Evaluating the training and supply of artisans in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Skilled labor -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- Training -- South Africa , Artisans -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Employees --Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020042
- Description: The study focused on identifying ways in which to improve and increase the quality of training and supply of skilled artisans in the South African construction industry (especially in Gauteng Province) in terms of short and medium term approach. The construction industry is facing a severe skills crisis and this has made it so difficult to recruit competent artisans. This may be as a result of artisans being regarded as the lowest in the hierarchy of construction worker positions. In addition, these artisans warrant less training than those at executive- and managerial levels. This negative attitude towards artisans training has plunged the industry into crisis. Those involved find it difficult to successfully complete projects on time, within budgeted project costs and within the required quality specification due to lack of competent artisans. However, serious attention is required towards enhancing artisan training in the industry. It is imperative and vital to ensure the survival of the industry. The cardinal aim of this research project was to demonstrate a guiding solution towards the skills crisis. Thus, in order to initiate a tremendous change in the skills profile, certain measures are required, e.g. expanding training institutions to local regions; upgrading and aligning facilities in the training institutions to industrial demands and the dissemination of vital information that will ensure the attractiveness of the industry. This will safeguard the construction organisations operating in Gauteng Province. Although the industry is a major player in the economy, there is need for special attention in order to ensure sustainable growth and economic development. The Government, construction industry stakeholders and training institutions personnel should collaborate to salvage the skills crisis by strategically developing programmes (in accordance with industrial requirements) that will benefit prospective learners. The researcher adopted the descriptive- and analytical survey method, which entailed the use of questionnaires and a review of the related literature for gathering relevant data. The methodology used in the research was the quantitative data analysis. The feature findings of the research concluded that the skilled artisans profile is insufficient to meet industry demands. In addition, training institutions and primary- and secondary educational systems are characterized by ninadequacy and incompetency to produce skilled artisans. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of harmonization between the training institutions and the vindustry’s requirements. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents acknowledged that training of their workers is an important aspect to them, but few of these organisations indicated that they make use of formal training institutions such as FET colleges. The recommendation include that all the stakeholders in the construction industry should form collaborations to strategically develop programmes that would upgrade the existing training institutions. This could be done through provision of adequate funds and resources and the dissemination of vital information that is capable to promote the attractiveness of the industry image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Skilled labor -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- Training -- South Africa , Artisans -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Employees --Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020042
- Description: The study focused on identifying ways in which to improve and increase the quality of training and supply of skilled artisans in the South African construction industry (especially in Gauteng Province) in terms of short and medium term approach. The construction industry is facing a severe skills crisis and this has made it so difficult to recruit competent artisans. This may be as a result of artisans being regarded as the lowest in the hierarchy of construction worker positions. In addition, these artisans warrant less training than those at executive- and managerial levels. This negative attitude towards artisans training has plunged the industry into crisis. Those involved find it difficult to successfully complete projects on time, within budgeted project costs and within the required quality specification due to lack of competent artisans. However, serious attention is required towards enhancing artisan training in the industry. It is imperative and vital to ensure the survival of the industry. The cardinal aim of this research project was to demonstrate a guiding solution towards the skills crisis. Thus, in order to initiate a tremendous change in the skills profile, certain measures are required, e.g. expanding training institutions to local regions; upgrading and aligning facilities in the training institutions to industrial demands and the dissemination of vital information that will ensure the attractiveness of the industry. This will safeguard the construction organisations operating in Gauteng Province. Although the industry is a major player in the economy, there is need for special attention in order to ensure sustainable growth and economic development. The Government, construction industry stakeholders and training institutions personnel should collaborate to salvage the skills crisis by strategically developing programmes (in accordance with industrial requirements) that will benefit prospective learners. The researcher adopted the descriptive- and analytical survey method, which entailed the use of questionnaires and a review of the related literature for gathering relevant data. The methodology used in the research was the quantitative data analysis. The feature findings of the research concluded that the skilled artisans profile is insufficient to meet industry demands. In addition, training institutions and primary- and secondary educational systems are characterized by ninadequacy and incompetency to produce skilled artisans. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of harmonization between the training institutions and the vindustry’s requirements. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents acknowledged that training of their workers is an important aspect to them, but few of these organisations indicated that they make use of formal training institutions such as FET colleges. The recommendation include that all the stakeholders in the construction industry should form collaborations to strategically develop programmes that would upgrade the existing training institutions. This could be done through provision of adequate funds and resources and the dissemination of vital information that is capable to promote the attractiveness of the industry image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An Android and Visual C-based controller for a Delta Parallel Robot for use as a classroom training tool
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Sarel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Robotics -- Human factors , Human-robot interaction , Wireless communication systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9656 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020284
- Description: This report will show the development of a Delta Parallel robot, to aid in teaching the basics of robotic motion programming. The platform developed will be created at a fraction of the cost of conventional commercial training systems. This report will therefore show the development procedure as well as the development of some of the example training material. The system will use wireless serial data communication in the form of a Bluetooth connection. This connection will allow an Android tablet, functioning as the human-machine interface (HMI) for the system, to communicate with the motion controller. The motion controller is based in the C environment. This will allow future development of the machine, and allow the system to be used on an integral level, should the trainers require an in depth approach. The motion control software will be implemented on a RoBoard, a development board specifically designed for low- to mid-range robotics. The conclusion of this report will show an example task being completed on the training platform. This will demonstrate some of the basic robotic motion programming aspects which include point to point, linear, and circular motion types but will also include setting and resetting outputs. Performance parameters such as repeatability and reproducibility are important, as it will indirectly show the level of ease with which the system can be manipulated from the software. Finally, the results will be briefly discussed and some recommendations for improvements on the training system and suggestions for future development will be given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Sarel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Robotics -- Human factors , Human-robot interaction , Wireless communication systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9656 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020284
- Description: This report will show the development of a Delta Parallel robot, to aid in teaching the basics of robotic motion programming. The platform developed will be created at a fraction of the cost of conventional commercial training systems. This report will therefore show the development procedure as well as the development of some of the example training material. The system will use wireless serial data communication in the form of a Bluetooth connection. This connection will allow an Android tablet, functioning as the human-machine interface (HMI) for the system, to communicate with the motion controller. The motion controller is based in the C environment. This will allow future development of the machine, and allow the system to be used on an integral level, should the trainers require an in depth approach. The motion control software will be implemented on a RoBoard, a development board specifically designed for low- to mid-range robotics. The conclusion of this report will show an example task being completed on the training platform. This will demonstrate some of the basic robotic motion programming aspects which include point to point, linear, and circular motion types but will also include setting and resetting outputs. Performance parameters such as repeatability and reproducibility are important, as it will indirectly show the level of ease with which the system can be manipulated from the software. Finally, the results will be briefly discussed and some recommendations for improvements on the training system and suggestions for future development will be given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Development of thick section friction stir welding using a sliding tool shoulder
- Authors: Chetty, Shamalin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Friction welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015081
- Description: Sliding shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) is an alternative joining technique to the conventional friction stir welding process. The welding mechanism comprises of a rotating probe and a non-rotating shoulder. The shoulder therefore does not contribute to any heat generation or plastic deformation. When welding thicker section material, the contribution of heat generation from the shoulder becomes less significant and most of the heat and plastic deformation must be generated by the tool probe. For this reason it was decided to develop the process for thick section AA6082-T6. Due to the stationary (non-rotating) shoulder the weld track is smooth and there is no reduction in cross-sectional area. This research is based on the development of a sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool with the ability to create joints of up to 25mm thick on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 plate as well as the associated process development. The sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool was designed, manufactured and tested by initially performing partial penetration welds with various size tool probes and then finally by performing a sliding shoulder friction stir butt weld on 25mm thick plate. As welds were performed and more knowledge gained about the process, design modifications were made. These included varying the clearance between the tool probe and stationary shoulder; the profile of the shoulder which contributes to material flow during the process; and supporting the tool probe to prevent deflection when welding thicker sections at high forge forces. From the sliding shoulder friction stir welds performed, an understanding of material flow during the process was gained when analysing the macro-sections and exit holes of the welds. Typical process forces and torques associated with the process were measured to assist with future head unit and tool designs with regard to sliding shoulder friction stir welding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chetty, Shamalin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Friction welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015081
- Description: Sliding shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) is an alternative joining technique to the conventional friction stir welding process. The welding mechanism comprises of a rotating probe and a non-rotating shoulder. The shoulder therefore does not contribute to any heat generation or plastic deformation. When welding thicker section material, the contribution of heat generation from the shoulder becomes less significant and most of the heat and plastic deformation must be generated by the tool probe. For this reason it was decided to develop the process for thick section AA6082-T6. Due to the stationary (non-rotating) shoulder the weld track is smooth and there is no reduction in cross-sectional area. This research is based on the development of a sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool with the ability to create joints of up to 25mm thick on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 plate as well as the associated process development. The sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool was designed, manufactured and tested by initially performing partial penetration welds with various size tool probes and then finally by performing a sliding shoulder friction stir butt weld on 25mm thick plate. As welds were performed and more knowledge gained about the process, design modifications were made. These included varying the clearance between the tool probe and stationary shoulder; the profile of the shoulder which contributes to material flow during the process; and supporting the tool probe to prevent deflection when welding thicker sections at high forge forces. From the sliding shoulder friction stir welds performed, an understanding of material flow during the process was gained when analysing the macro-sections and exit holes of the welds. Typical process forces and torques associated with the process were measured to assist with future head unit and tool designs with regard to sliding shoulder friction stir welding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A framework to mitigate phishing threats
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Mobile computing -- Security measures , Online social networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021208
- Description: We live today in the information age with users being able to access and share information freely by using both personal computers and their handheld devices. This, in turn, has been made possible by the Internet. However, this poses security risks as attempts are made to use this same environment in order to compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for users and organisations to protect their information resources from agents posing a security threat. Organisations typically spend large amounts of money as well as dedicating resources to improve their technological defences against general security threats. However, the agents posing these threats are adopting social engineering techniques in order to bypass the technical measures which organisations are putting in place. These social engineering techniques are often effective because they target human behaviour, something which the majority of researchers believe is a far easier alternative than hacking information systems. As such, phishing effectively makes use of a combination of social engineering techniques which involve crafty technical emails and website designs which gain the trust of their victims. Within an organisational context, there are a number of areas which phishers exploit. These areas include human factors, organisational aspects and technological controls. Ironically, these same areas serve simultaneously as security measures against phishing attacks. However, each of these three areas mentioned above are characterised by gaps which arise as a result of human involvement. As a result, the current approach to mitigating phishing threats comprises a single-layer defence model only. However, this study proposes a holistic model which integrates each of these three areas by strengthening the human element in each of these areas by means of a security awareness, training and education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Mobile computing -- Security measures , Online social networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021208
- Description: We live today in the information age with users being able to access and share information freely by using both personal computers and their handheld devices. This, in turn, has been made possible by the Internet. However, this poses security risks as attempts are made to use this same environment in order to compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for users and organisations to protect their information resources from agents posing a security threat. Organisations typically spend large amounts of money as well as dedicating resources to improve their technological defences against general security threats. However, the agents posing these threats are adopting social engineering techniques in order to bypass the technical measures which organisations are putting in place. These social engineering techniques are often effective because they target human behaviour, something which the majority of researchers believe is a far easier alternative than hacking information systems. As such, phishing effectively makes use of a combination of social engineering techniques which involve crafty technical emails and website designs which gain the trust of their victims. Within an organisational context, there are a number of areas which phishers exploit. These areas include human factors, organisational aspects and technological controls. Ironically, these same areas serve simultaneously as security measures against phishing attacks. However, each of these three areas mentioned above are characterised by gaps which arise as a result of human involvement. As a result, the current approach to mitigating phishing threats comprises a single-layer defence model only. However, this study proposes a holistic model which integrates each of these three areas by strengthening the human element in each of these areas by means of a security awareness, training and education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A value framework for information and communication technology governance in South African higher education institutions
- Authors: Johl, Christian Peter
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Management , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9821 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020281
- Description: The public higher education sector in South Africa is governed by an act of Parliament which defines the governance organs and mechanisms required within institutions and the sector. This doctoral thesis begins by contextualising ICT governance within the levels of systemic governance in South Africa that have relevance to this study. It then continues by advancing the understanding of the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) governance in public higher education institutions in South Africa by investigating the level of pervasiveness, the level of ICT process maturity and the alignment of ICT to the institutional processes within these institutions. Subsequently, this thesis results in the production of a contextually appropriate value framework that contributes towards an understanding of the need for the improvement of ICT governance. A survey of the extant literature on governance, ICT governance, and the frameworks and standards associated with governance indicates that the methodological approach currently favoured in ICT governance research is predominantly interpretive and based on surveys and interviews. This study leans towards a Design Science approach paradigm using surveys for the qualitative data collection process. The empirical research data was gathered from the highest ranking ICT officers at public higher education institutions in South Africa. This study makes contributions on a number of levels – from the first known measurement of ICT pervasiveness within the context of higher education, to the measurement of ICT process maturity and the measurement of the alignment of ICT and institutional processes, to the design of a value framework that breaks down governance into layers indicating which governance organs are appropriate at the relevant layers and which governance mechanisms can be used to address governance at each layer of governance. This study therefore makes a contribution to the ICT domain for development research by demonstrating praxis for the improvement of ICT governance implementation in the public higher education sector in South Africa. This study makes both method design and practical contributions to the ICT body of knowledge at various stages of the research process. These contributions include reflection on and analysis of the data gathering approaches that occur within the public higher education sector and in the complex environment of institutional autonomy and academic freedom; the use of Agency Theory to support the ‗governance intent‘ transfer between the layers of governance in the value framework and the synthesis of the improvement of ICT governance with value creation. The findings of this study further contribute to an understanding of the dynamics and interrelatedness of aspects of governance and management, while making a contribution to theoretical research by extending practical and empirical understanding of the ICT governance environment in the public higher education sector in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Johl, Christian Peter
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Management , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9821 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020281
- Description: The public higher education sector in South Africa is governed by an act of Parliament which defines the governance organs and mechanisms required within institutions and the sector. This doctoral thesis begins by contextualising ICT governance within the levels of systemic governance in South Africa that have relevance to this study. It then continues by advancing the understanding of the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) governance in public higher education institutions in South Africa by investigating the level of pervasiveness, the level of ICT process maturity and the alignment of ICT to the institutional processes within these institutions. Subsequently, this thesis results in the production of a contextually appropriate value framework that contributes towards an understanding of the need for the improvement of ICT governance. A survey of the extant literature on governance, ICT governance, and the frameworks and standards associated with governance indicates that the methodological approach currently favoured in ICT governance research is predominantly interpretive and based on surveys and interviews. This study leans towards a Design Science approach paradigm using surveys for the qualitative data collection process. The empirical research data was gathered from the highest ranking ICT officers at public higher education institutions in South Africa. This study makes contributions on a number of levels – from the first known measurement of ICT pervasiveness within the context of higher education, to the measurement of ICT process maturity and the measurement of the alignment of ICT and institutional processes, to the design of a value framework that breaks down governance into layers indicating which governance organs are appropriate at the relevant layers and which governance mechanisms can be used to address governance at each layer of governance. This study therefore makes a contribution to the ICT domain for development research by demonstrating praxis for the improvement of ICT governance implementation in the public higher education sector in South Africa. This study makes both method design and practical contributions to the ICT body of knowledge at various stages of the research process. These contributions include reflection on and analysis of the data gathering approaches that occur within the public higher education sector and in the complex environment of institutional autonomy and academic freedom; the use of Agency Theory to support the ‗governance intent‘ transfer between the layers of governance in the value framework and the synthesis of the improvement of ICT governance with value creation. The findings of this study further contribute to an understanding of the dynamics and interrelatedness of aspects of governance and management, while making a contribution to theoretical research by extending practical and empirical understanding of the ICT governance environment in the public higher education sector in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The relationship between the value chain and project success in the Malawian construction industry
- Authors: Kadangwe, Samuel Ronald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Malawi , Industrial procurement -- Construction -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020865
- Description: The construction industry in Malawi plays a vital role in developing the infrastructure of the country that is in need of improvement. Thus, in order to improve the quality of infrastructure in Malawi, the construction industry has to perform better than the status quo. The construction industry is characterised by a complex value chain that comprises of clients, consultants, contractors, and material manufacturers, suppliers, financing institutions, knowledge organisations and regulatory authority. This research looks at the relationship between construction value and project success in the Malawian construction industry. A qualitative research method was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Twenty-nine (29) participants were interviewed. These participants represented clients, consultants, contractors and material suppliers. The findings reveal that value creation in Malawi is characterised by lack of harmonised standards and specifications, inconsistent project management practices, existence of non-value adding activities, corrupt practices, lack of a skilled labour force, and lack of commitment to best practices in H&S as well as environmental management. Further, logistical problems affect the supply of construction materials to the country; while an unfavourable economic environment makes pricing of materials a challenge in the country too. Poor communication and limited use of information technology (IT) is very common in the industry and project implementation is also affected by a poor road network, an intermittent power supply, and a lack of cooperation from other service providers. In terms of supply chain structures in use, the research revealed that the traditional procurement method that is based on the lowest bidder / price is the most dominant method in use and very few members of the construction industry are conversant with other procurement methods. The method is also the preferred procurement method used by public sector clients. The performance of the traditional procurement method largely depends on the competence of the project design and supervision team, the adequacy of the documentation, and the capacity of the contractor. However, in most cases the system has failed to perform due to the poor contract management skills of the supervising consultant and the lack of timely guidance from the public sector clients. The findings also revealed that most of the suppliers or subcontractors are engaged on project based relationships, and members of the industry are unwilling to engage in long terms relationships due to mistrust and greed among members of the industry, and also largely due to lack of proper frameworks that can support such relationships. It is therefore recommended that other procurement methods should be explored and the engagement of the lowest price bidders should be discontinued on small and medium scale projects. The criteria for upgrading contractors to higher categories should equally be revisited to eliminate incompetent contractors. The NCIC should take a leading role in harmonising the various standards and specifications in use in the country. Promotion of the usage IT services should be encouraged to facilitate faster information dissemination. Usage of risk management in construction and evaluation and monitoring of projects should be encouraged and benchmark best practices. Finally, the members of the industry should take up the responsibility to take leading entities in the industry to task, if fundamental changes are to take place in the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kadangwe, Samuel Ronald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Malawi , Industrial procurement -- Construction -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020865
- Description: The construction industry in Malawi plays a vital role in developing the infrastructure of the country that is in need of improvement. Thus, in order to improve the quality of infrastructure in Malawi, the construction industry has to perform better than the status quo. The construction industry is characterised by a complex value chain that comprises of clients, consultants, contractors, and material manufacturers, suppliers, financing institutions, knowledge organisations and regulatory authority. This research looks at the relationship between construction value and project success in the Malawian construction industry. A qualitative research method was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Twenty-nine (29) participants were interviewed. These participants represented clients, consultants, contractors and material suppliers. The findings reveal that value creation in Malawi is characterised by lack of harmonised standards and specifications, inconsistent project management practices, existence of non-value adding activities, corrupt practices, lack of a skilled labour force, and lack of commitment to best practices in H&S as well as environmental management. Further, logistical problems affect the supply of construction materials to the country; while an unfavourable economic environment makes pricing of materials a challenge in the country too. Poor communication and limited use of information technology (IT) is very common in the industry and project implementation is also affected by a poor road network, an intermittent power supply, and a lack of cooperation from other service providers. In terms of supply chain structures in use, the research revealed that the traditional procurement method that is based on the lowest bidder / price is the most dominant method in use and very few members of the construction industry are conversant with other procurement methods. The method is also the preferred procurement method used by public sector clients. The performance of the traditional procurement method largely depends on the competence of the project design and supervision team, the adequacy of the documentation, and the capacity of the contractor. However, in most cases the system has failed to perform due to the poor contract management skills of the supervising consultant and the lack of timely guidance from the public sector clients. The findings also revealed that most of the suppliers or subcontractors are engaged on project based relationships, and members of the industry are unwilling to engage in long terms relationships due to mistrust and greed among members of the industry, and also largely due to lack of proper frameworks that can support such relationships. It is therefore recommended that other procurement methods should be explored and the engagement of the lowest price bidders should be discontinued on small and medium scale projects. The criteria for upgrading contractors to higher categories should equally be revisited to eliminate incompetent contractors. The NCIC should take a leading role in harmonising the various standards and specifications in use in the country. Promotion of the usage IT services should be encouraged to facilitate faster information dissemination. Usage of risk management in construction and evaluation and monitoring of projects should be encouraged and benchmark best practices. Finally, the members of the industry should take up the responsibility to take leading entities in the industry to task, if fundamental changes are to take place in the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Improving decision making through analysing the economic impact of budget allocation at the city of Cape Town
- Authors: Kaiser, Gisela Noelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cape Town (South Africa) -- Politics and government , City planning -- South Africa --Cape Town , Budget -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9684 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008305 , Cape Town (South Africa) -- Politics and government , City planning -- South Africa --Cape Town , Budget -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Local government
- Description: Local government is at the forefront of engagement between the government and South Africa’s people, delivering basic services to communities. Following the transition to a democratic government in 1994, the country was demarcated in a manner that provides complete coverage by local government. Annually, managing the administration of service delivery implementation at local government level costs the country many billions. Much of the revenue used by local government in providing services is derived from income from sale of basic services and property rates, augmented by allocations from national and provincial government, equitably shared amongst municipalities. Local government has autonomy in its operations, but is strictly governed by a collection of cascading legislation, introduced to protect the interests of the people. The primary objective of the research was to investigate the efficacy of budget expenditure in local government, in particular the City of Cape Town as a metropolitan municipality. With an annual budget approaching R30 billion, the aim was to establish how the budget was determined and allocated to the service menu provided by the City, and to investigate whether better methods of allocating expenditure could be developed. A mixed research methodology was followed, relying on quantitative methods for analysing survey data statistically, while providing for detailed qualitative methods in interviewing and studying the specific case in detail. The theoretical perspective most suited to this research was found to be that of pragmatism, for its flexibility of interpretation, practicality and space for multiple perspectives. A constructivist epistemology was adopted to provide for the interplay between object and subject in constructing meaning. This research focused on examination of applicable legislation, secondary data in reports, and statistical analysis of opinion surveys of municipal officials involved in budgeting at different levels and interviews with key stakeholders. The findings indicate that budget allocation can be improved upon in a number of ways, despite complying with a myriad of restrictive and onerous regulations applicable to local government. It was found that the administration is fragmented in its operations and that the structure of necessity favours isolated service delivery rather than integration. Further, that compliance impacts negatively on time spent in planning and pursuit of strategic intent to the extent that Reporting often becomes a more important deliverable than basic services. The size of the City hinders common understanding, and introducing any change in political vision requires particular attention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kaiser, Gisela Noelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cape Town (South Africa) -- Politics and government , City planning -- South Africa --Cape Town , Budget -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9684 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008305 , Cape Town (South Africa) -- Politics and government , City planning -- South Africa --Cape Town , Budget -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Local government
- Description: Local government is at the forefront of engagement between the government and South Africa’s people, delivering basic services to communities. Following the transition to a democratic government in 1994, the country was demarcated in a manner that provides complete coverage by local government. Annually, managing the administration of service delivery implementation at local government level costs the country many billions. Much of the revenue used by local government in providing services is derived from income from sale of basic services and property rates, augmented by allocations from national and provincial government, equitably shared amongst municipalities. Local government has autonomy in its operations, but is strictly governed by a collection of cascading legislation, introduced to protect the interests of the people. The primary objective of the research was to investigate the efficacy of budget expenditure in local government, in particular the City of Cape Town as a metropolitan municipality. With an annual budget approaching R30 billion, the aim was to establish how the budget was determined and allocated to the service menu provided by the City, and to investigate whether better methods of allocating expenditure could be developed. A mixed research methodology was followed, relying on quantitative methods for analysing survey data statistically, while providing for detailed qualitative methods in interviewing and studying the specific case in detail. The theoretical perspective most suited to this research was found to be that of pragmatism, for its flexibility of interpretation, practicality and space for multiple perspectives. A constructivist epistemology was adopted to provide for the interplay between object and subject in constructing meaning. This research focused on examination of applicable legislation, secondary data in reports, and statistical analysis of opinion surveys of municipal officials involved in budgeting at different levels and interviews with key stakeholders. The findings indicate that budget allocation can be improved upon in a number of ways, despite complying with a myriad of restrictive and onerous regulations applicable to local government. It was found that the administration is fragmented in its operations and that the structure of necessity favours isolated service delivery rather than integration. Further, that compliance impacts negatively on time spent in planning and pursuit of strategic intent to the extent that Reporting often becomes a more important deliverable than basic services. The size of the City hinders common understanding, and introducing any change in political vision requires particular attention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Guidelines for the effective use of telemedicine in public healthcare in resource constrained settings
- Authors: Kativu, Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine , Medical care- technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020061
- Description: On September 8 2000, world leaders gathered at the United Nations summit and resolved to help citizens in the world's poorest countries to achieve a better life by the year 2015. This resolve was outlined in the Millennium Development Goals that were subsequently published with goals 4, 5 and 6 specific to healthcare. The integration of ICT‘s in the remote delivery of services has opened new avenues from which centralised, scarce resources can be accessed remotely for the benefit of the general population. Telemedicine has made great strides in the developed world with remote populations benefiting from the improved access to healthcare. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the sub-field of teleradiology has shown promise for enabling the wider delivery of specialist services. However, in resource constrained settings such as developing countries, telemedicine has had limited success and as a result, the equitable access to healthcare for remote populations remains inconceivable. This is exacerbated by the migration of healthcare professionals both domestically and internationally. The public sector has suffered the most with acute staff shortages in the public healthcare institutions, more so in rural and remote areas. This study identifies the prevailing challenges posing as barriers to the effective use of telemedicine services in the Public health sector in resource constrained settings and provides recommendations and guidelines aimed at facilitating the adoption and effective use of telemedicine. Challenges are identified from literature and from the first person accounts of specific role-players who are directly involved with telemedicine in their respective institutions. Participants are drawn from institutions offering telemedicine services within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Challenges identified from literature are collated with those identified from the participant interviews to provide a concise list of factors that is used as input to the recommendation and guideline development process. The results thus far point to an enthusiastic environment coupled with a semi-capable infrastructure but however hampered by staff shortages and a general lack of support structures and propulsion mechanisms to adequately encourage the wider use of telemedicine. The proposed guidelines aim to address the challenges at the different role-player levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kativu, Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine , Medical care- technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020061
- Description: On September 8 2000, world leaders gathered at the United Nations summit and resolved to help citizens in the world's poorest countries to achieve a better life by the year 2015. This resolve was outlined in the Millennium Development Goals that were subsequently published with goals 4, 5 and 6 specific to healthcare. The integration of ICT‘s in the remote delivery of services has opened new avenues from which centralised, scarce resources can be accessed remotely for the benefit of the general population. Telemedicine has made great strides in the developed world with remote populations benefiting from the improved access to healthcare. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the sub-field of teleradiology has shown promise for enabling the wider delivery of specialist services. However, in resource constrained settings such as developing countries, telemedicine has had limited success and as a result, the equitable access to healthcare for remote populations remains inconceivable. This is exacerbated by the migration of healthcare professionals both domestically and internationally. The public sector has suffered the most with acute staff shortages in the public healthcare institutions, more so in rural and remote areas. This study identifies the prevailing challenges posing as barriers to the effective use of telemedicine services in the Public health sector in resource constrained settings and provides recommendations and guidelines aimed at facilitating the adoption and effective use of telemedicine. Challenges are identified from literature and from the first person accounts of specific role-players who are directly involved with telemedicine in their respective institutions. Participants are drawn from institutions offering telemedicine services within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Challenges identified from literature are collated with those identified from the participant interviews to provide a concise list of factors that is used as input to the recommendation and guideline development process. The results thus far point to an enthusiastic environment coupled with a semi-capable infrastructure but however hampered by staff shortages and a general lack of support structures and propulsion mechanisms to adequately encourage the wider use of telemedicine. The proposed guidelines aim to address the challenges at the different role-player levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A cyber security awareness and education framework for South Africa
- Authors: Kortjan, Noloxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014829
- Description: The Internet is becoming increasingly interwoven in the daily life of many individuals, organisations and nations. It has, to a large extent, had a positive effect on the way people communicate. It has also introduced new avenues for business and has offered nations an opportunity to govern online. Nevertheless, although cyberspace offers an endless list of services and opportunities, it is also accompanied by many risks. One of these risks is cybercrime. The Internet has given criminals a platform on which to grow and proliferate. As a result of the abstract nature of the Internet, it is easy for these criminals to go unpunished. Moreover, many who use the Internet are not aware of such threats; therefore they may themselves be at risk, together with businesses and governmental assets and infrastructure. In view of this, there is a need for cyber security awareness and education initiatives that will promote users who are well versed in the risks associated with the Internet. In this context, it is the role of the government to empower all levels of society by providing the necessary knowledge and expertise to act securely online. However, there is currently a definite lack in South Africa (SA) in this regard, as there are currently no government-led cyber security awareness and education initiatives. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to propose a cyber security awareness and education framework for SA that will assist in creating a cyber secure culture in SA among all of its users of the Internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kortjan, Noloxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014829
- Description: The Internet is becoming increasingly interwoven in the daily life of many individuals, organisations and nations. It has, to a large extent, had a positive effect on the way people communicate. It has also introduced new avenues for business and has offered nations an opportunity to govern online. Nevertheless, although cyberspace offers an endless list of services and opportunities, it is also accompanied by many risks. One of these risks is cybercrime. The Internet has given criminals a platform on which to grow and proliferate. As a result of the abstract nature of the Internet, it is easy for these criminals to go unpunished. Moreover, many who use the Internet are not aware of such threats; therefore they may themselves be at risk, together with businesses and governmental assets and infrastructure. In view of this, there is a need for cyber security awareness and education initiatives that will promote users who are well versed in the risks associated with the Internet. In this context, it is the role of the government to empower all levels of society by providing the necessary knowledge and expertise to act securely online. However, there is currently a definite lack in South Africa (SA) in this regard, as there are currently no government-led cyber security awareness and education initiatives. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to propose a cyber security awareness and education framework for SA that will assist in creating a cyber secure culture in SA among all of its users of the Internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Packed-bed rock thermal energy storage for concetrated solar power: enhancement of storage time and system efficiency
- Authors: Maidadi, Mohaman Bello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Solar thermal energy , Energy storage , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9639 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020914
- Description: Solar thermal energy harvesting is a promising solution to offset the electricity demands of a growing population. The use of the technology is however still limited and this can most likely be attributed to the capital cost and also the intermittent nature of solar energy which requires incorporation of a storage system. To make the technology more attractive and effective, cheap means of harvesting solar energy and the development of efficient and inexpensive thermal energy storage devices will improve the performance of solar energy systems and the widespread use of solar energy. Heat storage in a packed-bed rock with air as the working fluid presents an attractive and simple solution for storing solar thermal energy and it is recommended for solar air heaters. A packed-bed rock storage system consists of rocks of good heat capacity packed in a storage tank. The working fluid (air) flows through the bed to transfer its energy. The major concern of the design for a packed-bed rock thermal storage system is to maximize the heat transfer and minimise the pressure drop across the storage tank and hence the pumping power. The time duration the stored energy can be preserved and the air flow wall effect through the bed are the common complications encountered in this system. This study presents an experimental and analytical analysis of a vacuum storage tank with the use of expanded perlite for high temperature thermal energy storage in a packed-bed of rocks. Dolerite rocks are used as the storage medium due to their high heat capacity and as they are locally available. To minimise the pressure drop across the tank, moderate rock sizes are used. The tank contains baffles, allowing an even spread of air to rock contact through the entire tank, therefore improving heat transfer. There is a good correlation between the predicted and the actual results (4 percent) which implies that the baffles incorporated inside the vacuum tank forces the air through the entire tank, thereby resulting in an even lateral temperature distribution across the tank. The investigation of heat loss showed that a vacuum with expanded perlite is a viable solution to high temperature heat storage for an extended period. The research also focuses on the investigation of a proposed low cost parabolic trough solar collector for an air heating system as shown in Figure (1.3). The use of a standard solar geyser evacuated tube (@R130 each) has cost benefits over the industry standard solar tubes normally used in concentrating solar power systems. A mathematical was developed to predict the thermal performance of proposed PTC and it was found that the measured results compared well with the predictions. The solar energy conversion efficiency of this collector is up to 70 percent. This research could impact positively on remote rural communities by providing a source of clean energy, especially for off-grid applications for schools, clinics and communication equipment. It could lead to a significant improvement in the cost performance, ease of installation and technical performance of storage systems for solar heating applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Maidadi, Mohaman Bello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Solar thermal energy , Energy storage , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9639 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020914
- Description: Solar thermal energy harvesting is a promising solution to offset the electricity demands of a growing population. The use of the technology is however still limited and this can most likely be attributed to the capital cost and also the intermittent nature of solar energy which requires incorporation of a storage system. To make the technology more attractive and effective, cheap means of harvesting solar energy and the development of efficient and inexpensive thermal energy storage devices will improve the performance of solar energy systems and the widespread use of solar energy. Heat storage in a packed-bed rock with air as the working fluid presents an attractive and simple solution for storing solar thermal energy and it is recommended for solar air heaters. A packed-bed rock storage system consists of rocks of good heat capacity packed in a storage tank. The working fluid (air) flows through the bed to transfer its energy. The major concern of the design for a packed-bed rock thermal storage system is to maximize the heat transfer and minimise the pressure drop across the storage tank and hence the pumping power. The time duration the stored energy can be preserved and the air flow wall effect through the bed are the common complications encountered in this system. This study presents an experimental and analytical analysis of a vacuum storage tank with the use of expanded perlite for high temperature thermal energy storage in a packed-bed of rocks. Dolerite rocks are used as the storage medium due to their high heat capacity and as they are locally available. To minimise the pressure drop across the tank, moderate rock sizes are used. The tank contains baffles, allowing an even spread of air to rock contact through the entire tank, therefore improving heat transfer. There is a good correlation between the predicted and the actual results (4 percent) which implies that the baffles incorporated inside the vacuum tank forces the air through the entire tank, thereby resulting in an even lateral temperature distribution across the tank. The investigation of heat loss showed that a vacuum with expanded perlite is a viable solution to high temperature heat storage for an extended period. The research also focuses on the investigation of a proposed low cost parabolic trough solar collector for an air heating system as shown in Figure (1.3). The use of a standard solar geyser evacuated tube (@R130 each) has cost benefits over the industry standard solar tubes normally used in concentrating solar power systems. A mathematical was developed to predict the thermal performance of proposed PTC and it was found that the measured results compared well with the predictions. The solar energy conversion efficiency of this collector is up to 70 percent. This research could impact positively on remote rural communities by providing a source of clean energy, especially for off-grid applications for schools, clinics and communication equipment. It could lead to a significant improvement in the cost performance, ease of installation and technical performance of storage systems for solar heating applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Guidelines for the use of the Indie approach in game development projects in the context of a capstone experience
- Authors: Marais, Craig
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer games -- Design , Computer games -- Programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9824
- Description: This research addresses the challenges associated with the supervision of game development projects as part of a capstone experience. The context of this research is the capstone experience as undertaken by third year software development students who have chosen to develop a game for their project at the School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). This research begins by determining the curricular requirements with respect to the capstone experience for Information Technology (IT) qualifications. This is done by investigating the applicable documentation at the international, national and departmental levels. The position of game development as a sub-category of software development is established and the Indie paradigm is investigated as a further sub-category of game development. Furthermore, the Indie paradigm is investigated through in-depth analyses of the techniques used in the development of ten Indie games. This investigation serves to identify the commonly used techniques in the Indie paradigm. The research presents a case study of the game development projects at the School of ICT at the NMMU for the period from 2009 to 2013. This case study combined with the techniques identifed from the Indie paradigm forms the basis of the guidelines presented by this research. The guidelines are subject to a review by an industry expert. The review takes the form of an expert interview, which serves to verify the guidelines. This research concludes by demonstrating alignment with the objectives it set out to achieve and motivating the success of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Marais, Craig
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer games -- Design , Computer games -- Programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9824
- Description: This research addresses the challenges associated with the supervision of game development projects as part of a capstone experience. The context of this research is the capstone experience as undertaken by third year software development students who have chosen to develop a game for their project at the School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). This research begins by determining the curricular requirements with respect to the capstone experience for Information Technology (IT) qualifications. This is done by investigating the applicable documentation at the international, national and departmental levels. The position of game development as a sub-category of software development is established and the Indie paradigm is investigated as a further sub-category of game development. Furthermore, the Indie paradigm is investigated through in-depth analyses of the techniques used in the development of ten Indie games. This investigation serves to identify the commonly used techniques in the Indie paradigm. The research presents a case study of the game development projects at the School of ICT at the NMMU for the period from 2009 to 2013. This case study combined with the techniques identifed from the Indie paradigm forms the basis of the guidelines presented by this research. The guidelines are subject to a review by an industry expert. The review takes the form of an expert interview, which serves to verify the guidelines. This research concludes by demonstrating alignment with the objectives it set out to achieve and motivating the success of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A model for managing user experience
- Authors: Mashapa, Job
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Management , User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020765
- Description: New innovative products are being designed while the user interface of existing products is constantly being revamped to give them a new look. All this is an effort to bring a satisfactory interacting experience for the user. However, in most cases users do not feel that they experience that benefit. The introduction of a new product, or the enhancement of the functionality and user interface of an existing product, often faces criticism and brings resistance to the acceptance and usage of the product by the users. Therefore, the change in user interface or introduction of new products does not only affect the business processes but also the lifestyles of the users, as well as their overall user experience. One of the most important components for the success of any product is a positive user experience. User experience refers to the subjective feeling of the user that results from their interaction or intention to interact with a product in order to perform a specific task in a specific environment. When the user interface and functionality of a product match the expectations of the users and make the users effective and efficient, feel safe and attain some level of self-worth from using or possessing the product, their interaction with the product becomes more satisfactory. User experience practitioners are in agreement that a change to the user interface influences the user experience of the people when interacting with the product; hence it affects change in the user experience of the people. A vast body of literature exists on the methods for evaluating user experience as well as on the principles that are aimed at guiding the design of products for a positive user experience. However, there is a lack of a means to manage this change in user experience that results from the changes in the features of the user interface or the product functionalities. This inadequacy opens up the potential for integrating change management principles in order to manage user experience. However, existing change management principles do not address the user experience aspects when managing change. Following the above premise, this study focused on the development of a model for managing user experience: the User Experience Management Model (UXM2). The UXM2 infers its components from the disciplines of user experience and change management. Its uniqueness is seated in its people-centred approach that aims to effect a free-will change in the individuals towards a long-term positive user experience. The proposed model further aims to promote the voluntary acceptance of a product, which is contrary to the mandatory change that is guided by the policies of the organization, as discussed in the study. The UXM2 was developed from a thorough argumentation of literature on user experience and change management. The components that were required for development of the model were identified from literature, and were evaluated for their relevance by means of academic publications in subject domain international conferences. The academic publications underwent double-blind peer review with subject domain experts. The model was evaluated for its relevance and potential applicability through interviews and discussions with subject domain experts. The subject domain experts consist of user experience practitioners and academic professionals in the domain of HCI. The subject domain experts also evaluated the model by means of an evaluation tool comprising of a Likert scale rating of the proposed components and related activities for managing user experience. The target users of the UXM2 are user experience practitioners and product developers who aim to promote a sustainable long-term positive user experience for the people interacting with their products. The UXM2 is aimed at being used for the design of products that are meant for institutional use, personal use, mandatory use and optional use. It is believed that adoption of the UXM2 will promote acceptance of the product by users, with an associated sustainable positive long-term user experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mashapa, Job
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Management , User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020765
- Description: New innovative products are being designed while the user interface of existing products is constantly being revamped to give them a new look. All this is an effort to bring a satisfactory interacting experience for the user. However, in most cases users do not feel that they experience that benefit. The introduction of a new product, or the enhancement of the functionality and user interface of an existing product, often faces criticism and brings resistance to the acceptance and usage of the product by the users. Therefore, the change in user interface or introduction of new products does not only affect the business processes but also the lifestyles of the users, as well as their overall user experience. One of the most important components for the success of any product is a positive user experience. User experience refers to the subjective feeling of the user that results from their interaction or intention to interact with a product in order to perform a specific task in a specific environment. When the user interface and functionality of a product match the expectations of the users and make the users effective and efficient, feel safe and attain some level of self-worth from using or possessing the product, their interaction with the product becomes more satisfactory. User experience practitioners are in agreement that a change to the user interface influences the user experience of the people when interacting with the product; hence it affects change in the user experience of the people. A vast body of literature exists on the methods for evaluating user experience as well as on the principles that are aimed at guiding the design of products for a positive user experience. However, there is a lack of a means to manage this change in user experience that results from the changes in the features of the user interface or the product functionalities. This inadequacy opens up the potential for integrating change management principles in order to manage user experience. However, existing change management principles do not address the user experience aspects when managing change. Following the above premise, this study focused on the development of a model for managing user experience: the User Experience Management Model (UXM2). The UXM2 infers its components from the disciplines of user experience and change management. Its uniqueness is seated in its people-centred approach that aims to effect a free-will change in the individuals towards a long-term positive user experience. The proposed model further aims to promote the voluntary acceptance of a product, which is contrary to the mandatory change that is guided by the policies of the organization, as discussed in the study. The UXM2 was developed from a thorough argumentation of literature on user experience and change management. The components that were required for development of the model were identified from literature, and were evaluated for their relevance by means of academic publications in subject domain international conferences. The academic publications underwent double-blind peer review with subject domain experts. The model was evaluated for its relevance and potential applicability through interviews and discussions with subject domain experts. The subject domain experts consist of user experience practitioners and academic professionals in the domain of HCI. The subject domain experts also evaluated the model by means of an evaluation tool comprising of a Likert scale rating of the proposed components and related activities for managing user experience. The target users of the UXM2 are user experience practitioners and product developers who aim to promote a sustainable long-term positive user experience for the people interacting with their products. The UXM2 is aimed at being used for the design of products that are meant for institutional use, personal use, mandatory use and optional use. It is believed that adoption of the UXM2 will promote acceptance of the product by users, with an associated sustainable positive long-term user experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The sustainability of rural sanitation facilities in municipalities
- Authors: Maxwele, Zukani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sanitation, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sanitary engineering -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewage disposal, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020580
- Description: Progress has been made in eradicating the backlog in sanitation. This is reflected by the 2011 Census results that reflect a 21 percent increase in the provision of sanitation between the 2001 Census and the 2011 Census. In the rural areas of O.R. Tambo District Municipality, the eradication of sanitation backlogs is done through the provision of VIPs for sanitation. Even with this progress, there are still challenges resulting from the previously constructed sanitation facilities. Some of the challenges relate to the poor quality of these facilities. Community members – via the IDP road shows have voiced their unhappiness with regard to some of the sustainability factors of these structures. Community members feel they were not involved in decisions related to the sanitation projects. It has also been observed that the municipality and its agents do not conduct environmental management studies; and some pits of these structures were not lined, and the health and hygiene training, together with post-construction assessment was not done. In this study, an assessment of the provision of sanitation facilities, in order to identify some of the key factors that are critical to the sustainability of rural sanitation facilities, was done. The research findings should be helpful in assisting local government to improve the provision of sanitation facilities, with the aim of ensuring sustainability, improving community satisfaction, and improving the quality of life for the people living in these villages. For the purpose of the study, a quantitative research approach was used. A research questionnaire was used to collect the data; and it was distributed through email to a sample of respondents that understood sanitation issues. The data were collected from municipal officials, consultants working on sanitation projects, as well as other stakeholders with influence and an interest in sanitation. The results were analysed to establish the findings and to propose recommendations, in order to improve the sustainability of rural sanitation facilities. From the research findings, the recommendations highlighted the need for an improved participatory approach in implementing sanitation projects. To ensure sustainability, the following issues are key: monitoring and supervision; community participation and adherence to design guidelines; a review of the sanitation provision policy; as well as the promotion of health and hygiene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Maxwele, Zukani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sanitation, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sanitary engineering -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sewage disposal, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020580
- Description: Progress has been made in eradicating the backlog in sanitation. This is reflected by the 2011 Census results that reflect a 21 percent increase in the provision of sanitation between the 2001 Census and the 2011 Census. In the rural areas of O.R. Tambo District Municipality, the eradication of sanitation backlogs is done through the provision of VIPs for sanitation. Even with this progress, there are still challenges resulting from the previously constructed sanitation facilities. Some of the challenges relate to the poor quality of these facilities. Community members – via the IDP road shows have voiced their unhappiness with regard to some of the sustainability factors of these structures. Community members feel they were not involved in decisions related to the sanitation projects. It has also been observed that the municipality and its agents do not conduct environmental management studies; and some pits of these structures were not lined, and the health and hygiene training, together with post-construction assessment was not done. In this study, an assessment of the provision of sanitation facilities, in order to identify some of the key factors that are critical to the sustainability of rural sanitation facilities, was done. The research findings should be helpful in assisting local government to improve the provision of sanitation facilities, with the aim of ensuring sustainability, improving community satisfaction, and improving the quality of life for the people living in these villages. For the purpose of the study, a quantitative research approach was used. A research questionnaire was used to collect the data; and it was distributed through email to a sample of respondents that understood sanitation issues. The data were collected from municipal officials, consultants working on sanitation projects, as well as other stakeholders with influence and an interest in sanitation. The results were analysed to establish the findings and to propose recommendations, in order to improve the sustainability of rural sanitation facilities. From the research findings, the recommendations highlighted the need for an improved participatory approach in implementing sanitation projects. To ensure sustainability, the following issues are key: monitoring and supervision; community participation and adherence to design guidelines; a review of the sanitation provision policy; as well as the promotion of health and hygiene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of restricted earth fault relay application within a shunt capacitor bank design impacting on protection stability
- Authors: Minkley, Warick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electric power systems -- Protection , Electric power transmission -- Equipment and supplies -- Protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021106
- Description: This research is aimed at analyzing the performance of the restricted earth fault relay used on a 400kV capacitor bank scheme used on the Eskom Transmission network. After the commissioning of two Capacitor Banks using the above mentioned scheme design the plant was energized. As a result of the energization the Shunt Capacitor Bank (SCB) then experienced spurious trips. The cause of the trips was found to be the operation of the restricted earth fault relay. In this research project, restricted earth fault protection on SCBs in the Eskom Transmission environment will be the area of interest. The proposed research will analyze the current SCB protection scheme in service specifically looking at the restricted earth fault circuit design and relay performance. An equivalent model of the SCB from primary plant perspective based on theory will be derived. Recording and analyzing of Comtrade transient waveforms respectively, when the bank is nergized, will be done in order to provide a reference base to work from. Manual alculations of various parameters from the derived model including transient inrush currents and fault currents will be performed to access applicable scheme parameters. Further calculations will include the voltage setting for the restricted earth fault relay. As a result of the analysis a recommendation will be made on a viable solution or a revised design will be put forward, based on the results, to improve the scheme’s performance. The protection scheme is used on the two 400kV 100MVAR capacitor banks 11 and 12 at Hydra Substation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Minkley, Warick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electric power systems -- Protection , Electric power transmission -- Equipment and supplies -- Protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021106
- Description: This research is aimed at analyzing the performance of the restricted earth fault relay used on a 400kV capacitor bank scheme used on the Eskom Transmission network. After the commissioning of two Capacitor Banks using the above mentioned scheme design the plant was energized. As a result of the energization the Shunt Capacitor Bank (SCB) then experienced spurious trips. The cause of the trips was found to be the operation of the restricted earth fault relay. In this research project, restricted earth fault protection on SCBs in the Eskom Transmission environment will be the area of interest. The proposed research will analyze the current SCB protection scheme in service specifically looking at the restricted earth fault circuit design and relay performance. An equivalent model of the SCB from primary plant perspective based on theory will be derived. Recording and analyzing of Comtrade transient waveforms respectively, when the bank is nergized, will be done in order to provide a reference base to work from. Manual alculations of various parameters from the derived model including transient inrush currents and fault currents will be performed to access applicable scheme parameters. Further calculations will include the voltage setting for the restricted earth fault relay. As a result of the analysis a recommendation will be made on a viable solution or a revised design will be put forward, based on the results, to improve the scheme’s performance. The protection scheme is used on the two 400kV 100MVAR capacitor banks 11 and 12 at Hydra Substation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Unlocking the development of built environment professionals through infrastructure investment in South Africa
- Authors: Mputa, Nobutyani Sinethemba
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Construction workers -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Job security -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020049
- Description: spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mputa, Nobutyani Sinethemba
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Construction workers -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Job security -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020049
- Description: spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Management of capital expenditure for infrastructure programmes in the North-West Province
- Authors: Norgbey, Wisdom Selorm
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Capital investments , Infrastructure (Economics) -- Management , Expenditures, Public
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9718 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021075
- Description: The need for programme management to align, coordinate and manage a portfolio of construction projects to deliver benefits that would not be achievable if the projects were managed independently in a turbulent economic environment, limitations of project management, and increasing stakeholder expectations cannot be over emphasised. In the construction industry, the implementation of programme management has been bedevilled with major challenges of which the North West Department of Public Works (DPW) CAPEX programme is no exception. The CAPEX programme has been noted for delivering fewer infrastructure projects as planned in terms of budget, time, and other expectations. The research documented in this treatise thus examined the existing programme management approach of the North West DPW CAPEX programme with respect to generally accepted standards and practices. A mixed research approach was used to identify problems such as delays in payment of works, poor reporting standards, improper planning of works, procurement difficulties, and inadequate management structures. The results point to excessive bureaucratic processes, improper information management systems and lack of commitment and ownership towards government works as the major underlying causes of the programme predicaments. Dogmatic implementation of government’s black economic empowerment policies and inadequate in-house capacity were also contributing factors. The research findings imply that effective processes should be laid for prompt payment of works certificates and invoices. Improved reporting standards and proper planning of the programme as a whole and its constituent projects is necessary for the attainment of stipulated goals. In particular, it is crucial to ensure that adequate management considerations in terms of capacity, infrastructure, structures and expertise are put in place while the procurement processes should be continually reviewed for programme success purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Norgbey, Wisdom Selorm
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Capital investments , Infrastructure (Economics) -- Management , Expenditures, Public
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9718 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021075
- Description: The need for programme management to align, coordinate and manage a portfolio of construction projects to deliver benefits that would not be achievable if the projects were managed independently in a turbulent economic environment, limitations of project management, and increasing stakeholder expectations cannot be over emphasised. In the construction industry, the implementation of programme management has been bedevilled with major challenges of which the North West Department of Public Works (DPW) CAPEX programme is no exception. The CAPEX programme has been noted for delivering fewer infrastructure projects as planned in terms of budget, time, and other expectations. The research documented in this treatise thus examined the existing programme management approach of the North West DPW CAPEX programme with respect to generally accepted standards and practices. A mixed research approach was used to identify problems such as delays in payment of works, poor reporting standards, improper planning of works, procurement difficulties, and inadequate management structures. The results point to excessive bureaucratic processes, improper information management systems and lack of commitment and ownership towards government works as the major underlying causes of the programme predicaments. Dogmatic implementation of government’s black economic empowerment policies and inadequate in-house capacity were also contributing factors. The research findings imply that effective processes should be laid for prompt payment of works certificates and invoices. Improved reporting standards and proper planning of the programme as a whole and its constituent projects is necessary for the attainment of stipulated goals. In particular, it is crucial to ensure that adequate management considerations in terms of capacity, infrastructure, structures and expertise are put in place while the procurement processes should be continually reviewed for programme success purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of factors influencing the performance of a hydrokinetic coil pump
- Authors: Opperman, Adriaan Jacobus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pumping machinery, Electric , Pumping machinery -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021041
- Description: A hydrokinetic coil pump (HCP) is described by its name. It is a coil pump driven by the kinetic energy in flowing water. The hydrokinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a paddle-wheel. The coil pump makes up part of the paddle-wheel and together is called a HCP. The HCP floats in a stream of flowing water while tethered to the bank. The focus of the study was to identify and analyse the factors influencing the HCP. The HCP was then optimized for rural application. Data acquisition took place through experimentation on a full scale experimental platform according to a central composite experimental design. Variables used for the experimentation included; Stream Velocity, Delivery Head, Number of Coils, Discharge, Number of Paddles, Paddle-Wheel rotational speed Overall HCP efficiencies of up to 22 percent were obtained. The efficiency would drop as the stream velocity increased. Stream velocity has been identified as the most influential factor with regards to the variables analysed by this study. The HCP is ideal for rural application. The simplicity of the design ensures reliability as well as an effective water supply solution. The HCP is ideal for slow flowing rivers and can deliver up to 1190ℓ/h to a delivery head of 5m with a stream velocity of 1.2m/s. This is sufficient to supply a small rural community with running water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Opperman, Adriaan Jacobus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pumping machinery, Electric , Pumping machinery -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021041
- Description: A hydrokinetic coil pump (HCP) is described by its name. It is a coil pump driven by the kinetic energy in flowing water. The hydrokinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a paddle-wheel. The coil pump makes up part of the paddle-wheel and together is called a HCP. The HCP floats in a stream of flowing water while tethered to the bank. The focus of the study was to identify and analyse the factors influencing the HCP. The HCP was then optimized for rural application. Data acquisition took place through experimentation on a full scale experimental platform according to a central composite experimental design. Variables used for the experimentation included; Stream Velocity, Delivery Head, Number of Coils, Discharge, Number of Paddles, Paddle-Wheel rotational speed Overall HCP efficiencies of up to 22 percent were obtained. The efficiency would drop as the stream velocity increased. Stream velocity has been identified as the most influential factor with regards to the variables analysed by this study. The HCP is ideal for rural application. The simplicity of the design ensures reliability as well as an effective water supply solution. The HCP is ideal for slow flowing rivers and can deliver up to 1190ℓ/h to a delivery head of 5m with a stream velocity of 1.2m/s. This is sufficient to supply a small rural community with running water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Dysfunctional facilities management service provision in an outsource environment
- Authors: Otoo, Ernest Kweku
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Facility management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019717
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Otoo, Ernest Kweku
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Facility management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019717
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
M-health user experience framework for the public healthcare sector
- Authors: Ouma, Stella
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in public health , Public health -- South Africa , Wireless communication systems in medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9827 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020793
- Description: The public healthcare sectors within developing nations face a lot of challenges because of constrained resources available to them. The South African public healthcare sector is no different. Although it serves the majority of the South African population, most of the financial resources are directed towards the private sector, which serves very few individuals when compared to the public healthcare sector. Apart from that, other challenges that the National Department of Health has to deal with include the lack of sufficiently trained healthcare employees who can work on the different levels of the public healthcare sector, as well as the burden of diseases such as HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and other chronic diseases. In order to improve service delivery, the National Department of Health is introducing Information and Communications Technology interventions that can increase efficiency and reduce costs, thereby improving the quality of service delivery. This research delivers an m-health application user experience framework to be proposed to the National Department of Health in South Africa, in order to assist in scaling up of m-health applications. The m-health applications that can benefit the South African population if scaled up successfully include those that can be used in remote data collection, treatment and compliance, accessing patients records, remote monitoring, communication and training for healthcare workers and applications that can be used for education and awareness. The study focused on three domains: the Human-Computer Interaction domain, public healthcare domain and Health Informatics domain. The proposed framework was realized by investigating mobile user experience components, mobile health requirements and the South African public healthcare domain components that contribute to the m-health user experience framework. This research was conducted through the interpretivist philosophy. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, an application of qualitative methodology was used. The conceptual theoretical framework was validated through a single case study approach by m-health user experience experts, who reside in South Africa. Data were analysed inductively. An m-health user experience framework was provided at the end of the study. An m-health user experience framework can assist the National Department of Health to look into design issues, address m-health requirements and put the domain needs in place, thus enabling the Department to successfully scale up implementations of m-health applications nationwide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ouma, Stella
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in public health , Public health -- South Africa , Wireless communication systems in medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9827 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020793
- Description: The public healthcare sectors within developing nations face a lot of challenges because of constrained resources available to them. The South African public healthcare sector is no different. Although it serves the majority of the South African population, most of the financial resources are directed towards the private sector, which serves very few individuals when compared to the public healthcare sector. Apart from that, other challenges that the National Department of Health has to deal with include the lack of sufficiently trained healthcare employees who can work on the different levels of the public healthcare sector, as well as the burden of diseases such as HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and other chronic diseases. In order to improve service delivery, the National Department of Health is introducing Information and Communications Technology interventions that can increase efficiency and reduce costs, thereby improving the quality of service delivery. This research delivers an m-health application user experience framework to be proposed to the National Department of Health in South Africa, in order to assist in scaling up of m-health applications. The m-health applications that can benefit the South African population if scaled up successfully include those that can be used in remote data collection, treatment and compliance, accessing patients records, remote monitoring, communication and training for healthcare workers and applications that can be used for education and awareness. The study focused on three domains: the Human-Computer Interaction domain, public healthcare domain and Health Informatics domain. The proposed framework was realized by investigating mobile user experience components, mobile health requirements and the South African public healthcare domain components that contribute to the m-health user experience framework. This research was conducted through the interpretivist philosophy. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, an application of qualitative methodology was used. The conceptual theoretical framework was validated through a single case study approach by m-health user experience experts, who reside in South Africa. Data were analysed inductively. An m-health user experience framework was provided at the end of the study. An m-health user experience framework can assist the National Department of Health to look into design issues, address m-health requirements and put the domain needs in place, thus enabling the Department to successfully scale up implementations of m-health applications nationwide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of a segmented variable pitch small horizontal axis wind turbine with active pitch control
- Authors: Poole, Sean
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Horizontal axis wind turbines , Wind turbines -- Environmental aspects , Wind turbines -- Aerodynamics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering
- Identifier: vital:9657 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020583
- Description: Small scale wind turbines operating in an urban environment produce dismal amounts of power when compared to their expected output [1-4]. This is largely due to the gusty wind conditions found in an urban environment, coupled with the fact that the wind turbines are not designed for these conditions. A new concept of a Segmented Variable Pitch (SVP) wind turbine has been proposed, which has a strong possibility to perform well in gusty and variable wind conditions. This dissertation explains the concept of a SVP wind turbine in more detail and shows analytical and experimental results relating to this concept. Also, the potential benefits of the proposed concept are mentioned. The results from this dissertation show that this concept has potential with promising results on possible turbine blade aerofoil configurations. Scaled model tests were completed and although further design optimisation is required, the tests showed good potential for the SVP concept. Lastly a proof-of-concept full scale model was manufactured and tested to prove scalability to full size from concept models. Along with the proof-of-concept full scale model, a wireless control system (to control the blade segments) was developed and tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Poole, Sean
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Horizontal axis wind turbines , Wind turbines -- Environmental aspects , Wind turbines -- Aerodynamics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering
- Identifier: vital:9657 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020583
- Description: Small scale wind turbines operating in an urban environment produce dismal amounts of power when compared to their expected output [1-4]. This is largely due to the gusty wind conditions found in an urban environment, coupled with the fact that the wind turbines are not designed for these conditions. A new concept of a Segmented Variable Pitch (SVP) wind turbine has been proposed, which has a strong possibility to perform well in gusty and variable wind conditions. This dissertation explains the concept of a SVP wind turbine in more detail and shows analytical and experimental results relating to this concept. Also, the potential benefits of the proposed concept are mentioned. The results from this dissertation show that this concept has potential with promising results on possible turbine blade aerofoil configurations. Scaled model tests were completed and although further design optimisation is required, the tests showed good potential for the SVP concept. Lastly a proof-of-concept full scale model was manufactured and tested to prove scalability to full size from concept models. Along with the proof-of-concept full scale model, a wireless control system (to control the blade segments) was developed and tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013