlations developed with the woody biomass (browse) layers. However, when point data were used in the analyses, results showed that most indexes and the brightness transform were signi® cantly correlated with the lower browse layer. Only the darkening indexes and brightness function were sensitive to the browse layers individually and the browse plus grass layers. This work shows the limitations of conventional indexes such as the NDVI in terms of browse and herbaceous layer assessment. New indexes for forage assessment based on relationships between the mid-infrared bands, such as those found in the new MODIS TERRA platform, are urgently required for semi-arid areas. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/410 Files in this item: 1
Moleele_IJRS_2001.pdf (903.7Kb) -
Balogi, K.T.O. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Since the 1980s, some major villages in Botswana have experienced an increase in deviance and crime among youth. This deviance is often manifested in an escalation of criminal gangs that are mostly male in composition. The intense search for the causes of this problem by traditional and modern custodians of law often blame parents' inability to control and guide their children. This paper explores some of the difficulties of regarding the family as either the cause or the potential solution to the problem of youth deviance and crime. Blaming families fails to take into account the effects of societal changes that undermine the effectiveness of the family as an agent of social control. Drawing on existing literature, this paper concludes that it is no longer useful to assume the centrality of the family in combating youth crime. Poverty, unemployment, changes in marriage patterns and divorce must also be taken into account, as all of these have serious implications on the structure and agency of the family. This calls for a baseline study on the family to put the fundamental issues of its structure and agency into proper socio-economic and cultural perspective. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/895 Files in this item: 1
Balogi_PBJAS_2004.pdf (666.2Kb) -
Inambao, F.L.; Mosweu, M. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: It is widely recognised that air pollution caused by the global rapid increase of automobile traffic is a threat to the environment. With regard to automobiles there are three general areas of concern: urban pollution, especially in highly populated cities with high density of private transport, depletion of the ozone layer and pollution resulting in disturbance of natural environment. Several methods of effective control of automobile emsissions to meet current and future environmental demands are analyzed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/626 Files in this item: 1
Inambao_BJT_1999.pdf (951.9Kb) -
Mahgoub, S.E.; Lesoli, P.P.; Gobotswang, K. (Rural Outreach Program. http://www.bioline.org., NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Food product labelling has become a popular policy tool, particularly with respect to the provision of nutrition and health information. Nutrition labelling is a valuable tool in learning how to apply nutrition information in a practical way. Nutrition information on food labels can help consumers to choose healthier food. For companies competing in the global food and beverage marketplace, understanding local consumer attitudes and purchase behaviour regarding healthy foods, nutrition, and labelling is critically important for success. This study attempts to evaluate the level of knowledge and use of nutrition information on food packages among consumers in Maseru, Lesotho. A structured questionnaire, covering aspects of knowledge and use of food labels and nutrition information, was used to collect information from two hundred and sixty consumers. The study also included open-ended questions on what consumers expected to be on the food label, what they understand by nutrition information, what its importance is, and if they think it should be included on the food package labels and why. The findings indicate that the main demographic features of the participants were: 67.3% female, 59.6% married, 55.9% completed primary, middle or high school, and 68.4% were poor. Majority (71.2%) of the participants claimed that they use a shopping list. Less than half of the participants (40.5%) indicated that nutrition information on food labels, rather than price, taste, appearance, habit, convenience, or brand name, was their main motivator to purchase foods. With regard to food label and nutrition information knowledge, a majority of the participants said they knew about them (59.6% for food label knowledge, and 69.2% for nutrition information knowledge). The same trend has been observed with respect to use of nutrition information on food labels when shopping, where 63.8% claimed that they utilise that knowledge when shopping. For the lowest income group, food price was the major determining factor of the types of foods they buy. A positive relationship between age of participants and nutrition information knowledge was observed. It was noted that as the level of education increased, the level of knowledge about food label increased. The level and use of nutrition knowledge when purchasing foods increased with age, education level and family income. Answers to the open-ended questions showed high degree of awareness about nutrition information on food labels, and why it is important to utilise that information. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/580 Files in this item: 1
Gobotswang_AJFAND_2007.pdf (539.9Kb) -
Qobose, E.N. (Indiana University Press; http://inscribe.iupress.org/loi/ral, NaN, 1989)[more][less]
Abstract: The two universities - University of Botswana (UB) and National University of Lesotho (NUL)-have their origins in the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland (UBLS). The University of Botswana came into existence in 1982, while the National University of Lesotho was established in 1976. The Department of African Languages and Literature is one of the oldest in the humanities faculty. The two major languages and literatures, Setswana and Sesotho, have so much in common that one can hardly discuss one without the other. The Department of African Languages and Literature of the University of Botswana offers a course, AL305-''Individual Project Work on a Literary or Linguistic Topic." Similarly, the National University of Lesotho offers AL304-"Project Work on a Literary or Linguistic Topic." Students are required to submit dissertations in partial fulfilment of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Between 1973 and 1983, seventy-three dissertations on modern and traditional literature were presented, including forty-one in Sesotho and thirty-two in Setswana. Copies are kept in the special collections of the University libraries. For the purposes of this bibliography, the Setswana dissertations written at UBLS and the University of Botswana and Swaziland (1976-82) are included under UB, and the Sesotho dissertations of UBLS are included under NUL. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/203 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Qobose_RAL_1989v2.pdf (1.202Mb) -
Tsayang, G. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, March NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: A survey study was conducted to establish perceptions of students who completed in 2008 and 2009 respectively in the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Education Management regarding the study provision and conditions, therefore the perceived value and quality of the study programme. Theories of learning which point to the influence of the ‘inner world’, the ‘work environment’ and the ‘other people’ on learning and therefore perceptions of programmes were used as the theoretical framework. B.Ed. Educational Management students filled in a questionnaire which had both open and close ended items. Perceptions were deduced from views on, among others, facilities to support the programme, usefulness of the programme for work, quality of the programme and support availed students. The findings showed an overwhelming positive perception of the programme. By implication, the programme would be expected to positively enhance learning thus, produce managers who would have a positive impact in the schools. Among the recommendations made were that the Ministry of Education and Skills Development of Botswana considers sponsoring more inservice management students to the local programme to reduce on costs, with cognisance being taken to avoid inbreeding where every manager would be coming from the local institution. Another recommendation is to conduct a study to establish the impact of these graduates on education where they are deployed as school managers. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/979 Files in this item: 1
Tsayang_IJSRE_2011..pdf (1.700Mb) -
Vento, S.; Tanko, M.N. (The Lancet. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/issue/current, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Biopsy specimens were taken from intact areas of antral mucosa in 100 consenting consecutive patients presenting for gastroscopy at the Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. Spiral or curved bacilli were found in biopsy specimens from 58 patients. The bacteria were usually found in close contact with the mucosa, often in grooves between cells, within acinus-like infoldings of the epithelium, or within the mucosal pits. Gram-negative, flagellate, microaerophilic bacilli cultured from 11 biopsy specimens seemed to be a new species related to the genus campylobacter. The bacteria were sensitive to tetracycline, erythromycin, kanamycin, gentamicin, and penicillin,and were resistant to nalidixic acid. The bacteria were present in almost all patients with active chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer, or gastric ulcer. Therefore, they might be an important causal factor in these diseases URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/348 Files in this item: 1
Bacterium that could cause cancer.pdf (660.5Kb) -
Bennett, B.S.; Bolaane, M.M. (African Studies Center, Boston University, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The article is about the inter-war history of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, in which it was alleged that Tshekedi Khama, regent of the BaNgwato (1925-1949), was persecuting a small group of people for practicing Anglicanism, thus violating the official monopoly of the London Missionary Society (L.M.S.). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/747 Files in this item: 1
Bolaane_IJAHS_2010..pdf (1.411Mb) -
Gerhan, D.R.; Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – To examine the technical reasons for excessively slow internet speeds at the University of Botswana, to discover the present state of development efforts addressing such examples of the qualitative digital divide, and to recommend remedies. Design/methodology/ approach – Surveys of students, the authors' professional experiences, and reports from corporate, public, and intergovernmental organizations provided insights into the effects – and causes – of internet slowdown. Findings –Bandwidth bottlenecks were identified in successive stages of intercontinental internet traffic. Causes included network design and capacity, telecommunications regulations, and competing budgetary demands within Botswana. Research limitations/implications – Much of the literature on the digital divide has stressed plentiful hardware and internet connections in affluent societies versus their scarcity in developing societies. This study illustrates that hardware and connections are necessary but not sufficient for adequate online performance. Technological advance and development can each stimulate the other, and that two-way interconnection necessitates more than a simple call for more spending to increase developing countries' bandwidth. The paper presents recommendations in addition to higher funding. Originality/value – Student and other micro-level data serve as measures for the local performance of a global utility, the internet. Tracking message transmission uncovers bottlenecks along the path of the intercontinental internet, specifically as it reaches Africa. These “street-level” approaches can assist the international aid community, the telecommunications industry, and the public sector in Botswana and elsewhere in removing obstacles to the internet as a potentially important tool for national- and human-development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/796 Files in this item: 1
Gerhan_LHT_2005.pdf (1.566Mb) -
Setlhare, L. (John Wiley, www.wiley.com, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines how monetary policy was actually conducted in Botswana, by specifying and estimating a monetary reaction function for the Bank of Botswana (BoB). Basically, a monetary reaction function (MRF) for a central bank is an equation that is intended to establish the goals that have actually been influencing the actions of the central bank. A MRF would exist if the monetary authorities (or BoB in particular) have been purposeful and reasonably consistent in the policy-making process. Thus, a study of a MRF provides a test on whether the monetary policy-making process has been characterised by systematic (if it exists) or random (if it does not exist) changes in the policy instrument(s). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/992 Files in this item: 1
Setlhare_SAJE_2004.pdf (983.8Kb) -
Mukhopadhyay, S.; Nwaogu, P. (Routledge. http://www.informaworld.com, December NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to gain an understanding of the challenges of teaching non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities and the scope of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used in primary school settings in Gaborone, Botswana. A qualitative interview methodology was used to investigate the experiences of 11 special educators working with non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities. Participants of the study revealed that teaching non-speaking students with intellectual disabilities is challenging. The study further showed that AAC systems were not widely used in Botswana, and that teachers lacked knowledge and skills. Nevertheless, the participants recognised the importance of AAC in enhancing the functional communication skills of the non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities. Based on the findings recommendations are made to pave the way forward. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/532 Files in this item: 1
Mukhopadhyay_IJDDE_2009.pdf (825.5Kb)