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RESEARCH PROJECTS
Research activities undertaken in the department include the following:
FOODS
Experimental Foods
Product development of foods.
Sensory analysis and testing with trained panels and consumers. Research
focuses on sensory methodology with food products.
Clothing consumer behaviour
A cross-cultural survey
on female clothing consumers is conducted to determine if distinct clusters
of consumers can be established based on differentiating variables such
as culture, shopping orientation, lifestyle, patronage behaviour, shop
attributes and evaluative criteria for clothing. The implications of the
different consumer profiles for marketers are examined.
A project on body size designation is conducted in collaboration with a leading South African retailer. Sizing charts and a sizing system will be developed based on measurements obtained by means of cross-cultural, national surveys.
A comparison of a variety of automatic washing machines with regard to cleaning efficiency and mechanical damage to textiles. Seven different domestic automatic washing machines, representative of the South African market, were compared regarding the effect of the different mechanical washing actions on textiles. Comparisons were made regarding the cleaning ability of the different machines as well as the effect of repeated laundering on textile strength, degree of fraying and print deterioration of textile fabrics.
A clothing curriculum is being developed for secondary schools in Botswana. The study is part of a process initiated by the Botswana Government to localize curricula for secondary schools. The specific issues and needs of Botswana’s society and world of work will be addressed in the new clothing curriculum.
Motivational factors pertaining to the choice of clothing by different cultural groups of home-sewers in South Africa.
Clothing is an important phenomenon in corporate culture. Companies see employees' clothing as an integral part of corporate identity. It is an easy symbol whereby companies can change or modernise their image. Manufacturing of corporate wear show signs of growth, even in adverse economical conditions. The present study investigates the phenomenon of corporate wear within the South African context. The study population's attitudes regarding corporate clothing is also measured.
HOUSING
Housing Education and
Training in South Africa
The objectives of this research
programme are to determine the need for housing education and training
at all levels of non-formal and formal education in South Africa and to
develop relevant multidisciplinary programmes at all levels of the National
Qualification Framework to supply in this need. The research
programme is funded by the National Research Foundation and is done in
collaboration with other tertiary institutions, NGO's, industry and the
Department of Housing. Bursaries for post graduate students are available.
The interaction between housing and society is studied. Terms such as norms, values, preferences, satisfaction, needs, wants and acceptability are defined and studied in relation to South African cultural groups and groups with special housing needs. The research is multidisciplinary in nature and seeks to explain behaviour related to the acquisition and evaluation of housing by groups and members of society. It is recognised that it is crucial to understand the social aspects of housing to provide suitable housing for all South Africans.
Housing provides a home for the human spirit as well as the human body. Quality of life is linked to a deep feeling of spiritual contentment, security, belonging and well-being. Concepts such as crowding, privacy, personal space, locus of control and territoriality are researched in terms of housing satisfaction and quality of life.
The research focuses on the effectiveness of built environments for users. Both programming and evaluative research are undertaken. Universal design principles are applied in all research projects. Post occupancy evaluation research rests on the assumption that environment and behaviour are interdependent. A Structure-Process approach is followed using systems theory to relate setting, user and proximate environment (both social and physical). The main goal of the research programme is to provide practical information for designers and builders.
Non-formal Adult Education
The development of a model
for the acquisition of skills needed for the establishment of microenterprises.
This is an ongoing programme as a service to the community in conjunction
with research. A model is being developed through which learners acquire
a variety of marketable skills. Needs assessments indicated a need for
handicraft and business skills. Skills are transferred through a non-formal
adult education programme, and already enabled some participants to start
their own micorenterprises.