A history of the Good Shepherd School, Huntley Street, Grahamstown
- Authors: Holshausen, Nicole
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Good Shepherd School (South Africa) -- History Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Schools -- Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003436
- Description: This thesis is a qualitative, historical study of The Good Shepherd School in Huntly Street, Grahamstown, South Africa. It is one of the oldest school buildings in South Africa that remains in use as a school. There are two main threads to understanding The Good Shepherd School in context. The first of these threads, the colonial root of the school, is explained in a discussion of the Grammar School, attached to the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, that utilised the Huntly Street facilities from 1851 to 1902. The second thread is the strong tradition of caring for the underprivileged. This is traced through following the development of the educational works of The Community of the Resurrection which involves the discussion of various schools at different locations in Grahamstown. The current school on the Huntly Street premises, The Good Shepherd School, forms, however, the focus of this study, which draws on all the histories of its forerunners and their historical locations. Historical social science methods and procedures were used in the research. This was done through documentary analysis of evidence as well as through semi-structured interviews, creating an interpretative account of how the school has affected people's lives. The conclusion reached is that The Good Shepherd School has contributed greatly to the education of underprivileged people in the Grahamstown area. It appears to be an outstanding example of a school offering a well-rounded, caring education when this was historically denied to many people in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Holshausen, Nicole
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Good Shepherd School (South Africa) -- History Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Schools -- Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003436
- Description: This thesis is a qualitative, historical study of The Good Shepherd School in Huntly Street, Grahamstown, South Africa. It is one of the oldest school buildings in South Africa that remains in use as a school. There are two main threads to understanding The Good Shepherd School in context. The first of these threads, the colonial root of the school, is explained in a discussion of the Grammar School, attached to the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, that utilised the Huntly Street facilities from 1851 to 1902. The second thread is the strong tradition of caring for the underprivileged. This is traced through following the development of the educational works of The Community of the Resurrection which involves the discussion of various schools at different locations in Grahamstown. The current school on the Huntly Street premises, The Good Shepherd School, forms, however, the focus of this study, which draws on all the histories of its forerunners and their historical locations. Historical social science methods and procedures were used in the research. This was done through documentary analysis of evidence as well as through semi-structured interviews, creating an interpretative account of how the school has affected people's lives. The conclusion reached is that The Good Shepherd School has contributed greatly to the education of underprivileged people in the Grahamstown area. It appears to be an outstanding example of a school offering a well-rounded, caring education when this was historically denied to many people in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
A logos of difference: the Kantian roots of Derrida's deconstructive thinking
- Authors: Hurst, Andrea Margaret
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Derrida, Jacques -- Philosophy , Deconstruction , Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015554
- Description: This study concerns a contemporary articulation of the age-old limit/possibility (truth/scepticism) contest in Western metaphysics. Traditional `either/or' logic advises that scepticism is a necessary consequence of the assailability of truth; hence the concerted effort in the history of philosophy to preserve the possibility of truth against any flicker of uncertainty. Here, it is argued that contemporary thinking sees the possibility of `absolute' truth lose its ground. However, a concomitant shift to a `logos of difference' averts the consequence of scepticism. Thus, the justification for this study could be articulated in terms of the imperative, if a cardinal moment in contemporary thought is to be sustained, to understand this shift in logos, work through its implications and learn to live with its effects. In this respect, an attempt is made throughout to situate and interpret Derrida's `deconstructive thinking' as exemplar. Derrida's thinking finds roots (not without signs of insurrection) in Kant's `Copernican revolution,' construed as the first shift towards the contemporary logos in question. Here, Kant refuted the postulate of an independent `world' by demonstrating that `reality' was the result of a cognitive order imposed on what `exists' by the rational subject. Knowledge, therefore, depended not on matching statements with pre-existing `things,' but on knowing the `rules' that determined how an object had to be if it was to be known at all. Kant maintained that certain, objective knowledge was possible, due to the completeness and universality of the forms of intuition and the categories of the understanding. Kant's `Copernican revolution' provided the opening for a second shift inaugurated by the so- called `linguistic turn.' Here, thinkers contested what Kant took for granted; namely that `constitutive interpretations' (cognitions/concepts) formed a `reality' independently of language. The basic premise underpinning the `linguistic turn,' therefore, is that language (signification) and `reality' are inseparable. Henceforth, the possibility of final, enduring `constitutive interpretations' whose `truth,' in principle, is discoverable, depends on whether or not the language which mediates human rationality can form a complete and universal system. This question resurrects the very limit/possibility debate (in the form of a structuralism/postmodernism stand-off) that Kant thought he had resolved in mediating between rationalist and empiricist extremes. In contemporary terms, philosophers who, bound by either/or logic, wish to avoid the sceptical trap of `anything goes' postmodernism, must assume that language (signification) can form a complete and universal system. However, in his deconstructive readings of Husserl, Saussure and `structuralism,' Derrida demonstrates the untenability of this assumption. At the same time, he shows that the sceptical `alternative' may be avoided by recognising the limitations of `either/or' logic. Again, Derrida's thinking may be traced to Kant's; this time to his analysis of the `first antinomy.' In accordance with Kant's analysis here of what is ultimately the logic of `complex systems' (Cilliers), Derrida offers a `logos of difference,' which skirts the strictures of structuralism while avoiding the trap of postmodern scepticism by accommodating both moments of limit and possibility in an indissoluble interplay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Hurst, Andrea Margaret
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Derrida, Jacques -- Philosophy , Deconstruction , Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015554
- Description: This study concerns a contemporary articulation of the age-old limit/possibility (truth/scepticism) contest in Western metaphysics. Traditional `either/or' logic advises that scepticism is a necessary consequence of the assailability of truth; hence the concerted effort in the history of philosophy to preserve the possibility of truth against any flicker of uncertainty. Here, it is argued that contemporary thinking sees the possibility of `absolute' truth lose its ground. However, a concomitant shift to a `logos of difference' averts the consequence of scepticism. Thus, the justification for this study could be articulated in terms of the imperative, if a cardinal moment in contemporary thought is to be sustained, to understand this shift in logos, work through its implications and learn to live with its effects. In this respect, an attempt is made throughout to situate and interpret Derrida's `deconstructive thinking' as exemplar. Derrida's thinking finds roots (not without signs of insurrection) in Kant's `Copernican revolution,' construed as the first shift towards the contemporary logos in question. Here, Kant refuted the postulate of an independent `world' by demonstrating that `reality' was the result of a cognitive order imposed on what `exists' by the rational subject. Knowledge, therefore, depended not on matching statements with pre-existing `things,' but on knowing the `rules' that determined how an object had to be if it was to be known at all. Kant maintained that certain, objective knowledge was possible, due to the completeness and universality of the forms of intuition and the categories of the understanding. Kant's `Copernican revolution' provided the opening for a second shift inaugurated by the so- called `linguistic turn.' Here, thinkers contested what Kant took for granted; namely that `constitutive interpretations' (cognitions/concepts) formed a `reality' independently of language. The basic premise underpinning the `linguistic turn,' therefore, is that language (signification) and `reality' are inseparable. Henceforth, the possibility of final, enduring `constitutive interpretations' whose `truth,' in principle, is discoverable, depends on whether or not the language which mediates human rationality can form a complete and universal system. This question resurrects the very limit/possibility debate (in the form of a structuralism/postmodernism stand-off) that Kant thought he had resolved in mediating between rationalist and empiricist extremes. In contemporary terms, philosophers who, bound by either/or logic, wish to avoid the sceptical trap of `anything goes' postmodernism, must assume that language (signification) can form a complete and universal system. However, in his deconstructive readings of Husserl, Saussure and `structuralism,' Derrida demonstrates the untenability of this assumption. At the same time, he shows that the sceptical `alternative' may be avoided by recognising the limitations of `either/or' logic. Again, Derrida's thinking may be traced to Kant's; this time to his analysis of the `first antinomy.' In accordance with Kant's analysis here of what is ultimately the logic of `complex systems' (Cilliers), Derrida offers a `logos of difference,' which skirts the strictures of structuralism while avoiding the trap of postmodern scepticism by accommodating both moments of limit and possibility in an indissoluble interplay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
A pilot study of the use of groupwork in biology education at the Griffiths Mxenge College of Education : a research project ; Towards an effective implementation of assessment of biology practical work under ʺcurriculum 2005ʺ
- Authors: Kwayisi, Frederick Ntow
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Biology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Group work in education Biology -- Curricula Curriculum change -- South Africa Curriculum planning -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa Inclusive education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003588
- Description: A pilot study of the use of groupwork in biology education at the Griffiths Mxenge College of Education: The Government of National Unity in 1994 introduced a new educational policy for the country. This represented a shift in paradigm from a transmission mode of teaching and learning to learner-centered education. The shift marks a transformation from a contentbased curriculum to an outcomes based education (aBE). aBE, which is underpinned by Constructivism and Social Constructivism advocates for the use of groupwork as a strategy for achieving the outcomes envisaged in our learners. The challenge facing teachers and educators is how to implement outcomes based education. The intention of this research is therefore to serve as a pilot project to find out about how groupwork may be used in teaching. It looks at types of groups, considerations a teacher should have in forming groups, dynamics which come into play during teaching and gives suggestions as to how groupwork problems may be solved. Others issued are also raised which were not fully covered in the research. It is the hope of the researcher that the project would be a basis for further research on the use of group work in teaching under outcomes based education. Towards an effective implementation of assessment of biology practical work under "curriculum 2005" Transformation taking place in education in the Republic of South Africa has implications for assessment. It involves a move away from the transmission mode of teaching and learning, to a learner-centered education with the attainment of outcomes. It is a move away from the summative mode of assessment to a formative mode, where assessment leads to the development of the learner and monitor and support teaching and learning. Questions arise as to what to assess, how, when to assess and by whom? This research project is an initial attempt to look at how this assessment policy may be implemented effectively in schools and colleges, using the teaching and learning of practical biology as a tool. It looks at examples of assessment methods that may be used to assess learners work, their functions and problems that may arise in the teachers attempt to transform hislher practices. Suggestions are made on factors to consider in implementing assessment practice and how problems, which may arise in assessment, may be overcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Kwayisi, Frederick Ntow
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Biology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Group work in education Biology -- Curricula Curriculum change -- South Africa Curriculum planning -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa Inclusive education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003588
- Description: A pilot study of the use of groupwork in biology education at the Griffiths Mxenge College of Education: The Government of National Unity in 1994 introduced a new educational policy for the country. This represented a shift in paradigm from a transmission mode of teaching and learning to learner-centered education. The shift marks a transformation from a contentbased curriculum to an outcomes based education (aBE). aBE, which is underpinned by Constructivism and Social Constructivism advocates for the use of groupwork as a strategy for achieving the outcomes envisaged in our learners. The challenge facing teachers and educators is how to implement outcomes based education. The intention of this research is therefore to serve as a pilot project to find out about how groupwork may be used in teaching. It looks at types of groups, considerations a teacher should have in forming groups, dynamics which come into play during teaching and gives suggestions as to how groupwork problems may be solved. Others issued are also raised which were not fully covered in the research. It is the hope of the researcher that the project would be a basis for further research on the use of group work in teaching under outcomes based education. Towards an effective implementation of assessment of biology practical work under "curriculum 2005" Transformation taking place in education in the Republic of South Africa has implications for assessment. It involves a move away from the transmission mode of teaching and learning, to a learner-centered education with the attainment of outcomes. It is a move away from the summative mode of assessment to a formative mode, where assessment leads to the development of the learner and monitor and support teaching and learning. Questions arise as to what to assess, how, when to assess and by whom? This research project is an initial attempt to look at how this assessment policy may be implemented effectively in schools and colleges, using the teaching and learning of practical biology as a tool. It looks at examples of assessment methods that may be used to assess learners work, their functions and problems that may arise in the teachers attempt to transform hislher practices. Suggestions are made on factors to consider in implementing assessment practice and how problems, which may arise in assessment, may be overcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
A review of Southern African kimberlites and exploration techniques
- Authors: Venter, Louis Johannes
- Date: 1999 , 2013-10-04
- Subjects: Kimberlite -- Africa, Southern , Diamonds -- Africa, Southern , Prospecting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5033 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007278 , Kimberlite -- Africa, Southern , Diamonds -- Africa, Southern , Prospecting -- South Africa
- Description: The dissertation reviews the present knowledge regarding diamonds, from its formation in the lithospheric upper mantle at depths between 150 and 300 km, to its final valuation in terms of US$/carat by diamantaires in London, Antwerp, Tel Aviv and New York. The dissertation is divided into two complimentary sections. Section one focuses on the formation, emplacement, occurrence and characteristics of kimberlites and, when present, their associated trace amounts of diamonds. The section follows a logical sequence from the regional tectonic-, local structrual- and geodynamic controls on kimberlite formation and emplacement to the characteristics of individual kimberlite morphology, mineralogy, petrography and geochemistry. Finally, the environment or diamond formation, resorption and the characteristics that have led to the marketability of diamonds are discussed. Section two reviews the current exploration techniques used in locating diamondiferous kimberliies and the subsequent economic evaluation of these kimberlites. A brief history of known Southern African kimberlite occurrences, grades, tonnages, tectonic settings, ages and regional structural controls is given. The prospective countries mentioned are Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Exploration techniques considered are ; the application of a landscape analysis and investigation of the surface processes active in a given area, indicator mineral sampling (with reference to their mineralogy and exploration significance), remote sensing techniques (subdivided into satellite imagery and aerial photography), geophysical techniques (including the magnetic-, gravity-, electrical-, radiometric- and seismic methods as well as heat flow models), geochemical techniques, petrographic- and electron beam techniques as well as geobotanical- and geobiological techniques. Finally, a brief summary of current evaluation techniques employed on diamondiferous kimberlite deposits is presented. The review covers kimberlite sampling methods, sample processing, diamond grade distributions (with reference to the experimental variogram model, statistical methods used in grade distribution calculations as well as block definition and local grade estimation). Stone size distributions, including microdiamond counts and value estimation, are also discussed. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Venter, Louis Johannes
- Date: 1999 , 2013-10-04
- Subjects: Kimberlite -- Africa, Southern , Diamonds -- Africa, Southern , Prospecting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5033 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007278 , Kimberlite -- Africa, Southern , Diamonds -- Africa, Southern , Prospecting -- South Africa
- Description: The dissertation reviews the present knowledge regarding diamonds, from its formation in the lithospheric upper mantle at depths between 150 and 300 km, to its final valuation in terms of US$/carat by diamantaires in London, Antwerp, Tel Aviv and New York. The dissertation is divided into two complimentary sections. Section one focuses on the formation, emplacement, occurrence and characteristics of kimberlites and, when present, their associated trace amounts of diamonds. The section follows a logical sequence from the regional tectonic-, local structrual- and geodynamic controls on kimberlite formation and emplacement to the characteristics of individual kimberlite morphology, mineralogy, petrography and geochemistry. Finally, the environment or diamond formation, resorption and the characteristics that have led to the marketability of diamonds are discussed. Section two reviews the current exploration techniques used in locating diamondiferous kimberliies and the subsequent economic evaluation of these kimberlites. A brief history of known Southern African kimberlite occurrences, grades, tonnages, tectonic settings, ages and regional structural controls is given. The prospective countries mentioned are Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Exploration techniques considered are ; the application of a landscape analysis and investigation of the surface processes active in a given area, indicator mineral sampling (with reference to their mineralogy and exploration significance), remote sensing techniques (subdivided into satellite imagery and aerial photography), geophysical techniques (including the magnetic-, gravity-, electrical-, radiometric- and seismic methods as well as heat flow models), geochemical techniques, petrographic- and electron beam techniques as well as geobotanical- and geobiological techniques. Finally, a brief summary of current evaluation techniques employed on diamondiferous kimberlite deposits is presented. The review covers kimberlite sampling methods, sample processing, diamond grade distributions (with reference to the experimental variogram model, statistical methods used in grade distribution calculations as well as block definition and local grade estimation). Stone size distributions, including microdiamond counts and value estimation, are also discussed. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Adaptive flow management of multimedia data with a variable quality of service
- Authors: Littlejohn, Paul Stephen
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Multimedia systems , Multimedia systems -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004863 , Multimedia systems , Multimedia systems -- Evaluation
- Description: Much of the current research involving the delivery of multimedia data focuses on the need to maintain a constant Quality of Service (QoS) throughout the lifetime of the connection. Delivery of a constant QoS requires that a guaranteed bandwidth is available for the entire connection. Techniques, such as resource reservation, are able to provide for this. These approaches work well across networks that are fairly homogeneous, and which have sufficient resources to sustain the guarantees, but are not currently viable over either heterogeneous or unreliable networks. To cater for the great number of networks (including the Internet) which do not conform to the ideal conditions required by constant Quality of Service mechanisms, this thesis proposes a different approach, that of dynamically adjusting the QoS in response to changing network conditions. Instead of optimizing the Quality of Service, the approach used in this thesis seeks to ensure the delivery of the information, at the best possible quality, as determined by the carrying ability of the poorest segment in the network link. To illustrate and examine this model, a service-adaptive system is described, which allows for the streaming of multimedia audio data across a network using the RealTime Transport Protocol. This application continually adjusts its service requests in response to the current network conditions. A client/server model is outlined whereby the server attempts to provide scalable media content, in this case audio data, to a client at the highest possible Quality of Service. The thesis presents and evaluates a number of renegotiation methods for adjusting the Quality of Service between the client and server. An A djusted QoS renegotiation method algorithm is suggested, which delivers the best possible quality, within an acceptable loss boundary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Littlejohn, Paul Stephen
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Multimedia systems , Multimedia systems -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004863 , Multimedia systems , Multimedia systems -- Evaluation
- Description: Much of the current research involving the delivery of multimedia data focuses on the need to maintain a constant Quality of Service (QoS) throughout the lifetime of the connection. Delivery of a constant QoS requires that a guaranteed bandwidth is available for the entire connection. Techniques, such as resource reservation, are able to provide for this. These approaches work well across networks that are fairly homogeneous, and which have sufficient resources to sustain the guarantees, but are not currently viable over either heterogeneous or unreliable networks. To cater for the great number of networks (including the Internet) which do not conform to the ideal conditions required by constant Quality of Service mechanisms, this thesis proposes a different approach, that of dynamically adjusting the QoS in response to changing network conditions. Instead of optimizing the Quality of Service, the approach used in this thesis seeks to ensure the delivery of the information, at the best possible quality, as determined by the carrying ability of the poorest segment in the network link. To illustrate and examine this model, a service-adaptive system is described, which allows for the streaming of multimedia audio data across a network using the RealTime Transport Protocol. This application continually adjusts its service requests in response to the current network conditions. A client/server model is outlined whereby the server attempts to provide scalable media content, in this case audio data, to a client at the highest possible Quality of Service. The thesis presents and evaluates a number of renegotiation methods for adjusting the Quality of Service between the client and server. An A djusted QoS renegotiation method algorithm is suggested, which delivers the best possible quality, within an acceptable loss boundary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric determination of gold (III) in the presence of yeast mannan
- Lack, Barbara, Duncan, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Lack, Barbara , Duncan, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/293151 , vital:57060 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00736-3"
- Description: Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric (AdCSV) studies of gold(III) on a glassy carbon electrode and in the presence of yeast mannan are reported. These studies give evidence of the formation of a complex between gold(III) and mannan in acid media as judged by the enhancement in the AdCSV currents and shift in the reduction peak of gold(III) in the presence of mannan. The AdCSV currents were linearly dependent on gold(III) concentrations ranging from 7.0 × 10−7 to 3.0 × 10−4 mol dm−3. A detection limit of 6.0 × 10−8 mol dm−3 was obtained. Interferences of copper(II) were observed in the presence of mannan, but there was no significant interference of silver(I).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Lack, Barbara , Duncan, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/293151 , vital:57060 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00736-3"
- Description: Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric (AdCSV) studies of gold(III) on a glassy carbon electrode and in the presence of yeast mannan are reported. These studies give evidence of the formation of a complex between gold(III) and mannan in acid media as judged by the enhancement in the AdCSV currents and shift in the reduction peak of gold(III) in the presence of mannan. The AdCSV currents were linearly dependent on gold(III) concentrations ranging from 7.0 × 10−7 to 3.0 × 10−4 mol dm−3. A detection limit of 6.0 × 10−8 mol dm−3 was obtained. Interferences of copper(II) were observed in the presence of mannan, but there was no significant interference of silver(I).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An economic analysis of eradicating alien vegetation as an alternative to conventional water supply schemes: a case study of the Krom and Kouga
- Authors: Carpenter, Robert Charles
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Alien plants -- South Africa , Water-supply -- South Africa , Kouga River (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002735 , Alien plants -- South Africa , Water-supply -- South Africa , Kouga River (South Africa)
- Description: South Africa is classified as an arid to semi-arid region and water scarcity in South Africa has been identified as a key factor limiting socioeconomic development in the next century. In the Algoa region, the total urban plus agricultural water demand is expected to exceed the supply by the year 2005. The Kouga Working for Water Project aims to increase the base flow to the existing dams which supply the Port Elizabeth metropolitan area through the eradication of invasive alien trees in the riparian areas of the Krom and Kouga catchments. This thesis analyses the economic efficiency of optimal catchment management as a water supply scheme. A cost-benefit analysis is conducted for the Kouga eradication programme, and its desirability is evaluated in terms of the net present value (NPV) and the internal rate of return (IRR) criteria. In order to compare the cost-e~i.ciency of the eradication programme to alternative water supply augmentation schemes the Unit Reference Value (URV) is calculated for the project. The NPV for the project is calculated using a discount rate of 7% and amounts to nearly R24 million. This positive NPV indicates that the project is economically desirable in that it results in the improvement of human welfare. The IRR decision rule supports this finding. The URV of the eradication scheme is found to be competitive to that generated by more conventional schemes. Considered in the evaluation of the project are a host of environmental benefits that accompany the eradication of alien vegetation. This is in contrast to alternative schemes which result in several detrimental impacts to the environment. The economic analysis concludes that the eradication of alien vegetation is an efficient and desirable alternative water supply augmentation scheme. The conclusions drawn from the analysis of the eradication programme in this catchment area can be extended to other catchment areas, with the aim of promoting the most efficient supply of water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Carpenter, Robert Charles
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Alien plants -- South Africa , Water-supply -- South Africa , Kouga River (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002735 , Alien plants -- South Africa , Water-supply -- South Africa , Kouga River (South Africa)
- Description: South Africa is classified as an arid to semi-arid region and water scarcity in South Africa has been identified as a key factor limiting socioeconomic development in the next century. In the Algoa region, the total urban plus agricultural water demand is expected to exceed the supply by the year 2005. The Kouga Working for Water Project aims to increase the base flow to the existing dams which supply the Port Elizabeth metropolitan area through the eradication of invasive alien trees in the riparian areas of the Krom and Kouga catchments. This thesis analyses the economic efficiency of optimal catchment management as a water supply scheme. A cost-benefit analysis is conducted for the Kouga eradication programme, and its desirability is evaluated in terms of the net present value (NPV) and the internal rate of return (IRR) criteria. In order to compare the cost-e~i.ciency of the eradication programme to alternative water supply augmentation schemes the Unit Reference Value (URV) is calculated for the project. The NPV for the project is calculated using a discount rate of 7% and amounts to nearly R24 million. This positive NPV indicates that the project is economically desirable in that it results in the improvement of human welfare. The IRR decision rule supports this finding. The URV of the eradication scheme is found to be competitive to that generated by more conventional schemes. Considered in the evaluation of the project are a host of environmental benefits that accompany the eradication of alien vegetation. This is in contrast to alternative schemes which result in several detrimental impacts to the environment. The economic analysis concludes that the eradication of alien vegetation is an efficient and desirable alternative water supply augmentation scheme. The conclusions drawn from the analysis of the eradication programme in this catchment area can be extended to other catchment areas, with the aim of promoting the most efficient supply of water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An examination of employee participation as provided for in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995
- Authors: Khoza, Francisco Jabulani
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003191 , Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Description: The thesis covers the field of labour law known as employee participation in decision-making. It deals with the examination of the extent to which the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the Act) promotes employee participation in decision-making. Firstly, the analysis shows that employee participation in decision-making is an aspect of democracy, which is translated into industrial democracy in industrial relations. In South Africa the philosophical foundation of employee participation is supported by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 which embodies democratic values permeating all areas of the law including labour law. Secondly, the study elucidates the jurisprudential background of employee participation in South Africa. There is evidence of the development of some principles of participation like consultation; information disclosure; and the existence of participatory forums like works councils under the LRA 28 of 1956. Thirdly, in evaluating the extent to which the LRA 66 of 1995 promotes employee participation, the following aspects are covered: the relevance and contribution of information disclosure; the effect of consultation prior to dismissal for operational requirements; the role of collective bargaining; and the contribution of workplace forums. The conclusion is reached that all the foregoing aspects of the LRA 66 of 1995 will contribute to the promotion of employee participation in decision-making. The Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration can also ensure that in interpreting the Act employee participation is promoted where appropriate. Finally, employers and employees will have to accept this necessary partnership for the entrenchment of employee participation in decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Khoza, Francisco Jabulani
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003191 , Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Description: The thesis covers the field of labour law known as employee participation in decision-making. It deals with the examination of the extent to which the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the Act) promotes employee participation in decision-making. Firstly, the analysis shows that employee participation in decision-making is an aspect of democracy, which is translated into industrial democracy in industrial relations. In South Africa the philosophical foundation of employee participation is supported by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 which embodies democratic values permeating all areas of the law including labour law. Secondly, the study elucidates the jurisprudential background of employee participation in South Africa. There is evidence of the development of some principles of participation like consultation; information disclosure; and the existence of participatory forums like works councils under the LRA 28 of 1956. Thirdly, in evaluating the extent to which the LRA 66 of 1995 promotes employee participation, the following aspects are covered: the relevance and contribution of information disclosure; the effect of consultation prior to dismissal for operational requirements; the role of collective bargaining; and the contribution of workplace forums. The conclusion is reached that all the foregoing aspects of the LRA 66 of 1995 will contribute to the promotion of employee participation in decision-making. The Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration can also ensure that in interpreting the Act employee participation is promoted where appropriate. Finally, employers and employees will have to accept this necessary partnership for the entrenchment of employee participation in decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An experimental study of the effect of Acacia mearnsii (black wattle trees) on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Beyers, Gregory John
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005507 , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis explores the effect of Acacia mearnsii on streamflow in the Eastern Cape. There is a need for data on the localised effects of removing alien trees from the riparian zones within the Fynbos Biome. Fynbos catchments throughout the Western and Eastern Cape yield large quantities of good quality water which is an essential resource in the region. To convince local land owners to manage their riparian zones, small scale experimental results will prove invaluable to assure them of the immediate advantages for themselves and for downstream water users. Three permanent weirs were built 500 m apart to monitor the effect of removing A. mearnsii on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape. Consecutive weirs allowed for the comparison of streamflow between a cleared and uncleared section of the river without significant differences in riparian conditions, channel morphology and vegetation densities. A site survey confirmed comparable densities of A. mearnsii in both sections. A sample of trees was weighed and a relationship was found between diameter at breast height and above ground wet biomass. Between the first two weirs, 2.5 ha of riparian zone was cleared amounting to approximately 160tlha. Streamflow was monitored from the 10th of January 1996 to the 9th of September 1996. The average streamflow reduction for the duration of the experiment was 15.1 m³/ha/day or 551 mm per annum. Initially, after a period of above average rainfall, streamflow was augmented by discharge from the riparian zone but as conditions dried out, there was a net uptake of water with the highest average uptake of 23. 7m³/ha/day in June. A comparison between weather conditions and streamflow reduction indicated there is a complex relationship, with evidence of A. mearnsii exhibiting control of water loss during dry conditions. Acacia mearnsii trees in the riparian zone have been shown to cause significant streamflow reduction. Permanent weirs were found to be appropriate for this type of study. There is a need for further research on the effect of alien trees in riparian zones around South Africa as there is potential for significant increases in streamflow.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Beyers, Gregory John
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005507 , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis explores the effect of Acacia mearnsii on streamflow in the Eastern Cape. There is a need for data on the localised effects of removing alien trees from the riparian zones within the Fynbos Biome. Fynbos catchments throughout the Western and Eastern Cape yield large quantities of good quality water which is an essential resource in the region. To convince local land owners to manage their riparian zones, small scale experimental results will prove invaluable to assure them of the immediate advantages for themselves and for downstream water users. Three permanent weirs were built 500 m apart to monitor the effect of removing A. mearnsii on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape. Consecutive weirs allowed for the comparison of streamflow between a cleared and uncleared section of the river without significant differences in riparian conditions, channel morphology and vegetation densities. A site survey confirmed comparable densities of A. mearnsii in both sections. A sample of trees was weighed and a relationship was found between diameter at breast height and above ground wet biomass. Between the first two weirs, 2.5 ha of riparian zone was cleared amounting to approximately 160tlha. Streamflow was monitored from the 10th of January 1996 to the 9th of September 1996. The average streamflow reduction for the duration of the experiment was 15.1 m³/ha/day or 551 mm per annum. Initially, after a period of above average rainfall, streamflow was augmented by discharge from the riparian zone but as conditions dried out, there was a net uptake of water with the highest average uptake of 23. 7m³/ha/day in June. A comparison between weather conditions and streamflow reduction indicated there is a complex relationship, with evidence of A. mearnsii exhibiting control of water loss during dry conditions. Acacia mearnsii trees in the riparian zone have been shown to cause significant streamflow reduction. Permanent weirs were found to be appropriate for this type of study. There is a need for further research on the effect of alien trees in riparian zones around South Africa as there is potential for significant increases in streamflow.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An exploration of environmental understanding among primary health care providers in an Eastern Cape community
- Authors: Hepburn, Mary Patricia
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medical care -- Rural areas Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1533 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003415
- Description: This study explores environmental understanding among the health care practitioners serving a rural community in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. During the preliminary phases of the research, the decision was made to adopt a participatory approach to the inquiry as far as was possible. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation and focus group discussions were the techniques chosen to focus the participants' thinking about: the meaning of environment, environmental issues and problems which impact on health, and, environmental education in practice. Comparisons between the recently transformed health education idea proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), known as "health promotion", and a popular environmental education model are made. It is argued that many of the obstacles to effective health education described by the participants in the study can be overcome by using environmental educationlhealth promotion approaches. The findings show that the health practitioners studied relate to a wide range of environmental issues with varying levels of engagement. They are influenced by changing values, their feelings about indigenous knowledge, and their notions about how people should respond to the environment. An urgent need for more and better communication among the different levels of health practitioners is identified. Finally, it is recommended that health care practitioners be supported with opportunities for professional development which can lead to a confident, seIfreflective approach to health education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Hepburn, Mary Patricia
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medical care -- Rural areas Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1533 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003415
- Description: This study explores environmental understanding among the health care practitioners serving a rural community in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. During the preliminary phases of the research, the decision was made to adopt a participatory approach to the inquiry as far as was possible. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation and focus group discussions were the techniques chosen to focus the participants' thinking about: the meaning of environment, environmental issues and problems which impact on health, and, environmental education in practice. Comparisons between the recently transformed health education idea proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), known as "health promotion", and a popular environmental education model are made. It is argued that many of the obstacles to effective health education described by the participants in the study can be overcome by using environmental educationlhealth promotion approaches. The findings show that the health practitioners studied relate to a wide range of environmental issues with varying levels of engagement. They are influenced by changing values, their feelings about indigenous knowledge, and their notions about how people should respond to the environment. An urgent need for more and better communication among the different levels of health practitioners is identified. Finally, it is recommended that health care practitioners be supported with opportunities for professional development which can lead to a confident, seIfreflective approach to health education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An exploration of the factors which promote and impede correctional supervision effectiveness with regard to the juvenile or youth offenders
- Authors: Van Zyl, Claudette
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006529 , Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Description: Youth Crime is increasing at an alarming rate and imprisonment as the only measure of punishment has become a contentious issue for the South African Correctional Services. National and international awareness has been raised about young people at risk in the 1992 campaign" Justice for the children: No child should be caged". In the words of Ruth Morris: " Prisons are not the greatest. They breed bitterness and crime, destroy people who work and live in them and its not nice to cage your fellow human beings. Prisons cost more than the best university education, while giving appalling results". (1993 (1) SA 476). The question that needs to be asked is whether imprisonment really does effect the punitive motives of deterrence, retribution, protecting the community and rehabilitation of the offender. The introduction of correctional supervision as a sentencing option has ushered in a new phase in our criminal justice system. The South African Model of correctional supervision is described as a community-based sentence that is served within the community and the probationer is subject to stringent conditions such as house arrest, community service, monitoring and the attendance of treatment programmes. The study aimed to: * identify the variables that appear to be operating in determining the successful and or unsuccessful correctional supervision sentences with young offenders; (the terms effectiveness and successful are used interchangeably). * contribute to a better understanding of working with young offenders in the community and to make positive recommendations concerning their rehabilitation. The design applied in this study was the exploratory-descriptive design. It was exploratory since the field of correctional supervision at this stage is not well developed and descriptive because the researcher described features of this phenomenon. This was combined with an empirical investigation that explored the youths experience on correctional supervision. Another component of the empirical investigation consisted of how the parents or significant other as well as the supervision committee perceived the respondents adjustment on correctional supervision. The findings of the empirical investigation clearly showed that although the respondents found house arrest extremely difficult to comply with, their overall functioning and adjustment in the community was positive. Factors that emerged from the study that can promote a successful correctional supervision sentence were factors such as positive support systems that can instill discipline, no involvement in gangsterism, no family pathologies such as alcoholism, family violence and financial problems. Factors such as negative attitude of staff members, familial problems, stringent house arrest conditions, financial problems impeded the youths functioning on correctional supervision. The correctional social worker together with the multi-disciplinary team both have a cardinal role to play in the treatment of the young offender. The various professions with their expertise have a major role to play in the treatment programmes geared to assist the young offender to reintegrate and function positively in the community
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Van Zyl, Claudette
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006529 , Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
- Description: Youth Crime is increasing at an alarming rate and imprisonment as the only measure of punishment has become a contentious issue for the South African Correctional Services. National and international awareness has been raised about young people at risk in the 1992 campaign" Justice for the children: No child should be caged". In the words of Ruth Morris: " Prisons are not the greatest. They breed bitterness and crime, destroy people who work and live in them and its not nice to cage your fellow human beings. Prisons cost more than the best university education, while giving appalling results". (1993 (1) SA 476). The question that needs to be asked is whether imprisonment really does effect the punitive motives of deterrence, retribution, protecting the community and rehabilitation of the offender. The introduction of correctional supervision as a sentencing option has ushered in a new phase in our criminal justice system. The South African Model of correctional supervision is described as a community-based sentence that is served within the community and the probationer is subject to stringent conditions such as house arrest, community service, monitoring and the attendance of treatment programmes. The study aimed to: * identify the variables that appear to be operating in determining the successful and or unsuccessful correctional supervision sentences with young offenders; (the terms effectiveness and successful are used interchangeably). * contribute to a better understanding of working with young offenders in the community and to make positive recommendations concerning their rehabilitation. The design applied in this study was the exploratory-descriptive design. It was exploratory since the field of correctional supervision at this stage is not well developed and descriptive because the researcher described features of this phenomenon. This was combined with an empirical investigation that explored the youths experience on correctional supervision. Another component of the empirical investigation consisted of how the parents or significant other as well as the supervision committee perceived the respondents adjustment on correctional supervision. The findings of the empirical investigation clearly showed that although the respondents found house arrest extremely difficult to comply with, their overall functioning and adjustment in the community was positive. Factors that emerged from the study that can promote a successful correctional supervision sentence were factors such as positive support systems that can instill discipline, no involvement in gangsterism, no family pathologies such as alcoholism, family violence and financial problems. Factors such as negative attitude of staff members, familial problems, stringent house arrest conditions, financial problems impeded the youths functioning on correctional supervision. The correctional social worker together with the multi-disciplinary team both have a cardinal role to play in the treatment of the young offender. The various professions with their expertise have a major role to play in the treatment programmes geared to assist the young offender to reintegrate and function positively in the community
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into cultural differences in the conceptualization of and attributions about cognitive decline in the elderly
- Authors: Fair, David Alan
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Dementia , Older people , Dementia Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002483 , Dementia , Older people , Dementia Case studies
- Description: There is little data regarding the prevalence of dementia in South Africa. Estimating such prevalence is problematic as the most commonly used cognitive screening tests are inappropriate for use in non-western populations. For this reason researchers have explored the use of informant questionnaires where relatives provide information on cognitive functioning over the last year. In the South African context Lenger, de Villiers & Louw (1996) conducted a dementia case-ascertainment study in a Xhosa-speaking community near Cape Town using a well-known informant questionnaire, the DECO, and concurrent clinical assessment. Reflecting on the discrepancies between DECO scores and clinical diagnosis, the researchers conducted interviews to explore beliefs and expectations regarding the elderly and cognitive decline. The aims of the current research were to gather comparative data from Bothasig, an English-speaking community, in order to explore areas of commonality and difference in perceptions and attributions regarding cognitive decline in the elderly. The study found that a significant percentage of informants from both Bothasig and Langa consider forgetfulness to be normal in old age. Different discourses around illness in the elderly were identified incorporating a range of medicalised and folk attributions. The discussion showed that informant perceptions within the Langa community may increase the likelihood that observational data provided in informant questionnaires may be confounded by cultural perceptions regarding the elderly. In addition, certain items on the DECO were found to be unsuitable for use across groups and modifications were proposed. The data was analyzed using both quantitative methods and phenomenological discourse analysis. The discussion concluded with metatheoretical reflections on the tension between etic and emic perspectives in cross-cultural research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Fair, David Alan
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Dementia , Older people , Dementia Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002483 , Dementia , Older people , Dementia Case studies
- Description: There is little data regarding the prevalence of dementia in South Africa. Estimating such prevalence is problematic as the most commonly used cognitive screening tests are inappropriate for use in non-western populations. For this reason researchers have explored the use of informant questionnaires where relatives provide information on cognitive functioning over the last year. In the South African context Lenger, de Villiers & Louw (1996) conducted a dementia case-ascertainment study in a Xhosa-speaking community near Cape Town using a well-known informant questionnaire, the DECO, and concurrent clinical assessment. Reflecting on the discrepancies between DECO scores and clinical diagnosis, the researchers conducted interviews to explore beliefs and expectations regarding the elderly and cognitive decline. The aims of the current research were to gather comparative data from Bothasig, an English-speaking community, in order to explore areas of commonality and difference in perceptions and attributions regarding cognitive decline in the elderly. The study found that a significant percentage of informants from both Bothasig and Langa consider forgetfulness to be normal in old age. Different discourses around illness in the elderly were identified incorporating a range of medicalised and folk attributions. The discussion showed that informant perceptions within the Langa community may increase the likelihood that observational data provided in informant questionnaires may be confounded by cultural perceptions regarding the elderly. In addition, certain items on the DECO were found to be unsuitable for use across groups and modifications were proposed. The data was analyzed using both quantitative methods and phenomenological discourse analysis. The discussion concluded with metatheoretical reflections on the tension between etic and emic perspectives in cross-cultural research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into the anxiolytic properties of melatonin in humans
- McCallaghan, Johannes Jacobus
- Authors: McCallaghan, Johannes Jacobus
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Melatonin , Pineal gland -- Secretions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003250 , Melatonin , Pineal gland -- Secretions
- Description: The purpose of this project was to investigate the role of melatonin in the pathophysiology of anxiety in humans. The literature study confirmed the intimate relationship between serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin is not only able to act as an agonist (in physiological concentrations) and an antagonist (at higher concentrations) on serotonin receptors but via control of brain pyridoxal kinase activity might have an effect on GABA, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis. A clinical trial to investigate melatonin's effect on anxiety in humans was conducted as a pilot study. Thirty patients complaining of anxiety participated in a liN of 1" double blind placebo controlled trial. During the experiment each subject was thus exposed to melatonin and a placebo for a week at a time on two occasions. During the first phase of the experiment, (Pair '1) patients showed a statistically significant reduction in their anxiety levels during the first period (P1P1), which was not the case during the second period (P1P2). The improvement however continued during the second phase of the experiment (Pair 2) so that there was also a statistically significant improvement during P 2 P 2 (Period 2 / Pair 2) when placebo was administered. It could not conclusively be shown that melatonin was responsible for the improvement in the patients' anxiety. The explanation for these results suggests thelt the improvement was due to a: 1) placebo effect throughout, 2) psychotherapeutic effect due to contact with a clinician, 3) melatonin induced phase shift in the patient's endogenous melatonin response curve, 4) combination of all 3 options. This pilot study lays the groundwork for a much more exhaustive study in which the melatonin of the patients is determined before melatonin is administered, the role of the clinician is clarified and the most appropriate time for melatonin administration is sought .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: McCallaghan, Johannes Jacobus
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Melatonin , Pineal gland -- Secretions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003250 , Melatonin , Pineal gland -- Secretions
- Description: The purpose of this project was to investigate the role of melatonin in the pathophysiology of anxiety in humans. The literature study confirmed the intimate relationship between serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin is not only able to act as an agonist (in physiological concentrations) and an antagonist (at higher concentrations) on serotonin receptors but via control of brain pyridoxal kinase activity might have an effect on GABA, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis. A clinical trial to investigate melatonin's effect on anxiety in humans was conducted as a pilot study. Thirty patients complaining of anxiety participated in a liN of 1" double blind placebo controlled trial. During the experiment each subject was thus exposed to melatonin and a placebo for a week at a time on two occasions. During the first phase of the experiment, (Pair '1) patients showed a statistically significant reduction in their anxiety levels during the first period (P1P1), which was not the case during the second period (P1P2). The improvement however continued during the second phase of the experiment (Pair 2) so that there was also a statistically significant improvement during P 2 P 2 (Period 2 / Pair 2) when placebo was administered. It could not conclusively be shown that melatonin was responsible for the improvement in the patients' anxiety. The explanation for these results suggests thelt the improvement was due to a: 1) placebo effect throughout, 2) psychotherapeutic effect due to contact with a clinician, 3) melatonin induced phase shift in the patient's endogenous melatonin response curve, 4) combination of all 3 options. This pilot study lays the groundwork for a much more exhaustive study in which the melatonin of the patients is determined before melatonin is administered, the role of the clinician is clarified and the most appropriate time for melatonin administration is sought .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into the effect of military influences on the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercise of Ignatius of Loyola
- Authors: Christie, David Osborne
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint, 1491-1556. Exercitia spiritualia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008540
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the influences of a military nature affecting the life of Ignatius of Loyola up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises, and to assess whether such influences may have affected the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercises. The investigation opens with an apologetic on why the author considers it desirable to examine The Spiritual Exercises from this point of view. Thereafter a review of the life of Ignatius up to the time he wrote The Exercises is undertaken to identify which sources may have provided influences of a military nature or nuance, and to examine what possible effect these had upon Ignatius. The potential sources of influence examined include Ignatius's family background and the milieu in which he grew up, the attitude of his mentors in particular and society in general to the profession of arms, and Ignatius's own response to this attitude. From the age of twenty-five to thirty Ignatius was employed on duties of a principally military nature until he was severely wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521. Therefore his military experience is examined together with an attempt to assess the degree, if any, of his spirituality at that point in his life. This is followed by an investigation of the literary sources available to Ignatius from the time of his wounding up to the time when he wrote The Spiritual Exercises at Manresa. Thereafter an examination of the changes which took place in his psyche and spirit, from the time he was wounded up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises is undertaken, in order to ascertain whether his attitude to military concepts immediately prior to writing The Exercises had changed from his pre-Pamplona days. The Spiritual Exercises are then examined to consider which portions, if any, were affected in form or theology by military influences or nuances. The conclusion reached is that whereas The Spiritual Exercises are in no way a military treatise, the form is affected to a reasonable degree by Ignatius's experiences of, and attitude to, the military life, whereas the theology is affected only slightly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Christie, David Osborne
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint, 1491-1556. Exercitia spiritualia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008540
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the influences of a military nature affecting the life of Ignatius of Loyola up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises, and to assess whether such influences may have affected the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercises. The investigation opens with an apologetic on why the author considers it desirable to examine The Spiritual Exercises from this point of view. Thereafter a review of the life of Ignatius up to the time he wrote The Exercises is undertaken to identify which sources may have provided influences of a military nature or nuance, and to examine what possible effect these had upon Ignatius. The potential sources of influence examined include Ignatius's family background and the milieu in which he grew up, the attitude of his mentors in particular and society in general to the profession of arms, and Ignatius's own response to this attitude. From the age of twenty-five to thirty Ignatius was employed on duties of a principally military nature until he was severely wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521. Therefore his military experience is examined together with an attempt to assess the degree, if any, of his spirituality at that point in his life. This is followed by an investigation of the literary sources available to Ignatius from the time of his wounding up to the time when he wrote The Spiritual Exercises at Manresa. Thereafter an examination of the changes which took place in his psyche and spirit, from the time he was wounded up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises is undertaken, in order to ascertain whether his attitude to military concepts immediately prior to writing The Exercises had changed from his pre-Pamplona days. The Spiritual Exercises are then examined to consider which portions, if any, were affected in form or theology by military influences or nuances. The conclusion reached is that whereas The Spiritual Exercises are in no way a military treatise, the form is affected to a reasonable degree by Ignatius's experiences of, and attitude to, the military life, whereas the theology is affected only slightly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into the implementation of group work, as a method of social work intervention, in health settings in South Africa
- Authors: Caires, Juliet Margarita
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006373 , Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Description: This research aims to discover whether social workers employed in health settings in South Africa use group work as a method of intervention with patients. It attempts to explore in which hospitals (or particular patient populations) group work is considered possible, and to discover to what extent social workers in health settings consider group work to be beneficial to patients. It also attempts to discover some of the potential difficulties experienced in initiating group work in medical settings. An effort is also made to establish, from social workers active and experienced in the field of medical social work,what place group work might have in the broader context of health services in the future. Data was obtained through the use of mailed questionnaires, which were sent to 186 health settings, across South Africa. These settings were chosen according to the following priorities: i) those known to have social workers ii) services offered (e.g. oncology, psychotherapy) iii) size of the setting iv) geographical location (both urban and rural in all nine provinces). The sample included general public and private hospitals, psychiatric hospitals (both public and private), mining hospitals and other health settings such as old age homes and facilities for the mentally retarded and for alcohol and drug rehabilitation (accompanied by a medical facility). Responses were received from 90 health settings, with 64 of these being completed questionnaires. The majority of responses came from public hospitals, and the least from the mining hospital category. Findings of this study indicate that group work is used by 50% of the health settings in South Africa. Groups are most often therapeutic or educational in nature, are run on average once a week for an hour, and are usually of open membership. Group work is not used in some health settings, most commonly due to insufficient time (on the part of the social worker). From the findings, it seems that many more social workers would like to run groups for patients than they do presently. The benefits of group work are acknowledged by the majority of this study's sample of social workers, and if solutions could be found to problems such as heavy caseloads and insufficient time, more social workers would choose to use group work than are doing so currently. Group work is considered to be a feasible method, both in the hospitals and at primary health care level. With South Africa's growing emphasis on primary health care, and the proposed inclusion (by the Department of Health) of social work services at this level, it is important that social workers find a way in which to meet the needs of patients at both levels. With group work, this may be possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Caires, Juliet Margarita
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006373 , Social group work , Community health services -- South Africa , Medical care -- South Africa
- Description: This research aims to discover whether social workers employed in health settings in South Africa use group work as a method of intervention with patients. It attempts to explore in which hospitals (or particular patient populations) group work is considered possible, and to discover to what extent social workers in health settings consider group work to be beneficial to patients. It also attempts to discover some of the potential difficulties experienced in initiating group work in medical settings. An effort is also made to establish, from social workers active and experienced in the field of medical social work,what place group work might have in the broader context of health services in the future. Data was obtained through the use of mailed questionnaires, which were sent to 186 health settings, across South Africa. These settings were chosen according to the following priorities: i) those known to have social workers ii) services offered (e.g. oncology, psychotherapy) iii) size of the setting iv) geographical location (both urban and rural in all nine provinces). The sample included general public and private hospitals, psychiatric hospitals (both public and private), mining hospitals and other health settings such as old age homes and facilities for the mentally retarded and for alcohol and drug rehabilitation (accompanied by a medical facility). Responses were received from 90 health settings, with 64 of these being completed questionnaires. The majority of responses came from public hospitals, and the least from the mining hospital category. Findings of this study indicate that group work is used by 50% of the health settings in South Africa. Groups are most often therapeutic or educational in nature, are run on average once a week for an hour, and are usually of open membership. Group work is not used in some health settings, most commonly due to insufficient time (on the part of the social worker). From the findings, it seems that many more social workers would like to run groups for patients than they do presently. The benefits of group work are acknowledged by the majority of this study's sample of social workers, and if solutions could be found to problems such as heavy caseloads and insufficient time, more social workers would choose to use group work than are doing so currently. Group work is considered to be a feasible method, both in the hospitals and at primary health care level. With South Africa's growing emphasis on primary health care, and the proposed inclusion (by the Department of Health) of social work services at this level, it is important that social workers find a way in which to meet the needs of patients at both levels. With group work, this may be possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into the neuroprotective properties of melatonin
- Authors: Southgate, Garrick Steven
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Melatonin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003959
- Description: Until the beginning of this decade the neurohormone, melatonin, had been considered as little more than a tranquillising hormone, responsible for regulating certain circadian and circannual rhythms. In the last eight years, a whole new dimension to melatonin’s role in biological organisms has emerged. In 1991 it was discovered [1,2] that melatonin exhibited antioxidant properties. Since then, many researchers [3,4] have found melatonin to be a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant. In the present study, the ability of melatonin to offer neuroprotection against glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), quinolinic acid (QA) and kainic acid (KA) (collectively referred to as the glutamate receptor agonists) was investigated. It was first shown that stress causes an increase in circulating glucocorticoid concentrations, which resulted in an increase the number of glutamate receptors on synaptic membranes in rat brain homogenate. Melatonin acted to reduce the number of glutamate receptors present on the synaptic membranes, implying that melatonin has neuroprotective properties, as overstimulation of the glutamate receptors leads to excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Further investigations showed that the glutamate receptor agonists induce neurodegeneration in primary neuronal cell cultures. Both co-treatment and posttreatment with melatonin against the glutamate receptor agonists, increased neuronal cell viability in a dose dependent manner. Melatonin also appeared to offer protection against quinolinic acid-induced neurodegeneration following intrahippocampal injections of quinolinic acid. The mechanism whereby melatonin offered this protection was investigated. The glutamate receptor agonists caused an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations, which is known [5] to be responsible for initiating the excitotoxic response. Melatonin had no effect on regulating intracellular calcium concentrations Additional studies indicated that melatonin was effective at scavenging superoxide radicals. Production of superoxide radicals was induced by the glutamate receptor agonists in primary neuronal cultures. Superoxide radicals induce lipid peroxidation, which involves the destruction of lipid membranes by chain reactions. By acting as an antioxidant, melatonin was able to reduce quinolinic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate, in a dose dependent manner. Melatonin was also effective at reducing lipid peroxidation induced by the glutamate receptor agonists in primary neuronal cultures. Melatonin therefore appeared to be offering neuroprotection by removing superoxide radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. It had been reported [6] that melatonin inhibits nitric oxide synthase activity. This enzyme produces the free radical, nitric oxide, and can also produce superoxide radicals. Melatonin was able to reduce nitric oxide synthase activity in a dose dependent manner. This is a novel method of neuroprotection, as melatonin was now acting as an enzyme regulator. The results obtained demonstrate that melatonin offers neuroprotection against glutamate induced excitotoxicity, by removing free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation. The neurohormone offers further protection by decreasing the activity of enzymes that aid in the neurotoxic cascade. Melatonin is the most potent naturally occurring free radical scavenger in the body [3]. During aging, the serum concentrations of melatonin decrease [7]. During the senescence of life, free radical damage to the body is at its highest [8], while at the same time melatonin concentrations are at their lowest. Melatonin therefore shows potential for the treatment of diseases and disorders that exhibit an excitotoxic pathology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Southgate, Garrick Steven
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Melatonin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003959
- Description: Until the beginning of this decade the neurohormone, melatonin, had been considered as little more than a tranquillising hormone, responsible for regulating certain circadian and circannual rhythms. In the last eight years, a whole new dimension to melatonin’s role in biological organisms has emerged. In 1991 it was discovered [1,2] that melatonin exhibited antioxidant properties. Since then, many researchers [3,4] have found melatonin to be a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant. In the present study, the ability of melatonin to offer neuroprotection against glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), quinolinic acid (QA) and kainic acid (KA) (collectively referred to as the glutamate receptor agonists) was investigated. It was first shown that stress causes an increase in circulating glucocorticoid concentrations, which resulted in an increase the number of glutamate receptors on synaptic membranes in rat brain homogenate. Melatonin acted to reduce the number of glutamate receptors present on the synaptic membranes, implying that melatonin has neuroprotective properties, as overstimulation of the glutamate receptors leads to excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Further investigations showed that the glutamate receptor agonists induce neurodegeneration in primary neuronal cell cultures. Both co-treatment and posttreatment with melatonin against the glutamate receptor agonists, increased neuronal cell viability in a dose dependent manner. Melatonin also appeared to offer protection against quinolinic acid-induced neurodegeneration following intrahippocampal injections of quinolinic acid. The mechanism whereby melatonin offered this protection was investigated. The glutamate receptor agonists caused an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations, which is known [5] to be responsible for initiating the excitotoxic response. Melatonin had no effect on regulating intracellular calcium concentrations Additional studies indicated that melatonin was effective at scavenging superoxide radicals. Production of superoxide radicals was induced by the glutamate receptor agonists in primary neuronal cultures. Superoxide radicals induce lipid peroxidation, which involves the destruction of lipid membranes by chain reactions. By acting as an antioxidant, melatonin was able to reduce quinolinic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate, in a dose dependent manner. Melatonin was also effective at reducing lipid peroxidation induced by the glutamate receptor agonists in primary neuronal cultures. Melatonin therefore appeared to be offering neuroprotection by removing superoxide radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. It had been reported [6] that melatonin inhibits nitric oxide synthase activity. This enzyme produces the free radical, nitric oxide, and can also produce superoxide radicals. Melatonin was able to reduce nitric oxide synthase activity in a dose dependent manner. This is a novel method of neuroprotection, as melatonin was now acting as an enzyme regulator. The results obtained demonstrate that melatonin offers neuroprotection against glutamate induced excitotoxicity, by removing free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation. The neurohormone offers further protection by decreasing the activity of enzymes that aid in the neurotoxic cascade. Melatonin is the most potent naturally occurring free radical scavenger in the body [3]. During aging, the serum concentrations of melatonin decrease [7]. During the senescence of life, free radical damage to the body is at its highest [8], while at the same time melatonin concentrations are at their lowest. Melatonin therefore shows potential for the treatment of diseases and disorders that exhibit an excitotoxic pathology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into the structure and process of forgiveness following gross human rights violations
- Authors: Adonis, Cyril Kenneth
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Human rights , Forgiveness -- South Africa , South Africa. Truth and Reconciliation Commission , Amnesty -- South Africa , Reconciliation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002430 , Human rights , Forgiveness -- South Africa , South Africa. Truth and Reconciliation Commission , Amnesty -- South Africa , Reconciliation
- Description: This study focuses on the structure and process of forgiveness as experienced by individuals, from the East London and surrounding areas, who either suffered gross human rights violations or who are related to someone who suffered gross human rights violations during the Apartheid era. Those who participated in the study testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and expressed forgiveness towards the perpetrators of the violations. The aims of the study were to reveal: the participants' structure cif forgiveness, i.e. how they define forgiveness; the process of forgiveness, i.e. the changes that took place from the time of the violation up until the participants forgave the perpetrators: and, the relation. if any. between the participants' structure and process of forgiveness. It is argued that mainstream Psychology has neglected to study forgiveness because the subject matter is incompatible with the natural scientific method. For this reason, the study was approached from a hermeneutical paradigm. This was motivated by its ability to explicate the meaning and content of phenomena. Unstructured qualitative interviews were conducted with the participants. Data was analyzed using a multi-layered process of progressively deeper interpretation, employing a reading guide technique. Results indicated that authentic forgiveness is an unconditional commitment on the part of victims and survivors to relate positively towards the perpetrators. The relationship should include non-bitterness, non-vengeance, unconditional love and respect for their human rights. Another significant dimension of the structure of forgiveness is the fact that the desire for the truth is not abandoned although forgiveness has taken place. Forgiveness also does not take away the effects of the violation. This means that one does not forget although forgiveness has been granted. Results further indicate that the forgiveness process is highly complex, individualized and not instantaneous. The individuals have to deal with various intrapersonal conflicts and anxieties as a result of the violation, before forgiveness is explored as an option, and before they can finally forgive. Significant interrelations between the structure and process of forgiveness were also identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Adonis, Cyril Kenneth
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Human rights , Forgiveness -- South Africa , South Africa. Truth and Reconciliation Commission , Amnesty -- South Africa , Reconciliation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002430 , Human rights , Forgiveness -- South Africa , South Africa. Truth and Reconciliation Commission , Amnesty -- South Africa , Reconciliation
- Description: This study focuses on the structure and process of forgiveness as experienced by individuals, from the East London and surrounding areas, who either suffered gross human rights violations or who are related to someone who suffered gross human rights violations during the Apartheid era. Those who participated in the study testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and expressed forgiveness towards the perpetrators of the violations. The aims of the study were to reveal: the participants' structure cif forgiveness, i.e. how they define forgiveness; the process of forgiveness, i.e. the changes that took place from the time of the violation up until the participants forgave the perpetrators: and, the relation. if any. between the participants' structure and process of forgiveness. It is argued that mainstream Psychology has neglected to study forgiveness because the subject matter is incompatible with the natural scientific method. For this reason, the study was approached from a hermeneutical paradigm. This was motivated by its ability to explicate the meaning and content of phenomena. Unstructured qualitative interviews were conducted with the participants. Data was analyzed using a multi-layered process of progressively deeper interpretation, employing a reading guide technique. Results indicated that authentic forgiveness is an unconditional commitment on the part of victims and survivors to relate positively towards the perpetrators. The relationship should include non-bitterness, non-vengeance, unconditional love and respect for their human rights. Another significant dimension of the structure of forgiveness is the fact that the desire for the truth is not abandoned although forgiveness has taken place. Forgiveness also does not take away the effects of the violation. This means that one does not forget although forgiveness has been granted. Results further indicate that the forgiveness process is highly complex, individualized and not instantaneous. The individuals have to deal with various intrapersonal conflicts and anxieties as a result of the violation, before forgiveness is explored as an option, and before they can finally forgive. Significant interrelations between the structure and process of forgiveness were also identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation into the use of IEEE 1394 for audio and control data distribution in music studio environments
- Authors: Laubscher, Robert Alan
- Date: 1999 , 2011-11-10
- Subjects: Digital electronics , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , MIDI (Standard) , Music -- Data processing , Computer sound processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006483 , Digital electronics , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , MIDI (Standard) , Music -- Data processing , Computer sound processing
- Description: This thesis investigates the feasibility of using a new digital interconnection technology, the IEEE-1394 High Performance Serial Bus, for audio and control data distribution in local and remote music recording studio environments. Current methods for connecting studio devices are described, and the need for a new digital interconnection technology explained. It is shown how this new interconnection technology and developing protocol standards make provision for multi-channel audio and control data distribution, routing, copyright protection, and device synchronisation. Feasibility is demonstrated by the implementation of a custom hardware and software solution. Remote music studio connectivity is considered, and the emerging standards and technologies for connecting future music studio utilising this new technology are discussed. , Microsoft Word , Adobe Acrobat 9.46 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Laubscher, Robert Alan
- Date: 1999 , 2011-11-10
- Subjects: Digital electronics , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , MIDI (Standard) , Music -- Data processing , Computer sound processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006483 , Digital electronics , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , MIDI (Standard) , Music -- Data processing , Computer sound processing
- Description: This thesis investigates the feasibility of using a new digital interconnection technology, the IEEE-1394 High Performance Serial Bus, for audio and control data distribution in local and remote music recording studio environments. Current methods for connecting studio devices are described, and the need for a new digital interconnection technology explained. It is shown how this new interconnection technology and developing protocol standards make provision for multi-channel audio and control data distribution, routing, copyright protection, and device synchronisation. Feasibility is demonstrated by the implementation of a custom hardware and software solution. Remote music studio connectivity is considered, and the emerging standards and technologies for connecting future music studio utilising this new technology are discussed. , Microsoft Word , Adobe Acrobat 9.46 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation of a framework to evaluate computer supported collaborative work
- Beauvais, Erik Alexander Maoui
- Authors: Beauvais, Erik Alexander Maoui
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Computer networks , Teams in the workplace -- Data processing , Technology -- Data processing , Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002763 , Computer networks , Teams in the workplace -- Data processing , Technology -- Data processing , Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Description: Rapidly changing technology constantly modifies the way in which tasks are conceived and executed. Furthermore, leading organisations also encourage the use of new technology to support and establish innovative ways of doing business. For example, technology has helped to drive the globalization and tighter integration of world markets. This has facilitated, and even necessitated, business organisations to compete for work across national borders. For geographically dispersed organisations, collaboration has become critical. But this has presented time and space work complexities. Communication and collaboration technologies, for example, are needed to support such emerging co-operative business practices. The short development cycle of technology, communication and collaborative technologies included, leaves little time for testing and less for understanding the impact of new technology. To compound the problem, no established formulae exist for matching technology with work: over-investment is a waste of resources, while under-investment could lead to work failure. This research proposes a framework to assist organisations in selecting the appropriate level of technology with the work required. In this study, the methodology developed by the Evaluation Working Group, the DARPA Intelligent Collaboration and Visualization program is extended, and a matrix framework is constructed which compares the success of generic work tasks against a range of technology resources. The framework is tested using a low resource configuration, with selected work task types generally found in software development. (The Joint Application Development (JAD) methodology for software development is used as the contextual basis of the experiment.) All activities are evaluated according to selected measure components of success. A collection of research methods known as ethnography is used to examine and test the framework. Methods employed include questionnaires, interviews, interaction analysis and ethnomethodology. The results indicate that even at a low resource level, given selected criteria, collaborative technology successfully supports certain collaborative work activities. Findings also indicate that softer people issues require much more attention in order for technology to support natural collaborative work. Finally, user defined parameter testing has indicated that the framework functions as expected and designed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Beauvais, Erik Alexander Maoui
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Computer networks , Teams in the workplace -- Data processing , Technology -- Data processing , Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002763 , Computer networks , Teams in the workplace -- Data processing , Technology -- Data processing , Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Description: Rapidly changing technology constantly modifies the way in which tasks are conceived and executed. Furthermore, leading organisations also encourage the use of new technology to support and establish innovative ways of doing business. For example, technology has helped to drive the globalization and tighter integration of world markets. This has facilitated, and even necessitated, business organisations to compete for work across national borders. For geographically dispersed organisations, collaboration has become critical. But this has presented time and space work complexities. Communication and collaboration technologies, for example, are needed to support such emerging co-operative business practices. The short development cycle of technology, communication and collaborative technologies included, leaves little time for testing and less for understanding the impact of new technology. To compound the problem, no established formulae exist for matching technology with work: over-investment is a waste of resources, while under-investment could lead to work failure. This research proposes a framework to assist organisations in selecting the appropriate level of technology with the work required. In this study, the methodology developed by the Evaluation Working Group, the DARPA Intelligent Collaboration and Visualization program is extended, and a matrix framework is constructed which compares the success of generic work tasks against a range of technology resources. The framework is tested using a low resource configuration, with selected work task types generally found in software development. (The Joint Application Development (JAD) methodology for software development is used as the contextual basis of the experiment.) All activities are evaluated according to selected measure components of success. A collection of research methods known as ethnography is used to examine and test the framework. Methods employed include questionnaires, interviews, interaction analysis and ethnomethodology. The results indicate that even at a low resource level, given selected criteria, collaborative technology successfully supports certain collaborative work activities. Findings also indicate that softer people issues require much more attention in order for technology to support natural collaborative work. Finally, user defined parameter testing has indicated that the framework functions as expected and designed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An investigation of how members of a school governing body perceive and experience their roles : a case study
- Authors: Lusaseni, Pamella Hombakazi
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa School boards -- South Africa Educational leadership School personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006204
- Description: Education in South Africa is currently facing a lot of changes. This study was prompted by one of these changes, the introduction of a School Governing Body (SGB), constituted in terms of the 1996 Schools Act (South Africa 1996), and replacing the previous Parent-Teacher-StudentAssociation (PTSA). The study investigates how the members of a School Governing Body perceive and experience their roles, in an attempt to make a contribution to understanding the nature and implications of education governance policy in South Africa. Central to this exercise is the attempt to understand how the execution of their duties, their practice of both democracy and accountability, and their resolving of tensions and/or differences among parents, teachers and students, impacts upon their school generally and relates both to the Department of Education and other organs of society. The methodology employed in this study includes a review of relevant literature, international and national, followed by a historical overview of education governance in South Africa. The core of the thesis is an interpretive case study of the SGB of one junior secondary school under the auspices of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport, in the South Eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province. The single most important data gathering instrument used was a series of in-depth interviews. The interviewees were the Executive members of the SGB of the school. The major findings of the study were that the SGB was powerful and effective in its area of operation in school governance, despite its lack of skills in the execution of its duties. Many of the difficulties it has encountered can be ascribed to a lack of guidance from the Department of Education. The study thus concludes that whereas the SGB studied represents an important step towards the full democratization of education in general and in this school in particular, its role in school governance can not be described as an unqualified success. However, despite the problems faced by the SGB, its role has made history in the governance of the school. Programmes which the SGB has implemented, such as measures to foster a culture of teaching and learning, have had an important impact on the progress of the school. Finally, the findings of the study indicate that the most important issues to be addressed in respect of the SGB researched are capacity building, communication, cultural understanding and the level of SGB understanding of the Schools Act. The study makes certain recommendations for the attention of SGBs and the Department of Education. These include a well co-ordinated capacity building prograrn to be developed and implemented, that will provide SGBs with access to knowledge of the relevant material and other resources necessary to sustain school governance functions. Because of the limited nature of the study in terms of methodology and constraints of time, the conclusions arrived at cannot and should not be generalized beyond the confines of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Lusaseni, Pamella Hombakazi
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa School boards -- South Africa Educational leadership School personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006204
- Description: Education in South Africa is currently facing a lot of changes. This study was prompted by one of these changes, the introduction of a School Governing Body (SGB), constituted in terms of the 1996 Schools Act (South Africa 1996), and replacing the previous Parent-Teacher-StudentAssociation (PTSA). The study investigates how the members of a School Governing Body perceive and experience their roles, in an attempt to make a contribution to understanding the nature and implications of education governance policy in South Africa. Central to this exercise is the attempt to understand how the execution of their duties, their practice of both democracy and accountability, and their resolving of tensions and/or differences among parents, teachers and students, impacts upon their school generally and relates both to the Department of Education and other organs of society. The methodology employed in this study includes a review of relevant literature, international and national, followed by a historical overview of education governance in South Africa. The core of the thesis is an interpretive case study of the SGB of one junior secondary school under the auspices of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport, in the South Eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province. The single most important data gathering instrument used was a series of in-depth interviews. The interviewees were the Executive members of the SGB of the school. The major findings of the study were that the SGB was powerful and effective in its area of operation in school governance, despite its lack of skills in the execution of its duties. Many of the difficulties it has encountered can be ascribed to a lack of guidance from the Department of Education. The study thus concludes that whereas the SGB studied represents an important step towards the full democratization of education in general and in this school in particular, its role in school governance can not be described as an unqualified success. However, despite the problems faced by the SGB, its role has made history in the governance of the school. Programmes which the SGB has implemented, such as measures to foster a culture of teaching and learning, have had an important impact on the progress of the school. Finally, the findings of the study indicate that the most important issues to be addressed in respect of the SGB researched are capacity building, communication, cultural understanding and the level of SGB understanding of the Schools Act. The study makes certain recommendations for the attention of SGBs and the Department of Education. These include a well co-ordinated capacity building prograrn to be developed and implemented, that will provide SGBs with access to knowledge of the relevant material and other resources necessary to sustain school governance functions. Because of the limited nature of the study in terms of methodology and constraints of time, the conclusions arrived at cannot and should not be generalized beyond the confines of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999