Management model for HIV/AIDS in a South African rural-based university

Abstract

The HIV/AIDS epidemic affects universities in terms of increases in operating costs, reductions in productivity, diversions of resources and threats to sources of income (Kelly, 2001; Katjavivi & Otaala, 2003). There is a higher prevalence rate of HIV in the rural-based universities compared with metropolitan universities which are well resourced (HEAIDS, 2010a). The purpose of this study was to develop and describe the management model of HIV/AIDS for a rural-based South African university. The model was developed based on the findings of the case study done at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), regarding the management of HIV/AIDS which indicated challenges regarding inadequate planning, limited organising, inadequate leading and inadequate control on the approaches to managing HIV/AIDS. The model stemmed from the management framework based on the four fundamental tasks of management which are planning, organising, leading and controlling. The model was organised using Walker and Avant’s (1995) basic approaches to theory building: analysis, synthesis and derivation, integrated with Dickoff, James and Wiedenback’s (1968) and Stevens Barnum’s (1994) elements of practice theory: purpose, context, stakeholders, process, and dynamics.

Keywords: Rural-based University, HIV/AIDS management, management model, HIV/AIDS in South Africa.