Human Interest

What product cues influence consumers' perceived value of pork meat?

The consumption of pork meat products is increasing due to its affordability, versatility and high protein content.

A North-West University (NWU) research project from the Consumer Sciences subject group in the School of Applied Health Sciences, is focusing on food product cues (sensory and non-sensory attributes) that influence consumers’ food choices. Prof Annchen Mielmann is now looking into the cues of pork meat because of its increased popularity among consumers.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:12

Use of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes

Research from the North-West University (NWU) and partner institutions has highlighted the role of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes mellitus, a chronic and potentially fatal metabolic disorder affecting millions globally. 

The study, published in the journal Diabetology, explains how traditional practices provide an alternative to conventional medications used to treat diabetes.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:50

Perinatal mental health is pivotal for better outcomes for families

A researcher from the North-West University (NWU) has dedicated her research to advancing perinatal mental health in Africa.

Dr Patience Kovane, senior lecturer and research coordinator at the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences, says her mission is to promote the mental health of women, especially in low- and middle-income settings.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:46

Research focuses on substance abuse and improved mental-health care

Prof Leepile Alfred Sehularo’s research on mental health and substance abuse has resulted in the development of a programme that is designed to support both adults and learners and focuses especially on the abuse of illegal substances in North West.

He is the director of the Lifestyle Disease research niche area in Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU). “I started with this research during my master’s-degree studies. My research explores the perceptions of psychiatric patients regarding marijuana use.”

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:43

Goal! A new ‘vision’ for young female netball players

A sports vision programme can significantly improve visual and motor skills in young netball players. This is according to the research findings of Prof Dané Coetzee from the School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science at the North-West University (NWU) and her research partner Dr Elna van der Merwe.

Their research article, titled “An exploratory investigation of the effect of a sports vision programme on Grade 4 and 5 female netball players’ visual skills”, was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:36

Gamification boosts loyalty in South African fashion retail

South Africa’s fashion retail industry is witnessing a shift as gamification emerges as a potent tool for improving customer loyalty, retention and brand recall.

In an increasingly competitive digital environment, retailers are turning to gamified experiences to engage customers. A recent study led by Prof Roland Goldberg from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), published in the Malaysian E-Commerce Journal, explored the potential of gamification to transform consumer behaviour within the South African market.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:31

Art industry summit shares timeless insights beyond the canvas

The History of Art subject group, which is located in the School of Communication, held its inaugural industry summit on Tuesday, 22 October on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), bringing industry experts to our students.

Students from the History of Art subject group attended the event and gained first-hand knowledge of the work and daily lives of practitioners in the industry. Members of the BKhz Gallery shared their professional journeys and how they had crafted different careers in the industry.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:28

North-West University Shines in Global Online Education Benchmarking

In an exciting accomplishment, the North-West University (NWU) has received global recognition for its excellence in online and technology-enhanced education through the prestigious 2023-2024 International Benchmarking Report. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the NWU's high standards but also sets a new bar for digital education worldwide, particularly in safeguarding personal data.

What is the International Benchmarking Initiative?

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:18

South Africa needs to redefine its economic diplomacy in the light of Trump victory

The pivotal and definitive outcome of the historic United States (US) elections for control of the White House and the Congress has wide-ranging implications for the US economy and for the rest of the world.

In commenting on the outcome of the crucial 2024 US elections, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School says the American electorate has spoken.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 09:12