A model to measure the digital competence of South African citizens
- Authors: Du Preez, Creswell Martin
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Communication of technical information , Digital divide , Information technology -- Social aspects , Information society
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64522 , vital:73746
- Description: The rapid proliferation of disruptive technologies is a paradigm shift fundamentally changing how humanity lives, works, communicates, and relates to each other. Many governments are implementing digital transformation strategies to improve service delivery, citizen participation, and information-sharing mechanisms. South Africa has identified digital skills as a key challenge to becoming a professional and globally competitive knowledge society. However, the 2016 Global IT Report of the World Economic Forum highlights the skills problem in South Africa, ranking it 95th out of 139 countries on the skills pillar. This is due to poor quality of education, particularly in math and science. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly underscored the importance of digital competence in South Africa, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. As the pandemic forced a shift to remote work, education, and digital service delivery, the disparities in digital access and skills became more apparent, especially in under-resourced communities. This situation revealed the urgent need to enhance digital competence across the population to bridge the digital divide. On the other hand, the pandemic also acted as a catalyst for digital transformation in the country. There was an accelerated adoption of digital technologies in various sectors, from education using online platforms to businesses embracing e-commerce. This rapid shift showcased the potential of digital technology to foster resilience against such disruptions. It highlighted citizens’ critical need for comprehensive digital competence to navigate this new digital landscape effectively. A gap exists between current online digital skills training programmes and the ability of citizens to participate in the same. While mega-vendors like Microsoft, Google, and Oracle offer virtual training on specific technologies, it is argued that users need digital competence training before participating in these opportunities. In other words, be able to access online training platforms, create a user account, use secure passwords, and navigate online training systems. This critical component is not holistically addressed across the education system in South Africa. Furthermore, digital competence is a new concept in the South African context and has not been holistically assessed until now. This study sets out to develop a digital competence assessment model to measure the digital competence of South African citizens. Research was conducted to understand digital competence, its characteristics and assessment models and frameworks. A suitable framework was then selected and adapted for the South African context. The adapted framework was used to develop a South African Digital Competence Assessment Model. The model consists of a Digital Competence Assessment Grid, which forms the core of the Digital Competence Assessment Model, as well as an example of how the model can be used to develop an assessment questionnaire. The South African Digital Competence Assessment Grid and the Digital Competence Assessment Example were reviewed by experts as part of an expert review process. The recommendations from the experts were used to refine the Digital Competence Assessment Grid. As the concept of digital competence is new to South Africa, implementation strategies and considerations were discussed for the model. As a starting point, implementation resources were developed on how to use the model in the form of a Digital Competence Assessment Model Guide. The study thus makes an important contribution to advancing digital competence assessment in South Africa, which will inform the nature of the development programs needed and from which the competence profiles for various jobs and job families can be generated. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Du Preez, Creswell Martin
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Communication of technical information , Digital divide , Information technology -- Social aspects , Information society
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64522 , vital:73746
- Description: The rapid proliferation of disruptive technologies is a paradigm shift fundamentally changing how humanity lives, works, communicates, and relates to each other. Many governments are implementing digital transformation strategies to improve service delivery, citizen participation, and information-sharing mechanisms. South Africa has identified digital skills as a key challenge to becoming a professional and globally competitive knowledge society. However, the 2016 Global IT Report of the World Economic Forum highlights the skills problem in South Africa, ranking it 95th out of 139 countries on the skills pillar. This is due to poor quality of education, particularly in math and science. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly underscored the importance of digital competence in South Africa, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. As the pandemic forced a shift to remote work, education, and digital service delivery, the disparities in digital access and skills became more apparent, especially in under-resourced communities. This situation revealed the urgent need to enhance digital competence across the population to bridge the digital divide. On the other hand, the pandemic also acted as a catalyst for digital transformation in the country. There was an accelerated adoption of digital technologies in various sectors, from education using online platforms to businesses embracing e-commerce. This rapid shift showcased the potential of digital technology to foster resilience against such disruptions. It highlighted citizens’ critical need for comprehensive digital competence to navigate this new digital landscape effectively. A gap exists between current online digital skills training programmes and the ability of citizens to participate in the same. While mega-vendors like Microsoft, Google, and Oracle offer virtual training on specific technologies, it is argued that users need digital competence training before participating in these opportunities. In other words, be able to access online training platforms, create a user account, use secure passwords, and navigate online training systems. This critical component is not holistically addressed across the education system in South Africa. Furthermore, digital competence is a new concept in the South African context and has not been holistically assessed until now. This study sets out to develop a digital competence assessment model to measure the digital competence of South African citizens. Research was conducted to understand digital competence, its characteristics and assessment models and frameworks. A suitable framework was then selected and adapted for the South African context. The adapted framework was used to develop a South African Digital Competence Assessment Model. The model consists of a Digital Competence Assessment Grid, which forms the core of the Digital Competence Assessment Model, as well as an example of how the model can be used to develop an assessment questionnaire. The South African Digital Competence Assessment Grid and the Digital Competence Assessment Example were reviewed by experts as part of an expert review process. The recommendations from the experts were used to refine the Digital Competence Assessment Grid. As the concept of digital competence is new to South Africa, implementation strategies and considerations were discussed for the model. As a starting point, implementation resources were developed on how to use the model in the form of a Digital Competence Assessment Model Guide. The study thus makes an important contribution to advancing digital competence assessment in South Africa, which will inform the nature of the development programs needed and from which the competence profiles for various jobs and job families can be generated. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A process for integrated fitness and menstrual cycle data visualisations
- Authors: Taljaard, Isabelle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Human-computer interaction , Personal information management , Medical informatics -- Standards
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64379 , vital:73689
- Description: The increase in female participation in sport has led to an increase in research reporting on the relationship between fitness and menstrual cycle (F&M) data. Fitness variables such as VO2 max and heart rate are influenced by menstrual hormones and change with the different phases of a cycle. People frequently track both their F&M data, to understand their long-term activity and their body’s changes during the different cycle phases. Both these data sets are tracked and visualised separately to help people understand their data, however little work has been done to visualise the relationship between the two data sets. A process that guides the creation of an integrated F&M visualisation does not exist. This research aimed to develop and adopt a process that could be used to successfully guide the creation of an integrated F&M visualisation. The study followed the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) to create a primary and secondary artefact – the process and instantiation thereof. The DSRM was applied in iterative cycles where the process was developed, instantiations created and evaluated by participants. To develop the process, existing data processing and visualisation processes were reviewed from literature, to assess their successes and shortcomings. The review of existing processes revealed what steps, and factors related to those steps, would need to be considered. The process review highlighted the importance of five process steps: planning, collection, access, integration, and visualisation. Once the conceptual process was designed, it was adapted for the goal of creating an integrated F&M data visualisation. Prior to implementation, the process was first tested in a pilot study to ensure its validity before involving participants in data collection. After the process pilot study, the final implementation of the process took place and participants were recruited. In the first step of the process, the different fitness data types that are influenced by the menstrual cycle, and vice versa, were identified through a literature review. In the second step, devices to be used for data collection were evaluated and tested through exploratory testing and review of user manuals available online. The third and fourth steps, access, and integration were informed by further exploratory testing and review of relevant literature. The fifth step, data visualisation, was guided by relevant studies, Hick’s law, and the Schema Theory. Two Iterations of DSR were conducted in two phases. Phase 1 (P1) was the instantiation of the planning, collection, access, and processing steps. Participants wore smartwatches while going about their daily lives and working out and tracked their menstrual cycle to collect data. P1data was used to create several instantiations of the process. The second phase (P2) was the instantiation the visualisation step. The final visualisations, resulting from the instantiations, were evaluated by participants in P2. The review notes were used to improve both the process and the final visualisations. Both P1 and P2 were repeated (iterated) twice. The recommended process can be used by anyone who wants to create an integrated F&M visualisation and was designed to be modular so that users could choose to follow the whole process or only specific steps. The findings of this research can provide guidance to users, developers and smartwatch manufacturers of what people’s preferences are for these integrated visualisations. It also provides guidance for those who wish to create their own visualisations without needing prior programming experience or knowledge, since easy to use, online visualisation tools are recommended. The process instantiations will assist people, especially women, to better understand their menstrual cycle and how it affects their physical well-being. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Taljaard, Isabelle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Human-computer interaction , Personal information management , Medical informatics -- Standards
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64379 , vital:73689
- Description: The increase in female participation in sport has led to an increase in research reporting on the relationship between fitness and menstrual cycle (F&M) data. Fitness variables such as VO2 max and heart rate are influenced by menstrual hormones and change with the different phases of a cycle. People frequently track both their F&M data, to understand their long-term activity and their body’s changes during the different cycle phases. Both these data sets are tracked and visualised separately to help people understand their data, however little work has been done to visualise the relationship between the two data sets. A process that guides the creation of an integrated F&M visualisation does not exist. This research aimed to develop and adopt a process that could be used to successfully guide the creation of an integrated F&M visualisation. The study followed the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) to create a primary and secondary artefact – the process and instantiation thereof. The DSRM was applied in iterative cycles where the process was developed, instantiations created and evaluated by participants. To develop the process, existing data processing and visualisation processes were reviewed from literature, to assess their successes and shortcomings. The review of existing processes revealed what steps, and factors related to those steps, would need to be considered. The process review highlighted the importance of five process steps: planning, collection, access, integration, and visualisation. Once the conceptual process was designed, it was adapted for the goal of creating an integrated F&M data visualisation. Prior to implementation, the process was first tested in a pilot study to ensure its validity before involving participants in data collection. After the process pilot study, the final implementation of the process took place and participants were recruited. In the first step of the process, the different fitness data types that are influenced by the menstrual cycle, and vice versa, were identified through a literature review. In the second step, devices to be used for data collection were evaluated and tested through exploratory testing and review of user manuals available online. The third and fourth steps, access, and integration were informed by further exploratory testing and review of relevant literature. The fifth step, data visualisation, was guided by relevant studies, Hick’s law, and the Schema Theory. Two Iterations of DSR were conducted in two phases. Phase 1 (P1) was the instantiation of the planning, collection, access, and processing steps. Participants wore smartwatches while going about their daily lives and working out and tracked their menstrual cycle to collect data. P1data was used to create several instantiations of the process. The second phase (P2) was the instantiation the visualisation step. The final visualisations, resulting from the instantiations, were evaluated by participants in P2. The review notes were used to improve both the process and the final visualisations. Both P1 and P2 were repeated (iterated) twice. The recommended process can be used by anyone who wants to create an integrated F&M visualisation and was designed to be modular so that users could choose to follow the whole process or only specific steps. The findings of this research can provide guidance to users, developers and smartwatch manufacturers of what people’s preferences are for these integrated visualisations. It also provides guidance for those who wish to create their own visualisations without needing prior programming experience or knowledge, since easy to use, online visualisation tools are recommended. The process instantiations will assist people, especially women, to better understand their menstrual cycle and how it affects their physical well-being. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A qualitative exploration of the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in the design and formulation of sexuality and HIV curriculum
- Authors: Jacobs, Elfean Randall
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Life skills -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63956 , vital:73632
- Description: This research study investigated the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in designing and formulating a sexuality and HIV curriculum. The Life Orientation subject aims to equip learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes to live a successful and healthy life in society. Some of LO's prescribed programmes, such as the sexuality and HIV curriculum, have operated for many years in the South African school curriculum. These programmes still do not address the social illnesses that destroy the lives of young people in our communities. There is a need for the transformation of these programmes. The research was conducted in the Blue Crane region in Somerset East and the Dr Beyers Naude region in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Qualitative data generation methods were employed, which consisted of field notes and individual interviews with six (6) LO teachers at three (3) of the identified secondary schools and two (2) LO subject advisors from the district office. The main research question for this study was: What is the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in the design and formulation of sexuality and HIV curriculum in the life orientation subject? What are the pedagogical contributions of LO teachers and LO subject advisors on the content of the sexuality and HIV curriculum in their schools? What do LO teachers and LO subject advisors perceive as relevant in the teaching methodology of the sexuality and HIV curriculum in the schools? What do LO teachers and LO subject advisors perceive as the relevant content for a sexuality and HIV curriculum? The data generated from the individual interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysed data was further broken down into seven (7) themes and subthemes. The interpretation of the themes and subthemes are discussed in detail. To ensure whether the analysed data was accurate and correct, the researcher utilised quality criteria to measure the trustworthiness of the study as well as the credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. , Thesis (D.Phil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Jacobs, Elfean Randall
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Life skills -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63956 , vital:73632
- Description: This research study investigated the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in designing and formulating a sexuality and HIV curriculum. The Life Orientation subject aims to equip learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes to live a successful and healthy life in society. Some of LO's prescribed programmes, such as the sexuality and HIV curriculum, have operated for many years in the South African school curriculum. These programmes still do not address the social illnesses that destroy the lives of young people in our communities. There is a need for the transformation of these programmes. The research was conducted in the Blue Crane region in Somerset East and the Dr Beyers Naude region in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Qualitative data generation methods were employed, which consisted of field notes and individual interviews with six (6) LO teachers at three (3) of the identified secondary schools and two (2) LO subject advisors from the district office. The main research question for this study was: What is the role of LO teachers and LO subject advisors in the design and formulation of sexuality and HIV curriculum in the life orientation subject? What are the pedagogical contributions of LO teachers and LO subject advisors on the content of the sexuality and HIV curriculum in their schools? What do LO teachers and LO subject advisors perceive as relevant in the teaching methodology of the sexuality and HIV curriculum in the schools? What do LO teachers and LO subject advisors perceive as the relevant content for a sexuality and HIV curriculum? The data generated from the individual interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysed data was further broken down into seven (7) themes and subthemes. The interpretation of the themes and subthemes are discussed in detail. To ensure whether the analysed data was accurate and correct, the researcher utilised quality criteria to measure the trustworthiness of the study as well as the credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. , Thesis (D.Phil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A qualitative review on the manner in which psychologists address language barriers in psychological testing with isiXhosa speaking clients
- Authors: Fouche, Nicoleen Leonie
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Psychological aspects , Psychological tests -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Counseling psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63835 , vital:73618
- Description: A racially segregated culture historically influenced the growth of psychological testing and evaluation in South Africa. Thus, South Africa's multicultural and multilingual community poses difficulties for psychologists in their daily work. Most of the psychological tests used by psychologists are predominantly normed in either or only English/Afrikaans. Given the economic and professional resources required to develop new standardised tests for the broader South African population, the current status quo is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Consequently, language barriers pose a challenge when psychometric standardised tests are administered in a language that is different from that of the client, and as a result, psychologists must develop ways to enhance the fairness of these measures for their client base. The avenue of research that was explored is how psychologists overcome the language boundary when assessing clients who speak an indigenous first language, particularly isiXhosa. As such, this study explored this question through qualitative methods. Through purposive sampling, nine psychologists were invited to share their practical expertise on this topic, using semi-structured online interviews. The findings of this study suggested several core themes providing useful methods for other psychologists facing the same challenge, including the challenges with administering psychological tests with isiXhosa clients, the availability of standardised tests in the South African context, and the importance of determining the client’s language proficiency. Five themes with several sub-themes emerged from the study. The study contributes to the currently limited existing body of knowledge, and subsequently to the research area that this study explores - thus further providing guidelines that practitioners can employ when working with clients who are isiXhosa speaking. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Fouche, Nicoleen Leonie
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Psychological aspects , Psychological tests -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Counseling psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63835 , vital:73618
- Description: A racially segregated culture historically influenced the growth of psychological testing and evaluation in South Africa. Thus, South Africa's multicultural and multilingual community poses difficulties for psychologists in their daily work. Most of the psychological tests used by psychologists are predominantly normed in either or only English/Afrikaans. Given the economic and professional resources required to develop new standardised tests for the broader South African population, the current status quo is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Consequently, language barriers pose a challenge when psychometric standardised tests are administered in a language that is different from that of the client, and as a result, psychologists must develop ways to enhance the fairness of these measures for their client base. The avenue of research that was explored is how psychologists overcome the language boundary when assessing clients who speak an indigenous first language, particularly isiXhosa. As such, this study explored this question through qualitative methods. Through purposive sampling, nine psychologists were invited to share their practical expertise on this topic, using semi-structured online interviews. The findings of this study suggested several core themes providing useful methods for other psychologists facing the same challenge, including the challenges with administering psychological tests with isiXhosa clients, the availability of standardised tests in the South African context, and the importance of determining the client’s language proficiency. Five themes with several sub-themes emerged from the study. The study contributes to the currently limited existing body of knowledge, and subsequently to the research area that this study explores - thus further providing guidelines that practitioners can employ when working with clients who are isiXhosa speaking. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A review of the quality of the covid-19 terminology that has been translated into isiXhosa
- Authors: Kamtein, Khanyisa
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: African languages -- Translating , Communication -- Language , Communication in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63080 , vital:73185
- Description: The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic affected the whole world. Consequently, countries were forced to lock down and citizens had to be quarantined to control the spread of the virus. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) came up with safety measures to try and mitigate the spread of the virus. These measures included Covid-19 health communication, and this communication was transmitted mostly through the media. However, this crucial health communication was mostly conveyed in English. The cascading of the Covid-19 health communication in English proved to be problematic worldwide especially for linguistically diverse countries like South Africa. As a result, the South African government had to put measures in place to ensure that the health communication regarding Covid-19 could reach every citizen in the country by commissioning translation services to urgently translate terms relating to Covid-19 into all the South African indigenous languages including isiXhosa. Hence the South African government and City of Tshwane decided to enlist the services of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SaDiLaR) and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) to translate the Covid-19 terminology into all the indigenous languages spoken in the country. This study therefore aims to examine the quality and the accuracy of the translated Covid-19 terms into isiXhosa especially since the translation of these terms had to be done urgently. The study will follow a qualitative method approach and use the skopos theory as the lens of the study. Skopos refers to purpose, intention, and aim. The theory is known as a purpose for action and the reader in this theory is important in determining the purpose of the translation at hand. In evaluating the terminology that has been translated the theory will be applied to determine whether the purpose and the aim of the terminology was adequately carried out to the intended audience. The English terms and isiXhosa terms collected in this research which will be analysed are sourced from the material that was developed and compiled by SaDiLaR and PanSALB and subsequently cascaded to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study will analyse only the (75) translated isiXhosa terms. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Kamtein, Khanyisa
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: African languages -- Translating , Communication -- Language , Communication in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63080 , vital:73185
- Description: The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic affected the whole world. Consequently, countries were forced to lock down and citizens had to be quarantined to control the spread of the virus. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) came up with safety measures to try and mitigate the spread of the virus. These measures included Covid-19 health communication, and this communication was transmitted mostly through the media. However, this crucial health communication was mostly conveyed in English. The cascading of the Covid-19 health communication in English proved to be problematic worldwide especially for linguistically diverse countries like South Africa. As a result, the South African government had to put measures in place to ensure that the health communication regarding Covid-19 could reach every citizen in the country by commissioning translation services to urgently translate terms relating to Covid-19 into all the South African indigenous languages including isiXhosa. Hence the South African government and City of Tshwane decided to enlist the services of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SaDiLaR) and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) to translate the Covid-19 terminology into all the indigenous languages spoken in the country. This study therefore aims to examine the quality and the accuracy of the translated Covid-19 terms into isiXhosa especially since the translation of these terms had to be done urgently. The study will follow a qualitative method approach and use the skopos theory as the lens of the study. Skopos refers to purpose, intention, and aim. The theory is known as a purpose for action and the reader in this theory is important in determining the purpose of the translation at hand. In evaluating the terminology that has been translated the theory will be applied to determine whether the purpose and the aim of the terminology was adequately carried out to the intended audience. The English terms and isiXhosa terms collected in this research which will be analysed are sourced from the material that was developed and compiled by SaDiLaR and PanSALB and subsequently cascaded to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study will analyse only the (75) translated isiXhosa terms. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A skills development framework for the built environment
- Authors: Sibanda, Cynthia , Els, Deon
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , Occupational training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64808 , vital:73916
- Description: The built environment is one of the largest sources of employment and makes a significant contribution to the gross domestic product of many countries around the world. The built environment is a significant contributor to socio-economic development in every nation irrespective of the geographical difference between countries. Therefore, it is imperative that new graduates of the built environment identify key indicators of competitiveness in order to survive and ensure their success in a constantly changing market. The study was conducted by means of a review of the related literature and by conducting an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted using a quantitative statistical approach by distributing research questionnaires to members falling within the sample population. The primary objective of the study was to develop a performance framework for perceived success of skills development within the built environment. A descriptive survey was conducted among past and present Infrastructure Skills Development Grant programme graduates from the following built environment disciplines: Electrical Engineering, Construction Project Management, Architectures, Town and Regional Planners, Environmental Scientists, Chemical Scientists, Quantity Surveyors and Civil Engineering as well as past built-environment graduates of Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in South Africa. The findings of the study suggested that the following variables had a positive influence on the perceived success of skills development within the built environment: Education; Transformational Decolonisation in Education; Accelerated Advanced Training; Emotional Intelligence; Self-Empowerment Skills; Research; Corporate Governance; Transformation in the industry and Project Management. In addition, the following variables in the empirical framework were identified as having an effect on the perceived success of skills development within the built environment: Education; Transformational Decolonisation in Education; Accelerated Advanced Training; Emotional Intelligence; Self-Empowerment Skills; Research; Corporate Governance; Transformation in the industry and Project Management. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Sibanda, Cynthia , Els, Deon
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa , Occupational training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64808 , vital:73916
- Description: The built environment is one of the largest sources of employment and makes a significant contribution to the gross domestic product of many countries around the world. The built environment is a significant contributor to socio-economic development in every nation irrespective of the geographical difference between countries. Therefore, it is imperative that new graduates of the built environment identify key indicators of competitiveness in order to survive and ensure their success in a constantly changing market. The study was conducted by means of a review of the related literature and by conducting an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted using a quantitative statistical approach by distributing research questionnaires to members falling within the sample population. The primary objective of the study was to develop a performance framework for perceived success of skills development within the built environment. A descriptive survey was conducted among past and present Infrastructure Skills Development Grant programme graduates from the following built environment disciplines: Electrical Engineering, Construction Project Management, Architectures, Town and Regional Planners, Environmental Scientists, Chemical Scientists, Quantity Surveyors and Civil Engineering as well as past built-environment graduates of Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in South Africa. The findings of the study suggested that the following variables had a positive influence on the perceived success of skills development within the built environment: Education; Transformational Decolonisation in Education; Accelerated Advanced Training; Emotional Intelligence; Self-Empowerment Skills; Research; Corporate Governance; Transformation in the industry and Project Management. In addition, the following variables in the empirical framework were identified as having an effect on the perceived success of skills development within the built environment: Education; Transformational Decolonisation in Education; Accelerated Advanced Training; Emotional Intelligence; Self-Empowerment Skills; Research; Corporate Governance; Transformation in the industry and Project Management. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A strategic approach for handling information security incidents in higher education
- Authors: Khamali, Rethabile
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Computer security , Information resources management , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64588 , vital:73769
- Description: Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a set of processes to protect institution information assets and information and to preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability of institutional information. In the world of computers, it is known that there is no silver bullet when it comes to protecting an IT infrastructure. At some point, an organisation will face a security breach, and how it deals with the information security incident depending on the robustness of its processes and the strategy for handling incidents. In today’s world, information communication and technology (ICT) is integral in automating manual tasks that can take hours and even days to execute. The more institutions depend on technology, the more they become vulnerable to cyber threats. This could result in an institution losing its competitive edge, facing legal issues, loss of reputation, customer confidence and productivity, and lastly, financial loss. Various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies can be applied to protect information assets. Many of these best practices define the ‘what’ and not the ‘how’ making it even more complex for institutions such as Higher Education to implement ISMS. The study aims is to develop a strategy for handling information security incidents that Higher Education Institutions can follow to improve how incidents, cyber threats and breaches are handled. The primary research objective is addressed through several secondary research objectives, namely, to investigate current strategies that Higher Education Institutions can utilise for the handling of information security incidents, to understand various challenges that Higher Education Institutions encounter when handling information security incidents, to assess the current capacity of relevant personnel in handling information security incidents through semi-structured interviews. A detailed literature review was undertaken to delve into existing various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies. In addition, an investigation was conducted on ISMS adoption and implementation by institutions and Higher Education Institutions in general and how modern best practices such as ISO2700x, COBIT, ITIL, NIST, etc, relate to ISMS. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine information security incidents at South African Higher Education Institutions. Expert interviews are utilised to evaluate the proposed strategy and provide input. The literature review findings, together with results obtained from semi-structured and expert interviews, are used to develop a strategy evaluated for its robustness, effectiveness, and suitability for the purpose. The developed strategy can be considered a beneficial tool for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa for handling information security incidents. This study’s findings significantly contribute to ISMS research in Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. In conclusion, findings of the study can be summarized as follows. The first chapter, which is also an introduction, sets out the scene for the entire research study undertaken by first highlighting information technology as an integral part of any business nowadays. Higher education institutions collect, process and store sensitive information of current and prospective students and employees, which might be of value to hackers. An information security management system (ISMS) can minimise damage by ensuring information assets are protected from a wide range of threats and business resilience in case of a breach or an incident. Chapter 2 reviews the existing literature for these frameworks, standards, and methods. In addition, various ISMS challenges and limitations within Higher Education Institutions were explored. The third chapter outlines the research design process and an emphasises that it must be based on real-world or tangible challenges. The fourth chapter presented and discussed results that were obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study’s analysis and findings vividly show that there is a need to implement a strategy to handle information security incidents for South African higher education institutions. The strategic management approach used to formulate a strategy to address the identified real problem is discussed in detail in chapter 5. The strategy is developed based on the information gathered from the literature review and semi-structured interviews. The results of the assessment of the proposed strategy carried out by the experts are presented in Chapter 6.The chapter also includes recommendations made by the experts to improve the proposedstrategy. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Khamali, Rethabile
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Computer security , Information resources management , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64588 , vital:73769
- Description: Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a set of processes to protect institution information assets and information and to preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability of institutional information. In the world of computers, it is known that there is no silver bullet when it comes to protecting an IT infrastructure. At some point, an organisation will face a security breach, and how it deals with the information security incident depending on the robustness of its processes and the strategy for handling incidents. In today’s world, information communication and technology (ICT) is integral in automating manual tasks that can take hours and even days to execute. The more institutions depend on technology, the more they become vulnerable to cyber threats. This could result in an institution losing its competitive edge, facing legal issues, loss of reputation, customer confidence and productivity, and lastly, financial loss. Various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies can be applied to protect information assets. Many of these best practices define the ‘what’ and not the ‘how’ making it even more complex for institutions such as Higher Education to implement ISMS. The study aims is to develop a strategy for handling information security incidents that Higher Education Institutions can follow to improve how incidents, cyber threats and breaches are handled. The primary research objective is addressed through several secondary research objectives, namely, to investigate current strategies that Higher Education Institutions can utilise for the handling of information security incidents, to understand various challenges that Higher Education Institutions encounter when handling information security incidents, to assess the current capacity of relevant personnel in handling information security incidents through semi-structured interviews. A detailed literature review was undertaken to delve into existing various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies. In addition, an investigation was conducted on ISMS adoption and implementation by institutions and Higher Education Institutions in general and how modern best practices such as ISO2700x, COBIT, ITIL, NIST, etc, relate to ISMS. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine information security incidents at South African Higher Education Institutions. Expert interviews are utilised to evaluate the proposed strategy and provide input. The literature review findings, together with results obtained from semi-structured and expert interviews, are used to develop a strategy evaluated for its robustness, effectiveness, and suitability for the purpose. The developed strategy can be considered a beneficial tool for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa for handling information security incidents. This study’s findings significantly contribute to ISMS research in Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. In conclusion, findings of the study can be summarized as follows. The first chapter, which is also an introduction, sets out the scene for the entire research study undertaken by first highlighting information technology as an integral part of any business nowadays. Higher education institutions collect, process and store sensitive information of current and prospective students and employees, which might be of value to hackers. An information security management system (ISMS) can minimise damage by ensuring information assets are protected from a wide range of threats and business resilience in case of a breach or an incident. Chapter 2 reviews the existing literature for these frameworks, standards, and methods. In addition, various ISMS challenges and limitations within Higher Education Institutions were explored. The third chapter outlines the research design process and an emphasises that it must be based on real-world or tangible challenges. The fourth chapter presented and discussed results that were obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study’s analysis and findings vividly show that there is a need to implement a strategy to handle information security incidents for South African higher education institutions. The strategic management approach used to formulate a strategy to address the identified real problem is discussed in detail in chapter 5. The strategy is developed based on the information gathered from the literature review and semi-structured interviews. The results of the assessment of the proposed strategy carried out by the experts are presented in Chapter 6.The chapter also includes recommendations made by the experts to improve the proposedstrategy. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A strategy for the implementation of IT shared services at the Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Mahlathini, Mkhosomhle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Computer science -- Study and teaching , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64610 , vital:73771
- Description: Effectively managing information technology (IT) resources has become a significant concern for organizations, both large and small, as they conduct their business operations. IT governance, characterized as the decision-making process ensuring alignment with business strategy, optimal utilization of IT assets, and the effective management of risk and organizational value, plays a crucial role in addressing this concern. Within this landscape, an IT shared services model emerges as a strategic approach to develop, maintain, and deliver innovative services, thereby enhancing effective and efficient service delivery. This model is perceived to not only innovate services but also to liberate other departments, enabling them to focus on their core competencies. This study positions IT governance as a comprehensive umbrella process that guides the implementation of IT shared services. A well-guided implementation of IT shared services is anticipated to contribute significantly to the success of IT projects, ultimately benefiting all activities supported by these services. The implementation of shared IT services in academic tertiary institutions is not well documented or discussed. This study thus is done in such an academic context. This study focuses on developing a strategic framework for the implementation of IT Shared Services at tertiary education providers. The specific case study used for the development of the strategy is Nelson Mandela University. The scope of the project focuses on the development, proposal, and expert review of a strategy for implementing IT shared services effectively in alignment with Governance Practices. The practical implementation of the strategy falls beyond the scope of this study. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Mahlathini, Mkhosomhle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Computer science -- Study and teaching , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64610 , vital:73771
- Description: Effectively managing information technology (IT) resources has become a significant concern for organizations, both large and small, as they conduct their business operations. IT governance, characterized as the decision-making process ensuring alignment with business strategy, optimal utilization of IT assets, and the effective management of risk and organizational value, plays a crucial role in addressing this concern. Within this landscape, an IT shared services model emerges as a strategic approach to develop, maintain, and deliver innovative services, thereby enhancing effective and efficient service delivery. This model is perceived to not only innovate services but also to liberate other departments, enabling them to focus on their core competencies. This study positions IT governance as a comprehensive umbrella process that guides the implementation of IT shared services. A well-guided implementation of IT shared services is anticipated to contribute significantly to the success of IT projects, ultimately benefiting all activities supported by these services. The implementation of shared IT services in academic tertiary institutions is not well documented or discussed. This study thus is done in such an academic context. This study focuses on developing a strategic framework for the implementation of IT Shared Services at tertiary education providers. The specific case study used for the development of the strategy is Nelson Mandela University. The scope of the project focuses on the development, proposal, and expert review of a strategy for implementing IT shared services effectively in alignment with Governance Practices. The practical implementation of the strategy falls beyond the scope of this study. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A toolkit for successful workplace learning analytics at software vendors
- Authors: Whale, Alyssa Morgan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Intelligent tutoring systems , Information visualisation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64448 , vital:73713
- Description: Software vendors commonly provide digital software training to their stakeholders and therefore are faced with the problem of an influx of data collected from these training/learning initiatives. Every second of every day, data is being collected based on online learning activities and learner behaviour. Thus, online platforms are struggling to cope with the volumes of data that are collected, and companies are finding it difficult to analyse and manage this data in a way that can be beneficial to all stakeholders. The majority of studies investigating learning analytics have been conducted in educational settings. This research aimed to develop and evaluate a toolkit that can be used for successful Workplace Learning Analytics (WLA) at software vendors. The study followed the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which was applied in iterative cycles where various components of the toolkit were designed, developed, and evaluated by participants. The real-world-context was a software vendor, ERPCo, which has been struggling to implement WLA successfully with their current Learning Experience Platform (LXP), as well as with their previous platform. Qualitative data was collected using document analysis of key company documents and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with employees from ERPCo to explore and confirm different topics and themes. These methods were used to iteratively analyse the As-Is and To-Be situations at ERPCo and to develop and evaluate the proposed WLA Toolkit. The method used to analyse the collected data from the FGDs was the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method. To develop the first component of the toolkit, the Organisation component, the organisational success factors that influence the success of WLA were identified using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). These factors were discussed and validated in two exploratory FGDs held with employees from ERPCo, one with operational stakeholders and the other with strategic decision makers. The DeLone and McLean Information Systems (D&M IS) Success Model was used to undergird the research as a theory to guide the understanding of the factors influencing the success of WLA. Many of the factors identified in theory were found to be prevalent in the real-world-context, with some additional ones being identified in the FGDs. The most frequent challenges highlighted by participants were related to visibility; readily available high-quality data; flexibility of reporting; complexity of reporting; and effective decision making and insights obtained. Many of these related to the concept of usability issues for both the system and the information, which is specifically related to System Quality or Information Quality from the D&M IS Success Model. The second and third components of the toolkit are the Technology and Applications; and Information components respectively. Therefore, architecture and data management challenges and requirements for these components were analysed. An appropriate WLA architecture was selected and then further customised for use at ERPCo. A third FGD was conducted with employees who had more technical roles in ERPCo. The purpose of this FGD was to provide input on the architecture, technologies and data management challenges and requirements. In the Technology and Applications component of the WLA Toolkit, factors influencing WLA success related to applications and visualisations were considered. An instantiation of this component was demonstrated in the fourth FGD, where learning data from the LXP at ERPCo was collected and a dashboard incorporating recommended visualisation techniques was developed as a proof of concept. In this FGD participants gave feedback on both the dashboard and the toolkit. The artefact of this research is the WLA Toolkit that can be used by practitioners to guide the planning and implementation of WLA in large organisations that use LXP and WLA platforms. Researchers can use the WLA Toolkit to gain a deeper understanding of the required components and factors for successful WLA in software vendors. The research also contributes to the D&M IS Success Model theory in the information economy. In support of this PhD dissertation, the following paper has been published: Whale, A. & Scholtz, B. 2022. A Theoretical Classification of Organizational Success Factors for Workplace Learning Analytics. NEXTCOMP 2022. Mauritius. A draft manuscript for a journal paper was in progress at the time of submitting this thesis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Whale, Alyssa Morgan
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Intelligent tutoring systems , Information visualisation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64448 , vital:73713
- Description: Software vendors commonly provide digital software training to their stakeholders and therefore are faced with the problem of an influx of data collected from these training/learning initiatives. Every second of every day, data is being collected based on online learning activities and learner behaviour. Thus, online platforms are struggling to cope with the volumes of data that are collected, and companies are finding it difficult to analyse and manage this data in a way that can be beneficial to all stakeholders. The majority of studies investigating learning analytics have been conducted in educational settings. This research aimed to develop and evaluate a toolkit that can be used for successful Workplace Learning Analytics (WLA) at software vendors. The study followed the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which was applied in iterative cycles where various components of the toolkit were designed, developed, and evaluated by participants. The real-world-context was a software vendor, ERPCo, which has been struggling to implement WLA successfully with their current Learning Experience Platform (LXP), as well as with their previous platform. Qualitative data was collected using document analysis of key company documents and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with employees from ERPCo to explore and confirm different topics and themes. These methods were used to iteratively analyse the As-Is and To-Be situations at ERPCo and to develop and evaluate the proposed WLA Toolkit. The method used to analyse the collected data from the FGDs was the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method. To develop the first component of the toolkit, the Organisation component, the organisational success factors that influence the success of WLA were identified using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). These factors were discussed and validated in two exploratory FGDs held with employees from ERPCo, one with operational stakeholders and the other with strategic decision makers. The DeLone and McLean Information Systems (D&M IS) Success Model was used to undergird the research as a theory to guide the understanding of the factors influencing the success of WLA. Many of the factors identified in theory were found to be prevalent in the real-world-context, with some additional ones being identified in the FGDs. The most frequent challenges highlighted by participants were related to visibility; readily available high-quality data; flexibility of reporting; complexity of reporting; and effective decision making and insights obtained. Many of these related to the concept of usability issues for both the system and the information, which is specifically related to System Quality or Information Quality from the D&M IS Success Model. The second and third components of the toolkit are the Technology and Applications; and Information components respectively. Therefore, architecture and data management challenges and requirements for these components were analysed. An appropriate WLA architecture was selected and then further customised for use at ERPCo. A third FGD was conducted with employees who had more technical roles in ERPCo. The purpose of this FGD was to provide input on the architecture, technologies and data management challenges and requirements. In the Technology and Applications component of the WLA Toolkit, factors influencing WLA success related to applications and visualisations were considered. An instantiation of this component was demonstrated in the fourth FGD, where learning data from the LXP at ERPCo was collected and a dashboard incorporating recommended visualisation techniques was developed as a proof of concept. In this FGD participants gave feedback on both the dashboard and the toolkit. The artefact of this research is the WLA Toolkit that can be used by practitioners to guide the planning and implementation of WLA in large organisations that use LXP and WLA platforms. Researchers can use the WLA Toolkit to gain a deeper understanding of the required components and factors for successful WLA in software vendors. The research also contributes to the D&M IS Success Model theory in the information economy. In support of this PhD dissertation, the following paper has been published: Whale, A. & Scholtz, B. 2022. A Theoretical Classification of Organizational Success Factors for Workplace Learning Analytics. NEXTCOMP 2022. Mauritius. A draft manuscript for a journal paper was in progress at the time of submitting this thesis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem framework in a developing country context
- Authors: Nkotha, Atlehang
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Student-owned business enterprises -- Management , New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65331 , vital:74092
- Description: As finding employment in South Africa remains difficult, venture creation is a necessary alternative source of income and employment. The literature suggests that a university should serve as an incubator for student entrepreneurs and provide a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial ventures. Universities are also important to the development of entrepreneurial thinking among faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem (U-BEE) is perceived as a source of support for successful student start-up ventures. The literature suggests that the elements of U-BEEs and the interaction between them vary depending on regional and local conditions. Furthermore, the key components of a U-BEE are not appropriate for all regions or contexts. As U-BEEs are dynamic and student start-ups vary, the need exists to understand the interacting elements of the system before it can be built, or the strategies implemented. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to map and assess a student U-BEE in a developing country context. The current study was situated in an interpretive research paradigm and deductive reasoning was applied. As a single case study research strategy was used and based on convenience sampling, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) was selected as the case to be investigated. Data was collected through a document review, surveying 33 respondents as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 entrepreneurship stakeholders at one point in time. Deductive codes and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Through identifying and delineating the elements of NMU’s student U-BEE, it was noted that the elements in the system varied in degree of importance and prevalence. The elements investigated were people, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship activities, reward system, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, as well as organizational culture and outcomes. Several people were identified as supporting student entrepreneurship at NMU ranging from top management, and academics to support staff. Although a science and technology park did not exist at NMU, the findings showed that physical infrastructure and IT facilities existed to support student entrepreneurship. Despite some funding being provided for student entrepreneurship support (SES) development, none was provided for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Some top management personnel were identified as providing leadership for SES at NMU including the Vice-Chancellor who was committed to contributing to the ecosystem. In addition, various co-curricular SES activities were identified as taking place at NMU with most being offered free to registered students. However, NMU did not provide any incentives to encourage staff or students to provide SES at NMU and no formal system for rewards existed. Several internal and external collaborations to provide SES activities effectively at NMU were identified, with most occurring through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Community of Practice Network. SES activities were not monitored at NMU, but some student entrepreneurship data was handled by the Department of Institutional Planning. As a result, NMU was not perceived as having an entrepreneurially supportive culture, and the use of metrics to establish measurable outcomes were limited. In addition to identifying the challenges faced when building a student U-BEE ecosystem in a developing country context, the study elaborated on several suggestions on how these challenges could be overcome and what improvements could be made in terms of SES at NMU. The challenges identified related to NMU being under-resourced in terms of funds, staff, and infrastructure to support student entrepreneurship. In general, the findings of this study highlighted the need for student entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at NMU. The increased involvement of top management, entrepreneurship staff, students, and other stakeholders needs to be encouraged and incentivized. In addition, faculties across the university should encourage student entrepreneurship involvement and encourage students to participate in programmes offered on campuses. The importance of appropriately skilled staff to handle all matters relating to student entrepreneurship was also emphasized. This study has theoretical significance because it identifies, maps, and assesses the elements of a student U-BEE in a developing country context. As such, it paves the way for future researchers to investigate other universities in these contexts, and to undertake further empirical studies. This study also has practical significance in that it makes several recommendations that might be of value to stakeholders within U-BEEs in developing country contexts. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Nkotha, Atlehang
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Student-owned business enterprises -- Management , New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65331 , vital:74092
- Description: As finding employment in South Africa remains difficult, venture creation is a necessary alternative source of income and employment. The literature suggests that a university should serve as an incubator for student entrepreneurs and provide a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial ventures. Universities are also important to the development of entrepreneurial thinking among faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem (U-BEE) is perceived as a source of support for successful student start-up ventures. The literature suggests that the elements of U-BEEs and the interaction between them vary depending on regional and local conditions. Furthermore, the key components of a U-BEE are not appropriate for all regions or contexts. As U-BEEs are dynamic and student start-ups vary, the need exists to understand the interacting elements of the system before it can be built, or the strategies implemented. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to map and assess a student U-BEE in a developing country context. The current study was situated in an interpretive research paradigm and deductive reasoning was applied. As a single case study research strategy was used and based on convenience sampling, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) was selected as the case to be investigated. Data was collected through a document review, surveying 33 respondents as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 entrepreneurship stakeholders at one point in time. Deductive codes and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Through identifying and delineating the elements of NMU’s student U-BEE, it was noted that the elements in the system varied in degree of importance and prevalence. The elements investigated were people, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship activities, reward system, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, as well as organizational culture and outcomes. Several people were identified as supporting student entrepreneurship at NMU ranging from top management, and academics to support staff. Although a science and technology park did not exist at NMU, the findings showed that physical infrastructure and IT facilities existed to support student entrepreneurship. Despite some funding being provided for student entrepreneurship support (SES) development, none was provided for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Some top management personnel were identified as providing leadership for SES at NMU including the Vice-Chancellor who was committed to contributing to the ecosystem. In addition, various co-curricular SES activities were identified as taking place at NMU with most being offered free to registered students. However, NMU did not provide any incentives to encourage staff or students to provide SES at NMU and no formal system for rewards existed. Several internal and external collaborations to provide SES activities effectively at NMU were identified, with most occurring through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Community of Practice Network. SES activities were not monitored at NMU, but some student entrepreneurship data was handled by the Department of Institutional Planning. As a result, NMU was not perceived as having an entrepreneurially supportive culture, and the use of metrics to establish measurable outcomes were limited. In addition to identifying the challenges faced when building a student U-BEE ecosystem in a developing country context, the study elaborated on several suggestions on how these challenges could be overcome and what improvements could be made in terms of SES at NMU. The challenges identified related to NMU being under-resourced in terms of funds, staff, and infrastructure to support student entrepreneurship. In general, the findings of this study highlighted the need for student entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at NMU. The increased involvement of top management, entrepreneurship staff, students, and other stakeholders needs to be encouraged and incentivized. In addition, faculties across the university should encourage student entrepreneurship involvement and encourage students to participate in programmes offered on campuses. The importance of appropriately skilled staff to handle all matters relating to student entrepreneurship was also emphasized. This study has theoretical significance because it identifies, maps, and assesses the elements of a student U-BEE in a developing country context. As such, it paves the way for future researchers to investigate other universities in these contexts, and to undertake further empirical studies. This study also has practical significance in that it makes several recommendations that might be of value to stakeholders within U-BEEs in developing country contexts. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An assessment of community participation in disaster management: A Case Study of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Stemele, Lwandiso Phololo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Disaster relief -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Crisis management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63540 , vital:73489
- Description: This study sought to assess the level of community participation in disaster management by the communities that are most affected by floods and fires in informal settlements. The study aimed to assess the level of awareness of disaster risks at a community level and thereby provide recommendations to increase the level of participation, involvement and awareness in disaster management by the communities. This research adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to form a mixed-method research approach. Data was collected using both approaches and converged to form the results and analysis of the empirical survey. From these results and analysis, recommendations are presented, which also draw insight from the literature review, to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to better involve communities in disaster management. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Stemele, Lwandiso Phololo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Disaster relief -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Crisis management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63540 , vital:73489
- Description: This study sought to assess the level of community participation in disaster management by the communities that are most affected by floods and fires in informal settlements. The study aimed to assess the level of awareness of disaster risks at a community level and thereby provide recommendations to increase the level of participation, involvement and awareness in disaster management by the communities. This research adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to form a mixed-method research approach. Data was collected using both approaches and converged to form the results and analysis of the empirical survey. From these results and analysis, recommendations are presented, which also draw insight from the literature review, to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to better involve communities in disaster management. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An assessment of the presidential youth employment programme on job creation in the department of Education, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mnqwazi, Zweledinga
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63357 , vital:73260
- Description: The presidential youth employment stimulus programme is a prominent imitative by the South African government aimed at addressing poverty and youth unemployment in the country. the programme has created many job opportunities for the youth in various government departments. in this study, the primary focus was on examining the impact of the programme on job creation within the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a province characterized by unique socio-economic challenges. The focused approach aimed to provide contextually relevant findings that may possibly contribute to the broader understanding of youth employment interventions on job creation. A qualitative study based on secondary data collection techniques was used to find answers to the research questions. Government reports, textbooks, and reports from the Eastern Cape Department of Education were the sources of data collection . In analyzing the gathered data, thematic analysis was employed following the guidelines by Braun and Clarke (2006). The study findings provide insights into the strengths of the presidential youth employment initiative, which includes employment opportunities, skills development and training. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Mnqwazi, Zweledinga
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63357 , vital:73260
- Description: The presidential youth employment stimulus programme is a prominent imitative by the South African government aimed at addressing poverty and youth unemployment in the country. the programme has created many job opportunities for the youth in various government departments. in this study, the primary focus was on examining the impact of the programme on job creation within the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a province characterized by unique socio-economic challenges. The focused approach aimed to provide contextually relevant findings that may possibly contribute to the broader understanding of youth employment interventions on job creation. A qualitative study based on secondary data collection techniques was used to find answers to the research questions. Government reports, textbooks, and reports from the Eastern Cape Department of Education were the sources of data collection . In analyzing the gathered data, thematic analysis was employed following the guidelines by Braun and Clarke (2006). The study findings provide insights into the strengths of the presidential youth employment initiative, which includes employment opportunities, skills development and training. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An assessment of the youth employment creation strategy in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality: a case of Isiqalo Youth Fund
- Authors: Tantsi, Yanga Ntombizodidi
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Youth -- Employment -- Government policy , Youth development -- South Africa Eastern Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63551 , vital:73492
- Description: Youth unemployment is a persistent and pressing challenge faced by communities and governments worldwide. In Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, a region characterised by its diverse socioeconomic landscape and unique set of opportunities and constraints, the issue of youth unemployment is of particular concern. The Isiqalo Youth Fund was established as a strategic initiative to address this challenge and promote economic empowerment and employability among the youth. This fund was designed to provide financial support and resources to young individuals in the municipality, offering them the opportunity to gain the skills, training, and experience required to enter the workforce and make meaningful contributions to the local economy. The study aimed to assess the implementation of the Isiqalo Youth Fund, which aims to facilitate youth employment in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study utilised the qualitative research methodology, and the sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The sample for this study comprised ten youth beneficiaries of the Isiqalo Youth Fund, five officials from the Office of the Premier, and five officials from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) responsible for the administration and oversight of the fund. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the experiences and perceptions of the youth beneficiaries and the insights of the officials involved in the implementation of the Isiqalo Youth Fund. The study’s findings from the beneficiaries’ perspective indicate that accessing the Isiqalo Youth Fund is associated with several challenges, such as high levels of bureaucracy, poor fund management, a lack of information, lack of proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and complex application procedures. The findings from the administrators’ perspectives indicated that a lack of ethics, fair dealing, and accountability adversely influenced the effective administration of the Isiqalo Youth Fund. The study recommends that local authorities and stakeholders collaborate to simplify the application process, improve fund management, increase awareness, offer support and mentorship, and enhance project monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Public Management and Leadership, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Tantsi, Yanga Ntombizodidi
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Youth -- Employment -- Government policy , Youth development -- South Africa Eastern Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63551 , vital:73492
- Description: Youth unemployment is a persistent and pressing challenge faced by communities and governments worldwide. In Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, a region characterised by its diverse socioeconomic landscape and unique set of opportunities and constraints, the issue of youth unemployment is of particular concern. The Isiqalo Youth Fund was established as a strategic initiative to address this challenge and promote economic empowerment and employability among the youth. This fund was designed to provide financial support and resources to young individuals in the municipality, offering them the opportunity to gain the skills, training, and experience required to enter the workforce and make meaningful contributions to the local economy. The study aimed to assess the implementation of the Isiqalo Youth Fund, which aims to facilitate youth employment in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study utilised the qualitative research methodology, and the sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The sample for this study comprised ten youth beneficiaries of the Isiqalo Youth Fund, five officials from the Office of the Premier, and five officials from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) responsible for the administration and oversight of the fund. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the experiences and perceptions of the youth beneficiaries and the insights of the officials involved in the implementation of the Isiqalo Youth Fund. The study’s findings from the beneficiaries’ perspective indicate that accessing the Isiqalo Youth Fund is associated with several challenges, such as high levels of bureaucracy, poor fund management, a lack of information, lack of proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and complex application procedures. The findings from the administrators’ perspectives indicated that a lack of ethics, fair dealing, and accountability adversely influenced the effective administration of the Isiqalo Youth Fund. The study recommends that local authorities and stakeholders collaborate to simplify the application process, improve fund management, increase awareness, offer support and mentorship, and enhance project monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Public Management and Leadership, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An evaluation of supply chain stakeholder engagement in terms of customer specific requirements: a case study of an automotive supplier and the pressures around the automotive original equipment manufacturers’ (OEMs’) requirements
- Authors: van Staden, Shelby
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Materials management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74160
- Description: The central aim of this study was to assess the engagement of supply chain stakeholders, namely OEMs and an automotive supplier, in relation to customer-specific requirements. This objective was accomplished by identifying the communication methods employed by both parties for addressing customer-specific needs. Additionally, the study aimed to pinpoint the factors that promoted engagement between OEMs and automotive suppliers concerning these requirements. Conversely, it aimed to uncover the factors that hindered such engagement. Lastly, the research aimed to evaluate whether this engagement effectively alleviated the pressures faced by the automotive supplier regarding customer-specific requirements. The broader goal of the research was to comprehend how supply chain stakeholder engagement operated between OEMs and an automotive supplier with respect to customer-specific requirements. This was pursued through secondary objectives, which entailed examining how communication transpired between OEMs and an automotive supplier, the degree of participatory nature in this communication, the barriers and catalysts influencing customer-specific requirements, and whether this engagement mitigated the pressures borne by the automotive supplier. These objectives were instrumental in revealing opportunities for enhancing OEM communication, thereby positively contributing to their relationships with supply chain partners and mitigating the added burdens they faced. The research followed a qualitative case study design, utilizing semi-structured interviews to delve into the experiences of participants carefully selected from an automotive supplier. These participants were chosen based on their interactions with OEM customers, thereby providing pertinent insights into these interactions. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, uncovering codes, categories, and overarching themes from participants’ responses. The findings of the research highlighted certain consistent themes, shedding light on which communication methods were employed more frequently, as well as the rationale behind their usage. Notably, online platforms emerged as a popular channel, and daily communication was preferred. The research also revealed a recurring theme wherein OEMs assumed a controlling role, rather than fostering a mutually advantageous partnership in addressing issues. Additionally, communication barriers were observed in the use of online portals for communication by the automotive supplier. In these themes, variations were discerned in communication channels. These differences were rooted in participants’ responsibilities, decision-making authority, and designated roles. Consequently, the perception of communication channels varied among participants. However, similarities were also noted in the participants’ feedback regarding communication channels. The research highlighted the necessity for improved two-way communication and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between OEMs and the automotive supplier, rather than a unilateral one. The research underscored an evident power imbalance between OEMs and the automotive supplier. In essence, the crux of a successful and mutually beneficial engagement between OEMs and the automotive supplier lies in transparent communication, adaptability, and a shared willingness to find solutions that cater to both sides. By focusing on these core principles, it is plausible to establish a scenario that benefits both parties and nurtures a robust and enduring partnership. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: van Staden, Shelby
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Materials management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74160
- Description: The central aim of this study was to assess the engagement of supply chain stakeholders, namely OEMs and an automotive supplier, in relation to customer-specific requirements. This objective was accomplished by identifying the communication methods employed by both parties for addressing customer-specific needs. Additionally, the study aimed to pinpoint the factors that promoted engagement between OEMs and automotive suppliers concerning these requirements. Conversely, it aimed to uncover the factors that hindered such engagement. Lastly, the research aimed to evaluate whether this engagement effectively alleviated the pressures faced by the automotive supplier regarding customer-specific requirements. The broader goal of the research was to comprehend how supply chain stakeholder engagement operated between OEMs and an automotive supplier with respect to customer-specific requirements. This was pursued through secondary objectives, which entailed examining how communication transpired between OEMs and an automotive supplier, the degree of participatory nature in this communication, the barriers and catalysts influencing customer-specific requirements, and whether this engagement mitigated the pressures borne by the automotive supplier. These objectives were instrumental in revealing opportunities for enhancing OEM communication, thereby positively contributing to their relationships with supply chain partners and mitigating the added burdens they faced. The research followed a qualitative case study design, utilizing semi-structured interviews to delve into the experiences of participants carefully selected from an automotive supplier. These participants were chosen based on their interactions with OEM customers, thereby providing pertinent insights into these interactions. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, uncovering codes, categories, and overarching themes from participants’ responses. The findings of the research highlighted certain consistent themes, shedding light on which communication methods were employed more frequently, as well as the rationale behind their usage. Notably, online platforms emerged as a popular channel, and daily communication was preferred. The research also revealed a recurring theme wherein OEMs assumed a controlling role, rather than fostering a mutually advantageous partnership in addressing issues. Additionally, communication barriers were observed in the use of online portals for communication by the automotive supplier. In these themes, variations were discerned in communication channels. These differences were rooted in participants’ responsibilities, decision-making authority, and designated roles. Consequently, the perception of communication channels varied among participants. However, similarities were also noted in the participants’ feedback regarding communication channels. The research highlighted the necessity for improved two-way communication and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between OEMs and the automotive supplier, rather than a unilateral one. The research underscored an evident power imbalance between OEMs and the automotive supplier. In essence, the crux of a successful and mutually beneficial engagement between OEMs and the automotive supplier lies in transparent communication, adaptability, and a shared willingness to find solutions that cater to both sides. By focusing on these core principles, it is plausible to establish a scenario that benefits both parties and nurtures a robust and enduring partnership. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An evaluation of the monitoring and evaluation process of the scholar transport programme: a case of Amthole West Education District
- Authors: Tengile, Sindisiwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Monitoring , Evaluation , Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63562 , vital:73503
- Description: Access to education is a constitutional right, calling for the state to institute reasonable measures to ensure every learner has access to education. The scholar transport programme was introduced to ensure access to education for learners who live far from school, particularly those living in rural areas. The study aimed to evaluate the processes that the scholar transport programme utilizes in the Amatole West Education District. Change theory served as the theoretical framework underpinning this qualitative study. Secondary data was collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that the Amatole West Education District employs several strategies, including stakeholder participation, route scrutiny, and safety checks. The research identified a lack of resources and capacity constraints as challenges to the Amatole West Education District encounter. The study recommends that the district enhance the competence of employees and other stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to perform monitoring and evaluation(M&E) completely. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Tengile, Sindisiwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Monitoring , Evaluation , Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63562 , vital:73503
- Description: Access to education is a constitutional right, calling for the state to institute reasonable measures to ensure every learner has access to education. The scholar transport programme was introduced to ensure access to education for learners who live far from school, particularly those living in rural areas. The study aimed to evaluate the processes that the scholar transport programme utilizes in the Amatole West Education District. Change theory served as the theoretical framework underpinning this qualitative study. Secondary data was collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that the Amatole West Education District employs several strategies, including stakeholder participation, route scrutiny, and safety checks. The research identified a lack of resources and capacity constraints as challenges to the Amatole West Education District encounter. The study recommends that the district enhance the competence of employees and other stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to perform monitoring and evaluation(M&E) completely. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An implementation model: photovoltaic application for sustainable energy in South Africa
- Authors: Bukula, Mvuleni
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Energy development -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa , Sustainable engineering -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64511 , vital:73743
- Description: South African electrical grid faces significant risks that the state produced electricity supply from electricity network to premises for consumption will not meet the electricity demand. Certain sectors of the economy and essential social services such as the hospitals, the telecommunications networks, and water companies are heavily impacted on by load management, through load shedding by rotating power outages or reducing power consumption from primary sources until demand decreases. Eskom, as the major electricity supplier in South Africa's aging infrastructure, with declining reliability, substandard quality coal and large gaps between generating capacity and demand, leaves the country vulnerable to electricity blackouts. The consequences of such power outages are devastating, but no single technology solution can meet the demand. Localised backup solutions such as solar power and battery backup limit the risk of power outages and provide power security during the periods of load shedding. Quantitative research method is pursued as a systematic survey to collect quantitative data by means of sampling and submitting online survey questionnaires. After receiving the data, statistical techniques were performed through structural equation modeling to analyse the structural relationship between the measured variables and the underlying variables. This research focuses on photovoltaic applications as a means of harnessing solar energy to convert solar energy into electricity. Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells made of semiconductors or materials that respond to the action of photons of light. Energy availability to all can promote economic development and human well-being. Without the improvements in energy efficiency and development costs of new energy technologies such as photovoltaics, the global energy system will come under even more pressure. Therefore, changes in the global trend towards a decentralised low-carbon energy system are inevitable to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable energy access for all. This research seeks to contribute to the present challenges that are facing South Africa’s electricity supply industry by increasing the energy mix of renewable energy as compared to the fossil fuel-based electricity supply. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Bukula, Mvuleni
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Energy development -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa , Sustainable engineering -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64511 , vital:73743
- Description: South African electrical grid faces significant risks that the state produced electricity supply from electricity network to premises for consumption will not meet the electricity demand. Certain sectors of the economy and essential social services such as the hospitals, the telecommunications networks, and water companies are heavily impacted on by load management, through load shedding by rotating power outages or reducing power consumption from primary sources until demand decreases. Eskom, as the major electricity supplier in South Africa's aging infrastructure, with declining reliability, substandard quality coal and large gaps between generating capacity and demand, leaves the country vulnerable to electricity blackouts. The consequences of such power outages are devastating, but no single technology solution can meet the demand. Localised backup solutions such as solar power and battery backup limit the risk of power outages and provide power security during the periods of load shedding. Quantitative research method is pursued as a systematic survey to collect quantitative data by means of sampling and submitting online survey questionnaires. After receiving the data, statistical techniques were performed through structural equation modeling to analyse the structural relationship between the measured variables and the underlying variables. This research focuses on photovoltaic applications as a means of harnessing solar energy to convert solar energy into electricity. Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells made of semiconductors or materials that respond to the action of photons of light. Energy availability to all can promote economic development and human well-being. Without the improvements in energy efficiency and development costs of new energy technologies such as photovoltaics, the global energy system will come under even more pressure. Therefore, changes in the global trend towards a decentralised low-carbon energy system are inevitable to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable energy access for all. This research seeks to contribute to the present challenges that are facing South Africa’s electricity supply industry by increasing the energy mix of renewable energy as compared to the fossil fuel-based electricity supply. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An in vitro assessment of pharmacodynamic interactions between selected herbal extracts and anticancer chemotherapeutic agents
- Hwehwe, Nyashadzashe, Swanepoel, Bresler
- Authors: Hwehwe, Nyashadzashe , Swanepoel, Bresler
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Chemotherapy , Herbs -- Therapeutic use , Antineoplastic agents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63506 , vital:73383
- Description: Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled growth and spreading of abnormal cells to distant body parts. Approximately 19.3 million and 10 million new cancer cases and cancer deaths, respectively were recorded in 2020. Despite advancements in prevention and therapeutic strategies, cancer remains a global health problem. Cancer patients are increasingly seeking complementary and alternative medicines, of which herbal medicines are the most common form of CAM used by patients. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies of herbal medicines in cancer have shown that they have antioxidant and anticancer (antitumor and anti-proliferative) properties. While concurrent use with conventional cancer treatments may improve treatment efficacy, alleviate chemotherapy-related side effects, boost the immune system, or impede drug resistance, it can also prompt drug-herbal interactions, and this may affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the chemotherapeutic drug. This study aimed to determine relevant pharmacodynamic interactions with chemotherapeutic drugs and investigate such interactions' mechanisms. The objectives of the study were to screen the cytotoxicity effects of drug compounds, herbal extracts, and drug-herb combinations, to determine the ability of treatments to induce apoptosis, and to determine the most beneficial treatment. The cytotoxic effects of cisplatin in HeLa cells, tamoxifen in MCF7 cells, 5-fluorouracil in Caco-2 cells, and grapeseed, green tea, fermented rooibos, and green rooibos in all the listed cell lines were evaluated individually and in combination using the bis-Benzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst 33342/PI) dual staining method. CompuSyn 1.0 Software was used to quantify synergism and antagonism. The mechanism of apoptosis induction of the different synergetic combinations, drug compounds, and herbal extracts was illustrated by quantitative fluorescence image analysis, specifically cell cycle analysis, phosphatidylserine translocation, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, caspase 3 activation, and reactive oxygen species production using the relevant contrast dyes. Grapeseed displayed cytotoxicity towards MCF7 and HeLa cells (IC50 57.98 and 83.28 μg/mL, respectively). Green tea was only cytotoxic against HeLa cells at an IC50 of 91,92 μg/mL. None of the extracts displayed cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells (IC50 values > 200μg/mL). If the herbal extracts had inconclusive IC50 values in the three cell lines subsequent experiments were conducted using 100 μg/mL. The results showed that most of the combinations were antagonistic but, some combinations had synergistic or enhancement effects(1:3 for cisplatin with grape seed or green tea and tamoxifen with grapeseed or green tea, and 3:1 for cisplatin with green tea as well as for tamoxifen with fermented rooibos or green rooibos, and all the 1:1 combinations of 5- fluorouracil with all herbal extracts) with a combination index (CI) < 1. Grape seed and green tea were found to induce apoptosis in the three cell lines. Assays that were conducted to detect apoptosis induction showed positive staining for phosphatidylserine (PS), activated caspase 3, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Analysis of the cell cycle showed two things; 1) that grape seed and green tea were apoptotic in HeLa and MCF7 cells only, and 2) the extracts of green tea and green rooibos, and the combinations of grape seed with all drug compounds arrested the cell in more than one phase of the cell cycle. The combinations of grapeseed and green tea potentially induced apoptosis in various manners but those with both rooibos extracts were unclear in all the cell lines. The results for combinations with grapeseed and green tea are promising and provide a basis for further research as combinations of chemotherapeutic drugs and herbal extracts may be effective therapeutic strategies. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Hwehwe, Nyashadzashe , Swanepoel, Bresler
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Chemotherapy , Herbs -- Therapeutic use , Antineoplastic agents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63506 , vital:73383
- Description: Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled growth and spreading of abnormal cells to distant body parts. Approximately 19.3 million and 10 million new cancer cases and cancer deaths, respectively were recorded in 2020. Despite advancements in prevention and therapeutic strategies, cancer remains a global health problem. Cancer patients are increasingly seeking complementary and alternative medicines, of which herbal medicines are the most common form of CAM used by patients. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies of herbal medicines in cancer have shown that they have antioxidant and anticancer (antitumor and anti-proliferative) properties. While concurrent use with conventional cancer treatments may improve treatment efficacy, alleviate chemotherapy-related side effects, boost the immune system, or impede drug resistance, it can also prompt drug-herbal interactions, and this may affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the chemotherapeutic drug. This study aimed to determine relevant pharmacodynamic interactions with chemotherapeutic drugs and investigate such interactions' mechanisms. The objectives of the study were to screen the cytotoxicity effects of drug compounds, herbal extracts, and drug-herb combinations, to determine the ability of treatments to induce apoptosis, and to determine the most beneficial treatment. The cytotoxic effects of cisplatin in HeLa cells, tamoxifen in MCF7 cells, 5-fluorouracil in Caco-2 cells, and grapeseed, green tea, fermented rooibos, and green rooibos in all the listed cell lines were evaluated individually and in combination using the bis-Benzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst 33342/PI) dual staining method. CompuSyn 1.0 Software was used to quantify synergism and antagonism. The mechanism of apoptosis induction of the different synergetic combinations, drug compounds, and herbal extracts was illustrated by quantitative fluorescence image analysis, specifically cell cycle analysis, phosphatidylserine translocation, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, caspase 3 activation, and reactive oxygen species production using the relevant contrast dyes. Grapeseed displayed cytotoxicity towards MCF7 and HeLa cells (IC50 57.98 and 83.28 μg/mL, respectively). Green tea was only cytotoxic against HeLa cells at an IC50 of 91,92 μg/mL. None of the extracts displayed cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells (IC50 values > 200μg/mL). If the herbal extracts had inconclusive IC50 values in the three cell lines subsequent experiments were conducted using 100 μg/mL. The results showed that most of the combinations were antagonistic but, some combinations had synergistic or enhancement effects(1:3 for cisplatin with grape seed or green tea and tamoxifen with grapeseed or green tea, and 3:1 for cisplatin with green tea as well as for tamoxifen with fermented rooibos or green rooibos, and all the 1:1 combinations of 5- fluorouracil with all herbal extracts) with a combination index (CI) < 1. Grape seed and green tea were found to induce apoptosis in the three cell lines. Assays that were conducted to detect apoptosis induction showed positive staining for phosphatidylserine (PS), activated caspase 3, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Analysis of the cell cycle showed two things; 1) that grape seed and green tea were apoptotic in HeLa and MCF7 cells only, and 2) the extracts of green tea and green rooibos, and the combinations of grape seed with all drug compounds arrested the cell in more than one phase of the cell cycle. The combinations of grapeseed and green tea potentially induced apoptosis in various manners but those with both rooibos extracts were unclear in all the cell lines. The results for combinations with grapeseed and green tea are promising and provide a basis for further research as combinations of chemotherapeutic drugs and herbal extracts may be effective therapeutic strategies. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An in vitro evaluation of the anti-breast cancer activity of Nigella sativa extracts and its bioactive compound in combination with curcumin
- Authors: Botha, Susanna Gertruida
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Herbs -- Therapeutic use , Radiation-protective agents , Breast -- Cancer -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63639 , vital:73571
- Description: Breast cancer constitutes 23% of all cancers in South African females. Curcumin and Nigella sativa have anti-cancer, anti-metastatic and antioxidant-properties and may be effective against breast cancer. This study focused on the effect of N. sativa extracts or thymoquinone and curcumin, individually and in combination, on breast cancer cells. An MTT assay showed that curcumin reduced cell viability by 50% (IC50) at 18 ± 2.63 μg/mL and thymoquinone (TQ) at 5 ± 0.95 μg/mL against the MDA-MB-231 cells. The IC50 values for curcumin and TQ were 35 ± 6.98 μg/mL and 4 ± 0.96 μg/mL against the MCF-7 cells, respectively. The IC50 value for the NSBE was determined to be 350 ± 55 μg/mL. The IC50 value of NSAE did not fall within the selected concentration range. Synergism was noted for combinations of NSBE with curcumin, and combinations of TQ with curcumin, against both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Two synergistic combinations per treatment per cell line, as determined by the combination index analysis, were chosen for further investigation. The combinations and individual treatments tested against the MCF-10A cells, were not significant, except for NSBE80:CURC20 combination. Curcumin had the most significant anti-oxidant activity; however, no link was noted between the anti-oxidant activity and the cytotoxicity of the combinations. The combination treatments induced apoptosis more effectively than the individual treatments. Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis was noted for NSBE10:CURC90 and TQ80:CURC20 combinations against the MDA-MB-231 cells, and the TQ60:CURC40 combination against the MCF-7 cells. The individual and combined treatments effectively reduced MDA-MB-231 cell adhesion to fibronectin, but not all reduced the cell adhesion to laminin. Based on these results, the combinations of curcumin with TQ or NSBE, have promising anticancer benefits against breast cancer. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Botha, Susanna Gertruida
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Herbs -- Therapeutic use , Radiation-protective agents , Breast -- Cancer -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63639 , vital:73571
- Description: Breast cancer constitutes 23% of all cancers in South African females. Curcumin and Nigella sativa have anti-cancer, anti-metastatic and antioxidant-properties and may be effective against breast cancer. This study focused on the effect of N. sativa extracts or thymoquinone and curcumin, individually and in combination, on breast cancer cells. An MTT assay showed that curcumin reduced cell viability by 50% (IC50) at 18 ± 2.63 μg/mL and thymoquinone (TQ) at 5 ± 0.95 μg/mL against the MDA-MB-231 cells. The IC50 values for curcumin and TQ were 35 ± 6.98 μg/mL and 4 ± 0.96 μg/mL against the MCF-7 cells, respectively. The IC50 value for the NSBE was determined to be 350 ± 55 μg/mL. The IC50 value of NSAE did not fall within the selected concentration range. Synergism was noted for combinations of NSBE with curcumin, and combinations of TQ with curcumin, against both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Two synergistic combinations per treatment per cell line, as determined by the combination index analysis, were chosen for further investigation. The combinations and individual treatments tested against the MCF-10A cells, were not significant, except for NSBE80:CURC20 combination. Curcumin had the most significant anti-oxidant activity; however, no link was noted between the anti-oxidant activity and the cytotoxicity of the combinations. The combination treatments induced apoptosis more effectively than the individual treatments. Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis was noted for NSBE10:CURC90 and TQ80:CURC20 combinations against the MDA-MB-231 cells, and the TQ60:CURC40 combination against the MCF-7 cells. The individual and combined treatments effectively reduced MDA-MB-231 cell adhesion to fibronectin, but not all reduced the cell adhesion to laminin. Based on these results, the combinations of curcumin with TQ or NSBE, have promising anticancer benefits against breast cancer. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An Investigation into the challenges of translating mathematical terminologies into Xitsonga
- Authors: Sambo, Tintswalo Teressa
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Mathematical linguistics , Mathematics , Translating and interpreting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63495 , vital:73382
- Description: Mathematics in South Africa is one of the subjects that is considered ‘difficult’ by many learners. The proof of this statement is reflected by the low mathematical pass rate in many South African schools. One of the challenges that has been highlighted by learners and teachers is that the language of mathematics is challenging. This implies that learners find it difficult to understand some of the mathematical terminologies and content that is being taught. The main reason for the challenge of grasping mathematical terminologies that has been cited by learners and educators is the language of learning and teaching (LOLT). Mathematics is taught in English in most South African schools even though many learners speak one of the indigenous South African official languages (if one excludes English and Afrikaans) at home and get to use and be exposed to English as the medium of learning and teaching only at school. While mathematics remains a challenge in South Africa, research shows that when home languages are used in a mathematics classroom, it enhances the learners understanding. However, it is not always simple to transfer mathematics from English to an African language. There are complexities associated with translation that include the lack of vocabulary in the target language which in this case is Xitsonga. The lack of terminologies in Xitsonga is one of the challenges that occur during the process of translation. This purpose of this research is to examine the challenges of translating mathematical terminologies from English into Xitsonga and to find the strategies that can be used to assist learners to improve their understanding of mathematics. As such, a qualitative research method will be used to select the mathematical terminologies extracted froma mathematics bilingual dictionary with the aim of examining the quality of the translation and identifying the challenges that have been experience by translators. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Sambo, Tintswalo Teressa
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Mathematical linguistics , Mathematics , Translating and interpreting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63495 , vital:73382
- Description: Mathematics in South Africa is one of the subjects that is considered ‘difficult’ by many learners. The proof of this statement is reflected by the low mathematical pass rate in many South African schools. One of the challenges that has been highlighted by learners and teachers is that the language of mathematics is challenging. This implies that learners find it difficult to understand some of the mathematical terminologies and content that is being taught. The main reason for the challenge of grasping mathematical terminologies that has been cited by learners and educators is the language of learning and teaching (LOLT). Mathematics is taught in English in most South African schools even though many learners speak one of the indigenous South African official languages (if one excludes English and Afrikaans) at home and get to use and be exposed to English as the medium of learning and teaching only at school. While mathematics remains a challenge in South Africa, research shows that when home languages are used in a mathematics classroom, it enhances the learners understanding. However, it is not always simple to transfer mathematics from English to an African language. There are complexities associated with translation that include the lack of vocabulary in the target language which in this case is Xitsonga. The lack of terminologies in Xitsonga is one of the challenges that occur during the process of translation. This purpose of this research is to examine the challenges of translating mathematical terminologies from English into Xitsonga and to find the strategies that can be used to assist learners to improve their understanding of mathematics. As such, a qualitative research method will be used to select the mathematical terminologies extracted froma mathematics bilingual dictionary with the aim of examining the quality of the translation and identifying the challenges that have been experience by translators. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
An investigation into the current and future state of the catalytic converter industry
- Authors: Hughes, Jason Michael
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automobiles -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Catalytic converters. , Industrial management , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65031 , vital:74009
- Description: The catalytic converter industry plays a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability of automotive and industrial processes by mitigating the environmental impact of harmful emissions. Catalytic converters are devices that use catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions, converting the pollutants in exhaust gases into less harmful substances. It has become necessary to investigate the current and future state of the catalytic converter industry, due to the stringent emissions regulations being adapted across the world, including the introduction of alternative powered vehicles. The primary objective of this study is to identify sustainable strategies that could be adapted by the catalytic converter industry to ensure sustainability of the market. The study was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological approach. A total of 12 participants were chosen for the study and in-depth interviews were used as data collection tool to accomplish the objectives of the study. A thematic qualitative data analysis approach was taken to analyse and identify emerging themes from the collected data. As the industry is extremely dynamic, it becomes very difficult to update data for analysis purposes, therefore it becomes complicated to challenge the growth opportunities for the industry. It is therefore recommended to conduct thorough market analysis considering factors, such as market trends, regional variations, key players, and supply-demand dynamics. A deeper dive into the influences of the electric and hydrogen technologies’ effect on the catalytic converter industry, is key to identify potential opportunities and challenges associated with the move to greener transportation. The findings of this study established that the catalytic converter industry should adopt a multifaceted strategy, that includes regulatory compliance, technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and a willingness to adapt to shifting market dynamics. The ability of this industry to strike a balance between environmental stewardship and economic viability, will determine its future success. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Hughes, Jason Michael
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automobiles -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Catalytic converters. , Industrial management , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65031 , vital:74009
- Description: The catalytic converter industry plays a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability of automotive and industrial processes by mitigating the environmental impact of harmful emissions. Catalytic converters are devices that use catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions, converting the pollutants in exhaust gases into less harmful substances. It has become necessary to investigate the current and future state of the catalytic converter industry, due to the stringent emissions regulations being adapted across the world, including the introduction of alternative powered vehicles. The primary objective of this study is to identify sustainable strategies that could be adapted by the catalytic converter industry to ensure sustainability of the market. The study was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological approach. A total of 12 participants were chosen for the study and in-depth interviews were used as data collection tool to accomplish the objectives of the study. A thematic qualitative data analysis approach was taken to analyse and identify emerging themes from the collected data. As the industry is extremely dynamic, it becomes very difficult to update data for analysis purposes, therefore it becomes complicated to challenge the growth opportunities for the industry. It is therefore recommended to conduct thorough market analysis considering factors, such as market trends, regional variations, key players, and supply-demand dynamics. A deeper dive into the influences of the electric and hydrogen technologies’ effect on the catalytic converter industry, is key to identify potential opportunities and challenges associated with the move to greener transportation. The findings of this study established that the catalytic converter industry should adopt a multifaceted strategy, that includes regulatory compliance, technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and a willingness to adapt to shifting market dynamics. The ability of this industry to strike a balance between environmental stewardship and economic viability, will determine its future success. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04