A paradigm shift in non-profit management: exploring transition from philanthropy to social enterprise in NGOs

A research report presented to The Department of Social Work School of Human and Community Development Faculty of Humanities University of the Witwatersrand In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Social Development January 2015This study explores the paradigm shift in non-profit management focusing on experiences of non-governmental organisations (hereafter NGOs) that have transitioned from being donor dependent and adopted the social enterprise form of operation. Several organisations have prudently adopted social enterprise as a framework for non-profit management in an attempt to attain financial stability and maintain the goal of addressing social problems. However, little research has been done on the change management process of shifting from aid dependency to self-sustainable management in NGOs. Beyond this, the adoption of social enterprise principles in non-profit management has led to concerns of mission consistency and entrepreneurial competence in maintaining the fundamental visions and strategies of NGOs. This study adopted a qualitative approach. The data were gathered from a sample of 9 individuals who are of employees of the selected NGO and they were selected via purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview schedule was used as the primary data collection tool and data were gathered using in-depth interviews which were tape recorded. Additional data was obtained from documents and records of the selected NGO. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings show that dwindling donor aid, shifting donor priorities and the desire to strengthen social impact account for NGO transition to social entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the findings also indicate the key success factors for a successful transition to social entrepreneurship. These include infusing an entrepreneurial culture in the organisation, encouraging risk taking, effective communication and leadership inter alia. The findings also reveal a number of challenges that are experienced during the transition process pointing to the difficulty of selling mental health services, and breaking a culture of donor aid dependency among other things. It is hoped that the findings of the study will have both theoretical and practical value especially for NGOs transitioning to social entrepreneurship

Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance Associated with Differential miRNA Expression of miR-375 and miR-27 among Oral Cancer Cell Lines

Objective: Although progress has been made towards the identification of molecular profiles that influence oral cancer growth and metastasis, recent advances have suggested that non-coding microRNAs (such as miR-21, miR-27, miR-145, miR-155, miR-365, miR-375 and miR-494) may be involved in multiple aspects of chemotherapeutic responsiveness. Based upon the paucity of information regarding this phenomenon, this project will determine whether these specific microRNAs are correlated with oral cancer responsiveness to chemotherapies, including Paclitaxel, Cisplatin and Fluorouracil (5FU).Methods: Commercially available and well-characterized oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (SCC4, SCC9, SCC15, SCC25 and CAL27) were used for this study. Experimental 96-well assays were performed to determine proliferation rates, chemotherapy resistance and sensitivity. RNA was extracted under treatment conditions and relative expression of microRNAs was analyzed using qPCR to determine any correlations with chemotherapy resistance. Results: Proliferation assays revealed differing resistance and chemosensitivity to Cisplatin (-8.47% to -55.14%), Fluorouracil or 5FU (-8.5% to -57.31%) and Paclitaxol or Taxol (- 4.5% to -62.54%) among the oral cancer cell lines - with SCC9 and SCC25 demonstrating the most resistance and SCC15 the least resistance. SCC9 and SCC25 are also the only cell lines that expressed miR-375, and were the only cell lines that do not express miR-27. In addition, the least susceptible cell line SCC15 was the only cell line to express miR-145 and conversely was the only cell line not to produce miR-155. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the most susceptible cell line to all three chemotherapeutic agents produced miR-375 but did not produce miR-27. Conversely, the least susceptible cell lines differentially expressed miR-145 and miR-155. This strongly suggests differential microRNA expression may be associated with chemotherapeutic resistance to known and commonly used agents, which may be a useful tool to determine chemoresistance potential in specific tumors - a specific goal of personalized medicine and individualized therapy. One sentence summary: Chemotherapy resistance among oral cancer cell lines was strongly correlated with differential expression of microRNAs, including miR-133, miR-27, miR-494, miR-145, miR-365, miR-720, miR-124 and miR-424. Keywords: Oral cancer, chemotherapy resistance, microRNA expressio

Explaining the influence of enterprise architecture planning on information technology performance : a resource based view of the firm

The concept of Architecture has received widespread acceptance within the construction industry. However, its importance within the Information Technology industry is a contested one. Critics of Architecture in the Information Technology (IT) industry posit that there is inadequate evidence to assume that it makes a difference to performance of IT. Enterprises increasingly need to ensure that they leverage their IT benefits not only within their silos but across business units. This need has driven ideas to introduce enterprise-wide blueprints or Enterprise Architecture (EA) Planning solutions to guide them in the design and implementation of IT. This study uses a quantitative survey to attempt to answer two questions: 1) What factors influence EA Planning within organizations? 2) To what extent does EA Planning improve IT performance? The Diffusion of Innovation theory (Compatibility, Ease of Use and Relative Advantage) was used to investigate the use of EA Planning whilst the Resource Based View of the Firm was used to investigate the performance impact of EA Planning. IT Performance is measured by Heterogeneity of Physical IT Infrastructure, Replication of IT Infrastructure Services, Business Application Integration and Enterprise Data Integration. EA Planning is measured by EA Planning Human Capital, IT Infrastructure Flexibility and Partnership Quality. Data was collected from 90 architects, some from South African consulting companies and the rest from architects around the world linked to popular Enterprise Architecture virtual communities. The key findings were significant relationships between the following for the factors that influence use of EA Planning: Compatibility and IT Infrastructure Flexibility; Ease of Use of EA Planning Policies and EA Planning Human Capital; Relative Advantage and EA Planning Partnership Quality. Significant relationships were found between the following for factors that influence IT Performance: EA Planning Human Capital and IT Performance (a combination of Enterprise Data Integration, Business Application Integration, Replication of IT Infrastructure Service and Heterogeneity of Physical IT Infrastructure); EA Planning IT Infrastructure Flexibility and Heterogeneity of Physical IT Infrastructure; EA Planning IT Infrastructure Flexibility and Business Application Integration. EA Planning Partnership Quality was rejected as a determinant of IT Performance. This study sheds light on how resistance to EA Planning can be reduced and also highlights the potential benefits of EA Planning in organizations. The implications will directly affect the relationship between EA practitioners and IT projects

WILD WISE WEIRD: A REFLECTION OF HUMANITIES

Wild Wise Weird presents a compelling collection of narratives that use anthropomorphised birds to explore significant themes relevant to contemporary global societies. Through allegorical storytelling, the chapters address critical issues such as community dynamics, resource management, health awareness, leadership challenges, and environmental stewardship. Each narrative, particularly those featuring Kingfisher, reflects the socio-economic complexities many communities face, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and informed decision-making

The Influence of School Principal Leadership, Motivation, and Interpersonal Communication on Teacher Performance

This study explores the influence of principal leadership, work motivation, and interpersonal communication on teacher performance in elementary schools in the Teluk Ambon District, Ambon City. The results reveal that each of these factors significantly impacts teacher performance, with principal leadership emerging as the most influential contributor. Furthermore, the study confirms that the combined effect of these variables plays a vital role in enhancing teacher outcomes. Effective school leadership improves resource management, fosters a supportive work environment, and strengthens teacher professionalism. Work motivation sustains teacher engagement and commitment, while strong interpersonal communication promotes collaboration and reduces conflict. These findings are consistent with previous research and offer practical implications for advancing school leadership practices and enhancing teacher performance through a strategic emphasis on motivation and communication

The poetry of Ibn al-Rùmī

Early Arab writers have little to say about Ibn al-Rùm and his poetry. His life and his poetry are, indeed, different from early Arabic poets and poetry in general. Those who have written on Ibn al-Rùm have covered neither the whole of his life nor the whole of his works. There are, consequently, in my opinion, many aspects of his life and poetry which need to be studied. I have approached Ibn al-Rùm's life through his poetry and have used this as my primary source, attempting to see the relevance of his poetry to his life and hopefully, the relevance of his life to his poetry. I have not devoted a separate chapter to the period during which Ibn al-Rùm lived and wrote; I have attempted to study this period through Ibn al-Rùm's poetry and life. This thesis consists of an Abstract, a short introductory notice, three chapters and a brief summation. My main concern has been to translate the poetry into English and to assist it to speak in its own voice, adding notes and comments only when strictly necessary. In the first chapter (one) Ibn al-Rùm's ancestry, education and emotionally fraught life are studied, as well as his relationship with Caliphs and princes, his intellectual and physical malaise, his effeminacy and the milieu in which he lived. In chapter two; I study Istiqsa' before Ibn al-Rùm and his poetry Tashkis, his quotations from al-Qur'an and from the Jahli and 'Abbasid poetry. His relationship with the other poets of his period and the role played by the realm of the senses in his Dwan. Chapter three is a study of the genres: panegyrics, lampoons, elegies and love poetry. The work ends with a short summary of the principal findings of this study of Ibn al-Rùm through his poetry

EVALUATING OPERATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND THE SUCCESS OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA

After gaining political independence, most African countries have persistently faced slow to negative economic growth. The economic growth rate for South Africa (SA) for the first quarter of 2018 was 1.5% and the unemployment rate at 26.7%. Negative economic growth leads to a reduction in revenue, loss of employment, decrease in income and an increase in poverty.This study assesses the factors affecting the success of agricultural cooperatives in the City of Tshwane. A survey used self-completion questionnaire to collect data from 240 members of agricultural cooperatives located in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. Data analysis used Statistical Package for Social Sciences to conduct descriptive and multivariate analyses, factor analysis and correlations. Findings indicated that members of cooperatives had negative perceptions on operational competencies such as member participation, structural factors, communication, management, training and education, as well as on external factors at the agricultural cooperatives. It needs to be highlighted that operational competencies within theagricultural cooperatives affect the success of these cooperatives. The study recommendation includes the need for training and development for members, creation of sustainable relationships, networks with non-governmental organisations and external stakeholders, development of viable marketing strategies, and upgrading and improving of the infrastructure

NILAI-NILAI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER ISLAM DALAM BUKU MENCARI BENING MATA AIR RENUNGAN A. MUSTOFA BISRI KARYA A. MUSTOFA BISRI

ABSTRAK Mahmudha Huni Untoro, (26.10.3.1.113). Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Karakter dalam Buku Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustofa Bisri karya A. Mustofa Bisri. Skripsi: Jurusan Pendidikan Agama Islam, Fakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan IAIN Surakarta, Juli 2017. Pembimbing : Drs. Sukirman, M.Ag Kata Kunci : Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Karakter Islam, Buku Mencari ....Bening Mata Air Adanya krisis etika dan moral dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat, berbangsa dan bernegara, bahkan juga krisis etika dan moral dalam beragama lantas memunculkan pertanyaan tentang peranan dan sumbangan Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) dalam membentuk etika dan moral. Walaupun variabel perkembangan permasalahan tersebut sesungguhnya sangat kompleks, namun seringkali secara langsung maupun tidak langsung dihubungkan dengan permasalahan pendidikan agama di sekolah. Pertanyaan seperti ini dianggap sah- sah saja karena sumber dari berbagai permasalahan tersebut adalah akibat adanya krisis etika dan moral, sedangkan tugas pokok pendidikan agama adalah membentuk anak didik memiliki moralitas dan akhlak budi pekerti yang mulia. Pendidikan karakter saat ini perlu diterapkan dan dikembangkan dalam dunia pendidikan disegala tingkatan dengan serius dan sungguh-sunguh. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apa saja nilai-nilai Pendidikan Karakter Islam dalam Buku Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustofa Bisri karya A. Mustofa Bisri. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian kepustakaan (library research). Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan metode pengumpulan data dokumentasi dan wawancara. Sumber data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini data primer dan data sekunder, dengan mengambil objek kajian buku “Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustofa Bisri karya A. Mustofa Bisri” dan buku-buku lain yang berhubungan dengan penelitian ini. Teknik analisis data menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif, deduktif dan induktif. Hasil analisis dapat diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa didalam buku Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustafa Bisri karya A. Mustofa Bisri terdapat beberapa nilai pendidikan karakter Islam, diantaranya adalah: religius, kasih sayang, toleransi, sederhana dan tidak berlebihan, peduli sosial dan tanggungjawab. ABSTRACT Mahmudha Huni Untoro, (26.10.3.1.113). Character Education Values in Books Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustofa Bisri by A. Mustofa Bisri. Thesis: Department of Islamic Religious Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training IAIN Surakarta, July 2017. Supervisor: Drs. Sukirman, M.Ag Keywords: Islamic Character Education Values, Book Mencari Bening Mata Air. The existence of ethical and moral crisis in the life of society, nation and state, even ethical and moral crisis in religion then raises questions about the role and contribution of Islamic Education (PAI) in shaping ethics and morals. Although the variables of development of the problem are actually very complex, but often directly or indirectly associated with the problem of religious education in schools. Questions like these are considered legitimate because the source of these problems is the result of an ethical and moral crisis, while the main task of religious education is to form students have the virtue and morals noble character. Character education now needs to be applied and developed in the education world at all levels seriously and earnestly. The purpose of this study is to find out what are the values of Islamic Character Education in Book Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustofa Bisri by A. Mustofa Bisri. This research is a type of library research. Methods of data collection using documentation data collection methods and interviews. Sources of data used in this study primary data and secondary data, by taking the object of study book "Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustofa Bisri by A. Mustofa Bisri" and other books related to this research. Data analysis techniques using descriptive analysis techniques, deductive and inductive. The results of the analysis can be concluded that in the book Mencari Bening Mata Air Renungan A. Mustofa Bisri by A. Mustofa Bisri there are some values of Islamic character education, such as: religious, compassion, tolerance, simple and not excessive, social care and responsibility