SUBJECT GROUP CONSUMER SCIENCES
Research
The research of Consumer Sciences focuses exclusively on the South African consumer. Consumer behaviour is investigated inside the three main components of Consumer Sciences (Foods, Clothing and Consumer resource management, which includes housing and Interior design). The aim of the research is to develop and implement educational programmes to the advantage of the South African consumer. These three main components also leave room for capacity building, which concentrates on the development of life skills, to better the quality of life of consumers.
At the moment the following consumer research projects are undertaken:
Enhancing consumer interests and well-being in South Africa
Research in Consumer sciences focus on a program entitled “Enhancing consumer interests and well-being in South Africa” (CON-WELL). The diversity of the South African consumer population and the functioning of these consumers in an emerging economy motivate research that aims to ensure their well-being with regard to their most basic needs, namely food, clothing and housing (interior). Consumer well-being and interests will be addressed by empowering them to maintain or increase their quality of life in a unique multicultural environment. Research in this project is undertaken from a consumer perspective with consumer behaviour being the keystone of all research.
South African consumer and labelling behaviour ("Suid-Afrikaanse Verbruiker en Etiketteringgedrag") (SAVE).
Central to the CON-WELL programme is the project, “South African Consumer and Labelling Behaviour / Suid-Afrikaanse Verbruiker en Etiketteringgedrag” (SAVE). This project focuses on the way in which food – and textile labels influence South African consumers’ behaviour. The aim of the project is to enhance consumer interests and well-being by gaining a better understanding of their behaviour in response to food and textile labels. This will be achieved by developing training or education programmes to assist them in improved decision-making based on food and textile labels, thereby improving their quality of life.
Post graduate students
Masters and Doctoral students are currently accommodated within consumer well-being projects (CON-WELL) and the SAVE project. Transdisiplinary projects are also undertaken where collaboration with other research fields take place. Students who are interested in taking up Masters- or Doctoral studies are invited to contact Prof. Daleen van der Merwe (phone: 018 299 2476; e-mail: daleen.vandermerwe@nwu.ac.za ). Initiatives are also welcomed for projects focussing on the improvement of consumer wellbeing or food/textile label aspects.
Recently completed Post Graduate projects:
Ph.D.-students:
Dicks, E. 2008. A model of consumers’ perceptions of food additives and consequent purchasing behaviour. Ph.D. Consumer Sciences. Promotor: Dr M. van der Merwe
Simela, L. 2005. Meat characteristics and acceptability of chevon from South African indigenous goats.Ph.D. (Animal Science - Univ. of Pretoria) Promotor: Prof E.C. Webb Co-promotor: Prof M.J.C. Bosman
Scholtz, S.C. 2003. The sensory, lipid and haemostatic profile evaluation of a potential functional food using red palm olein. Ph.D. Promotor: Prof M.J.C. Bosman Co-promotor: Dr W. Oosthuizen
Masters degree students:
Ndwandwe, K. 2008. A study of students’ perceptions of textile labels and their consequent purchasing behaviour. M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Mrs M. Larney Co-supervisor: Dr M.D. Venter
Schutte, S.E. 2008. Student consumers’ decision-making process regarding food products containing limited label information. M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Dr M. van der Merwe Co-supervisor: Dr H. de Beer
Botes, X. 2005. A South African study of the influence of shelf-edge labeling on urban consumers’ grocery shopping. M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Mrs N. Sonnenberg Co-supervisor: Dr M. van der Merwe
Harmse, N. 2005. South African Consumers' perception of soy and soy products. M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Dr S.C. Scholtz Co-supervisor:Prof M.J.C. Bosman
Klein, R. 2005. A South African study of consumers’ perceptions of food labels and its relevance to their purchasing behaviour.M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Dr S.C. Scholtz Co-supervisor:Prof M.J.C. Bosman
Sithole, S. 2005. nutrition security of farm worker households in the North-West Province, South Africa. M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Dr S. Lemke Co-supervisor: Dr M. van der Merwe
Rikhotso, T. 2004. Personal characteristics, perception of store image attributes and store choice of black female clothing shoppers. M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Prof A.M. van Aardt
Davel, M. 2003. Effect of electrical stimulation on consumer acceptance of mutton from Class –AB sheep carcasses M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Prof M.J.C. Bosman Co-supervisor: Prof E.C. Webb
Van Wyk de Vries, A. 2003. South African consumers’ opinion of the potential health benefits of soy and soy products as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). M.Consumer Sciences. Supervisor: Prof M.J.C. Bosman Co-supervisor: Dr S.C. Scholtz
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