Gerrit Van Der Waldt
Biographic Data
| ID | 244628 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Gerrit Van Der Waldt |
| GIVEN NAMES | Gerrit |
| FAMILY NAME | Van Der Waldt |
| SIGNATURE | VAN DER WALDT G |
| AFFILIATIONS | North-West University |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-9458-1982 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 17 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 106 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 16 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 1 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2006 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Formulating research questions in social science research
Formulating clear and focussed research questions is a fundamental step in social science research because the questions shape the design, methodology and analysis of the entire study. Well-crafted research questions define the scope of inquiry, align with methodological approaches and contribute to theoretical advancement. To facilitate this process, several frameworks have been developed to guide the creation of primary and secondary research q…
Constructing theoretical frameworks in social science research
Theoretical frameworks generally serve as the intellectual scaffolding that underpins research processes in the social sciences, providing an analytical lens through which researchers make sense of complex social phenomena.This article is an exploration of the fundamental role of theoretical frameworks in social science research. Firstly, it sheds light on its ontological, epistemological and methodological design imperatives, beginning with an e…
Measuring social cohesion initiatives in local government
The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research (TD) is a journal dedicated to promoting the concept of transdisciplinary research. It is aimed at creating knowledge with the collaboration of the formal sectors of the natural and human sciences as base. Over and above this, the intention is to focus on levels of knowledge that are to be found at grassroots level. It is important to explore this knowledge because it becomes the groundwork for further k…
Handbook of Public Management in Africa
Corporate Social Responsibility 2.0 Towards a socio-transformative paradigm for business
The South African business fraternity is expected to contribute to and foster the government’s social transformation agenda. This contribution should be directed by businesses’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) intentions and organizational arrangements. However, companies’ efforts in this regard are being increasingly criticized due to the absence of a socio-transformative agenda. In other words, CSR praxis is perceived to be inadequately po…
The judicious use of theory in social science research
Social science research is focussed mainly on societal concerns and human dynamics. In \nscholarly domains such as Public Administration, theory is commonly regarded as the \nbackbone of studies, but the why, where and how dimensions of theory in the research process \nare generally ill-defined. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the use of theory as valueadding \ncatalyst in the research process. Following a literature review based on …
Constructing conceptual frameworks in social science research
Research in the social sciences is concerned with complex social behaviour, group dynamics and unique human settings. Researchers have different patterns of thought and modes of thinking. As such, they often use different words to explain phenomena, thereby causing conceptual confusion. This article explains how conceptual frameworks can help overcome such confusion by serving as visual organising tools and mental maps to direct and guide researc…
Perspectives on National Identity: The Case of Emerging Intelligentsia in South Africa
After more than two decades since the general euphoria associated with the South African ‘miracle’, the ‘Madiba magic’ and the ‘Rainbow Nation’, it is necessary to take stock whether (and if so, how) the state succeeded in building a national identity. Such an identity includes cultural and ethnic identity and is a strong indicator of the level of cohesion or polarisation in a country. The purpose of this article was to reflect on findings of an …
Potential socio-economic consequences of mine closure
Background: Mine closures generally reveal negligence on the part of mining houses, not only in terms of the environment, but also the surrounding mining communities.Aim: This article reflects on the findings of research into the socio-economic consequences of mine closure. The research specifically explored how mineworkers' dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihood.Setting: The research was conduc…
An exploration of objectivism and social constructivism within the context of disaster risk
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning of social constructivism and objectivism within the context of disaster risk from which disaster risk policy can be analysed. In particular, the paper attempts to explore the implications of social constructivism and objectivism in disaster risk which is essential in explaining why disaster risk has different nuances and consequently policy responses. Design/methodology/approach – A…
Section 139 interventions in South African local government, 1994-2015
Recent trends point to the fact that national and provincial government interventions in the local sphere of government in South Africa have become more commonplace. These trends can be seen, within the broader context of state dysfunction, to constitute a novel and discernible phenomenon, namely “interventionism”. Furthermore, the theoretical body of knowledge related to the phenomenon of state dysfunction suggests that issues of poor service de…
Self-help Governance and State Dysfunction: Exploratory Perspectives on the South African State and Civil Society
This article explores the phenomenon of self-help governance initiatives that manifest in the context of state dysfunction in South Africa. It is argued that the inability of dysfunctional states to render adequate public goods and services prompts civil society to respond in protests. Such protest may be violent and destructive, or assume a constructive ‘do-it-yourself’ character. The latter forms the focus of the article and is explored through…
Probing strategy-project alignment: The case of the South African Social Security Agency
Public institutions, such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) increasingly function in multi-project environments to translate strategies successfully into service-delivery initiatives. However, this 'projectification' often causes projects to be designed and executed haphazardly. This can lead to budget and schedule overruns, and the general wastage of an organisation's resources. Project failures often occur where organisations …
Project management and performance management: Potential Transdisciplinary Contributions
As project management and performance management as management applications gain momentum in public sector settings, the question often arise as to if, how, and when these applications should complement each other in various policy implementation and service delivery initiatives. Answers to this question should be sought from various vantage points or perspectives. These vantage points may range from macro, meso, micro as well as theoretical-meth…
Project Governance: A Municipal Leadership Challenge
Institutions utilizing projects for policy implementation and service delivery initiatives should make provision for adequate institutional arrangements for the governance of projects. Governance includes authoritative decisions regarding resource allocation, performance monitoring and oversight, powers of the project manager, accountability issues and the establishment of structures to facilitate clear interfaces between municipal leadership and…
Doing' health policy analysis: Methodological and Conceptual Reflections and Challenges
The case for undertaking policy analysis has been made by a number of scholars and practitioners. However, there has been much less attention given to how to do policy analysis, what research designs, theories or methods best inform policy analysis. This paper begins by looking at the health policy environment, and some of the challenges to researching this highly complex phenomenon. It focuses on research in middle and low income countries, draw…
Health systems and the implementation of disease programmes: Case studies from South Africa
This paper analyses the transfer and implementation of two internationally formulated infectious disease strategies in South Africa, namely, directly observed therapy (DOTS) for TB and syndromic management (SM) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using the tools of policy analysis, this paper seeks to draw conclusions from contrasting experiences with the two strategies. DOTS and SM differ with respect to styles of engagement by World Hea…
Doing' health policy analysis: Methodological and Conceptual Reflections and Challenges
The case for undertaking policy analysis has been made by a number of scholars and practitioners. However, there has been much less attention given to how to do policy analysis, what research designs, theories or methods best inform policy analysis. This paper begins by looking at the health policy environment, and some of the challenges to researching this highly complex phenomenon. It focuses on research in middle and low income countries, draw…
Constructing theoretical frameworks in social science research
Theoretical frameworks generally serve as the intellectual scaffolding that underpins research processes in the social sciences, providing an analytical lens through which researchers make sense of complex social phenomena.This article is an exploration of the fundamental role of theoretical frameworks in social science research. Firstly, it sheds light on its ontological, epistemological and methodological design imperatives, beginning with an e…
The judicious use of theory in social science research
Social science research is focussed mainly on societal concerns and human dynamics. In \nscholarly domains such as Public Administration, theory is commonly regarded as the \nbackbone of studies, but the why, where and how dimensions of theory in the research process \nare generally ill-defined. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the use of theory as valueadding \ncatalyst in the research process. Following a literature review based on …
Constructing conceptual frameworks in social science research
Research in the social sciences is concerned with complex social behaviour, group dynamics and unique human settings. Researchers have different patterns of thought and modes of thinking. As such, they often use different words to explain phenomena, thereby causing conceptual confusion. This article explains how conceptual frameworks can help overcome such confusion by serving as visual organising tools and mental maps to direct and guide researc…
Formulating research questions in social science research
Formulating clear and focussed research questions is a fundamental step in social science research because the questions shape the design, methodology and analysis of the entire study. Well-crafted research questions define the scope of inquiry, align with methodological approaches and contribute to theoretical advancement. To facilitate this process, several frameworks have been developed to guide the creation of primary and secondary research q…
Perspectives on National Identity: The Case of Emerging Intelligentsia in South Africa
After more than two decades since the general euphoria associated with the South African ‘miracle’, the ‘Madiba magic’ and the ‘Rainbow Nation’, it is necessary to take stock whether (and if so, how) the state succeeded in building a national identity. Such an identity includes cultural and ethnic identity and is a strong indicator of the level of cohesion or polarisation in a country. The purpose of this article was to reflect on findings of an …
Self-help Governance and State Dysfunction: Exploratory Perspectives on the South African State and Civil Society
This article explores the phenomenon of self-help governance initiatives that manifest in the context of state dysfunction in South Africa. It is argued that the inability of dysfunctional states to render adequate public goods and services prompts civil society to respond in protests. Such protest may be violent and destructive, or assume a constructive ‘do-it-yourself’ character. The latter forms the focus of the article and is explored through…
Health systems and the implementation of disease programmes: Case studies from South Africa
This paper analyses the transfer and implementation of two internationally formulated infectious disease strategies in South Africa, namely, directly observed therapy (DOTS) for TB and syndromic management (SM) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using the tools of policy analysis, this paper seeks to draw conclusions from contrasting experiences with the two strategies. DOTS and SM differ with respect to styles of engagement by World Hea…
Doing' health policy analysis: Methodological and Conceptual Reflections and Challenges
The case for undertaking policy analysis has been made by a number of scholars and practitioners. However, there has been much less attention given to how to do policy analysis, what research designs, theories or methods best inform policy analysis. This paper begins by looking at the health policy environment, and some of the challenges to researching this highly complex phenomenon. It focuses on research in middle and low income countries, draw…
Project Governance: A Municipal Leadership Challenge
Institutions utilizing projects for policy implementation and service delivery initiatives should make provision for adequate institutional arrangements for the governance of projects. Governance includes authoritative decisions regarding resource allocation, performance monitoring and oversight, powers of the project manager, accountability issues and the establishment of structures to facilitate clear interfaces between municipal leadership and…
Project management and performance management: Potential Transdisciplinary Contributions
As project management and performance management as management applications gain momentum in public sector settings, the question often arise as to if, how, and when these applications should complement each other in various policy implementation and service delivery initiatives. Answers to this question should be sought from various vantage points or perspectives. These vantage points may range from macro, meso, micro as well as theoretical-meth…
An exploration of objectivism and social constructivism within the context of disaster risk
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning of social constructivism and objectivism within the context of disaster risk from which disaster risk policy can be analysed. In particular, the paper attempts to explore the implications of social constructivism and objectivism in disaster risk which is essential in explaining why disaster risk has different nuances and consequently policy responses. Design/methodology/approach – A…
Section 139 interventions in South African local government, 1994-2015
Recent trends point to the fact that national and provincial government interventions in the local sphere of government in South Africa have become more commonplace. These trends can be seen, within the broader context of state dysfunction, to constitute a novel and discernible phenomenon, namely “interventionism”. Furthermore, the theoretical body of knowledge related to the phenomenon of state dysfunction suggests that issues of poor service de…
Self-help Governance and State Dysfunction: Exploratory Perspectives on the South African State and Civil Society
This article explores the phenomenon of self-help governance initiatives that manifest in the context of state dysfunction in South Africa. It is argued that the inability of dysfunctional states to render adequate public goods and services prompts civil society to respond in protests. Such protest may be violent and destructive, or assume a constructive ‘do-it-yourself’ character. The latter forms the focus of the article and is explored through…
Probing strategy-project alignment: The case of the South African Social Security Agency
Public institutions, such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) increasingly function in multi-project environments to translate strategies successfully into service-delivery initiatives. However, this 'projectification' often causes projects to be designed and executed haphazardly. This can lead to budget and schedule overruns, and the general wastage of an organisation's resources. Project failures often occur where organisations …
Potential socio-economic consequences of mine closure
Background: Mine closures generally reveal negligence on the part of mining houses, not only in terms of the environment, but also the surrounding mining communities.Aim: This article reflects on the findings of research into the socio-economic consequences of mine closure. The research specifically explored how mineworkers' dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihood.Setting: The research was conduc…
Perspectives on National Identity: The Case of Emerging Intelligentsia in South Africa
After more than two decades since the general euphoria associated with the South African ‘miracle’, the ‘Madiba magic’ and the ‘Rainbow Nation’, it is necessary to take stock whether (and if so, how) the state succeeded in building a national identity. Such an identity includes cultural and ethnic identity and is a strong indicator of the level of cohesion or polarisation in a country. The purpose of this article was to reflect on findings of an …
Constructing conceptual frameworks in social science research
Research in the social sciences is concerned with complex social behaviour, group dynamics and unique human settings. Researchers have different patterns of thought and modes of thinking. As such, they often use different words to explain phenomena, thereby causing conceptual confusion. This article explains how conceptual frameworks can help overcome such confusion by serving as visual organising tools and mental maps to direct and guide researc…
The judicious use of theory in social science research
Social science research is focussed mainly on societal concerns and human dynamics. In \nscholarly domains such as Public Administration, theory is commonly regarded as the \nbackbone of studies, but the why, where and how dimensions of theory in the research process \nare generally ill-defined. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the use of theory as valueadding \ncatalyst in the research process. Following a literature review based on …
Handbook of Public Management in Africa
Corporate Social Responsibility 2.0 Towards a socio-transformative paradigm for business
The South African business fraternity is expected to contribute to and foster the government’s social transformation agenda. This contribution should be directed by businesses’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) intentions and organizational arrangements. However, companies’ efforts in this regard are being increasingly criticized due to the absence of a socio-transformative agenda. In other words, CSR praxis is perceived to be inadequately po…
Constructing theoretical frameworks in social science research
Theoretical frameworks generally serve as the intellectual scaffolding that underpins research processes in the social sciences, providing an analytical lens through which researchers make sense of complex social phenomena.This article is an exploration of the fundamental role of theoretical frameworks in social science research. Firstly, it sheds light on its ontological, epistemological and methodological design imperatives, beginning with an e…
Measuring social cohesion initiatives in local government
The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research (TD) is a journal dedicated to promoting the concept of transdisciplinary research. It is aimed at creating knowledge with the collaboration of the formal sectors of the natural and human sciences as base. Over and above this, the intention is to focus on levels of knowledge that are to be found at grassroots level. It is important to explore this knowledge because it becomes the groundwork for further k…
Formulating research questions in social science research
Formulating clear and focussed research questions is a fundamental step in social science research because the questions shape the design, methodology and analysis of the entire study. Well-crafted research questions define the scope of inquiry, align with methodological approaches and contribute to theoretical advancement. To facilitate this process, several frameworks have been developed to guide the creation of primary and secondary research q…
Political science (14 works) · Sociology (12 works) · Engineering (8 works) · Social science (8 works) · Public relations (7 works) · Computer Science (6 works) · Geography (6 works) · Business (5 works) · Economics (5 works) · Engineering ethics (5 works)