The year 2000 commenced on a very positive note. We had a record number of first year students enroll for the five new degree programmes in Consumer Science.  During June 2000 six staff members visited the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Iowa State University, USA.  The purpose of this visit was to formalise a collaboration agreement between this Department and Iowa State University.In July four staff members attended and delivered papers at the 19th International Congress of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) in Accra, Ghana.  More than 500 delegates from 41 countries attended the congress with the theme:  A new century – focus on the future.In October 2000 a medal of honour was presented to the Home Economics Olympiad by the Suid Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns for the scientific advancement of a subject at secondary school level.  We are particularly proud of this award as the Olympiad is organised from within our department.Another proud moment was when three of our students received academic colours from the University of Stellenbosch.  Considering the fact that only five awards were made in the Faculty of Science it was an exceptional achievement for our department.The highlight of the year was when we celebrated the 75th anniversary of our department.  We were honoured by the presence of the Chancellor, Prof Elize Botha, former members of staff, past and present students and collegues.  At this prestigious event the newly founded Advisory Board of the Departement was announced.  The Board constitutes of prominent businessmen and office-bearers from the Food, Clothing and Textile and Housing industries.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

An exploratory study of the attitudes and perceptions of female employers of selected South African companies towards corporate wear
Clothing forms an integral part of total corporate identity, it fulfills a symbolic purpose and serves as a reference. It is a way in which companies can change or modernise their image as it is conveyed to clients. South African companies offers unique opportunities for research within a multi-cultural environment and Consumer Science’s distinctive multi-disciplinary approach makes it an ideal starting point for this type of study.The study concerned investigated the phenomenon of corporate clothing within the South African corporate environment. Available clothing literature was studied and information and advice from experts was obtained in order to gain insight into the South African circumstances was. Employees who wear corporate clothing were questioned as to their perceptions on specific aspects with regards to corporate clothing. This was done by means of a questionnaire which was developed for this purpose. The extent to which age and position within the company play a role in employees’ perceptions of corporate clothing was also determinded.This information was structured to give possible guidelines to companies for implementation and development of corporate clothing within the existing organisational culture. The study contributes to the building of theory in the subject area of Clothing. BL Frick, ME van der Merwe and L Viljoen.

The effect of different teaching methods in the presentation of a housing literacy programme
A housing literacy programme was adapted and presented according to two different teaching methods, namely the emancipation and technical methods.  The programme was presented to women in Calvinia and Williston living in government subsidised housing.  In experimental design, the emancipation and technical methods were compared in terms of an increase in empowerment and knowledge.  The status of empowerment and knowledge of both groups was determined before the programme, directly after the programme as well as two months thereafter.The results showed a clear difference between the group taught by the emancipatory method, and the group taught by the technical method in terms of the increase in levels of empowerment and knowledge.  The group taught by the emancipatory method showed higher levels of empowerment and knowledge than the group taught by the technical method directly after the programme as well as two months thereafter.  The levels of empowerment and knowledge of the group taught by the emancipatory method showed significant statistical differences from before the presentation of the programme until two months thereafter.  This suggests the sustainable character of an increase in empowerment and knowledge.This study showed that using the emancipation method of teaching when presenting a Consumer Science programme could induce transformation.  The research also proved the emancipation method of teaching to be more effective than the technical method when aiming to increase an individual’s level of empowerment and knowledge.  It is therefore important that consumer scientists be aware of all the characteristics of the emancipation method of teaching as well as transformative learning in order to induce change in individuals and families and to lead them to self-dependence. M Van der Merwe, R Albertyn, AS van Wyk and ME van der Merwe.

An educational computer programme designed for companies in South Africa to facilitate employee housing assistance
The main aim of this research was to develop an educational computer programme which can be used by companies in their employee housing assistance programmes.  The objectives of the research included establishing the extent to which companies provide employee housing assistance; the viability of an educational computer programme; the requirements of companies; criteria and content of a computer programme; and the development and testing of a pilot demonstration module of an educational computer programme for employee housing assistance.The main findings of this research indicated the viability of an educational computer programme and the surveyed companies were positive about using it as part of their employee housing assistance.  Throughout the world computers have proved to offer high-quality interaction and unique learning opportunities to users of varying levels of understanding.On the basis of the responses to the survey, essential elements of an educational computer programme for the use of companies in employee housing assistance were identified.  A pilot demonstration module was developed using a holistic and didactically sound approach.  The development of this educational computer programme will allow lower income employees to receive beneficial housing assistance at their own pace and level of comprehension and education through an enjoyable and contemporary medium.This research sheds light on the present trends in the provision of employee housing assistance in the private sector and the positive contribution which companies can provide to the housing crisis in South Africa. A Fullard and AS van Wyk

Sensory analysis of South African food products using advanced statistical techniques
The unique cultural composition of South African consumers makes cultural specific research within the food industry a necessity.  In South Africa, however, cross-cultural research in the field of sensory analysis is limited.  The diversity of the South African population is a reality which necessitates cross-cultural research that could supply food  manufacturers with relevant information of optimal consumer satisfaction.The main objective of the research is to study the role of cultural and literacy differences when performing sensory analysis, and more specifically when relating consumer and descriptive sensory data through advanced statistical techniques.  M Muller, CJ Groenewald (Department of Sociology) and H Heymann (University of Missouri, USA)

The development and evaluation of a low-fat cookie in terms of consumer acceptability and market price competitiveness as well as the determination of the effect of three fibre levels on its glycaemic index
The research aims at developing a cookie that will meet above-mentioned criteria governed by the draft regulations pertaining to food labelling and marketing of the Department of Health  (2001), while at the same time, being market competetive in terms of the cost and consumer acceptability.  It entailed numerous experiments in which the recipe formula was adjusted to obtain a product that, apart from meeting the nutritional criteria, also had specific sensory attributes, and was acceptable for the target market.  Additionally the effect of three different fibre levels on the glycaemic index of the cookie is investigated.  Such a cookie is a more suitable snack for the health conscious individual or for the noninsulin dependent diabetic consumer, in view of its nutritional properties. J de Jongh and MC Voslo

The development of a series of recipes for the consumer that is allergic to cereal grains, soya and  egg, bearing the goals of menu planning in mind, as well as the recipe and menu needs of these consumers
The study entails a review of the literature on allergies and recipes for the allergic consumer, as well as a critical analysis thereof in terms of allergens and hidden allergens, as well as criteria of adequate nutrition; the development of recipes bearing these criteria as well as the needs of the consumer as determined by a survey, in mind.The recipes will be compiled in a two week menu cycle. The nutritional adequacy will be determined in terms of the dietary reference intakes and the nutrition-based dietary guidelines. the cost of the daily menus will be calculated. S Matthee and MC Vosloo

A proposal for a programme  to increase the awareness of women in Duncan Village of the role of food micro-enterprises in food security as well as appropriate micro-enterprise training programmes
This study involves the development of a proposal for a programme to increase the awareness of women in Duncan Village, of the role of street foods in food security, the consumer demand concerning the operations of food micro-enterprises and appropriate micro-enterprise training programmes for food micro-enterprise owners in Duncan Village.  L Cress-Williams and M Senekal

The identification of critical factors in the operational planning activities of small, medium and micro (SMMEs) sewing-related enterprises
The aim of this study is to develop a profile of the sewing-consumer in South Africa and to examine empirically the impact of a market and entrepreneurial orientation on the success of small, medium and micro sewing related enterprises in South Africa. L Viljoen, RC O’Neill and EM Visser

A comparison of domestic automatic washing machines with regard to mechanical degradation caused to textile fabrics and cleaning efficiency
The research objectives were to determine what the effect of the wash actions of the different washing machines were on the tensile strength, printing and fraying of sample fabrics after repeated washing.  The soil removal efficiency of the washing machines was also compared.Results showed highly significant differences between the tensile strength of samples washed in the horizontal versus vertical drum machines.  With regard to the effect on printing and fraying, a significant difference in the severity of the effect of the different wash actions of the three washing machine categories (horizontal drum type, vertical drum agitator type and vertical drum impeller type washing machines) were found.  Soil removal efficiency results indicated only a significant difference between the impeller type machine and the rest.  The outcome of this study will not only aid in consumer decision making, but can also serve as point of departure for future research. A Gericke, EM Visser en E Weideman (Textek)

Case studies of successes in marketable skills
Previous research indicated a need for non-formal adult education programmes and training in the establishment and running of micro-enterprises.  Such a programme is currently running at this department.  The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of acquired marketable handicraft and entrepreneurial skills of participants in the above-mentioned programme.  The method included case studies of respondents who met with certain criteria.  The results indicated that the non-formal adult education programme is regarded as most beneficial.  Several participants established micro-enterprises in and around their community.  Partnerships were formed between those who enrolled for a course in entrepreneurial skills and those who did not. Through entrepreneurship and the development of skills participants experienced numerous benefits.  The research concludes that in specific context, this programme is successful in the transfer of marketable skills. MJ Botha and ME van der Merwe

Action research and the development and advancement of entrepreneurial skills
Unemployment in rural areas is a reality.  A comprehensive study was designed to address the needs for training in entrepreneurial skills.  Non-formal adult education programmes are conducted.  A participatory action research approach is followed.  The research is conducted from the perspective that the action group and the researcher identify problems together and decide collectively on actions that will address these problems.  The training that is offered is evaluated to determine the efficiency thereof. MJ Botha, ME van der Merwe, A Bester and J Perold

Lifestyle and store image of black female apparel shoppers
Store image, one of the determinants of store choice, is largely based on store attributes.  In order to target efficiently and meet the needs of their diverse target markets, retailers will have to understand the influence of key variables, such as lifestyle and perception of store image of various sub-cultural groups.  The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the importance of store attributes influencing apparel store image, 2) to determine whether relationships exist between store image and lifestyles of the respondents, and 3) to determine whether distinct clusters of consumers exist.  A convenience quota sample of 500 black female students was selected in Gauteng.  The survey instrument was a questionnaire comprising sections on lifestyle, store image and biographics.  Cluster analysis based on importance of store image attributes yielded three clusters, i.e. Intensive shoppers, Classical shoppers, and Conservative shoppers.  Clear differences in lifestyle as well as in apparel store image attributes considered important in store choice were found.  The relationships found between store image attributes and lifestyle, as well as attributes found to be responsible for differences between clusters of shoppers, could provide retailers with valuable means to identity market segments and to meet the needs of various consumer groups.  EM Visser, AM van Aardt (PUCHO), R du Preez (Department Industrial Psycology), EH Kleinhans (Technikon Northern Gauteng)

South African and US students’ perceptions of apparel store shopping environments
Students majoring in Clothing and Textiles and Consumer Behaviour at three Universities in South Africa and at a university in the United States took part in a multinational survey of apparel store image.  The respondents were purposely selected as participants in this study to examine similarities and differences in national preferences.  The purpose of this study was to also capture college-age consumers’ perceptions of store environment, innovations, and shopping preferences along with basic demographic information.  Nearly identical questionnaires were distributed to students on one US campus and three South African campuses.  Specific questions asked the consumer to consider how important the following attributes were when shopping in an apparel store:  store design with regard to physical facilities, in-store and window displays, sales personnel, and customer service.  Then statistical analysis using independent t-tests were conducted to determine the equality of the mean scores across country groupings using a .05 level of significance.  With the exception of gender, no significant differences were found pertaining to demographic characteristics of sample groups.  South African and US college-aged consumers were very similar in their ratings of innovativeness (willingness to try new experiences and share information with others), and the importance of in-store and window displays and sales personnel.  South African and US college-aged consumers rated certain physical facilities and customer services as significantly more important than US consumers.  NJ Miller (Iowa State University, USA), AM van Aardt (PUCHE), EM Visser en H-M Joung (Iowa State University, USA)

Female apparel shopping behaviour within a multi-cultural society:  Variables, profiles and consumer implications
South Africa has a complex and dynamic marketing milieu within a heterogeneous society.  It is imperative to investigate key variables, which influence apparel shopping behaviour in a multi-cultural South Africa.  The purpose of this study was 1) to investigate if distinct clusters of female apparel shoppers can be identified based on variables such as patronage behaviour, shopping orientation, lifestyle and demographics, and 2) to profile different clusters of consumers who share the same characteristics according to the differentiation variables.  The sample included 800 female shoppers, 18 years and older and representative of three population groups.  The measuring instrument was a questionnaire comprising five sections (patronage behaviour, lifestyle, cultural consciousness, shopping orientation, and biographics).  Statistical analysis included inter alia descriptive statistics, factor analysis and Ward clustering.  Factorial analysis of lifestyle and shopping orientation indicated three components respectively.  Three clusters were identified.  These clusters differed significantly at a .05 level regarding patronage behaviour, all three components of lifestyle, the three components of shopping orientation, and demographics.  Profiles of clusters were established based on the above mentioned variables.  From these profiles it is apparent that the clusters differed to a large extend regarding the stores frequented and demographics, and to a lesser degree pertaining to lifestyle and shopping orientation.  These differences were, however, significant enough to conclude that each of the three clusters is a different market segment with distinct characteristics. EM Visser, R du Preez (Department Industrial Psychology
 

PUBLICATIONS

Botha MJ and Van Der Merwe ME. 2000.  Action research and a non-formal adult education programme focusing on the transfer of marketable skills.  U.S. Verslag,  13 pp.

Kagima LCKK.  Edited by Phye G, Thompson A, Van Wyk AS, Hendrich S and Dyrenfurth M. Collaboration between the University of Stellenbosch en Iowa State University of Science and Technology:  A final project report.  Iowa State University of Science and Technology report, 52 pp.

Moelich EI and Muller M. 2000.  Analytical sensory analysis of synthetic savoury flavours using a trained panel.  Navorsing in samewerking met Freddy Hirsch Groep, U.S. Verslag, 6 pp.

Moelich EI and Muller M. 2000.  Consumer testing of two brands commercial cheese spread and two brands of commercial cream cheese.  Navorsing in samewerking met Unifoods, U.S. Verslag, 24 pp.

Moelich EI en Dalton A.  2000. Opleiding van ’n analitiese sensoriese evalueringspaneel vir die Freddy Hirsch Groep.  U.S. Verslag, 10 pp.

Moelich EI en Dalton A. 2000.  Verbruikersgerigte sensoriese analise van produkte berei van inheemse Suid-Afrikaanse vrugte.  Navorsing in samewerking met Departement Bosbou Wetenskap, U.S. Verslag, 10 pp.

Moelich EI en Lombard AE. 2000. Verbruikersgerigte sensoriese analise van drie behandelings inheemse vrugtepuree en twee behandelings konfyt.  Navorsing in samewerking met Departement Bosbou Wetenskap, U.S. Verslag, 13 pp.

Moelich EI, Muller M en Van Wyk M. 2000. Analitiese sensoriese analise van hoendereiers waarvan die voer van die hoenders met verskillende konsentrasies canola verryk is.  Navorsing in samewerking met Departement Veekundige Wetenskap, U.S. Verslag, 10 pp.

Moelich EI, Van Wyk M en Lombard AE. 2000. Analitiese sensoriese analise van hoendervleis waarvan die voer van die hoenders met tien verskillende konsentrasies canola verryk is.  Navorsing in samewerking met Departement Veekundige Wetenskap, U.S. Verslag, 12 pp.

Moelich EI, Van Wyk M en Lombard AE. 2000. Analitiese sensoriese analise van vier behandelings lams- en bokvleis waar die energievlakke van die voer verskil.  Navorsing in samewerking met Departement Veekundige Wetenskap, U.S. Verslag, 12 pp.

Moelich EI, Van Wyk M en Lombard AE. 2000. Verbruikersgerigte sensoriese analise van drie behandelings Kei-appelnektar. Navorsing in samewerking met Departement Bosbou Wetenskap, U.S. Verslag, 10 pp.

Muller M and Dalton A. 2000. Consumer testing of five brands commercial rusks. Navorsing in samewerking met Bokomo, U.S. Verslag, 6 pp.

Steyn NP, Senekal M, Brits S and Nel JH. 2000. Urban and rural differences in dietary intake, weight status and nutrition knowledge of black female students.  Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 9(1):53-9.

Steyn NP, Senekal M, Brits S, Alberts M, Mashego T and Nel JH.  2000. Weight and health status of black female students.  South African Medical Journal 90(2): 146-152.

Van Der Merwe ME and Botha MJ. 2000.Report on the “Development and Advancement of Rural Entrepreneurship” programme (DARE). U.S. Verslag, 10 pp.

OCCASIONAL LECTURES AND PAPERS

MJ Botha and L Johnson.  An investigation into the need for and teaching of handicraft skills to a selected group of women in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, South Africa. 19th International Federation for Home Economics Congress 2000.  Accra, Ghana.
MJ Botha and ME Van Der Merwe.  Case studies of successes in marketable skills.  19th International Federation for Home Economics Congress 2000.  Accra, Ghana.
BL Frick, ME Van Der Merwe and L Viljoen.  An exploratory study of the attitudes and perceptions of female employers of selected South African companies towards corporate wear.  19th International Federation for Home Economics Congress 2000.  Accra, Ghana.
AE Knye, PJ Conradie, G De Villiers and TJvW Kotzé.  The effect of regular and micro detergents on the colourfastness and strength of dyed cotton fabric.  19th International Federation for Home Economics Congress 2000.  Accra, Ghana.
H-M Joung, NJ Miller, AM Van Aardt and EM Visser.  Measuring differences between South African and U.S. consumer perceptions of apparel store image.  International Textile & Apparel Association Annual Conference 2000.  Cincinnati, Ohio.
M Senekal, NP Steyn and JH Nel.  Evaluation of body shape, eating disorder and weight management related parameters in black female students of rural and urban origins.  13th International Congress of Dietetics 2000, Edinburgh, Scotland.
NP Steyn, M Senekal, S Brits and JH Nel.  Waist-hip ratio and waist circumference as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in black women.  13th International Congress of Dietetics 2000, Edinburgh, Scotland..
AM Van Aardt, EM Visser, R Du Preez and HS Steyn.  The role of culture, lifestyle and store choice in clothing marketing in South Africa.  International Textile & Apparel Association Annual Conference 2000.  Cincinnati, Ohio.
AS Van Wyk, JJ Van Wyk, MD Venter and M Green.  A strategy and framework for housing education in South Africa.  Proceedings of the 19th International Federation for Home Economics Congress 2000.  Accra, Ghana: 52-52.
MD Venter and AS Van Wyk.  The design implementation and evaluation of a housing education program for underhoused, semi-literate people in South Africa.  Proceedings of the 19th International Federation for Home Economics Congress 2000.  Accra, Ghana: 41-41.
EM Visser, R Du Preez, AM Van Aardt and NJ Miller.  Shopping orientation and lifestyle of female apparel shoppers:  A South African perspective.  Proceedings of the International Textile & Apparel Association Annual Conference 2000.  Cincinnati, Ohio.
A De Villiers, M Senekal and F Caughlan.  Determinants of growth failure and focus areas for the prevention thereof in 12-24 month old children attending the Duncan Village Day Hospital in East London.  Nutrition Congress 2000 - 18th National Congress of the Nutrition Society of Southern Africa; 6th National Congress of the Association of Dietetics in South Africa 2000.  Durban.

THESES AND DISSERTATIONS

FRICK BL.  Verkennende studie van die menings van vroulike werknemers van geselekteerde Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappye, jeens korporatiewe drag.  M.  Verbruikerswetenskap, 2000.  139 pp.  Studieleiers:  Mevv E van der Merwe en L Viljoen.
FULLARD A.  An educational computer programme designed for companies in South Africa to facilitate employee housing assistance.  M. Verbruikerswetenskap, 2000.  182 pp.   Studieleier:  Prof AS van Wyk.
VAN DER MERWE M.  Die effek van verskillende onderrigmetodes by die aanbieding van ’n behuisingsgeletterdheidsprogram.  M. Verbruikerswetenskap, 2000.  125 pp.  Studieleier/ medestudieleiers:  Dr RM Albertyn/Mev ME van der Merwe en Prof AS van Wyk.

SPONSORS

Unifoods (Durban), Instituut vir Behuising van Suid-Afrika, Tak Wes-Kaap (Kaapstad), Sasko, divisie van Pioneer Food Group (Malmesbury), Bernina Saskor (Johannesburg).