The sustainability of emerging black construction companies: potential threats
- Authors: Pietersen, Nolitha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Construction Industry Development Board , Construction contracts -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22979 , vital:30260
- Description: Construction plays an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic development. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was therefore developed in terms of the CIDB Act 38 0f 2000 and its reason for establishment is to lead the construction industry stakeholders in construction development. Some of the responsibilities of the CIDB is to ensure that there is skills development and transformation in the industry. On the delivery of infrastructure assets for the benefit of the ordinary citizens of South Africa, there are frequent challenges that contractors tend to experience. Such challenges include a wide range of compliance protocols such as tax compliance issues. The limited knowledge of taxation often result in understatement of income culminating in taxation audits and ultimately significant penalties and unexpected taxation liabilities. Other critical areas include successful project management of projects including proper costing and scheduling of project activities. The extent of this problem is evident in the number of terminations of contracts of such service providers, where some of them have even been blacklisted on the National Treasury Database of restricted service providers prohibiting them from doing any business with government for a stipulated period. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to threatening the sustainability of black owned emerging construction companies. In order to gain an understanding of the problems that contractors face that pose a threat to their sustainability, questionnaires will be distributed to contractors and reviews by interview will be conducted. A qualitative study was therefore conducted. The relationships between the skills set of the contractors, the type of work they have for example, government and/or private sector work, methods of funding projects, periods of receiving payments, SARS compliance requirements and how these factors interrelate with each other was investigated. The causal effect/relationship of each of these on the sustainability of the contractors was determined. This study involves a case study approach and a qualitative research design. A multiple-case study method was selected to broaden the understanding of the phenomenon under of the study. The two black-owned construction companies used as the subjects for this study were selected on the basis that they would enable this research to determine what factors play a role and what threats are to their sustainability, in spite of the government support programs. The interpretivism approach was used as a means of describing what factors posed threats to the sustainability of emerging black construction companies. The aim of this study was not to test any hypothesis but to rather explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the construction industry, the role of the government and to understand what factors affect the emerging black construction companies to a point of point threats to their sustainability. The results of this study indicate that a wide range of challenges tend to hamper development and progress of emerging construction companies. Some of these challenges include poor employee retention strategies where very little emphasis is placed on the value of people. Workplace training through formal learnership or artisan programs are non-existent and a formalised role is required in this regard. Performance management is hardly measured or monitored in the business which has a direct impact on prospective growth. Cash flow is a critical challenge in the business and the study finds that financial management administrative skills are lacking. Financial management administration is linked to cash flow management and cash flow projections. The study also contributes to emerging theories such as business planning in relation to sustainable growth and innovation of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pietersen, Nolitha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Construction Industry Development Board , Construction contracts -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22979 , vital:30260
- Description: Construction plays an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic development. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was therefore developed in terms of the CIDB Act 38 0f 2000 and its reason for establishment is to lead the construction industry stakeholders in construction development. Some of the responsibilities of the CIDB is to ensure that there is skills development and transformation in the industry. On the delivery of infrastructure assets for the benefit of the ordinary citizens of South Africa, there are frequent challenges that contractors tend to experience. Such challenges include a wide range of compliance protocols such as tax compliance issues. The limited knowledge of taxation often result in understatement of income culminating in taxation audits and ultimately significant penalties and unexpected taxation liabilities. Other critical areas include successful project management of projects including proper costing and scheduling of project activities. The extent of this problem is evident in the number of terminations of contracts of such service providers, where some of them have even been blacklisted on the National Treasury Database of restricted service providers prohibiting them from doing any business with government for a stipulated period. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to threatening the sustainability of black owned emerging construction companies. In order to gain an understanding of the problems that contractors face that pose a threat to their sustainability, questionnaires will be distributed to contractors and reviews by interview will be conducted. A qualitative study was therefore conducted. The relationships between the skills set of the contractors, the type of work they have for example, government and/or private sector work, methods of funding projects, periods of receiving payments, SARS compliance requirements and how these factors interrelate with each other was investigated. The causal effect/relationship of each of these on the sustainability of the contractors was determined. This study involves a case study approach and a qualitative research design. A multiple-case study method was selected to broaden the understanding of the phenomenon under of the study. The two black-owned construction companies used as the subjects for this study were selected on the basis that they would enable this research to determine what factors play a role and what threats are to their sustainability, in spite of the government support programs. The interpretivism approach was used as a means of describing what factors posed threats to the sustainability of emerging black construction companies. The aim of this study was not to test any hypothesis but to rather explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the construction industry, the role of the government and to understand what factors affect the emerging black construction companies to a point of point threats to their sustainability. The results of this study indicate that a wide range of challenges tend to hamper development and progress of emerging construction companies. Some of these challenges include poor employee retention strategies where very little emphasis is placed on the value of people. Workplace training through formal learnership or artisan programs are non-existent and a formalised role is required in this regard. Performance management is hardly measured or monitored in the business which has a direct impact on prospective growth. Cash flow is a critical challenge in the business and the study finds that financial management administrative skills are lacking. Financial management administration is linked to cash flow management and cash flow projections. The study also contributes to emerging theories such as business planning in relation to sustainable growth and innovation of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The synthesis of functionalized carbon nanomaterial from waste tyre sourced carbon for chemosensing during purification processes
- Authors: Du Plessis, Jacolien
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials , Nanotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29925 , vital:30794
- Description: The short lifetime of tyres causes great environmental harm due to their non-biodegradable nature resulting in land and water pollution. Exploration of novel uses for recycled tyres is therefore imperative. The use of recycled waste tyres as carbon source for the synthesis of fluorescent chemosensing carbon nanomaterial for the detection of harmful chemicals in water is proposed in this work. Three key problems are addressed in this study: i) re-using of waste tyre products, ii) synthesis of low-cost carbon nanomaterial, iii) detection of harmful compounds within environment systems. The fluorescent triazolyl-coumarin compound, 7-(diethylamino)-3-(4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one, was synthesized in multiple steps from 4-diethylamino salicylaldehyde. The last step included the use of Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition (“click-reaction”) to form a triazole ring. Carbon spheres were synthesized through catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CVD) from waste tyre pyrolysis oil (WTPO), as the carbon source, in the presence of a catalytic amount of ferrocene. The quality and quantity of the carbon spheres had an overall improvement as the synthesis temperatures increased from 800 oC to 950 oC. The diameter of the carbon spheres reduced from 1017 nm to 577 nm as seen in TEM and SEM imaging. TGA and XRD analysis indicated a direct relationship between an increase in synthesis temperatures with an increase in the crystallinity of the carbon spheres. Commercially available naphthenic oil was used as a reference to compare the impact of the starting carbon precursor on the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial under the same reaction conditions. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized at the lower temperatures of 800-850 oC. Carbon fibres and carbon spheres were observed at the synthesis temperatures of 900-950 oC. The carbon source played a role in the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial as it could be seen between the complex natured WTPO and the pure naphthenic oil. The purified carbon spheres synthesized at 950 oC from WTPO were functionalized with the triazolyl-coumarin units on the surface through Steglich esterification using DCC/DMAP to yield fluorescent carbon spheres. Complexation studies of the functionalized carbon spheres were done using UV/Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence with a wide range of ions; Ag+, Al3+, Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, ii Hg2+, Li+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+. The triazolyl-coumarin carbon spheres showed reasonable sensitivity and selectivity towards Fe3+ in water with a quenching effect in fluorescence. Titration studies with Fe3+ indicating an exponential decay of quenching in the fluorescence up to 68% with detection limit at 2.73 x 10-5 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Du Plessis, Jacolien
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials , Nanotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29925 , vital:30794
- Description: The short lifetime of tyres causes great environmental harm due to their non-biodegradable nature resulting in land and water pollution. Exploration of novel uses for recycled tyres is therefore imperative. The use of recycled waste tyres as carbon source for the synthesis of fluorescent chemosensing carbon nanomaterial for the detection of harmful chemicals in water is proposed in this work. Three key problems are addressed in this study: i) re-using of waste tyre products, ii) synthesis of low-cost carbon nanomaterial, iii) detection of harmful compounds within environment systems. The fluorescent triazolyl-coumarin compound, 7-(diethylamino)-3-(4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one, was synthesized in multiple steps from 4-diethylamino salicylaldehyde. The last step included the use of Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition (“click-reaction”) to form a triazole ring. Carbon spheres were synthesized through catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CVD) from waste tyre pyrolysis oil (WTPO), as the carbon source, in the presence of a catalytic amount of ferrocene. The quality and quantity of the carbon spheres had an overall improvement as the synthesis temperatures increased from 800 oC to 950 oC. The diameter of the carbon spheres reduced from 1017 nm to 577 nm as seen in TEM and SEM imaging. TGA and XRD analysis indicated a direct relationship between an increase in synthesis temperatures with an increase in the crystallinity of the carbon spheres. Commercially available naphthenic oil was used as a reference to compare the impact of the starting carbon precursor on the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial under the same reaction conditions. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized at the lower temperatures of 800-850 oC. Carbon fibres and carbon spheres were observed at the synthesis temperatures of 900-950 oC. The carbon source played a role in the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial as it could be seen between the complex natured WTPO and the pure naphthenic oil. The purified carbon spheres synthesized at 950 oC from WTPO were functionalized with the triazolyl-coumarin units on the surface through Steglich esterification using DCC/DMAP to yield fluorescent carbon spheres. Complexation studies of the functionalized carbon spheres were done using UV/Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence with a wide range of ions; Ag+, Al3+, Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, ii Hg2+, Li+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+. The triazolyl-coumarin carbon spheres showed reasonable sensitivity and selectivity towards Fe3+ in water with a quenching effect in fluorescence. Titration studies with Fe3+ indicating an exponential decay of quenching in the fluorescence up to 68% with detection limit at 2.73 x 10-5 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The understanding and adoption of e-finance by small and medium enterprises (SMES)
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The unfair labour practice relating to suspension
- Authors: Moela, Matlose Phineas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23038 , vital:30398
- Description: This treatise considers unfair-labour- practice relating to suspensions in the workplace. Furthermore the treatise outlines the legal framework relating to suspensions in the workplace. As I explore this fundamental issues of the law, the fairness relating to suspension will be examined. Some recommendations are also made as to how departments and organisations must develop guidelines and policies which are legally sound to deal with suspension in the workplace. Employees often challenge the fairness of their suspension in the workplace. These challenges are based on a number of things, including failure to provide an employee to make representations, failure to comply with policies regulating suspensions in the workplace, suspension without pay, prolonged suspensions, etc. The treatise therefore also consider these challenges as well as the recourse available to employees. The treatise commences with the legal framework and principles contained in the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (hereinafter referred to as the LRA) applicable to suspensions. The treatise then considers other legislation and recent developments in both the public and private sector. The study concludes with remedies available to employees in instances where an unfair-labour-practice relating to suspension has been found to be committed by an employer during the suspension process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Moela, Matlose Phineas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23038 , vital:30398
- Description: This treatise considers unfair-labour- practice relating to suspensions in the workplace. Furthermore the treatise outlines the legal framework relating to suspensions in the workplace. As I explore this fundamental issues of the law, the fairness relating to suspension will be examined. Some recommendations are also made as to how departments and organisations must develop guidelines and policies which are legally sound to deal with suspension in the workplace. Employees often challenge the fairness of their suspension in the workplace. These challenges are based on a number of things, including failure to provide an employee to make representations, failure to comply with policies regulating suspensions in the workplace, suspension without pay, prolonged suspensions, etc. The treatise therefore also consider these challenges as well as the recourse available to employees. The treatise commences with the legal framework and principles contained in the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (hereinafter referred to as the LRA) applicable to suspensions. The treatise then considers other legislation and recent developments in both the public and private sector. The study concludes with remedies available to employees in instances where an unfair-labour-practice relating to suspension has been found to be committed by an employer during the suspension process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of a silica based coating to reduce moisture absorption of flax fibre reinforced composites
- Authors: Bala, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Chromatographic analysis , Nonwoven fabrics Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23349 , vital:30534
- Description: This study deals with the synthesis of silica particles, treatment of flax fabrics with silica, and the preparation and characterization of silica coated flax fibre reinforced phenolic composites treated with silica. Silica particles were successfully prepared by means of a hydrolytic sol-gel route. Two types of silica were prepared by employing either ammonium hydroxide solution as a base catalyst and acetic acid as an acid catalyst. The silica sols were then aged from three to five days in order to determine the effects of aging on the final properties of the silica. The chemical composition of the silica particles was evaluated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal stability was determined by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and structural and physical properties of the silica particles prepared via two catalysts and aged at different time periods was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Silica sols, prepared at different conditions were then applied to treat flax fabrics (untreated/scoured) by use of the padding technique. The effects of the silica treatments on flax fabrics were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, determination of moisture content and mechanical properties. The FTIR revealed presence of silica groups on the silica treated flax fabrics, thus resulting in low moisture content for silica treated flax fabrics. XRD analysis revealed that aging the silica sols increases the crystallinity index. Silica treated flax fabrics showed enhanced tensile properties in the weft direction. The thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites were evaluated. TGA results revealed that the decomposition temperatures of the silica treated composites shifted to higher temperatures. Thus, silica treatments lead to an improvement in thermal stability for composites. A reduction in mechanical properties was also observed for silica treated composites and some composites showed a reduction in water absorption. It was quite evident from this study that the type of catalyst system used in silica preparation has a great influence on the final properties of the silica, which to a large extent changes the thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bala, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Chromatographic analysis , Nonwoven fabrics Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23349 , vital:30534
- Description: This study deals with the synthesis of silica particles, treatment of flax fabrics with silica, and the preparation and characterization of silica coated flax fibre reinforced phenolic composites treated with silica. Silica particles were successfully prepared by means of a hydrolytic sol-gel route. Two types of silica were prepared by employing either ammonium hydroxide solution as a base catalyst and acetic acid as an acid catalyst. The silica sols were then aged from three to five days in order to determine the effects of aging on the final properties of the silica. The chemical composition of the silica particles was evaluated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal stability was determined by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and structural and physical properties of the silica particles prepared via two catalysts and aged at different time periods was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Silica sols, prepared at different conditions were then applied to treat flax fabrics (untreated/scoured) by use of the padding technique. The effects of the silica treatments on flax fabrics were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, determination of moisture content and mechanical properties. The FTIR revealed presence of silica groups on the silica treated flax fabrics, thus resulting in low moisture content for silica treated flax fabrics. XRD analysis revealed that aging the silica sols increases the crystallinity index. Silica treated flax fabrics showed enhanced tensile properties in the weft direction. The thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites were evaluated. TGA results revealed that the decomposition temperatures of the silica treated composites shifted to higher temperatures. Thus, silica treatments lead to an improvement in thermal stability for composites. A reduction in mechanical properties was also observed for silica treated composites and some composites showed a reduction in water absorption. It was quite evident from this study that the type of catalyst system used in silica preparation has a great influence on the final properties of the silica, which to a large extent changes the thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of building information modelling as a tool to improve informed design communication between student and lecturer during critique sessions
- Authors: Basson, Jean-Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Building information modeling , Building -- Data processing Construction industry -- South Africa Construction projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23680 , vital:30598
- Description: Within the design studio at the Department of Architecture, Nelson Mandela University, the timeous submission of design projects is a problem. After close inspection, it is noted that students spend weeks on conceptual design ideas with no progressions towards completion. The purpose of the study is thus to determine whether building information modelling (BIM), as opposed to the traditional method of design, can be used to improve informed design communication during conceptual design for the first-year master of architecture students and contribute to timeous design project submission. A cohort comparison rubric will be used as the method for looking at the qualitative attributes of design intention, function, aesthetics, and sustainability. The 2016 cohort made use of the traditional design method, whereas for the 2017 cohort the BIM course was introduced in the computer module with implementation in the design studio. The work of nine students from both cohorts was analysed and findings include the following: improved drawing type availability, accuracy, and quality; reduced time spent on redundant work; inclusive discussions compared to isolated critique sessions; reduced printing costs - and the establishment of “what if” scenarios early in the project. Based upon the research findings it can be concluded that BIM as a teaching strategy and process has the capability of improving the communication between student and lecturer in the conceptual stage, thereby leading to a more timeous submission. It is recommended that BIM education must be incorporated in the undergraduate programme thereby providing students with an appropriate platform for expressing conceptual ideas more effectively within the design course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Basson, Jean-Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Building information modeling , Building -- Data processing Construction industry -- South Africa Construction projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23680 , vital:30598
- Description: Within the design studio at the Department of Architecture, Nelson Mandela University, the timeous submission of design projects is a problem. After close inspection, it is noted that students spend weeks on conceptual design ideas with no progressions towards completion. The purpose of the study is thus to determine whether building information modelling (BIM), as opposed to the traditional method of design, can be used to improve informed design communication during conceptual design for the first-year master of architecture students and contribute to timeous design project submission. A cohort comparison rubric will be used as the method for looking at the qualitative attributes of design intention, function, aesthetics, and sustainability. The 2016 cohort made use of the traditional design method, whereas for the 2017 cohort the BIM course was introduced in the computer module with implementation in the design studio. The work of nine students from both cohorts was analysed and findings include the following: improved drawing type availability, accuracy, and quality; reduced time spent on redundant work; inclusive discussions compared to isolated critique sessions; reduced printing costs - and the establishment of “what if” scenarios early in the project. Based upon the research findings it can be concluded that BIM as a teaching strategy and process has the capability of improving the communication between student and lecturer in the conceptual stage, thereby leading to a more timeous submission. It is recommended that BIM education must be incorporated in the undergraduate programme thereby providing students with an appropriate platform for expressing conceptual ideas more effectively within the design course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of photography as a vehicle for socio-cultural commentary on the stigmatisation of albinism in sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Pragnell, Robyn Monica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photography -- Social aspects , Photography -- Digital techniques Photography -- Research Photography -- Africa Three-dimensional display systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22541 , vital:29998
- Description: This study provides an investigation into the current transition socio-culturally concerned photographers are making from traditional two-dimensional flat imagery, towards three-dimensional materiality based photographic installation artworks. According to Dr. Gillian Rose (2016), larger society is found to be in a state of oculacentrism, where vision and visuals are central to contemporary every day experience, resulting in the medium of photographic expression not being used and experienced by the average person as an art medium at all. So much so that these traditional photographic forms of visual communications have found a decline in visual engagement and subsequently visual impact. In an attempt to combat this change in the relationship between photographic imagery and audiences, select socio-cultural photographers are adopting practices incorporating three-dimensional, immersive installation techniques (Shore, 2014: 7-11), (Lister, 2007: 272). The aim is to provide a three-dimensional installation space, where the audience is encouraged to engage with socio-cultural issues. The study focuses specifically on two sociocultural photographers, Damien Schumann and Angelica Dass, who have communicated socio-cultural stories in this three-dimensional photographic installation space. In order to analyse and derive valuable techniques and approaches from their selected works The Shack (2010) and Humanae (2017) the study combines sections of Dr. Gillian Rose’s Visual Methodologies Framework (2016) as well as installation analysis tools designed by author Mark Rosenthal (2003). The same analytical criteria are then applied to the practical components socio-cultural topic communicating the Stigmatism Towards Persons With Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes having created a three-dimensional photographic installation exhibition using similar techniques identified within the selected artists, moving beyond twodimensional forms to present a combination of three-dimensional techniques for enhanced socio-cultural visual communications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pragnell, Robyn Monica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photography -- Social aspects , Photography -- Digital techniques Photography -- Research Photography -- Africa Three-dimensional display systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22541 , vital:29998
- Description: This study provides an investigation into the current transition socio-culturally concerned photographers are making from traditional two-dimensional flat imagery, towards three-dimensional materiality based photographic installation artworks. According to Dr. Gillian Rose (2016), larger society is found to be in a state of oculacentrism, where vision and visuals are central to contemporary every day experience, resulting in the medium of photographic expression not being used and experienced by the average person as an art medium at all. So much so that these traditional photographic forms of visual communications have found a decline in visual engagement and subsequently visual impact. In an attempt to combat this change in the relationship between photographic imagery and audiences, select socio-cultural photographers are adopting practices incorporating three-dimensional, immersive installation techniques (Shore, 2014: 7-11), (Lister, 2007: 272). The aim is to provide a three-dimensional installation space, where the audience is encouraged to engage with socio-cultural issues. The study focuses specifically on two sociocultural photographers, Damien Schumann and Angelica Dass, who have communicated socio-cultural stories in this three-dimensional photographic installation space. In order to analyse and derive valuable techniques and approaches from their selected works The Shack (2010) and Humanae (2017) the study combines sections of Dr. Gillian Rose’s Visual Methodologies Framework (2016) as well as installation analysis tools designed by author Mark Rosenthal (2003). The same analytical criteria are then applied to the practical components socio-cultural topic communicating the Stigmatism Towards Persons With Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes having created a three-dimensional photographic installation exhibition using similar techniques identified within the selected artists, moving beyond twodimensional forms to present a combination of three-dimensional techniques for enhanced socio-cultural visual communications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The utility of vertical farming for urban renewal: an integrated business model for profitable and sustainable vegetation production
- Authors: Vermeulen, Robert Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Sustainable development Urban renewal Urban agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23294 , vital:30522
- Description: The global population growth rate is increasing exponentially and is expected to reach nine billion people by 2050. This accelerated population growth and associated increase in food demand, coupled with the trend of decreasing productive agricultural land, present a calamitous food security risk for future generations. The ensuing expansion of agricultural land to supply this food demand leads to irreversible environmental damage including encroachment, climate change and biodiversity extinction. Moreover, rapid urbanisation of the aforementioned over-populace leads to mass unemployment in many major cities and widespread suburbanisation. The concurrence of the latter and former trends creates pockets of urban brown space, unutilised and dilapidated areas that have various consequences. Vertical farming is a system of cultivating crops or food products in buildings, tall structures or vertically inclined surfaces. If applied correctly this method results in substantial increases in crop yield, environmental benefits and reduced pressure on agricultural land. The research problem in this study was to establish how the vertical farming business model can be integrated with urban renewal of brown space to enable profitable and sustainable vegetation production. In order to achieve this objective the following research process was followed: Identification of the factors pertinent for the examination of urban gentrification, vertical farming and business model implementation through the literature review; Identification of approaches for integrating vertical farming applications with urban renewal activities and collective insights from the review of relevant literature; Development of a semi-structured interview guide from the literature review, to determine the extent of perceived utility of vertical farming for revitalisation and to gain valuable insights into strategies for integrating the model; Conducting an empirical study consisting of face-to-face interviews with subject matter experts and/or individuals with experience in the case scope, that were selected through purposive sampling as defined in the research methodology chapter; and Amalgamation and synthesis of the results to develop a proposed integrated model that can be used for urban renewal to create businesses that not only gentrify the urban brown space but that are profitable and provide sustainable development value to the city where it is based. The empirical results obtained from the interviews with respondents were analysed and included in the conceptual framework developed from the examination of secondary data sources. This led to the development of the integrated business model for urban renewal and achievement of the research objectives. The main findings from the research centred on customer segmentation strategy, distribution channels and gentrification through key partnerships. The intricacies of the integrated model and its application are discussed in detail in this research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Vermeulen, Robert Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Sustainable development Urban renewal Urban agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23294 , vital:30522
- Description: The global population growth rate is increasing exponentially and is expected to reach nine billion people by 2050. This accelerated population growth and associated increase in food demand, coupled with the trend of decreasing productive agricultural land, present a calamitous food security risk for future generations. The ensuing expansion of agricultural land to supply this food demand leads to irreversible environmental damage including encroachment, climate change and biodiversity extinction. Moreover, rapid urbanisation of the aforementioned over-populace leads to mass unemployment in many major cities and widespread suburbanisation. The concurrence of the latter and former trends creates pockets of urban brown space, unutilised and dilapidated areas that have various consequences. Vertical farming is a system of cultivating crops or food products in buildings, tall structures or vertically inclined surfaces. If applied correctly this method results in substantial increases in crop yield, environmental benefits and reduced pressure on agricultural land. The research problem in this study was to establish how the vertical farming business model can be integrated with urban renewal of brown space to enable profitable and sustainable vegetation production. In order to achieve this objective the following research process was followed: Identification of the factors pertinent for the examination of urban gentrification, vertical farming and business model implementation through the literature review; Identification of approaches for integrating vertical farming applications with urban renewal activities and collective insights from the review of relevant literature; Development of a semi-structured interview guide from the literature review, to determine the extent of perceived utility of vertical farming for revitalisation and to gain valuable insights into strategies for integrating the model; Conducting an empirical study consisting of face-to-face interviews with subject matter experts and/or individuals with experience in the case scope, that were selected through purposive sampling as defined in the research methodology chapter; and Amalgamation and synthesis of the results to develop a proposed integrated model that can be used for urban renewal to create businesses that not only gentrify the urban brown space but that are profitable and provide sustainable development value to the city where it is based. The empirical results obtained from the interviews with respondents were analysed and included in the conceptual framework developed from the examination of secondary data sources. This led to the development of the integrated business model for urban renewal and achievement of the research objectives. The main findings from the research centred on customer segmentation strategy, distribution channels and gentrification through key partnerships. The intricacies of the integrated model and its application are discussed in detail in this research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The viability of mobile payments across South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria
- Authors: Wentzel, Bradley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- Africa , Banks and banking --Technological innovations -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45756 , vital:38961
- Description: As the global accessibility to the internet and mobile data and cellular systems is on the rise, the ability for the use of mobile devices in order to facilitate banking and to make payment across the African continent will increase. The question is then asked as to whether the African continent is ready for this technology and if it is not at this stage, will this ability to transact with a bank and a trusted method of payment ever be an option in Africa? This needs to be analysed and critically studied to determine whether Africa must invest in this technology and if so, when and how this investment should take place. The ability for the regular African consumer to access the wealth of knowledge that abounds over the internet is critical in order for the new mobile payment initiative to be a success. Education, infrastructure and ability to access this available technology will have long reaching effects in bringing Africa to the forefront in the global economy, while a move away from corporeal and historic tenders such as bartering systems, precious metals or cash, will be something new to the African continent and will need to be explored separately. In this study we will assess the readiness of the top three African economies, namely South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria of their current abilities to facilitate this technology and the barriers to entries and possible remedies to those if this is not the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wentzel, Bradley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- Africa , Banks and banking --Technological innovations -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45756 , vital:38961
- Description: As the global accessibility to the internet and mobile data and cellular systems is on the rise, the ability for the use of mobile devices in order to facilitate banking and to make payment across the African continent will increase. The question is then asked as to whether the African continent is ready for this technology and if it is not at this stage, will this ability to transact with a bank and a trusted method of payment ever be an option in Africa? This needs to be analysed and critically studied to determine whether Africa must invest in this technology and if so, when and how this investment should take place. The ability for the regular African consumer to access the wealth of knowledge that abounds over the internet is critical in order for the new mobile payment initiative to be a success. Education, infrastructure and ability to access this available technology will have long reaching effects in bringing Africa to the forefront in the global economy, while a move away from corporeal and historic tenders such as bartering systems, precious metals or cash, will be something new to the African continent and will need to be explored separately. In this study we will assess the readiness of the top three African economies, namely South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria of their current abilities to facilitate this technology and the barriers to entries and possible remedies to those if this is not the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The visual communication of environmental awareness issues in Jeff Orlowski's,Chasing Ice (2012) and Yann Arthurs -Bertrand's home (2009)
- Authors: Van der Walt, Nadia Elize
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Visual communication , Environmentalism in motion pictures Documentary films -- History and critism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45547 , vital:38665
- Description: This study presents an investigation into the visual communication complexities within the genre of documentary film, specifically aimed at the development of a set of criteria of cinematic techniques for the visual communication of environmental awareness issues. This process utilises a theoretical approach to understanding the development and communicative possibilities of documentary film, as well as an analytical interpretation structured on semiotic film theory. The theoretical investigation reveals Bill Nichols’ (2010) documentary modes as an established analytical model. This study engages with four of Nichols’ six modes – namely, the poetic, the expository, the observational and the participatory modes, as the criteria for the extraction of scenes and/or images from Chasing Ice (2012) by Jeff Orlowski and Home (2009) by Yann Arthurs-Bertrand. Once Nichols’ modes have been identified, a semiotic reading is conducted. Gillian Rose’s (2016) visual analysis framework underpinned by Pieter J. Fourie’s (1988) sociological approach to film analysis, is utilised to read the selected film texts. A comparative analysis of Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) reveals that the inclusion of different and multiple modes constructs the visualisation of environmental awareness issues in the documentary film genre. The cinematic techniques specific to the documentary modes represented in Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) are appropriated in the construction of three film shorts within the researcher’s documentary film study, Karoo (2017). This combination of theory and practice yields the researcher a considered and informed approach to constructing documentary imagery aimed at visualising the current environment of the Karoo Basin prior to the possibility of shale gas exploration and/or exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Van der Walt, Nadia Elize
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Visual communication , Environmentalism in motion pictures Documentary films -- History and critism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45547 , vital:38665
- Description: This study presents an investigation into the visual communication complexities within the genre of documentary film, specifically aimed at the development of a set of criteria of cinematic techniques for the visual communication of environmental awareness issues. This process utilises a theoretical approach to understanding the development and communicative possibilities of documentary film, as well as an analytical interpretation structured on semiotic film theory. The theoretical investigation reveals Bill Nichols’ (2010) documentary modes as an established analytical model. This study engages with four of Nichols’ six modes – namely, the poetic, the expository, the observational and the participatory modes, as the criteria for the extraction of scenes and/or images from Chasing Ice (2012) by Jeff Orlowski and Home (2009) by Yann Arthurs-Bertrand. Once Nichols’ modes have been identified, a semiotic reading is conducted. Gillian Rose’s (2016) visual analysis framework underpinned by Pieter J. Fourie’s (1988) sociological approach to film analysis, is utilised to read the selected film texts. A comparative analysis of Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) reveals that the inclusion of different and multiple modes constructs the visualisation of environmental awareness issues in the documentary film genre. The cinematic techniques specific to the documentary modes represented in Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) are appropriated in the construction of three film shorts within the researcher’s documentary film study, Karoo (2017). This combination of theory and practice yields the researcher a considered and informed approach to constructing documentary imagery aimed at visualising the current environment of the Karoo Basin prior to the possibility of shale gas exploration and/or exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Therapists’ perception of the healing variables of animal assisted intervention
- Authors: Torghi, Parnaz Salmani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Pets -- Therapeutic use Human-animal relationships Psychotherapy -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36705 , vital:34045
- Description: The significance of the bond that is formed through animal companionship can be found in narratives throughout history. In fact, often a pet is viewed as an integral part of the family and valued as deeply as a member if not more. This has resulted in numerous studies regarding the incorporation of animals within the therapeutic environment and the unique positive impact of their presence on the client. This study aimed to highlight the healing variables of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) as perceived by therapists that actively and purposefully incorporated animals into the therapeutic milieu. A qualitative research approach was utilised for the purpose of this study and semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of five participants selected through a nonprobability purposive and snowball sampling strategy. Participants included registered Psychologists and Counsellors that had incorporated an animal into the therapeutic environment on at least three separate occasions in order to facilitate the therapeutic process. The participants revealed that the presence of the animal within the therapeutic environment acted as a social lubricant for therapy. This allowed for increased interaction between the therapist and the client, thereby facilitating the process of rapport building and the formation of a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The presence of the animal was observed as influential in increasing clients’ self-esteem. Likewise, the animal’s presence acted as an instrument in teaching social skills, namely, empathy and responsibility. Clients were additionally observed as more present within the here and now, further enabling the therapist to gain more in-depth information regarding the client’s relational interaction outside of the therapeutic setting. The therapy animal also provided the client with therapeutic touch and affection, a source of distraction, a form of a transitional object or object of projection, as well as a buffer that enabled clients to access and express emotions more freely. This study adds to the body of knowledge available on AAI within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Torghi, Parnaz Salmani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Pets -- Therapeutic use Human-animal relationships Psychotherapy -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36705 , vital:34045
- Description: The significance of the bond that is formed through animal companionship can be found in narratives throughout history. In fact, often a pet is viewed as an integral part of the family and valued as deeply as a member if not more. This has resulted in numerous studies regarding the incorporation of animals within the therapeutic environment and the unique positive impact of their presence on the client. This study aimed to highlight the healing variables of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) as perceived by therapists that actively and purposefully incorporated animals into the therapeutic milieu. A qualitative research approach was utilised for the purpose of this study and semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of five participants selected through a nonprobability purposive and snowball sampling strategy. Participants included registered Psychologists and Counsellors that had incorporated an animal into the therapeutic environment on at least three separate occasions in order to facilitate the therapeutic process. The participants revealed that the presence of the animal within the therapeutic environment acted as a social lubricant for therapy. This allowed for increased interaction between the therapist and the client, thereby facilitating the process of rapport building and the formation of a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The presence of the animal was observed as influential in increasing clients’ self-esteem. Likewise, the animal’s presence acted as an instrument in teaching social skills, namely, empathy and responsibility. Clients were additionally observed as more present within the here and now, further enabling the therapist to gain more in-depth information regarding the client’s relational interaction outside of the therapeutic setting. The therapy animal also provided the client with therapeutic touch and affection, a source of distraction, a form of a transitional object or object of projection, as well as a buffer that enabled clients to access and express emotions more freely. This study adds to the body of knowledge available on AAI within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The design of a community owned winery in Philippi informal settlement Cape Cape
- Authors: Steytler, Willem
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wineries -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Designs and plans , Wine and wine making -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39196 , vital:35057
- Description: The study focuses on Philippi as a particular place and the communities that dwell there. It aims to study the spatial dispositions caused by apartheid and colonialism. The dissertation highlights the inequality of South African cityscapes which is then extrapolated in the conditions that exists on the Cape Flats. A core focus of the study is the way in which architecture might aid the spatial inequality in a post-apartheid South Africa. The first bottle of wine was bottled in South Africa seven years after the Cape had been colonized. This means that the wine industry has always been synonymous of colonialization to a certain degree. Further research reveals that the part of the Cape Flats that is today known as Philippi Township was used for grapevine cultivation by German settlers from the 1830s, but with the advent of the forced removals, the 1950 Groups Area Act zoned that land for the relocation of the non-white community. The community on the Cape Flats experiences a significantly lower quality of life than many of the suburbs in Cape Town. (http://journals.sagepub.com) It can be noted that the areas surrounding Cape Town have an abundance of vineyards owned mostly by a singular demographic with a significantly higher income than those living in the townships. Research has indicated that the ‘terroir’, (climatic and environmental conditions) of Philippi is ideal for grapevine cultivation and there are upwards of 250 hectares of open land. The viticulture industry is one of the biggest sources of income for the Western Cape but the problem lies in the fact that the revenue created is channeled only to an elite group of people. To counteract the repercussions of apartheid many strategies have been implemented by the government; among these is land reform. The physical and spatial nature of this place is investigated to create an architectural viewpoint on the matter. The treatise explores the design of a community-owned winery in the Philippi Informal Settlement and examines how the resultant architecture might address the impaired configuration of the urban make-up while strengthening the sense of identity. The idea is that through leap-frog development locals will plant vineyards in open spaces, making the township a greener space to live in, whilst also generating income for the local inhabitants and allowing for the transfer of knowledge. The use of precedent studies into the nature of building type, site visits as well as site- and precinct investigations were necessary to reach an understanding of the building type and a possible architectural response to the sensitive topic. All research is qualitative using inductive reasoning. Qualtative research is based on observation to gather non-numerical data. Inductive reasoning is reasoning where the premises support the conclusion, which means that the conclusion is the part of reasoning that inductive reasoning is trying to prove. The understanding gained from the above-mentioned methods led to an appropriate architectural response in the form of a design. The design is the conclusion and proposed solution of the treatise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Steytler, Willem
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wineries -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Designs and plans , Wine and wine making -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39196 , vital:35057
- Description: The study focuses on Philippi as a particular place and the communities that dwell there. It aims to study the spatial dispositions caused by apartheid and colonialism. The dissertation highlights the inequality of South African cityscapes which is then extrapolated in the conditions that exists on the Cape Flats. A core focus of the study is the way in which architecture might aid the spatial inequality in a post-apartheid South Africa. The first bottle of wine was bottled in South Africa seven years after the Cape had been colonized. This means that the wine industry has always been synonymous of colonialization to a certain degree. Further research reveals that the part of the Cape Flats that is today known as Philippi Township was used for grapevine cultivation by German settlers from the 1830s, but with the advent of the forced removals, the 1950 Groups Area Act zoned that land for the relocation of the non-white community. The community on the Cape Flats experiences a significantly lower quality of life than many of the suburbs in Cape Town. (http://journals.sagepub.com) It can be noted that the areas surrounding Cape Town have an abundance of vineyards owned mostly by a singular demographic with a significantly higher income than those living in the townships. Research has indicated that the ‘terroir’, (climatic and environmental conditions) of Philippi is ideal for grapevine cultivation and there are upwards of 250 hectares of open land. The viticulture industry is one of the biggest sources of income for the Western Cape but the problem lies in the fact that the revenue created is channeled only to an elite group of people. To counteract the repercussions of apartheid many strategies have been implemented by the government; among these is land reform. The physical and spatial nature of this place is investigated to create an architectural viewpoint on the matter. The treatise explores the design of a community-owned winery in the Philippi Informal Settlement and examines how the resultant architecture might address the impaired configuration of the urban make-up while strengthening the sense of identity. The idea is that through leap-frog development locals will plant vineyards in open spaces, making the township a greener space to live in, whilst also generating income for the local inhabitants and allowing for the transfer of knowledge. The use of precedent studies into the nature of building type, site visits as well as site- and precinct investigations were necessary to reach an understanding of the building type and a possible architectural response to the sensitive topic. All research is qualitative using inductive reasoning. Qualtative research is based on observation to gather non-numerical data. Inductive reasoning is reasoning where the premises support the conclusion, which means that the conclusion is the part of reasoning that inductive reasoning is trying to prove. The understanding gained from the above-mentioned methods led to an appropriate architectural response in the form of a design. The design is the conclusion and proposed solution of the treatise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Time-driven activity-based costing for small to medium manufacturing enterprises in South Africa: an integrated balanced scorecard approach
- Authors: Reynolds, Arthur
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Activity-based costing , Managerial accounting Small business -- Finance Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35125 , vital:33630
- Description: The failure rate of small to medium enterprises in South Africa is very high. This is problematic as there is a large dependence on the ongoing success of small to medium enterprises from the economy and society. Increasing labour costs and inflationary pressure have contributed to the high failure rates of small to medium enterprises. In addition, the manufacturing sector for small to medium enterprises has showed a decline over recent years. There is thus a need to identify and manage the critical success factors (CSFs) for small to medium manufacturing enterprises. The balanced scorecard (BSC) has been used successfully to manage CSFs. Furthermore, research on time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) has illustrated that this costing system could be implemented successfully at small to medium enterprises across the world to manage costs, and that the BSC could be used successfully together with TDABC. However, research has shown that implementing a BSC at small to medium enterprises could be challenging. As a result, the theory of constraints (TOC) that can be used to explain the phenomenon of constraints of resources is recognised as the underlying theory for this study. The availability of a generic yet adaptable BSC could potentially enable owners and managers of small to medium manufacturing enterprises to manage the CSFs that together with the TDABC system can lower costs and identify unused capacity. This study has developed and implemented a generic TDABC/BSC costing system by investigating literature and conducting a Delphi study and a case study at a small to medium enterprise specialising in manufacturing. Firstly, it was found that a generic BSC for small to medium manufacturing enterprises could be developed by using a Delphi study to create a BSC template with optional key metrics/key performance indicators (KPIs) to suit different types of manufacturing industries. Secondly, it was demonstrated in a case study that TDABC could still be beneficial for a small to medium manufacturing enterprise if focus is only on a single product. Thirdly, it became evident that the system could be used to manage the TOC. Finally, the case study shows that cost savings could be achieved in small to medium enterprise by using the integrated TDABC/BSC costing system and by that increase the success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Reynolds, Arthur
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Activity-based costing , Managerial accounting Small business -- Finance Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35125 , vital:33630
- Description: The failure rate of small to medium enterprises in South Africa is very high. This is problematic as there is a large dependence on the ongoing success of small to medium enterprises from the economy and society. Increasing labour costs and inflationary pressure have contributed to the high failure rates of small to medium enterprises. In addition, the manufacturing sector for small to medium enterprises has showed a decline over recent years. There is thus a need to identify and manage the critical success factors (CSFs) for small to medium manufacturing enterprises. The balanced scorecard (BSC) has been used successfully to manage CSFs. Furthermore, research on time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) has illustrated that this costing system could be implemented successfully at small to medium enterprises across the world to manage costs, and that the BSC could be used successfully together with TDABC. However, research has shown that implementing a BSC at small to medium enterprises could be challenging. As a result, the theory of constraints (TOC) that can be used to explain the phenomenon of constraints of resources is recognised as the underlying theory for this study. The availability of a generic yet adaptable BSC could potentially enable owners and managers of small to medium manufacturing enterprises to manage the CSFs that together with the TDABC system can lower costs and identify unused capacity. This study has developed and implemented a generic TDABC/BSC costing system by investigating literature and conducting a Delphi study and a case study at a small to medium enterprise specialising in manufacturing. Firstly, it was found that a generic BSC for small to medium manufacturing enterprises could be developed by using a Delphi study to create a BSC template with optional key metrics/key performance indicators (KPIs) to suit different types of manufacturing industries. Secondly, it was demonstrated in a case study that TDABC could still be beneficial for a small to medium manufacturing enterprise if focus is only on a single product. Thirdly, it became evident that the system could be used to manage the TOC. Finally, the case study shows that cost savings could be achieved in small to medium enterprise by using the integrated TDABC/BSC costing system and by that increase the success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Tolerance of salt marsh ecotone species to salinity and inundation
- Authors: Matabane, Rebotile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Geobiology , Plant ecology Plant ecophysiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22409 , vital:29967
- Description: Ecophysiology studies help understand and predict the response of coastal ecosystems to changes in environmental factors and complement modelling and mapping studies that often do not take into account the physiological tolerances of the biota. Along the South African coastline predicted sea level rise will shift the tidal front and result in larger submerged areas. The frequency and magnitude of inundation and subsequent salinity stress is expected to influence the survival and distribution of salt marsh. An understanding of the effects of sea level rise on plant growth and survival is required to predict, manage and adapt to climate change. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of the salt marsh ecotone species Disphyma crassifolium (L.) L. Bol. to salinity and submergence stress and to measure in situ spatial and temporal changes in vegetation cover and its environmental drivers in the Swartkops Estuary in South Africa.Three greenhouse experiments assessed morphological and physiological responses to salinity and inundation treatments on D. crassifolium. The first experiment used three inundation levels (dry, tidal and waterlogged) and five salinity treatments (0, 8, 18, 35 and 45 ppt) and ran for six weeks. The second experiment also had three inundation levels (dry, waterlogged and completely submerged) and five salinity treatments (0, 8, 18, 35 and 45 ppt) and ran for 12 weeks. The third experiment investigated the response of a narrower range of salinity treatments under dry conditions only; namely 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ppt and ran for seven weeks. Experiment 1 showed that D. crassifolium growth decreased with an increase in salinity. Optimum growth occurred at lower salinity treatments of 0 to 18 ppt under dry conditions. Plant height and leaf succulence was the highest at 0 ppt (12.4 ± 1.2 cm and 94.9 ± 0.6 % respectively). The number of leaves produced were the highest at 0 ppt (47.7 ± 8.9 number of leaves) and 8 ppt (59.6 ± 6.3 number of leaves). The root/shoot ratio for dry treatment plants was significantly lower (p < 0.005, n=12) than that of waterlogged and tidal-treated plants. This was as a result of more leaves being produced in dry treatments. In Experiment 2 D. crassifolium plants died after one month of submergence regardless of the salinity. Once again optimum growth occurred at salinity of 0 to 18 ppt under the dry treatment. Within the waterlogged treatment, 0 and 8 ppt treated plants developed adventitious roots and started flowering after two weeks.The electrolyte leakage increased with salinity, however the waterlogged plants had significantly higher electrolyte leakage compare to the dry treated plants. Within the waterlogged treatment electrolyte leakage was at the highest at 18 ppt (36.5 ± 4.2 %) and lowest at 0 ppt (26.1 ± 3.3 %). Photosynthetic pigments showed significant difference across the two inundation states. However, chlorophyll and carotenoids concentrations did not differ significantly with an increase in salinity in each treatment. D. crassifolium tolerated stress through accumulation of solutes that increased in concentration with salinity treatment. The proline concentration ranged between 23.1 to 102 mM while the glycinebetaine concentration ranged between 36.6 and 120 mM. Experiment 3 showed that growth was highest at salinity < 20 ppt. The highest growth based on plant height was measured at 0 and 10 ppt. Spatial and temporal changes in the salt marsh terrestrial boundary was investigated in situ at two sites in the Swartkops Estuary using three line transects per site extending from the terrestrial boundary to the supratidal salt marsh. Plant cover abundance was measured seasonally along with sediment moisture content, electrical conductivity, redox potential, organic content and sediment particle size. There were five sampling trips between April 2016 to July 2017, representing autumn, winter and summer. The transects at Sites 1 and 2 were divided into three zones; a Drosanthemum zone (dominated by Drosanthemum parvifolium (Haw.) Schwantes at the beginning of the transect), a Sarcocornia zone (in the middle of the transect and dominated by Sarcocornia pillanssii (Moss) A.J. Scott) and a Disphyma zone at the end of the transect in the supratidal marsh (dominated by Disphyma crassifolium). There was no significant seasonal change in vegetation cover except in Site 1 during Winter 2016 when Isolepis sp. appeared and was dominant in the middle of the transects. Sediment assessed from each of the zones showed physicochemical ranges within the typical ecotone sediment characteristics. Moisture content ranged between 0.6 and 30.9 % at Site 1 and between 3 and 33.8 % at Site 2. Electrical conductivity ranged between 0.9 and 10.2 mS cm-1 at Site 1 and between 1.4 and 17.8 mS cm-1 at Site 2. Organic content ranged between 1.9 and 16 % at Site 1 and between 3.9 and 16.3 % at Site 2. Redox potential ranged between 208 and 406.7 mV at Site 1 and between 202.7 and 389.67 mV at Site 2. Sediment particle size consisted of sand (>70%), silt (>15%) and clay (<10%). The aim of this study was to provide insight on the effects of salinity and inundation on the morphology and physiology of D. crassifolium occurring in the salt marsh terrestrial boundary and to assess its spatial and temporal changes over time. The research suggests that D. crassifolium is more sensitive to inundation than salinity. Furthermore the succulent was found in the field to be dominant in conditions which the glasshouse experiments showed to be its optimum growth. That is, in dry sediments with salinity of < 18 ppt. Therefore, if these conditions change (sediment moisture and salinity), the cover abundance of D. crassifolium could significantly change in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Matabane, Rebotile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Geobiology , Plant ecology Plant ecophysiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22409 , vital:29967
- Description: Ecophysiology studies help understand and predict the response of coastal ecosystems to changes in environmental factors and complement modelling and mapping studies that often do not take into account the physiological tolerances of the biota. Along the South African coastline predicted sea level rise will shift the tidal front and result in larger submerged areas. The frequency and magnitude of inundation and subsequent salinity stress is expected to influence the survival and distribution of salt marsh. An understanding of the effects of sea level rise on plant growth and survival is required to predict, manage and adapt to climate change. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of the salt marsh ecotone species Disphyma crassifolium (L.) L. Bol. to salinity and submergence stress and to measure in situ spatial and temporal changes in vegetation cover and its environmental drivers in the Swartkops Estuary in South Africa.Three greenhouse experiments assessed morphological and physiological responses to salinity and inundation treatments on D. crassifolium. The first experiment used three inundation levels (dry, tidal and waterlogged) and five salinity treatments (0, 8, 18, 35 and 45 ppt) and ran for six weeks. The second experiment also had three inundation levels (dry, waterlogged and completely submerged) and five salinity treatments (0, 8, 18, 35 and 45 ppt) and ran for 12 weeks. The third experiment investigated the response of a narrower range of salinity treatments under dry conditions only; namely 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ppt and ran for seven weeks. Experiment 1 showed that D. crassifolium growth decreased with an increase in salinity. Optimum growth occurred at lower salinity treatments of 0 to 18 ppt under dry conditions. Plant height and leaf succulence was the highest at 0 ppt (12.4 ± 1.2 cm and 94.9 ± 0.6 % respectively). The number of leaves produced were the highest at 0 ppt (47.7 ± 8.9 number of leaves) and 8 ppt (59.6 ± 6.3 number of leaves). The root/shoot ratio for dry treatment plants was significantly lower (p < 0.005, n=12) than that of waterlogged and tidal-treated plants. This was as a result of more leaves being produced in dry treatments. In Experiment 2 D. crassifolium plants died after one month of submergence regardless of the salinity. Once again optimum growth occurred at salinity of 0 to 18 ppt under the dry treatment. Within the waterlogged treatment, 0 and 8 ppt treated plants developed adventitious roots and started flowering after two weeks.The electrolyte leakage increased with salinity, however the waterlogged plants had significantly higher electrolyte leakage compare to the dry treated plants. Within the waterlogged treatment electrolyte leakage was at the highest at 18 ppt (36.5 ± 4.2 %) and lowest at 0 ppt (26.1 ± 3.3 %). Photosynthetic pigments showed significant difference across the two inundation states. However, chlorophyll and carotenoids concentrations did not differ significantly with an increase in salinity in each treatment. D. crassifolium tolerated stress through accumulation of solutes that increased in concentration with salinity treatment. The proline concentration ranged between 23.1 to 102 mM while the glycinebetaine concentration ranged between 36.6 and 120 mM. Experiment 3 showed that growth was highest at salinity < 20 ppt. The highest growth based on plant height was measured at 0 and 10 ppt. Spatial and temporal changes in the salt marsh terrestrial boundary was investigated in situ at two sites in the Swartkops Estuary using three line transects per site extending from the terrestrial boundary to the supratidal salt marsh. Plant cover abundance was measured seasonally along with sediment moisture content, electrical conductivity, redox potential, organic content and sediment particle size. There were five sampling trips between April 2016 to July 2017, representing autumn, winter and summer. The transects at Sites 1 and 2 were divided into three zones; a Drosanthemum zone (dominated by Drosanthemum parvifolium (Haw.) Schwantes at the beginning of the transect), a Sarcocornia zone (in the middle of the transect and dominated by Sarcocornia pillanssii (Moss) A.J. Scott) and a Disphyma zone at the end of the transect in the supratidal marsh (dominated by Disphyma crassifolium). There was no significant seasonal change in vegetation cover except in Site 1 during Winter 2016 when Isolepis sp. appeared and was dominant in the middle of the transects. Sediment assessed from each of the zones showed physicochemical ranges within the typical ecotone sediment characteristics. Moisture content ranged between 0.6 and 30.9 % at Site 1 and between 3 and 33.8 % at Site 2. Electrical conductivity ranged between 0.9 and 10.2 mS cm-1 at Site 1 and between 1.4 and 17.8 mS cm-1 at Site 2. Organic content ranged between 1.9 and 16 % at Site 1 and between 3.9 and 16.3 % at Site 2. Redox potential ranged between 208 and 406.7 mV at Site 1 and between 202.7 and 389.67 mV at Site 2. Sediment particle size consisted of sand (>70%), silt (>15%) and clay (<10%). The aim of this study was to provide insight on the effects of salinity and inundation on the morphology and physiology of D. crassifolium occurring in the salt marsh terrestrial boundary and to assess its spatial and temporal changes over time. The research suggests that D. crassifolium is more sensitive to inundation than salinity. Furthermore the succulent was found in the field to be dominant in conditions which the glasshouse experiments showed to be its optimum growth. That is, in dry sediments with salinity of < 18 ppt. Therefore, if these conditions change (sediment moisture and salinity), the cover abundance of D. crassifolium could significantly change in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Topic map for representing network security competencies
- Authors: Yekela, Odwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Computer networks , Computer networks -- Security measures Computers -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36368 , vital:33931
- Description: Competencies represent the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for job roles. Organisations need to understand and grow competencies within their workforce in order to be more competitive and to maximise new market opportunities. Competency Management is the process of introducing, managing and enforcing competencies in organisations. Through this process, occupational competencies can be assessed to see if candidates match the required job role expectations. The assessment of competencies can be conceptualised from two perspectives. The rst is `competency frameworks', which describe competencies from a high-level overview. As such, they are regarded as theWhat" element of competency. The second perspective is `competencybased learning', which focuses on addressing competencies from a more detailed, task-oriented perspective. Competency-based learning is regarded as the How" element of competency. Currently, there is no available tool that can map the What" with the How" element of competency. Such a mapping would provide a more holistic approach to representing competencies. This dissertation adopts the topic map standard in order to demonstrate a holistic approach to mapping competencies, specially in network security. This is accomplished through the design and evaluation of a Design Science artefact. In this research process a topic map data model was constructed from mapping the `What' and `How' elements together. To demonstrate the applicability of the model, it was implemented in a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) recruitment scenario. The aim of this demonstration was to prove that the topic map could be implemented in an organisational context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Yekela, Odwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Computer networks , Computer networks -- Security measures Computers -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36368 , vital:33931
- Description: Competencies represent the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for job roles. Organisations need to understand and grow competencies within their workforce in order to be more competitive and to maximise new market opportunities. Competency Management is the process of introducing, managing and enforcing competencies in organisations. Through this process, occupational competencies can be assessed to see if candidates match the required job role expectations. The assessment of competencies can be conceptualised from two perspectives. The rst is `competency frameworks', which describe competencies from a high-level overview. As such, they are regarded as theWhat" element of competency. The second perspective is `competencybased learning', which focuses on addressing competencies from a more detailed, task-oriented perspective. Competency-based learning is regarded as the How" element of competency. Currently, there is no available tool that can map the What" with the How" element of competency. Such a mapping would provide a more holistic approach to representing competencies. This dissertation adopts the topic map standard in order to demonstrate a holistic approach to mapping competencies, specially in network security. This is accomplished through the design and evaluation of a Design Science artefact. In this research process a topic map data model was constructed from mapping the `What' and `How' elements together. To demonstrate the applicability of the model, it was implemented in a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) recruitment scenario. The aim of this demonstration was to prove that the topic map could be implemented in an organisational context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Towards a community based conservation strategy for wetlands in Uganda
- Authors: Barakagira, Alex
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources , Wetland conservation -- Uganda Wetlands -- Uganda -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23902 , vital:30640
- Description: Conservation of natural resources in Uganda focuses primarily on protected areas, including savannah national parks, mainly for conserving big game and forests, for controlling the harvest of commercially valuable timber resources, with less concern for wetlands. Later, policies and legislation in Uganda favoured agricultural production rather than the conservation of wetlands, a situation that culminated in their degradation. In a bid to counter the effects of wetlands degradation, Wetland Management Agencies were created. These agencies excluded the input of members of the local communities who reside in the wetlands environs. Local communities were not consulted on matters concerning management and conservation strategies, a situation that may have escalated the problem of wetlands degradation. Local knowledge is needed for the effective management and conservation of the wetlands and it is essential that local communities are included in decision making. This research study is more of an initiative for providing information that may be essential for the formulation of a community based conservation strategy for wetlands in Uganda. The study aimed to identify and characterize activities carried out by members of the local communities in wetlands found in central and western Uganda that are responsible for their progressive degradation; to assess the performance of existing Wetlands Management Institutions towards protection and conservation of wetlands in Uganda; to ascertain whether the acts and policies that have been promulgated for the protection of wetlands in Uganda have been adhered to by members of the local communities and to evaluate three community based conservation case studies with two vastly different outcomes in order to come up with the community-based conservation principles Ugandan communities may need to adopt to achieve sustainable utilisation and conservation of wetland resources. To achieve the objectives stated above, the researcher used a multi-disciplinary methodology that required several areas of expertise and sources of information. Hence, to accomplish the study, primary sources of data that included quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the study participants by means of a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews and direct observations. Secondary sources of data centred on published Ugandan acts and policies; textbooks; case study articles and journal articles. The study revealed a host of activities in which members of the local community are involved that have led to the degradation of the wetlands in Uganda. These include but are not limited to crop cultivation, dairy farming and unsustainable wetland resource harvesting. A number of other reasons for the degradation of the wetlands include unclear ownership of the wetlands, unclear wetland boundaries and a lack of awareness of the indirect benefits wetlands provide for members of the local communities. The study disclosed that wetlands management institutions have not been effective in the protection and conservation of wetlands in Uganda, mainly due to political interference and inadequate funding for the institutions’ conservation activities. The acts and policies that were promulgated for the protection and conservation of wetlands have been selectively implemented in some places and in others completely ignored, culminating in the degradation of the wetlands. The study revealed that effective community based conservation of wetlands in Uganda includes: initiation of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all wetlands activities being borne by members of the local community; government introducing alternative income-generating activities aimed to reduce over-reliance on wetland resources and education of the local communities regarding the community-based projects’ objectives in order to garner their support. Recommendations emanating from this study are that the Land Act should be amended to specify a particular land tenure system, preferably freehold, which may promote the conservation of wetlands in Uganda; fertilizers (organic) should be introduced in the study area to fertilize the uplands that have reportedly become infertile in order to reduce the pressure the local community members are exerting on the wetlands for agriculture; wetlands management institutions should be empowered financially and political interference in activities aimed at conservation of wetlands in Uganda must cease. There should be uniform implementation of the rules and regulations stipulated in the acts and policies for all members of the public concerning wetlands protection. Lastly, essential community based conservation principles, as stated above, need to be applied carefully and adhered to if effective implementation of community-based conservation of wetlands is to be achieved in Uganda.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Barakagira, Alex
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources , Wetland conservation -- Uganda Wetlands -- Uganda -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23902 , vital:30640
- Description: Conservation of natural resources in Uganda focuses primarily on protected areas, including savannah national parks, mainly for conserving big game and forests, for controlling the harvest of commercially valuable timber resources, with less concern for wetlands. Later, policies and legislation in Uganda favoured agricultural production rather than the conservation of wetlands, a situation that culminated in their degradation. In a bid to counter the effects of wetlands degradation, Wetland Management Agencies were created. These agencies excluded the input of members of the local communities who reside in the wetlands environs. Local communities were not consulted on matters concerning management and conservation strategies, a situation that may have escalated the problem of wetlands degradation. Local knowledge is needed for the effective management and conservation of the wetlands and it is essential that local communities are included in decision making. This research study is more of an initiative for providing information that may be essential for the formulation of a community based conservation strategy for wetlands in Uganda. The study aimed to identify and characterize activities carried out by members of the local communities in wetlands found in central and western Uganda that are responsible for their progressive degradation; to assess the performance of existing Wetlands Management Institutions towards protection and conservation of wetlands in Uganda; to ascertain whether the acts and policies that have been promulgated for the protection of wetlands in Uganda have been adhered to by members of the local communities and to evaluate three community based conservation case studies with two vastly different outcomes in order to come up with the community-based conservation principles Ugandan communities may need to adopt to achieve sustainable utilisation and conservation of wetland resources. To achieve the objectives stated above, the researcher used a multi-disciplinary methodology that required several areas of expertise and sources of information. Hence, to accomplish the study, primary sources of data that included quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the study participants by means of a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews and direct observations. Secondary sources of data centred on published Ugandan acts and policies; textbooks; case study articles and journal articles. The study revealed a host of activities in which members of the local community are involved that have led to the degradation of the wetlands in Uganda. These include but are not limited to crop cultivation, dairy farming and unsustainable wetland resource harvesting. A number of other reasons for the degradation of the wetlands include unclear ownership of the wetlands, unclear wetland boundaries and a lack of awareness of the indirect benefits wetlands provide for members of the local communities. The study disclosed that wetlands management institutions have not been effective in the protection and conservation of wetlands in Uganda, mainly due to political interference and inadequate funding for the institutions’ conservation activities. The acts and policies that were promulgated for the protection and conservation of wetlands have been selectively implemented in some places and in others completely ignored, culminating in the degradation of the wetlands. The study revealed that effective community based conservation of wetlands in Uganda includes: initiation of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all wetlands activities being borne by members of the local community; government introducing alternative income-generating activities aimed to reduce over-reliance on wetland resources and education of the local communities regarding the community-based projects’ objectives in order to garner their support. Recommendations emanating from this study are that the Land Act should be amended to specify a particular land tenure system, preferably freehold, which may promote the conservation of wetlands in Uganda; fertilizers (organic) should be introduced in the study area to fertilize the uplands that have reportedly become infertile in order to reduce the pressure the local community members are exerting on the wetlands for agriculture; wetlands management institutions should be empowered financially and political interference in activities aimed at conservation of wetlands in Uganda must cease. There should be uniform implementation of the rules and regulations stipulated in the acts and policies for all members of the public concerning wetlands protection. Lastly, essential community based conservation principles, as stated above, need to be applied carefully and adhered to if effective implementation of community-based conservation of wetlands is to be achieved in Uganda.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Trading with selected SADC countries and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Malimba, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991 Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31962 , vital:31867
- Description: This study empirically evaluates the impact of trading with SADC countries on the economic growth of South Africa (2010 -2016). The study used Fixed Effects Model to determine the relationship between economic growth of South Africa and the selected explanatory variables. The study made use of annual panel data from World Bank, Focus Economics and Trading economics. The relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and its determinants was examined using the procedure suggested in the literature by William (2017). Various tests were conducted to ensure that the relevant model is used and to produce reliable results. The results of a fixed effects model revealed that exports, imports and trade openness are statistically significant for South African economic growth. However, the p-values indicated that trade openness is the most statistically significant variable in explaining the variation in South African economic growth better than other explanatory variables confirm. Other variables that explained the fitness of the model for the data indicated that the model was a good fit. The implication of the results obtained from Fixed Effects model is that there was little trade between South Africa and selected SADC countries during the period under review. Trading with SADC countries has a negative effect on South African economy mainly because there was a decrease in exports to SADC over the past six years and that SADC countries still need to be more open to trade. Less intensive trading between SADC countries could be attributed to shortage of capital, infrastructure and skilled labour among SADC countries. The main trading partners of South Africa are countries that are characterised by being capital intensive and have highly skilled labour. In the light of the challenges that negatively affects trade in the SADC region, the study suggests that SADC should spell out the criteria that countries need to meet before they can become members of the union. These should be non-negotiable and ensure that member states harmonise their policies with those of SADC. The study also suggests that SADC countries should be more open to trade as it has been empirically proven that trade openness has a positive relationship with economic growth. Empirical evidence presents that countries with open, large and more developed neighbouring economies grow faster than those with closed, smaller, and less developed neighbouring economies. Trade should be intensified because there are potential gains to trading with SADC. It is further suggested that more focus should be given on work related training to improve the skills of our labour force. These suggestions are based on the belief that African countries have the ability to rescue themselves out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Malimba, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991 Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31962 , vital:31867
- Description: This study empirically evaluates the impact of trading with SADC countries on the economic growth of South Africa (2010 -2016). The study used Fixed Effects Model to determine the relationship between economic growth of South Africa and the selected explanatory variables. The study made use of annual panel data from World Bank, Focus Economics and Trading economics. The relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and its determinants was examined using the procedure suggested in the literature by William (2017). Various tests were conducted to ensure that the relevant model is used and to produce reliable results. The results of a fixed effects model revealed that exports, imports and trade openness are statistically significant for South African economic growth. However, the p-values indicated that trade openness is the most statistically significant variable in explaining the variation in South African economic growth better than other explanatory variables confirm. Other variables that explained the fitness of the model for the data indicated that the model was a good fit. The implication of the results obtained from Fixed Effects model is that there was little trade between South Africa and selected SADC countries during the period under review. Trading with SADC countries has a negative effect on South African economy mainly because there was a decrease in exports to SADC over the past six years and that SADC countries still need to be more open to trade. Less intensive trading between SADC countries could be attributed to shortage of capital, infrastructure and skilled labour among SADC countries. The main trading partners of South Africa are countries that are characterised by being capital intensive and have highly skilled labour. In the light of the challenges that negatively affects trade in the SADC region, the study suggests that SADC should spell out the criteria that countries need to meet before they can become members of the union. These should be non-negotiable and ensure that member states harmonise their policies with those of SADC. The study also suggests that SADC countries should be more open to trade as it has been empirically proven that trade openness has a positive relationship with economic growth. Empirical evidence presents that countries with open, large and more developed neighbouring economies grow faster than those with closed, smaller, and less developed neighbouring economies. Trade should be intensified because there are potential gains to trading with SADC. It is further suggested that more focus should be given on work related training to improve the skills of our labour force. These suggestions are based on the belief that African countries have the ability to rescue themselves out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Understanding factors that influence the acceptance of electronic medical records by nurses in hospitals: a framework
- Authors: Makalima, Melissa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31488 , vital:31495
- Description: Globally, unlike in the past, it is rare for a patient to consult the same healthcare provider throughout his or her lifetime. However, this makes it difficult to maintain informational continuity of care. Researchers have confirmed that paper-based methods of record keeping do not meet the needs of informational continuity of care. As a result, the popularity of electronic means of recordkeeping, specifically, electronic medical records (EMRs), is growing. However, the implementation of EMRs in hospitals is not without challenges with these challenges playing a significant role in the failure of EMRs. One such challenge is a lack of user acceptance. Research reveals that nurses comprise the largest user group of EMRs in the hospital setting. However, there is inadequate literature that focuses on the factors contributing to EMR acceptance with nurses as the user group. Hence, the main problem addressed in this research study relates to the inadequate understanding of the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. In order to address this problem, a literature review and a case study were conducted to ascertain and investigate the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. A total of 39 factors were formulated. Subsequent to the formulation of these factors, knowledge on the impact of each factor on EMR acceptance was collected. Socio-technical Systems Theory (STS) was used as a theoretical lens through which to view the resulting factors. The STS dimension from which each factor originates as well as the STS dimension influenced by the factor were identified. The analysis of the different stages of acceptance as well as the STS analysis resulted in a framework that could play an important role in providing a better understanding of EMR acceptance by nurses in hospitals. It was anticipated that this study would contribute to a better understanding of the factors that hospitals should address in order to create a conducive environment for EMR acceptance by nurses within the hospitals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Makalima, Melissa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31488 , vital:31495
- Description: Globally, unlike in the past, it is rare for a patient to consult the same healthcare provider throughout his or her lifetime. However, this makes it difficult to maintain informational continuity of care. Researchers have confirmed that paper-based methods of record keeping do not meet the needs of informational continuity of care. As a result, the popularity of electronic means of recordkeeping, specifically, electronic medical records (EMRs), is growing. However, the implementation of EMRs in hospitals is not without challenges with these challenges playing a significant role in the failure of EMRs. One such challenge is a lack of user acceptance. Research reveals that nurses comprise the largest user group of EMRs in the hospital setting. However, there is inadequate literature that focuses on the factors contributing to EMR acceptance with nurses as the user group. Hence, the main problem addressed in this research study relates to the inadequate understanding of the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. In order to address this problem, a literature review and a case study were conducted to ascertain and investigate the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. A total of 39 factors were formulated. Subsequent to the formulation of these factors, knowledge on the impact of each factor on EMR acceptance was collected. Socio-technical Systems Theory (STS) was used as a theoretical lens through which to view the resulting factors. The STS dimension from which each factor originates as well as the STS dimension influenced by the factor were identified. The analysis of the different stages of acceptance as well as the STS analysis resulted in a framework that could play an important role in providing a better understanding of EMR acceptance by nurses in hospitals. It was anticipated that this study would contribute to a better understanding of the factors that hospitals should address in order to create a conducive environment for EMR acceptance by nurses within the hospitals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Understanding the contribution of third space theory in the Masikhulisane reading programme
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Monique
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Literacy programs -- South Africa , Literacy -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Language arts -- South Africa , Reading promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18652 , vital:28699
- Description: The focus of this study is to understand the contribution third space theory makes to literacy practices in the Masikhulisane Reading Programme. The Masikhulisane Reading Programme is an in-school reading club involving reading stories for enjoyment. This study concentrated on the Grade Six participants in term three of the programme, where cross-age reading receives emphasis in service of cultivating reading for pleasure. An older (or more experienced) learner was paired with a younger (less competent) learner for the purpose of nurturing quality reading competencies and reading for enjoyment. The challenges of bilingual reading and developing reading practices without sufficient resources informed this study. The Masikhulisane Reading Programme seems to provide a solution to some of these challenges, offering reading material to learners and affording them agency in terms of their buddy system. Multiple data generation methods were used in order to gain a real understanding of what the Masikhulisane Reading Programme meant to the Grade Six learners, namely: observation of classroom practice, drawings with written and verbal descriptions, and two teacher interviews. The teachers corroborated what the learners said, supporting the idea that learners benefit from an abundance of opportunities to read, while taking ownership in their paired reading. The framework designed for data analysis provided a type of coding, and a way of recognising themes. The designed framework provided an overview and was applied to all the data as a means of drawing out patters to provide explanatory potential. One way to understanding this programme is through the, Third Space Theory, which recognises that in different spaces, participants can take up different positions, allowing for different ways of being. Each Grade Six learners became the teachers with one buddy, teaching and establishing a reading practice with their younger buddy. This gave them the chance to be responsible for developing a love for reading, which was empowering for both them and their buddy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Monique
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Literacy programs -- South Africa , Literacy -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Language arts -- South Africa , Reading promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18652 , vital:28699
- Description: The focus of this study is to understand the contribution third space theory makes to literacy practices in the Masikhulisane Reading Programme. The Masikhulisane Reading Programme is an in-school reading club involving reading stories for enjoyment. This study concentrated on the Grade Six participants in term three of the programme, where cross-age reading receives emphasis in service of cultivating reading for pleasure. An older (or more experienced) learner was paired with a younger (less competent) learner for the purpose of nurturing quality reading competencies and reading for enjoyment. The challenges of bilingual reading and developing reading practices without sufficient resources informed this study. The Masikhulisane Reading Programme seems to provide a solution to some of these challenges, offering reading material to learners and affording them agency in terms of their buddy system. Multiple data generation methods were used in order to gain a real understanding of what the Masikhulisane Reading Programme meant to the Grade Six learners, namely: observation of classroom practice, drawings with written and verbal descriptions, and two teacher interviews. The teachers corroborated what the learners said, supporting the idea that learners benefit from an abundance of opportunities to read, while taking ownership in their paired reading. The framework designed for data analysis provided a type of coding, and a way of recognising themes. The designed framework provided an overview and was applied to all the data as a means of drawing out patters to provide explanatory potential. One way to understanding this programme is through the, Third Space Theory, which recognises that in different spaces, participants can take up different positions, allowing for different ways of being. Each Grade Six learners became the teachers with one buddy, teaching and establishing a reading practice with their younger buddy. This gave them the chance to be responsible for developing a love for reading, which was empowering for both them and their buddy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Understanding the impacts of foliar insect pests on eucalyptus species growth and the development of appropriate management strategies
- Dlamini, Lindokuhle Sithembiso
- Authors: Dlamini, Lindokuhle Sithembiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Eucalyptus -- South Africa , Trees -- Breeding Wood-pulp industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29962 , vital:30801
- Description: Within South Africa (SA), eucalypts contribute significantly to the commercial production of pulpwood, treated poles, wood chips and saw timber. Due to their rapid growth and desirable timber properties, 47% of the afforested area within SA is planted with various eucalypts and their hybrid combinations. Biotic and abiotic factors pose a risk to the productivity of eucalypts, with the most significant risk currently associated with the increased impacts of foliar insect pests on tree productivity, for example Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); Gonipterus scutellatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera; Curculionidae); Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellape (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae); Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) etc. Past and current research has focused more on the individual components of biological, cultural and chemical control, with limited research conducted on the practical integration of these management strategies. Although the combination of biological and cultural control methods for long-term management would be preferred, the use of environmentally acceptable insecticides can contribute to the short-term management of insect pests where necessary. Environmental constraints (associated with forest certification) around the use of insecticides, means that there are currently few insecticides available for controlling foliar insect pests of eucalypts within the SA forest industry. Due to the recent increased introduction of insect pests, there is also a lack of data related to their impacts on tree growth, as well as the success of any management methods used. To improve our understanding regarding these components, three groups of trials (five in total) were implemented in the summer rainfall region of SA to quantify the impacts of insect pests on eucalypt growth, test integrated management practices (chemical and cultural management), and test environmentally acceptable insecticides. In 2010, two insect exclusion trials were established at Palm Ridge and Teza plantations in KwaZulu-Natal to quantify the impact of insect pests on two Eucalyptus hybrids. The trial locations were selected adjacent to compartments for which the pests Gonipterus spp. and Thaumastocoris peregrinus were present. Each trial had an insecticide treatment with an active ingredient of alpha-cypermethrin at a rate of 100 g l-1 and a control treatment where trees were not sprayed. Insect pests were collected after every spraying event. A greater number of insect pests were collected from the Palm Ridge site. Gonipterus spp. were the predominant insect pests collected. No significant growth differences were recorded between treated and untreated trees at Teza. Measurements taken at Palm Ridge indicated that insecticide-treated trees had significantly greater tree growth than untreated trees. Final measurements showed a v 25% reduction in volume for the control treatment compared to the insecticide treatment. Results of this study indicate that timing and duration of insecticide application could hold larger and additive benefits for insect exclusion. Due to the lack of non-hazardous registered insecticides, and the susceptibility of many of the eucalypts grown within SA to L. invasa, a trial was initiated in 2011 in Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal). A 3 x 4 x 4 factorial combination of 48 treatments were replicated 3 trials and arranged in a split-split-plot design. The factors included insecticide type as the whole plot (fenvalerate, azadirachtin and imidacloprid), timing of insecticide application as a sub-plot (0, 3, 6 and 9 months) and type of hybrid as the sub-sub-plot (a susceptible and tolerant E. grandis x E. camaldulensis hybrid (GC_s and GC_t) and a susceptible and tolerant E. grandis x E. urophylla hybrid (GU_s and GU_t)). To determine insecticide efficacy, plots of untreated clones were included as control treatments within each replicate. The incidence and magnitude of L. invasa damage and tree performance were assessed for up to 5.5 years of age. L. invasa damage recorded over the trial period indicated that irrespective of treatment, damage was lower in the GU clones than the GC clones resulting in a 63.9 m3 ha-1 volume difference at 5.5 years. In addition, the difference between the GU_s and GU_t clones (3.2 m3 ha-1) was marginal when compared to the GC_s and GC_t clones (37.2 m3 ha-1). A decrease in GC stocking correlated with the period when there was a high damage incidence recorded for L. invasa. Although the three insecticides tested delayed the onset of L. invasa damage, they did not result in improved tree performance at 5.5 years. Results indicate that the planting of a tolerant species (hybrid in this trial) was the most viable option for the management of L. invasa. Two trials were implemented in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in October 2016 (at Ingwe and Balgowan plantations), to test the efficacy of eight different insecticides (synthetic and organic) for the management of foliar insect pests. The Ingwe trial was planted with Eucalyptus dunnii and the Balgowan trial was planted with Eucalyptus badjensis. The insecticides tested were azadirachtin, deltamethrin, imidacloprid (liquid and tablet), Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, potassium silicate and a combination of plant oil extracts (garlic oil, soybean oil and capsicum oleoresin extract). The imidacloprid tablet, deltamethrin and an untreated control were implemented as additional treatments. The insecticides were tested at the recommended rate (single rate) and at double the recommended rate (double rate), except for the insecticides in the additional treatments which were only tested at the single rate. These insecticides were applied three times over a period of four months, and tree growth measurements (Gld/Dbh and Ht) were taken four times over a period of seven months. Gonipterus spp. vi was the only insect pest found in both these trials, thus the insecticides were tested for their efficacy in managing this specific insect pest. A higher population and damage of Gonipterus spp. was found in the E. dunnii trial and very little to no damage was observed in the E. badjensis trial. All insecticides tested were not effective in managing Gonipterus spp. in these specific sites. A low population of insect pests and incorrect timing and method of application of some of the insecticides could offer a plausible explanation of results. Results from these trials indicate that where foliar insect pests occur in high abundance, significant tree-growth reduction occurs. Although insecticides (deltamethrin - for G. scutellatus; imidacloprid for L. invasa) can be used for the short-term control of these insects, their commercial benefits may be reduced due to the number of repeat applications required and/or with high levels of infestation. Of the eight environmentally acceptable insecticides tested for foliar insect control, the low abundance of insect pests present in the trials meant that their efficacy could not be quantified. If an alternative insecticide were to be found, its application would need to be linked to the environmentally stimulated outbreaks of specific insects. Of the treatments implemented, the selection and planting of eucalypts with known resistance to specific insect pests currently remains the most viable management strategy. Breeding for increased tolerance within resistant eucalypts may also provide additional benefits. Although the above research showed the negative impacts of foliar insect pests on tree growth, it also indicated that no single control method is viable for all insect pests. Future research should look at the integration of different management methods while incorporating more insect pests and different seasons in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dlamini, Lindokuhle Sithembiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Eucalyptus -- South Africa , Trees -- Breeding Wood-pulp industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29962 , vital:30801
- Description: Within South Africa (SA), eucalypts contribute significantly to the commercial production of pulpwood, treated poles, wood chips and saw timber. Due to their rapid growth and desirable timber properties, 47% of the afforested area within SA is planted with various eucalypts and their hybrid combinations. Biotic and abiotic factors pose a risk to the productivity of eucalypts, with the most significant risk currently associated with the increased impacts of foliar insect pests on tree productivity, for example Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); Gonipterus scutellatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera; Curculionidae); Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellape (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae); Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) etc. Past and current research has focused more on the individual components of biological, cultural and chemical control, with limited research conducted on the practical integration of these management strategies. Although the combination of biological and cultural control methods for long-term management would be preferred, the use of environmentally acceptable insecticides can contribute to the short-term management of insect pests where necessary. Environmental constraints (associated with forest certification) around the use of insecticides, means that there are currently few insecticides available for controlling foliar insect pests of eucalypts within the SA forest industry. Due to the recent increased introduction of insect pests, there is also a lack of data related to their impacts on tree growth, as well as the success of any management methods used. To improve our understanding regarding these components, three groups of trials (five in total) were implemented in the summer rainfall region of SA to quantify the impacts of insect pests on eucalypt growth, test integrated management practices (chemical and cultural management), and test environmentally acceptable insecticides. In 2010, two insect exclusion trials were established at Palm Ridge and Teza plantations in KwaZulu-Natal to quantify the impact of insect pests on two Eucalyptus hybrids. The trial locations were selected adjacent to compartments for which the pests Gonipterus spp. and Thaumastocoris peregrinus were present. Each trial had an insecticide treatment with an active ingredient of alpha-cypermethrin at a rate of 100 g l-1 and a control treatment where trees were not sprayed. Insect pests were collected after every spraying event. A greater number of insect pests were collected from the Palm Ridge site. Gonipterus spp. were the predominant insect pests collected. No significant growth differences were recorded between treated and untreated trees at Teza. Measurements taken at Palm Ridge indicated that insecticide-treated trees had significantly greater tree growth than untreated trees. Final measurements showed a v 25% reduction in volume for the control treatment compared to the insecticide treatment. Results of this study indicate that timing and duration of insecticide application could hold larger and additive benefits for insect exclusion. Due to the lack of non-hazardous registered insecticides, and the susceptibility of many of the eucalypts grown within SA to L. invasa, a trial was initiated in 2011 in Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal). A 3 x 4 x 4 factorial combination of 48 treatments were replicated 3 trials and arranged in a split-split-plot design. The factors included insecticide type as the whole plot (fenvalerate, azadirachtin and imidacloprid), timing of insecticide application as a sub-plot (0, 3, 6 and 9 months) and type of hybrid as the sub-sub-plot (a susceptible and tolerant E. grandis x E. camaldulensis hybrid (GC_s and GC_t) and a susceptible and tolerant E. grandis x E. urophylla hybrid (GU_s and GU_t)). To determine insecticide efficacy, plots of untreated clones were included as control treatments within each replicate. The incidence and magnitude of L. invasa damage and tree performance were assessed for up to 5.5 years of age. L. invasa damage recorded over the trial period indicated that irrespective of treatment, damage was lower in the GU clones than the GC clones resulting in a 63.9 m3 ha-1 volume difference at 5.5 years. In addition, the difference between the GU_s and GU_t clones (3.2 m3 ha-1) was marginal when compared to the GC_s and GC_t clones (37.2 m3 ha-1). A decrease in GC stocking correlated with the period when there was a high damage incidence recorded for L. invasa. Although the three insecticides tested delayed the onset of L. invasa damage, they did not result in improved tree performance at 5.5 years. Results indicate that the planting of a tolerant species (hybrid in this trial) was the most viable option for the management of L. invasa. Two trials were implemented in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in October 2016 (at Ingwe and Balgowan plantations), to test the efficacy of eight different insecticides (synthetic and organic) for the management of foliar insect pests. The Ingwe trial was planted with Eucalyptus dunnii and the Balgowan trial was planted with Eucalyptus badjensis. The insecticides tested were azadirachtin, deltamethrin, imidacloprid (liquid and tablet), Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, potassium silicate and a combination of plant oil extracts (garlic oil, soybean oil and capsicum oleoresin extract). The imidacloprid tablet, deltamethrin and an untreated control were implemented as additional treatments. The insecticides were tested at the recommended rate (single rate) and at double the recommended rate (double rate), except for the insecticides in the additional treatments which were only tested at the single rate. These insecticides were applied three times over a period of four months, and tree growth measurements (Gld/Dbh and Ht) were taken four times over a period of seven months. Gonipterus spp. vi was the only insect pest found in both these trials, thus the insecticides were tested for their efficacy in managing this specific insect pest. A higher population and damage of Gonipterus spp. was found in the E. dunnii trial and very little to no damage was observed in the E. badjensis trial. All insecticides tested were not effective in managing Gonipterus spp. in these specific sites. A low population of insect pests and incorrect timing and method of application of some of the insecticides could offer a plausible explanation of results. Results from these trials indicate that where foliar insect pests occur in high abundance, significant tree-growth reduction occurs. Although insecticides (deltamethrin - for G. scutellatus; imidacloprid for L. invasa) can be used for the short-term control of these insects, their commercial benefits may be reduced due to the number of repeat applications required and/or with high levels of infestation. Of the eight environmentally acceptable insecticides tested for foliar insect control, the low abundance of insect pests present in the trials meant that their efficacy could not be quantified. If an alternative insecticide were to be found, its application would need to be linked to the environmentally stimulated outbreaks of specific insects. Of the treatments implemented, the selection and planting of eucalypts with known resistance to specific insect pests currently remains the most viable management strategy. Breeding for increased tolerance within resistant eucalypts may also provide additional benefits. Although the above research showed the negative impacts of foliar insect pests on tree growth, it also indicated that no single control method is viable for all insect pests. Future research should look at the integration of different management methods while incorporating more insect pests and different seasons in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018