Optimising x-ray referral systems to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examination in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Munnick, Derna Camille
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: X-rays -- Diffraction -- Safety measures , Radiography, Medical , Medical personnel and patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22824 , vital:30105
- Description: X-ray request forms are used at hospitals and primary health care centres (PHCC) by health care professionals (HCP) to communicate with radiologists and radiographers when referring patients for ionising radiographic (x-rays) examinations. The x-ray request form and the radiological report are medico-legal documents. However, the importance of adequately completed x-ray request forms, appear to be underestimated. The HCP must write a brief clinical history on the x-ray request form that justifies the ionising radiographic (x-ray) examination referral, enabling radiographers and radiologists to have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition. An adequately completed x-ray request form assist the radiographer to make decisions regarding patient safety techniques and standard operating protocols that need to be applied. The radiologist will also have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition when reporting on the x-ray projections based on the clinical information supplied on the x-ray request form. The primary objective of this study was to explore and describe the adequacy of completion of x-ray request forms in order to optimise ionising radiographic referrals (x-ray requests) to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations at PHCC’s in NMBHD. A quantitative research design with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach was undertaken. The data was collected using an evaluation form checklist that the radiographer responsible for the requested x-ray examination completed. Data was gathered at all five PHCC’s, offering x-ray services, in the NMBHD by qualified radiographers evaluating the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms using an evaluation form checklist with an online program QuestionPro. Strategies to ensure validity and reliability in the study were undertaken. Ethical principles adhered to included informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality, gaining ethical permission to do the study and approval to enter the research site. The results of the study revealed that none of the 582 x-ray request forms evaluated were adequately completed. The fields on the x-ray request forms that were most frequently completed were the surname, clinical history, examination requested and the referring HCP details all had a total percentage correct completion of 90% and above. The fields most frequently omitted were last menstrual period (LMP) of females of child-bearing age and an indication of previous x-rays. The patient’s age and how to address the patient were also frequently incomplete. The researcher made recommendations to the NMBHD on how the x-ray referral system by means of the x-ray request form could be optimised of in order to increase patient safety during ionising radiographic (x-ray) examinations. Recommendations made to the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) was based on the findings of the research study to ensure optimisation of x-ray requests concerning the completion of the x-ray request forms to ensure patient safety during x-ray examination procedures. Recommendations to the NMBHD were as follows:Education and training, Distribution of guidelines, Keeping a record of HCP’s qualifications, Consent form must be completed for all female patients of child-bearing age, Redesign the current x-ray request form. The researcher also made recommendations for possible future studies which could also increase patient safety during x-ray examinations and were as follows. The researcher suggested that this research could be applied at both public and private hospitals as well as in other health districts in the Eastern Cape to evaluate the adequacy of the completion of the x-ray request forms in the Eastern Cape. The researcher suggested a research study be done at PHCC’s in NMBHD, on the justification and the dose levels used for the frequently requested x-rays. The researcher recommended an accessible health information exchange system for radiography in Port Elizabeth and surrounding health institutions to reduce repeated x-ray requests for patients who visit different health institutions for the same clinical problem. The researcher concluded from the results of the statistical analyses of the study that generally the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms at the PHCC’s in NMBHD was average. Improperly or incomplete fields on the x-ray request forms were observed from the results. Indicating that referring HCP’s at the PHCC’s of NMBHD could optimise the x-ray referral system by means of correct, accurate and comprehensive completion of the x-ray request form to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Munnick, Derna Camille
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: X-rays -- Diffraction -- Safety measures , Radiography, Medical , Medical personnel and patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22824 , vital:30105
- Description: X-ray request forms are used at hospitals and primary health care centres (PHCC) by health care professionals (HCP) to communicate with radiologists and radiographers when referring patients for ionising radiographic (x-rays) examinations. The x-ray request form and the radiological report are medico-legal documents. However, the importance of adequately completed x-ray request forms, appear to be underestimated. The HCP must write a brief clinical history on the x-ray request form that justifies the ionising radiographic (x-ray) examination referral, enabling radiographers and radiologists to have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition. An adequately completed x-ray request form assist the radiographer to make decisions regarding patient safety techniques and standard operating protocols that need to be applied. The radiologist will also have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition when reporting on the x-ray projections based on the clinical information supplied on the x-ray request form. The primary objective of this study was to explore and describe the adequacy of completion of x-ray request forms in order to optimise ionising radiographic referrals (x-ray requests) to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations at PHCC’s in NMBHD. A quantitative research design with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach was undertaken. The data was collected using an evaluation form checklist that the radiographer responsible for the requested x-ray examination completed. Data was gathered at all five PHCC’s, offering x-ray services, in the NMBHD by qualified radiographers evaluating the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms using an evaluation form checklist with an online program QuestionPro. Strategies to ensure validity and reliability in the study were undertaken. Ethical principles adhered to included informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality, gaining ethical permission to do the study and approval to enter the research site. The results of the study revealed that none of the 582 x-ray request forms evaluated were adequately completed. The fields on the x-ray request forms that were most frequently completed were the surname, clinical history, examination requested and the referring HCP details all had a total percentage correct completion of 90% and above. The fields most frequently omitted were last menstrual period (LMP) of females of child-bearing age and an indication of previous x-rays. The patient’s age and how to address the patient were also frequently incomplete. The researcher made recommendations to the NMBHD on how the x-ray referral system by means of the x-ray request form could be optimised of in order to increase patient safety during ionising radiographic (x-ray) examinations. Recommendations made to the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) was based on the findings of the research study to ensure optimisation of x-ray requests concerning the completion of the x-ray request forms to ensure patient safety during x-ray examination procedures. Recommendations to the NMBHD were as follows:Education and training, Distribution of guidelines, Keeping a record of HCP’s qualifications, Consent form must be completed for all female patients of child-bearing age, Redesign the current x-ray request form. The researcher also made recommendations for possible future studies which could also increase patient safety during x-ray examinations and were as follows. The researcher suggested that this research could be applied at both public and private hospitals as well as in other health districts in the Eastern Cape to evaluate the adequacy of the completion of the x-ray request forms in the Eastern Cape. The researcher suggested a research study be done at PHCC’s in NMBHD, on the justification and the dose levels used for the frequently requested x-rays. The researcher recommended an accessible health information exchange system for radiography in Port Elizabeth and surrounding health institutions to reduce repeated x-ray requests for patients who visit different health institutions for the same clinical problem. The researcher concluded from the results of the statistical analyses of the study that generally the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms at the PHCC’s in NMBHD was average. Improperly or incomplete fields on the x-ray request forms were observed from the results. Indicating that referring HCP’s at the PHCC’s of NMBHD could optimise the x-ray referral system by means of correct, accurate and comprehensive completion of the x-ray request form to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Phytochemical analysis and biological activity studies of an Eastern Cape medicinal plant, Strychnos Henningsii
- Authors: Mngoma, Mondeli
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22758 , vital:30074
- Description: This project sees the chemical investigation of an Eastern Cape medicinal plant, Strychnos henningsii. The aim of this project was to investigate the phytoconstituents and activity of organic extracts of S. henningsii as well as isolation and characterization of single compounds. S. henningsii is one of the most widely used tree bark in the Eastern Cape in treating a variety of ailments. Evaluation of the traditional herbal use of the S. henningsii bark was warranted. Both the ethyl acetate and methanol extract proved to possess non-toxic properties and showed cell growth potential at low concentrations. The anti-inflammatory response of both extracts showed appreciable results, and they did not promote inflammatory due to the alkaloidal presence. Although the extracts both showed the presence of phenols, the anti-oxidant capacity by DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays was considerately lower than expected. The ethyl acetate extract presented a compound thought to be a terpenoid (4.1). Three compounds were isolated from the methanol extract; two alkaloidal compounds and one acrylate. The alkaloids were isolated from the methanol extract, stryvomicine (4.2) and an isovomicine derivative (4.3). Their structures were deduced from NMR (1D and 2D experiments) and HRMS spectra. This acrylate was found to be 3-(4-methylphenyl)acrylic acid via single-crystal XRD, and this is the first report of it being isolated from the Strychnos genus. Profiling of S. henningsii was performed via Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy. Other spectroscopic techniques utilised in the interpretation of isolated compounds included Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Infrared, single-crystal X-Ray Diffraction and High Resolution Mass spectroscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mngoma, Mondeli
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22758 , vital:30074
- Description: This project sees the chemical investigation of an Eastern Cape medicinal plant, Strychnos henningsii. The aim of this project was to investigate the phytoconstituents and activity of organic extracts of S. henningsii as well as isolation and characterization of single compounds. S. henningsii is one of the most widely used tree bark in the Eastern Cape in treating a variety of ailments. Evaluation of the traditional herbal use of the S. henningsii bark was warranted. Both the ethyl acetate and methanol extract proved to possess non-toxic properties and showed cell growth potential at low concentrations. The anti-inflammatory response of both extracts showed appreciable results, and they did not promote inflammatory due to the alkaloidal presence. Although the extracts both showed the presence of phenols, the anti-oxidant capacity by DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays was considerately lower than expected. The ethyl acetate extract presented a compound thought to be a terpenoid (4.1). Three compounds were isolated from the methanol extract; two alkaloidal compounds and one acrylate. The alkaloids were isolated from the methanol extract, stryvomicine (4.2) and an isovomicine derivative (4.3). Their structures were deduced from NMR (1D and 2D experiments) and HRMS spectra. This acrylate was found to be 3-(4-methylphenyl)acrylic acid via single-crystal XRD, and this is the first report of it being isolated from the Strychnos genus. Profiling of S. henningsii was performed via Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy. Other spectroscopic techniques utilised in the interpretation of isolated compounds included Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Infrared, single-crystal X-Ray Diffraction and High Resolution Mass spectroscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Potable water production from atmospheric vapour using an ejector evacuated solar powered refrigeration system
- Authors: Cawood, John Henry
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar energy , Solar radiation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23481 , vital:30567
- Description: This research project explores the possibility of using solar radiation energy to produce safe liquid water through the condensation of atmospheric water vapour for human consumption, livestock watering and also for small scale high value crop irrigation. The research activities are comprised of a literature study, comparison of similar devices in use, a design and prototyping exercise, a measure of development work to enhance the performance of the prototype and testing in Al-Batinah province in the Sultanate of Oman, where the author is currently on a work assignment. This dissertation describes the research activities performed to answer the following question: ‘Is it possible to economically produce sufficient quantities of liquid water from atmospheric vapour using only heat energy from the sun?’ This question poses a further two questions which need to be answered in the literature study. These are: ‘What is an economical price for clean drinking water?’ and ‘What is a sufficient quantity of water?’ The purpose of producing liquid water from atmospheric water vapour is an attempt to develop the technology to harvest an alternative and almost inexhaustible water source. The reason for requiring a new source of water is due to the fact that the available fresh water resources of the world are diminishing due to pollution, extensive utilisation and salination. Several references indicate that the problem is compounding itself due the increasing demand on a diminishing resource, with deepening negative effects on agriculture1, health2, economy3, industry and lifestyle4. Many future scenarios depict clean water as a scarce and expensive commodity, unaffordable to many. The condensation of atmospheric vapour is not a new concept. The literature study explores historical attempts to achieve this, as well as detailing the shortcomings of contemporary vapour condensation units as the modern state of the art. This survey covers the spectrum from large versions deployed by military and remote area construction operations to produce water for all purposes, to small desktop electrical water producing machines. The focus of the research is on a more environmentally conscious process, attempting to use a simple ejector driven device with sunshine as the energy source and water as the refrigerant. A further environmental enhancement of the concept is that of designing the machine to last for an extremely long working life, thereby diluting the carbon footprint of manufacture over a great number of years. A portion of the research is devoted to the development of a basic model which takes into account the climatic and meteorological variables to accurately predict a water harvest. The development of the model is then used to optimise the process, narrow the variability of assumptions and assist with the design. The model also serves to predict the performance of the unit in other locations under different prevailing climatic conditions. A design specification and a prototype are produced and tested. Finally the design is scrutinised using value engineering principles to reduce cost, effort and environmental impact and also to reduce the overall cost to provide a more economically viable appliance. The prototype device used in this study will use a collector area of 1 square meter, roughly equivalent to 1000 Watts of solar power under ideal conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Cawood, John Henry
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar energy , Solar radiation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23481 , vital:30567
- Description: This research project explores the possibility of using solar radiation energy to produce safe liquid water through the condensation of atmospheric water vapour for human consumption, livestock watering and also for small scale high value crop irrigation. The research activities are comprised of a literature study, comparison of similar devices in use, a design and prototyping exercise, a measure of development work to enhance the performance of the prototype and testing in Al-Batinah province in the Sultanate of Oman, where the author is currently on a work assignment. This dissertation describes the research activities performed to answer the following question: ‘Is it possible to economically produce sufficient quantities of liquid water from atmospheric vapour using only heat energy from the sun?’ This question poses a further two questions which need to be answered in the literature study. These are: ‘What is an economical price for clean drinking water?’ and ‘What is a sufficient quantity of water?’ The purpose of producing liquid water from atmospheric water vapour is an attempt to develop the technology to harvest an alternative and almost inexhaustible water source. The reason for requiring a new source of water is due to the fact that the available fresh water resources of the world are diminishing due to pollution, extensive utilisation and salination. Several references indicate that the problem is compounding itself due the increasing demand on a diminishing resource, with deepening negative effects on agriculture1, health2, economy3, industry and lifestyle4. Many future scenarios depict clean water as a scarce and expensive commodity, unaffordable to many. The condensation of atmospheric vapour is not a new concept. The literature study explores historical attempts to achieve this, as well as detailing the shortcomings of contemporary vapour condensation units as the modern state of the art. This survey covers the spectrum from large versions deployed by military and remote area construction operations to produce water for all purposes, to small desktop electrical water producing machines. The focus of the research is on a more environmentally conscious process, attempting to use a simple ejector driven device with sunshine as the energy source and water as the refrigerant. A further environmental enhancement of the concept is that of designing the machine to last for an extremely long working life, thereby diluting the carbon footprint of manufacture over a great number of years. A portion of the research is devoted to the development of a basic model which takes into account the climatic and meteorological variables to accurately predict a water harvest. The development of the model is then used to optimise the process, narrow the variability of assumptions and assist with the design. The model also serves to predict the performance of the unit in other locations under different prevailing climatic conditions. A design specification and a prototype are produced and tested. Finally the design is scrutinised using value engineering principles to reduce cost, effort and environmental impact and also to reduce the overall cost to provide a more economically viable appliance. The prototype device used in this study will use a collector area of 1 square meter, roughly equivalent to 1000 Watts of solar power under ideal conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The development of armature based ceramics using South African raw materials
- Authors: Luyt, Michelle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pottery -- Research -- South Africa , Pottery craft -- South Africa -- Technique Ceramics in interior decoration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22618 , vital:30028
- Description: The purpose of the research was to develop a procedure by which South African ceramicists can use locally sourced ceramic materials to create armature based art forms, without having to rely on the importation of raw materials. The study also investigated the suitability of wire armatures as well as variable temperature ranges applicable to this investigation. It was found that commercial clay slip bodies purchased from South African suppliers tended to crack when coated over wire armatures during the firing process. It was shown that by substituting South African ceramic raw materials in the John W. Conrad’s C25 casting slip and Jeremy Dubber’s Ascent casting slip formulae with the addition of paper pulp and potassium feldspar, reduced the problem of the clay cracking when applied to wire armatures. The addition of paper fibres gave the clay bodies strong adhesive qualities which allowed the clay them to adhere onto the wire armatures which prevented the dry clay coatings from chipping off prior to and after firing. The addition of potassium feldspar helped with the maturing point of both the clay bodies and helped fuse the clay particles together which strengthened the clay coatings after being fired to their respective maturing temperatures. A further application of hydrochloric acid 30% or Pro Grip Key Coat ® to the three wire armature types, being galvanized binding wire, galvanized diamond mesh and Kanthal wire prior to coating with the above two formulae improved the adhesion of the clay slips to the armatures. This prevented them from the tendency to slide off the wire during the dipping and pouring process and helped eliminate any cracks that formed during the firing process. However, the glazing of the clay slips above proved to be problematic where it was sought as a further enhancement of the clay coated wire armatures. A general-purpose earthenware glaze caused the fired clay coating to crack probably due to the increased tension between the wire, clay body and the glaze. This problem was solved by developing a low firing transparent glaze. Other decorative effects were achieved by the inclusion of 0.5% cobalt oxide into the low firing transparent glaze which produced a blemish free deep blue colour. A further effect was achieved using binding copper wire over the bisque ware and then glazing with the low firing transparent glaze. A smoke firing technique as well an application of a copper oxide wash to the bisque fired ware and then re-firing to the required maturing temperature produced pleasing results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Luyt, Michelle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pottery -- Research -- South Africa , Pottery craft -- South Africa -- Technique Ceramics in interior decoration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22618 , vital:30028
- Description: The purpose of the research was to develop a procedure by which South African ceramicists can use locally sourced ceramic materials to create armature based art forms, without having to rely on the importation of raw materials. The study also investigated the suitability of wire armatures as well as variable temperature ranges applicable to this investigation. It was found that commercial clay slip bodies purchased from South African suppliers tended to crack when coated over wire armatures during the firing process. It was shown that by substituting South African ceramic raw materials in the John W. Conrad’s C25 casting slip and Jeremy Dubber’s Ascent casting slip formulae with the addition of paper pulp and potassium feldspar, reduced the problem of the clay cracking when applied to wire armatures. The addition of paper fibres gave the clay bodies strong adhesive qualities which allowed the clay them to adhere onto the wire armatures which prevented the dry clay coatings from chipping off prior to and after firing. The addition of potassium feldspar helped with the maturing point of both the clay bodies and helped fuse the clay particles together which strengthened the clay coatings after being fired to their respective maturing temperatures. A further application of hydrochloric acid 30% or Pro Grip Key Coat ® to the three wire armature types, being galvanized binding wire, galvanized diamond mesh and Kanthal wire prior to coating with the above two formulae improved the adhesion of the clay slips to the armatures. This prevented them from the tendency to slide off the wire during the dipping and pouring process and helped eliminate any cracks that formed during the firing process. However, the glazing of the clay slips above proved to be problematic where it was sought as a further enhancement of the clay coated wire armatures. A general-purpose earthenware glaze caused the fired clay coating to crack probably due to the increased tension between the wire, clay body and the glaze. This problem was solved by developing a low firing transparent glaze. Other decorative effects were achieved by the inclusion of 0.5% cobalt oxide into the low firing transparent glaze which produced a blemish free deep blue colour. A further effect was achieved using binding copper wire over the bisque ware and then glazing with the low firing transparent glaze. A smoke firing technique as well an application of a copper oxide wash to the bisque fired ware and then re-firing to the required maturing temperature produced pleasing results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of the van Staden wind farm on the power quality of the rural distribution network
- Authors: Venter, Clement
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electric transformers , Wind power Electric power production
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36761 , vital:34051
- Description: Connection of wind farms to weak networks with a typically low X/R and short circuit ratio could result in a larger variation of voltage for corresponding variation in wind farm generation output. This variation in voltage could negatively affect the quality of electrical power in the vicinity of the connected wind farm. The analysis was based on actual on-site measurement data at individual consumers’ point of supply and the effect of the Van Stadens Wind Farm integration as seen by the consumers can be determined. It was found through statistical and correlative analysis that the voltage quality measured at the test sites were not negatively affected by the presence of generation at the Metrowind Van Stadens Wind Farm. The voltage was found to be more negatively affected by the load current drawn by the consumer at the test site and that it is foremost when the loading current was higher. No definitive evidence of an increase in voltage harmonics due to generation output or loading current was found. At two sites it was however found that the 7th order harmonic is eliminated or reduced by an increase in the generation of the wind farm above approximately 20% of maximum output. Power Factory simulations, using the Quasi Dynamic simulation tool, was performed to validate the voltage findings of the on-site power quality measurements and two things were clear from the simulations. Firstly the voltage at the point of connection has a strong negative correlation with the consumer loading current and means that the voltage will usually decrease with an increase in the loading current and vice versa. Secondly, as with the analysis of the on-site measurement results, it can be said that when current is low, then the generation output of the wind farm will have a proportional effect on the voltage. From the findings of the on-site measurements it was concluded that the wind farm did not have a negative effect on the test site consumers in the vicinity and the Power factory simulations confirmed the conclusions on the voltage analysis. It was also concluded that the local consumer load current has a larger effect on the local measured voltage than the generation output of the wind farm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Venter, Clement
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electric transformers , Wind power Electric power production
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36761 , vital:34051
- Description: Connection of wind farms to weak networks with a typically low X/R and short circuit ratio could result in a larger variation of voltage for corresponding variation in wind farm generation output. This variation in voltage could negatively affect the quality of electrical power in the vicinity of the connected wind farm. The analysis was based on actual on-site measurement data at individual consumers’ point of supply and the effect of the Van Stadens Wind Farm integration as seen by the consumers can be determined. It was found through statistical and correlative analysis that the voltage quality measured at the test sites were not negatively affected by the presence of generation at the Metrowind Van Stadens Wind Farm. The voltage was found to be more negatively affected by the load current drawn by the consumer at the test site and that it is foremost when the loading current was higher. No definitive evidence of an increase in voltage harmonics due to generation output or loading current was found. At two sites it was however found that the 7th order harmonic is eliminated or reduced by an increase in the generation of the wind farm above approximately 20% of maximum output. Power Factory simulations, using the Quasi Dynamic simulation tool, was performed to validate the voltage findings of the on-site power quality measurements and two things were clear from the simulations. Firstly the voltage at the point of connection has a strong negative correlation with the consumer loading current and means that the voltage will usually decrease with an increase in the loading current and vice versa. Secondly, as with the analysis of the on-site measurement results, it can be said that when current is low, then the generation output of the wind farm will have a proportional effect on the voltage. From the findings of the on-site measurements it was concluded that the wind farm did not have a negative effect on the test site consumers in the vicinity and the Power factory simulations confirmed the conclusions on the voltage analysis. It was also concluded that the local consumer load current has a larger effect on the local measured voltage than the generation output of the wind farm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The evolution of fashion discourse: examining vogue magazine’s role as fashion authority
- Authors: Wissink, Emma Seline
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fashion -- Research , Fashion -- Forecasting Clothing trade -- Forecasting Advertising -- Fashion Fashion writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36026 , vital:33883
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of Vogue magazine’s role as a fashion authority. The methodology of Foucauldian discourse analysis motivated the enquiry into the establishment of Vogue’s fashion authority over time. The corpus of Vogue’s September Point of View editorials between the period of 1960 and 2015 was divided into four epochs using the period of editorship held by the four editors (Jessica Daves, Diana Vreeland, Grace Mirabella and Anna Wintour). Features of Vogue’s discourse were identified in literature and applied to the corpus using a concurrent embedded mixed methods approach, employing the quantitative and qualitative methods of content and discourse analysis respectively. The analysis suggested that Vogue maintained fashion authority through changing its discourse to suit changes occurring in the field of fashion and the evolving needs and perspectives of the reader. Changes in the way Vogue presents itself; addresses the reader; attributes material, commercial, or intellectual features to fashion; addresses concepts of time and novelty; and negotiates the relationship between American fashion and European or global fashion were the focus of the analysis. The findings conceptualise Vogue’s voice as evolving through the four roles of reporting, fictionalizing, translating and connecting fashion. The shift in Vogue’s voice suggests that the conceptualization of fashion in the publication shifts towards a more abstract and general conception of fashion and reader. The results suggest that Vogue’s fashion discourse shifts from a focus on the specific material features of fashion and craft and the conception of fashion as news and Vogue as a reporter towards a focus on the more abstract, general intellectual and commercial properties of fashion and the conception of fashion as commerce promoting Vogue’s role as a facilitating platform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wissink, Emma Seline
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fashion -- Research , Fashion -- Forecasting Clothing trade -- Forecasting Advertising -- Fashion Fashion writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36026 , vital:33883
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of Vogue magazine’s role as a fashion authority. The methodology of Foucauldian discourse analysis motivated the enquiry into the establishment of Vogue’s fashion authority over time. The corpus of Vogue’s September Point of View editorials between the period of 1960 and 2015 was divided into four epochs using the period of editorship held by the four editors (Jessica Daves, Diana Vreeland, Grace Mirabella and Anna Wintour). Features of Vogue’s discourse were identified in literature and applied to the corpus using a concurrent embedded mixed methods approach, employing the quantitative and qualitative methods of content and discourse analysis respectively. The analysis suggested that Vogue maintained fashion authority through changing its discourse to suit changes occurring in the field of fashion and the evolving needs and perspectives of the reader. Changes in the way Vogue presents itself; addresses the reader; attributes material, commercial, or intellectual features to fashion; addresses concepts of time and novelty; and negotiates the relationship between American fashion and European or global fashion were the focus of the analysis. The findings conceptualise Vogue’s voice as evolving through the four roles of reporting, fictionalizing, translating and connecting fashion. The shift in Vogue’s voice suggests that the conceptualization of fashion in the publication shifts towards a more abstract and general conception of fashion and reader. The results suggest that Vogue’s fashion discourse shifts from a focus on the specific material features of fashion and craft and the conception of fashion as news and Vogue as a reporter towards a focus on the more abstract, general intellectual and commercial properties of fashion and the conception of fashion as commerce promoting Vogue’s role as a facilitating platform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University as a result of excluding international students from the university funding model
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Janine Ingrid
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Student aid -- South Africa Students, Foreign -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23613 , vital:30587
- Description: The higher education sector in South Africa (SA) is currently facing financial constraints due to the admission of an increasing number of students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2015, students started protesting, demanding free higher education (OECD, 2017). In addition, the unstable political situation and declining economic conditions prevailing in the country also contributes to increased financial pressure on the higher education sector. Despite these conditions, it is important for higher education institutions (HEIs) in SA to respond decisively and efficiently without sacrificing their obligation to the neighbouring countries and their international duty as set forth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol (Mello, 2013). The South African government subsidies are an important source of income for universities. The SA government subsidises the international students at the same rate as the South African students (Cilliers, 2017). According to Cilliers (2017), no funding policy is currently available, which excludes the international students from the block grant. The research for this study was guided by the question whether the exclusion of international students’ subsidies from the SA government university funding model could have an adverse financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University. This study was conducted by means of the collection and analysis of secondary quantitative data. The SA government subsidies for the international students enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University for the period 2009 to 2015 were calculated in order to answer the research question. It was concluded that if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies, the financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University could be approximately R64,5 million in the 2017 academic year. The outcome of this study is to enable the policymakers, government officials and university administrators to realise the financial impact on the universities if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies. Although this study focused on the Nelson Mandela University, the impact of the exclusion of the international students from the SA government university funding model would be significant and negative for the universities, international offices, international students and the plans to internationalise teaching, learning and research at the South African universities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Janine Ingrid
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Student aid -- South Africa Students, Foreign -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23613 , vital:30587
- Description: The higher education sector in South Africa (SA) is currently facing financial constraints due to the admission of an increasing number of students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2015, students started protesting, demanding free higher education (OECD, 2017). In addition, the unstable political situation and declining economic conditions prevailing in the country also contributes to increased financial pressure on the higher education sector. Despite these conditions, it is important for higher education institutions (HEIs) in SA to respond decisively and efficiently without sacrificing their obligation to the neighbouring countries and their international duty as set forth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol (Mello, 2013). The South African government subsidies are an important source of income for universities. The SA government subsidises the international students at the same rate as the South African students (Cilliers, 2017). According to Cilliers (2017), no funding policy is currently available, which excludes the international students from the block grant. The research for this study was guided by the question whether the exclusion of international students’ subsidies from the SA government university funding model could have an adverse financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University. This study was conducted by means of the collection and analysis of secondary quantitative data. The SA government subsidies for the international students enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University for the period 2009 to 2015 were calculated in order to answer the research question. It was concluded that if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies, the financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University could be approximately R64,5 million in the 2017 academic year. The outcome of this study is to enable the policymakers, government officials and university administrators to realise the financial impact on the universities if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies. Although this study focused on the Nelson Mandela University, the impact of the exclusion of the international students from the SA government university funding model would be significant and negative for the universities, international offices, international students and the plans to internationalise teaching, learning and research at the South African universities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mazantsana, Pumla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Research , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32741 , vital:32340
- Description: The study investigated the relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend; among a sample of employees in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Since it is a common occurrence that public entities in South Africa are faced with high labour turnover and absenteeism as a result of failure to attend, strategies are required that will assist in reducing this challenging issue. The expectation is that by virtue of the leadership authorities and responsibilities, they play an important in the effective functioning of such public entities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mazantsana, Pumla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Research , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32741 , vital:32340
- Description: The study investigated the relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend; among a sample of employees in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Since it is a common occurrence that public entities in South Africa are faced with high labour turnover and absenteeism as a result of failure to attend, strategies are required that will assist in reducing this challenging issue. The expectation is that by virtue of the leadership authorities and responsibilities, they play an important in the effective functioning of such public entities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The secret life of public sculpture: an explorative case study on what the “voting line” does in Central, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Joy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public art , Public art -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Art and society Sculpture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36750 , vital:34050
- Description: To date, there has been little contemporary academic study on public art in Port Elizabeth. There have however been major art-led urban regeneration projects in the last ten years. This raises the question of what these artworks have been ‘doing’ in their relatively new homes. This study explores the function of the Voting Line, which was commissioned by the Mandela Bay Development Agency and made by Anthony Harris and Konrad Geel. The Voting Line is discussed as a key example of public artwork produced for Route 67. Using a case study design, four different approaches have been applied in this exploratory study. These include: document analysis, observation, interviews and a South African data making process called the Mmogo Method. The findings of this study suggest that the Voting Line is broadly considered as contributing towards nation building; cultural heritage tourism, and developing city identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Joy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public art , Public art -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Art and society Sculpture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36750 , vital:34050
- Description: To date, there has been little contemporary academic study on public art in Port Elizabeth. There have however been major art-led urban regeneration projects in the last ten years. This raises the question of what these artworks have been ‘doing’ in their relatively new homes. This study explores the function of the Voting Line, which was commissioned by the Mandela Bay Development Agency and made by Anthony Harris and Konrad Geel. The Voting Line is discussed as a key example of public artwork produced for Route 67. Using a case study design, four different approaches have been applied in this exploratory study. These include: document analysis, observation, interviews and a South African data making process called the Mmogo Method. The findings of this study suggest that the Voting Line is broadly considered as contributing towards nation building; cultural heritage tourism, and developing city identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of photography as a vehicle for socio-cultural commentary on the stigmatisation of albinism in sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Pragnell, Robyn Monica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photography -- Social aspects , Photography -- Digital techniques Photography -- Research Photography -- Africa Three-dimensional display systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22541 , vital:29998
- Description: This study provides an investigation into the current transition socio-culturally concerned photographers are making from traditional two-dimensional flat imagery, towards three-dimensional materiality based photographic installation artworks. According to Dr. Gillian Rose (2016), larger society is found to be in a state of oculacentrism, where vision and visuals are central to contemporary every day experience, resulting in the medium of photographic expression not being used and experienced by the average person as an art medium at all. So much so that these traditional photographic forms of visual communications have found a decline in visual engagement and subsequently visual impact. In an attempt to combat this change in the relationship between photographic imagery and audiences, select socio-cultural photographers are adopting practices incorporating three-dimensional, immersive installation techniques (Shore, 2014: 7-11), (Lister, 2007: 272). The aim is to provide a three-dimensional installation space, where the audience is encouraged to engage with socio-cultural issues. The study focuses specifically on two sociocultural photographers, Damien Schumann and Angelica Dass, who have communicated socio-cultural stories in this three-dimensional photographic installation space. In order to analyse and derive valuable techniques and approaches from their selected works The Shack (2010) and Humanae (2017) the study combines sections of Dr. Gillian Rose’s Visual Methodologies Framework (2016) as well as installation analysis tools designed by author Mark Rosenthal (2003). The same analytical criteria are then applied to the practical components socio-cultural topic communicating the Stigmatism Towards Persons With Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes having created a three-dimensional photographic installation exhibition using similar techniques identified within the selected artists, moving beyond twodimensional forms to present a combination of three-dimensional techniques for enhanced socio-cultural visual communications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pragnell, Robyn Monica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photography -- Social aspects , Photography -- Digital techniques Photography -- Research Photography -- Africa Three-dimensional display systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22541 , vital:29998
- Description: This study provides an investigation into the current transition socio-culturally concerned photographers are making from traditional two-dimensional flat imagery, towards three-dimensional materiality based photographic installation artworks. According to Dr. Gillian Rose (2016), larger society is found to be in a state of oculacentrism, where vision and visuals are central to contemporary every day experience, resulting in the medium of photographic expression not being used and experienced by the average person as an art medium at all. So much so that these traditional photographic forms of visual communications have found a decline in visual engagement and subsequently visual impact. In an attempt to combat this change in the relationship between photographic imagery and audiences, select socio-cultural photographers are adopting practices incorporating three-dimensional, immersive installation techniques (Shore, 2014: 7-11), (Lister, 2007: 272). The aim is to provide a three-dimensional installation space, where the audience is encouraged to engage with socio-cultural issues. The study focuses specifically on two sociocultural photographers, Damien Schumann and Angelica Dass, who have communicated socio-cultural stories in this three-dimensional photographic installation space. In order to analyse and derive valuable techniques and approaches from their selected works The Shack (2010) and Humanae (2017) the study combines sections of Dr. Gillian Rose’s Visual Methodologies Framework (2016) as well as installation analysis tools designed by author Mark Rosenthal (2003). The same analytical criteria are then applied to the practical components socio-cultural topic communicating the Stigmatism Towards Persons With Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes having created a three-dimensional photographic installation exhibition using similar techniques identified within the selected artists, moving beyond twodimensional forms to present a combination of three-dimensional techniques for enhanced socio-cultural visual communications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The visual communication of environmental awareness issues in Jeff Orlowski's,Chasing Ice (2012) and Yann Arthurs -Bertrand's home (2009)
- Authors: Van der Walt, Nadia Elize
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Visual communication , Environmentalism in motion pictures Documentary films -- History and critism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45547 , vital:38665
- Description: This study presents an investigation into the visual communication complexities within the genre of documentary film, specifically aimed at the development of a set of criteria of cinematic techniques for the visual communication of environmental awareness issues. This process utilises a theoretical approach to understanding the development and communicative possibilities of documentary film, as well as an analytical interpretation structured on semiotic film theory. The theoretical investigation reveals Bill Nichols’ (2010) documentary modes as an established analytical model. This study engages with four of Nichols’ six modes – namely, the poetic, the expository, the observational and the participatory modes, as the criteria for the extraction of scenes and/or images from Chasing Ice (2012) by Jeff Orlowski and Home (2009) by Yann Arthurs-Bertrand. Once Nichols’ modes have been identified, a semiotic reading is conducted. Gillian Rose’s (2016) visual analysis framework underpinned by Pieter J. Fourie’s (1988) sociological approach to film analysis, is utilised to read the selected film texts. A comparative analysis of Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) reveals that the inclusion of different and multiple modes constructs the visualisation of environmental awareness issues in the documentary film genre. The cinematic techniques specific to the documentary modes represented in Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) are appropriated in the construction of three film shorts within the researcher’s documentary film study, Karoo (2017). This combination of theory and practice yields the researcher a considered and informed approach to constructing documentary imagery aimed at visualising the current environment of the Karoo Basin prior to the possibility of shale gas exploration and/or exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Van der Walt, Nadia Elize
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Visual communication , Environmentalism in motion pictures Documentary films -- History and critism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45547 , vital:38665
- Description: This study presents an investigation into the visual communication complexities within the genre of documentary film, specifically aimed at the development of a set of criteria of cinematic techniques for the visual communication of environmental awareness issues. This process utilises a theoretical approach to understanding the development and communicative possibilities of documentary film, as well as an analytical interpretation structured on semiotic film theory. The theoretical investigation reveals Bill Nichols’ (2010) documentary modes as an established analytical model. This study engages with four of Nichols’ six modes – namely, the poetic, the expository, the observational and the participatory modes, as the criteria for the extraction of scenes and/or images from Chasing Ice (2012) by Jeff Orlowski and Home (2009) by Yann Arthurs-Bertrand. Once Nichols’ modes have been identified, a semiotic reading is conducted. Gillian Rose’s (2016) visual analysis framework underpinned by Pieter J. Fourie’s (1988) sociological approach to film analysis, is utilised to read the selected film texts. A comparative analysis of Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) reveals that the inclusion of different and multiple modes constructs the visualisation of environmental awareness issues in the documentary film genre. The cinematic techniques specific to the documentary modes represented in Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) are appropriated in the construction of three film shorts within the researcher’s documentary film study, Karoo (2017). This combination of theory and practice yields the researcher a considered and informed approach to constructing documentary imagery aimed at visualising the current environment of the Karoo Basin prior to the possibility of shale gas exploration and/or exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Urban agriculture in Nelson Mandela Bay: a case study
- Authors: Philander, Bronwyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34318 , vital:33301
- Description: Urban agriculture has gained importance due to the rise of both urban poverty and unemployment. In countries such as Malaysia, urban agriculture addresses food security by providing urban dwellers with access to nutritious, safe and cost-effective food. The rising food prices and unemployment in South Africa have put food security of the urban poor in a precarious position and whilst the benefits of urban agriculture have been researched, the main problem identified was that residents in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) were not practising urban agriculture. Thus, this study aims to identify the enablers and barriers of urban agriculture in NMB. The positivism paradigm was adopted for this study. The study was an exploratory study and used Holland Park as a case study. Holland Park is situated in the centre of the city of Port Elizabeth, also known as NMB and is surrounded by Mercantile Hospital, Aspen Pharmaceutical Company, Mondelez International (previously Cadbury) and Morewag Primary School. It falls within ward seven namely the Greenacres/North End cluster of the Nelson Mandela Bay geographical area. This area consists of approximately 1189 residents and most women are housewives. This area was chosen due to the high rate of unemployment amongst women. A sample of 300 was drawn from residents in Holland Park. The selection of the respondents was based on convenience sampling. A cross sectional study was conducted and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The measuring instrument used an existing questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using construct validity and internal reliability. Exploratory factor analysis was undertaken and six factors were extracted, namely attitude, food availability, lifestyle, awareness, perceptions and knowledge. These factors were thus identified as the enablers and barriers of urban agriculture. Data collected were subject to several statistical analyses – these included both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s product moment correlations were conducted and findings revealed that all factors except food availability are significantly and positively correlated to the dependent variable, urban agriculture. In addition, food availability showed a negative correlation and a high positive correlation was reported between urban agriculture and knowledge. Hereafter, multiple regression analysis was performed, to identify the strength of the effect that the independent variables, namely attitude, food availability, awareness, lifestyle, perceptions and knowledge have on the dependent variable, urban agriculture. This allowed the researcher to make conclusions as to whether the independent variables are enablers or barriers, depending on the strength of effect. Thus, the enablers identified for this study were attitude, lifestyle and perceptions. These factors were all positive and significantly related to urban agriculture. Food availability was negatively related to urban agriculture, indicating that the more residents had food available, the less they would practise or participate in urban agriculture. Thus, food availability was found to be a barrier to practising urban agriculture in NMB. Finally, awareness and knowledge (under multiple regression analysis) appeared to have not been significantly related to urban agriculture – as such it was insignificant and could not be regarded an enabler nor a barrier. In order to establish whether relationships existed between the demographic factors (age, gender, qualification, employment status and being a breadwinner) and the independent variables (attitude, food availability, lifestyle, awareness, knowledge and perceptions) investigated in this study, an analysis of variance was undertaken. The results indicated that gender, employment status and being a breadwinner were not related to any of the factors. However, qualification had a significant relationship with attitude (p<0.000), awareness (p<0.004), knowledge (p<0.040) and perceptions (p<0.000), indicating that residents who had a post-matric qualification indicated a positive attitude towards urban agriculture and were more aware of the benefits of urban agriculture towards one’s health and the environment. Findings also revealed that having a post-matric qualification influenced residents’ knowledge with regard to growing food in a sustainable manner, such as using recyclable materials (as holding containers) when practising urban agriculture. In addition, having a post-matric qualification influenced residents’ perceptions regarding urban agriculture, these related to teaching children the importance of gardening (amongst others). In conclusion, findings indicated that residents had an interest in urban agriculture and had some knowledge with regard to growing their own fruit and vegetables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Philander, Bronwyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34318 , vital:33301
- Description: Urban agriculture has gained importance due to the rise of both urban poverty and unemployment. In countries such as Malaysia, urban agriculture addresses food security by providing urban dwellers with access to nutritious, safe and cost-effective food. The rising food prices and unemployment in South Africa have put food security of the urban poor in a precarious position and whilst the benefits of urban agriculture have been researched, the main problem identified was that residents in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) were not practising urban agriculture. Thus, this study aims to identify the enablers and barriers of urban agriculture in NMB. The positivism paradigm was adopted for this study. The study was an exploratory study and used Holland Park as a case study. Holland Park is situated in the centre of the city of Port Elizabeth, also known as NMB and is surrounded by Mercantile Hospital, Aspen Pharmaceutical Company, Mondelez International (previously Cadbury) and Morewag Primary School. It falls within ward seven namely the Greenacres/North End cluster of the Nelson Mandela Bay geographical area. This area consists of approximately 1189 residents and most women are housewives. This area was chosen due to the high rate of unemployment amongst women. A sample of 300 was drawn from residents in Holland Park. The selection of the respondents was based on convenience sampling. A cross sectional study was conducted and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The measuring instrument used an existing questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using construct validity and internal reliability. Exploratory factor analysis was undertaken and six factors were extracted, namely attitude, food availability, lifestyle, awareness, perceptions and knowledge. These factors were thus identified as the enablers and barriers of urban agriculture. Data collected were subject to several statistical analyses – these included both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s product moment correlations were conducted and findings revealed that all factors except food availability are significantly and positively correlated to the dependent variable, urban agriculture. In addition, food availability showed a negative correlation and a high positive correlation was reported between urban agriculture and knowledge. Hereafter, multiple regression analysis was performed, to identify the strength of the effect that the independent variables, namely attitude, food availability, awareness, lifestyle, perceptions and knowledge have on the dependent variable, urban agriculture. This allowed the researcher to make conclusions as to whether the independent variables are enablers or barriers, depending on the strength of effect. Thus, the enablers identified for this study were attitude, lifestyle and perceptions. These factors were all positive and significantly related to urban agriculture. Food availability was negatively related to urban agriculture, indicating that the more residents had food available, the less they would practise or participate in urban agriculture. Thus, food availability was found to be a barrier to practising urban agriculture in NMB. Finally, awareness and knowledge (under multiple regression analysis) appeared to have not been significantly related to urban agriculture – as such it was insignificant and could not be regarded an enabler nor a barrier. In order to establish whether relationships existed between the demographic factors (age, gender, qualification, employment status and being a breadwinner) and the independent variables (attitude, food availability, lifestyle, awareness, knowledge and perceptions) investigated in this study, an analysis of variance was undertaken. The results indicated that gender, employment status and being a breadwinner were not related to any of the factors. However, qualification had a significant relationship with attitude (p<0.000), awareness (p<0.004), knowledge (p<0.040) and perceptions (p<0.000), indicating that residents who had a post-matric qualification indicated a positive attitude towards urban agriculture and were more aware of the benefits of urban agriculture towards one’s health and the environment. Findings also revealed that having a post-matric qualification influenced residents’ knowledge with regard to growing food in a sustainable manner, such as using recyclable materials (as holding containers) when practising urban agriculture. In addition, having a post-matric qualification influenced residents’ perceptions regarding urban agriculture, these related to teaching children the importance of gardening (amongst others). In conclusion, findings indicated that residents had an interest in urban agriculture and had some knowledge with regard to growing their own fruit and vegetables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A profile of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Vellem, Masixole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cost accounting , Budget Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13568 , vital:27239
- Description: Activity-based costing is a cost allocation method which appears to have many benefits when compared to traditional costing systems. However, there is limited academic research demonstrating this superiority. There is thus a need to investigate and profile the characteristics of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems. The main objective of this study was to profile and compare the characteristics of companies in Nelson Mandela Bay that use the activity-based costing system, versus those using traditional costing methods. The research methodology used for this research study is descriptive and quantitative, using various techniques for data analysis. An electronic internet based questionnaire was distributed to companies and the response automatically recorded for analysis with the help of Nelson Mandela University statistics department. The findings of the empirical study revealed that most (38%) of the respondents use a combination of both activity-based costing and traditional costing methods, followed by traditional costing methods (35%), and purely activity-based costing (27%). Data analysis revealed that companies in construction and manufacturing seemed to prefer activity-based costing over traditional costing methods. The findings raise the question as to whether the preference in cost allocation methods is based solely on the benefits of cost allocation, lack of new knowledge, adaptability within companies, or cost of change versus the benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vellem, Masixole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cost accounting , Budget Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13568 , vital:27239
- Description: Activity-based costing is a cost allocation method which appears to have many benefits when compared to traditional costing systems. However, there is limited academic research demonstrating this superiority. There is thus a need to investigate and profile the characteristics of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems. The main objective of this study was to profile and compare the characteristics of companies in Nelson Mandela Bay that use the activity-based costing system, versus those using traditional costing methods. The research methodology used for this research study is descriptive and quantitative, using various techniques for data analysis. An electronic internet based questionnaire was distributed to companies and the response automatically recorded for analysis with the help of Nelson Mandela University statistics department. The findings of the empirical study revealed that most (38%) of the respondents use a combination of both activity-based costing and traditional costing methods, followed by traditional costing methods (35%), and purely activity-based costing (27%). Data analysis revealed that companies in construction and manufacturing seemed to prefer activity-based costing over traditional costing methods. The findings raise the question as to whether the preference in cost allocation methods is based solely on the benefits of cost allocation, lack of new knowledge, adaptability within companies, or cost of change versus the benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of procurement and administration in the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Developing end-user requirements for the design of an eProcurement portal
- Authors: Du Preez, Pedro Gordon
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: End-user computing , Government purchasing -- South Africa Business information services Management information systems Business logistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33272 , vital:32628
- Description: During the 2015 South African budget speech, the country was made aware of the proposed changes to be introduced to the tendering process. These changes were to be implemented from 1 April 2015 and were to span over two years. The changes were to facilitate the transition of the tendering process from a paper- based system to a completely digital process, where the majority of the processes will take place on an eProcurement portal (www.etenders.gov.za). This means that businesses will be obligated to use the portal, in order to access tender opportunities and ultimately, to submit tenders on this portal, with the phasing out of all paper-based tender processes. If the portal is to succeed it has to be well adopted by its users. If the portal is not adopted or is used incorrectly, businesses might struggle to access tender opportunities for their business. This research searches to address this problem by helping the users of this portal to gain efficient and effective access to tendering opportunities, through finding and developing user requirements for successful adoption from a user experience perspective. The primary objective of this research is to develop end-user requirements for the design of an eProcurement portal. To achieve this, a general understanding of the legal policies in place for tendering is necessary, as well as a first-hand experience of the users. Case study research methodology and a mixed method approach are used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. The case study is conducted in the Eastern Cape and directed at business within the construction sector that do tender, as this research is only focusing on the end user and their roles within the tendering process and not on the government internal tendering processes. The outcome of this research is to offer a list of user requirements that can be used within the design of the eProcurement portal that will function as valuable material towards the adoption and effectiveness of the eProcurement portal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Du Preez, Pedro Gordon
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: End-user computing , Government purchasing -- South Africa Business information services Management information systems Business logistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33272 , vital:32628
- Description: During the 2015 South African budget speech, the country was made aware of the proposed changes to be introduced to the tendering process. These changes were to be implemented from 1 April 2015 and were to span over two years. The changes were to facilitate the transition of the tendering process from a paper- based system to a completely digital process, where the majority of the processes will take place on an eProcurement portal (www.etenders.gov.za). This means that businesses will be obligated to use the portal, in order to access tender opportunities and ultimately, to submit tenders on this portal, with the phasing out of all paper-based tender processes. If the portal is to succeed it has to be well adopted by its users. If the portal is not adopted or is used incorrectly, businesses might struggle to access tender opportunities for their business. This research searches to address this problem by helping the users of this portal to gain efficient and effective access to tendering opportunities, through finding and developing user requirements for successful adoption from a user experience perspective. The primary objective of this research is to develop end-user requirements for the design of an eProcurement portal. To achieve this, a general understanding of the legal policies in place for tendering is necessary, as well as a first-hand experience of the users. Case study research methodology and a mixed method approach are used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. The case study is conducted in the Eastern Cape and directed at business within the construction sector that do tender, as this research is only focusing on the end user and their roles within the tendering process and not on the government internal tendering processes. The outcome of this research is to offer a list of user requirements that can be used within the design of the eProcurement portal that will function as valuable material towards the adoption and effectiveness of the eProcurement portal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluation of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the nutrient composition of raw materials and compound ostrich feeds
- Swart, Etheresia, Lehmann-Maritz, Maryna
- Authors: Swart, Etheresia , Lehmann-Maritz, Maryna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Near infrared spectroscopy , Animal nutrition , Animal feeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13779 , vital:27307
- Description: The chemical analysis of feed samples can be time consuming and expensive. The use of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated in a range of studies as a rapid technique to predict the chemical constituents in feedstuffs and compound ostrich feeds. The prediction of accurate results by NIR spectroscopy relies heavily upon obtaining a calibration set which represents the variation in the main population, accurate laboratory analyses and the application of the best mathematical procedures. This research project was designed to meet five objectives: The first objective was to determine the feasibility of using near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to predict dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, oil content, and fatty acids such as palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) in sunflower seed meal. The second objective was to develop calibration models to predict the dry matter, crude protein and oil content in milled canola seed, compared to whole canola seeds. The third objective was to investigate the feasibility of using NIR spectroscopy to predict the dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre and oil content in milled lupin seeds, compared to whole lupin seeds. The fourth objective was to describe the development of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy calibration equations for the prediction of chemical composition and amino acid content from different populations of alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa L.). The last objective was to determine the potential of NIR spectroscopy to predict the dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), calcium, phosphorus, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine and arginine in compound ostrich feed samples. The results of this study indicate that NIR spectroscopy calibrations in sunflower seed meal are only applicable in sunflower breeding programmes for a fast screening as it was not suitable for prediction purposes. Screening of sunflower seeds by NIR spectroscopy represents a rapid, simple and cost effective alternative that is a great utility for users who need to analyse a large number of samples. Calibrations developed for crude protein and oil content in milled canola seeds proved to be better than calibrations for whole canola seeds. Although the results indicated that calibrations were better for milled canola seeds, it indicated values that were typical of equations suitable for screening purposes to select samples for more detailed chemical analysis. According to calibration statistics obtained for crude protein, crude fibre and oil content in whole lupin seeds, there is no need to grind the seeds to scan the meal as similarly accurate results were obtained by analysing whole seeds. Screening of whole lupin seeds by NIR spectroscopy represents a rapid, simple and cost effective alternative that may be of great utility for users who need to analyse a large number of samples with no sample preparation. The calibration and validation statistics obtained in the study to test the potential of NIR spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition and amino acid contents in alfalfa hay, showed the accuracy was too low for routine analysis, although NIR spectroscopy could be used as a screening tool. Further research needs to be done to improve the accuracy of the NIR spectroscopy analysis, including more samples from different cultivars and years. In the study to examine the possibility of using NIR spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition of compound ostrich feeds, the results indicated that NIR spectroscopy is a suitable tool for a rapid and reliable prediction of the crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, IVOMD, ADF and NDF in compound ostrich feeds. Calibrations can be improved for amino acids if a larger sample pool is used to develop the calibrations. These studies indicated that NIR spectroscopy can be a rapid and successful tool for the prediction of the nutritive value up to certain amino acid contents of feedstuffs and compound ostrich feeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Swart, Etheresia , Lehmann-Maritz, Maryna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Near infrared spectroscopy , Animal nutrition , Animal feeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13779 , vital:27307
- Description: The chemical analysis of feed samples can be time consuming and expensive. The use of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated in a range of studies as a rapid technique to predict the chemical constituents in feedstuffs and compound ostrich feeds. The prediction of accurate results by NIR spectroscopy relies heavily upon obtaining a calibration set which represents the variation in the main population, accurate laboratory analyses and the application of the best mathematical procedures. This research project was designed to meet five objectives: The first objective was to determine the feasibility of using near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to predict dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, oil content, and fatty acids such as palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) in sunflower seed meal. The second objective was to develop calibration models to predict the dry matter, crude protein and oil content in milled canola seed, compared to whole canola seeds. The third objective was to investigate the feasibility of using NIR spectroscopy to predict the dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre and oil content in milled lupin seeds, compared to whole lupin seeds. The fourth objective was to describe the development of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy calibration equations for the prediction of chemical composition and amino acid content from different populations of alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa L.). The last objective was to determine the potential of NIR spectroscopy to predict the dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), calcium, phosphorus, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine and arginine in compound ostrich feed samples. The results of this study indicate that NIR spectroscopy calibrations in sunflower seed meal are only applicable in sunflower breeding programmes for a fast screening as it was not suitable for prediction purposes. Screening of sunflower seeds by NIR spectroscopy represents a rapid, simple and cost effective alternative that is a great utility for users who need to analyse a large number of samples. Calibrations developed for crude protein and oil content in milled canola seeds proved to be better than calibrations for whole canola seeds. Although the results indicated that calibrations were better for milled canola seeds, it indicated values that were typical of equations suitable for screening purposes to select samples for more detailed chemical analysis. According to calibration statistics obtained for crude protein, crude fibre and oil content in whole lupin seeds, there is no need to grind the seeds to scan the meal as similarly accurate results were obtained by analysing whole seeds. Screening of whole lupin seeds by NIR spectroscopy represents a rapid, simple and cost effective alternative that may be of great utility for users who need to analyse a large number of samples with no sample preparation. The calibration and validation statistics obtained in the study to test the potential of NIR spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition and amino acid contents in alfalfa hay, showed the accuracy was too low for routine analysis, although NIR spectroscopy could be used as a screening tool. Further research needs to be done to improve the accuracy of the NIR spectroscopy analysis, including more samples from different cultivars and years. In the study to examine the possibility of using NIR spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition of compound ostrich feeds, the results indicated that NIR spectroscopy is a suitable tool for a rapid and reliable prediction of the crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, IVOMD, ADF and NDF in compound ostrich feeds. Calibrations can be improved for amino acids if a larger sample pool is used to develop the calibrations. These studies indicated that NIR spectroscopy can be a rapid and successful tool for the prediction of the nutritive value up to certain amino acid contents of feedstuffs and compound ostrich feeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Financial inclusion in South Africa
- Authors: Abrahams, Rayghana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa Finance -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13579 , vital:27240
- Description: The research for this study was guided by the question on whether the financial inclusion improvement strategies of the South African government adequately address the financial inclusion targets, as set out in the National Development Plan. This descriptive non-empirical study was conducted by means of a literature review. The secondary data used for the study were collected from a number of sources, namely: (i) the 2015 Brookings Financial and Digital Inclusion Project report; (ii) the 2014 Global Findex survey; (iii) the InterMedia surveys; (iv) Financial Access surveys; (v) various national FinScope surveys; and (iv) a number of working papers of the World Bank related to financial inclusion. The data revealed that South Africa, with its sophisticated financial sector, was early to adopt policies and initiatives to advance financial inclusion and the country has experienced a noticeable increase in financial inclusion from 61% in 2004 to 87% in 2015. South Africa is 3% away from its National Development Plan goal of 90% financial inclusion by 2030. This indicates that overall, the financial inclusion initiatives adopted by the South African government were successful.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Abrahams, Rayghana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa Finance -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13579 , vital:27240
- Description: The research for this study was guided by the question on whether the financial inclusion improvement strategies of the South African government adequately address the financial inclusion targets, as set out in the National Development Plan. This descriptive non-empirical study was conducted by means of a literature review. The secondary data used for the study were collected from a number of sources, namely: (i) the 2015 Brookings Financial and Digital Inclusion Project report; (ii) the 2014 Global Findex survey; (iii) the InterMedia surveys; (iv) Financial Access surveys; (v) various national FinScope surveys; and (iv) a number of working papers of the World Bank related to financial inclusion. The data revealed that South Africa, with its sophisticated financial sector, was early to adopt policies and initiatives to advance financial inclusion and the country has experienced a noticeable increase in financial inclusion from 61% in 2004 to 87% in 2015. South Africa is 3% away from its National Development Plan goal of 90% financial inclusion by 2030. This indicates that overall, the financial inclusion initiatives adopted by the South African government were successful.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology department in Malawi
- Nyirenda, Denis Charles Glad
- Authors: Nyirenda, Denis Charles Glad
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiologic technologists , Radiography, Medical -- Practice Cross infection -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47848 , vital:40387
- Description: Infection control is an essential cornerstone of clinical care at all healthcare settings. The changing pattern of infections emphasises the need for all healthcare workers, including radiographers, to implement and strictly adhere to standard infection control precautions (SICP) that will protect both patients and healthcare workers from healthcare associated infections (HAIs). However, implementing SICP can be difficult, especially if radiographers do not have adequate knowledge, and skilled practices, in infection control. As a practicing radiographer and a health educator, the researcher observed that there were discrepancies regarding implementation of SICP by radiographers in Malawi. No study has been conducted to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in Malawi. There are also no infection control guidelines. These gaps led to this study being conducted. The aim of the study was to explore, and describe, knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in government referral hospitals in Malawi in order to develop a draft guideline for infection control to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in these departments. The study took place in four government referral hospitals and followed a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first one a self-administered questionnaire was used to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The second one included the development of a draft guideline for infection control in order to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. In phase one, the research population consisted of 80 permanently employed radiographers. A census sampling method was used to select 62 respondents. The data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review. Some questions were adapted from an existing questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It had four parts: demographic information (Part A), knowledge regarding infection control (Part B), practices regarding infection control (Part C), and additional relevant information (Part D). Descriptive and inferential statistics, with the help of a statistician, were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that radiographers had average knowledge and practice in terms of infection control. The results revealed a significant association between age and knowledge (P<0.05). In phase two, a draft guideline was developed. The guideline’s content is based on 20 gaps identified in phase one of the study, as well as literature. The draft guideline consists of seven sets of recommendations: hand hygiene, personal hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of sharps and sharp containers, decontamination and cleaning, housekeeping, and routine infection control practices. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical considerations were considered throughout the study. Respect for persons, beneficence and justice were adhered to. The study is the first in the field of radiography in Malawi. Results of this study should contribute to the body of knowledge of radiography practice. The results are to be used to inform practicing radiographers, heads of departments, the Ministry of Health and Population, and other health practitioners about the current practices and knowledge of radiographers in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The draft guideline should facilitate sound knowledge and practices regarding infection control among practicing radiographers in these departments. Recommendations include further development and implementation of the draft guideline, and radiography education and development of further research on infection control in the radiography profession, specifically in the African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyirenda, Denis Charles Glad
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiologic technologists , Radiography, Medical -- Practice Cross infection -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47848 , vital:40387
- Description: Infection control is an essential cornerstone of clinical care at all healthcare settings. The changing pattern of infections emphasises the need for all healthcare workers, including radiographers, to implement and strictly adhere to standard infection control precautions (SICP) that will protect both patients and healthcare workers from healthcare associated infections (HAIs). However, implementing SICP can be difficult, especially if radiographers do not have adequate knowledge, and skilled practices, in infection control. As a practicing radiographer and a health educator, the researcher observed that there were discrepancies regarding implementation of SICP by radiographers in Malawi. No study has been conducted to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in Malawi. There are also no infection control guidelines. These gaps led to this study being conducted. The aim of the study was to explore, and describe, knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in government referral hospitals in Malawi in order to develop a draft guideline for infection control to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in these departments. The study took place in four government referral hospitals and followed a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first one a self-administered questionnaire was used to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The second one included the development of a draft guideline for infection control in order to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. In phase one, the research population consisted of 80 permanently employed radiographers. A census sampling method was used to select 62 respondents. The data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review. Some questions were adapted from an existing questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It had four parts: demographic information (Part A), knowledge regarding infection control (Part B), practices regarding infection control (Part C), and additional relevant information (Part D). Descriptive and inferential statistics, with the help of a statistician, were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that radiographers had average knowledge and practice in terms of infection control. The results revealed a significant association between age and knowledge (P<0.05). In phase two, a draft guideline was developed. The guideline’s content is based on 20 gaps identified in phase one of the study, as well as literature. The draft guideline consists of seven sets of recommendations: hand hygiene, personal hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of sharps and sharp containers, decontamination and cleaning, housekeeping, and routine infection control practices. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical considerations were considered throughout the study. Respect for persons, beneficence and justice were adhered to. The study is the first in the field of radiography in Malawi. Results of this study should contribute to the body of knowledge of radiography practice. The results are to be used to inform practicing radiographers, heads of departments, the Ministry of Health and Population, and other health practitioners about the current practices and knowledge of radiographers in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The draft guideline should facilitate sound knowledge and practices regarding infection control among practicing radiographers in these departments. Recommendations include further development and implementation of the draft guideline, and radiography education and development of further research on infection control in the radiography profession, specifically in the African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Towards a framework for the integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula
- Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina, Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Authors: Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina , Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Study and teaching , Computer security -- Study and teaching Educational technology Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13691 , vital:27296
- Description: Information is an important and valuable asset, in both our everyday lives and in various organisations. Information is subject to numerous threats, these can originate internally or externally to the organisation and could be accidental, intentional or caused by natural disasters. As an important organisational asset, information should be appropriately protected from threats and threat agents regardless of their origin. Organisational employees are, however, often cited as the “weakest link” in the attempt to protect organisational information systems and related information assets. Additionally to this, employees are one of the biggest and closest threat-agents to an organisation’s information systems and its security. Upon graduating, computing (Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology) graduates typically become organisational employees. Within organisations, computing graduates often take on roles and responsibilities that involve designing, developing, implementing, upgrading and maintaining the information systems that store, process and transmit organisational information assets. It is, therefore, important that these computing graduates possess the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding that could enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities in a secure manner. These information security skills, knowledge and understanding can be acquired through information security education obtained through a qualification that is offered at a higher education institution. At many higher education institutions where information security is taught, it is taught as a single, isolated module at the fourth year level of study. The problem with this is that some computing students do not advance to this level and many of those that do, do not elect information security as a module. This means that these students may graduate and be employed by organisations lacking the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. Consequently, this could increase the number of employees who are the “weakest link” in securing organisational information systems and related information assets. The ACM, as a key role player that provides educational guidelines for the development of computing curricula, recommends that information security should be pervasively integrated into computing curricula. However, these guidelines and recommendations do not provide sufficient guidance on “how” computing educators can pervasively integrate information security into their modules. Therefore, the problem identified by this research is that “currently, no generally used framework exists to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula”. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop a framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In order to meet this objective, secondary objectives were met, namely: To develop an understanding of the importance of information security; to determine the importance of information security education as it relates to undergraduate computing curricula; and to determine computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Various research methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. These research methods included a literature review which was used to define and provide an in-depth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: information security and information security education. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of semi-structured interviews supported by a questionnaire, was used to elicit computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In addition, modelling techniques were used to model the proposed framework and scenarios were used to demonstrate how a computing department could implement the proposed framework. Finally, elite interviews supported by a questionnaire were conducted to validate the proposed framework. It is envisaged that the proposed framework could assist computing departments and undergraduate computing educators in the integration of information security into their curricula. Furthermore, the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula could ensure that computing graduates exit higher education institutions possessing the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. It is hoped that this could enable computing graduates to become a stronger link in securing organisational information systems and related assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina , Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Study and teaching , Computer security -- Study and teaching Educational technology Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13691 , vital:27296
- Description: Information is an important and valuable asset, in both our everyday lives and in various organisations. Information is subject to numerous threats, these can originate internally or externally to the organisation and could be accidental, intentional or caused by natural disasters. As an important organisational asset, information should be appropriately protected from threats and threat agents regardless of their origin. Organisational employees are, however, often cited as the “weakest link” in the attempt to protect organisational information systems and related information assets. Additionally to this, employees are one of the biggest and closest threat-agents to an organisation’s information systems and its security. Upon graduating, computing (Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology) graduates typically become organisational employees. Within organisations, computing graduates often take on roles and responsibilities that involve designing, developing, implementing, upgrading and maintaining the information systems that store, process and transmit organisational information assets. It is, therefore, important that these computing graduates possess the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding that could enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities in a secure manner. These information security skills, knowledge and understanding can be acquired through information security education obtained through a qualification that is offered at a higher education institution. At many higher education institutions where information security is taught, it is taught as a single, isolated module at the fourth year level of study. The problem with this is that some computing students do not advance to this level and many of those that do, do not elect information security as a module. This means that these students may graduate and be employed by organisations lacking the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. Consequently, this could increase the number of employees who are the “weakest link” in securing organisational information systems and related information assets. The ACM, as a key role player that provides educational guidelines for the development of computing curricula, recommends that information security should be pervasively integrated into computing curricula. However, these guidelines and recommendations do not provide sufficient guidance on “how” computing educators can pervasively integrate information security into their modules. Therefore, the problem identified by this research is that “currently, no generally used framework exists to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula”. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop a framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In order to meet this objective, secondary objectives were met, namely: To develop an understanding of the importance of information security; to determine the importance of information security education as it relates to undergraduate computing curricula; and to determine computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Various research methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. These research methods included a literature review which was used to define and provide an in-depth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: information security and information security education. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of semi-structured interviews supported by a questionnaire, was used to elicit computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In addition, modelling techniques were used to model the proposed framework and scenarios were used to demonstrate how a computing department could implement the proposed framework. Finally, elite interviews supported by a questionnaire were conducted to validate the proposed framework. It is envisaged that the proposed framework could assist computing departments and undergraduate computing educators in the integration of information security into their curricula. Furthermore, the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula could ensure that computing graduates exit higher education institutions possessing the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. It is hoped that this could enable computing graduates to become a stronger link in securing organisational information systems and related assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Work-readiness of university graduates: a professional accounting educational expectation gap in South Africa
- Authors: Schoeman, Lynn Antoinette
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Accountants -- Employment -- South Africa -- Students , College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa School-to-work transition -- South Africa Employability -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20455 , vital:29288
- Description: The constant change in the business environment versus the curriculum content of accounting educational programmes result in a possible gap between the competencies gained by students who complete their degree qualifications compared to the expectations of employers of these entering trainee accountants. However, the universities do endeavour to teach students the syllabus that will provide them with sufficient information and skills to be able to complete the tasks expected from them without much learning following university. Universities face increasing pressure to ensure graduates are equipped with the right employability skills (Osmani, Weerakkody & Hindi, 2017) yet literature show that graduates entering the workforce are not sufficiently equipped with all the necessary non-technical skills required by the accounting profession (Fouché, 2013). The research for this study was guided by the question whether universities sufficiently prepare entering trainee accountants with regards to work-readiness skills and whether a gap exists between the level of work-readiness skills expected by employers in professional accounting practice, and the actual level of capability of these skills transferred through the formal professional accounting educational programmes offered by universities in South Africa. Published literature reviewed on the work-readiness of graduates showed that an educational gap could exist between the skills required by employees and the skills that entering trainee accountants possess. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from supervisors and/or coordinators from Accredited Training Centres (ATCs) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Region of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) on their perception of the level of capability expected of entering trainee accountants. The findings of this study showed that the universities provide entering trainee accountants with sufficient knowledge insofar as their technical abilities are concerned. However, employers perceive entering trainee accountants‟ capabilities in terms of their work-readiness skills, as insufficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Schoeman, Lynn Antoinette
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Accountants -- Employment -- South Africa -- Students , College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa School-to-work transition -- South Africa Employability -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20455 , vital:29288
- Description: The constant change in the business environment versus the curriculum content of accounting educational programmes result in a possible gap between the competencies gained by students who complete their degree qualifications compared to the expectations of employers of these entering trainee accountants. However, the universities do endeavour to teach students the syllabus that will provide them with sufficient information and skills to be able to complete the tasks expected from them without much learning following university. Universities face increasing pressure to ensure graduates are equipped with the right employability skills (Osmani, Weerakkody & Hindi, 2017) yet literature show that graduates entering the workforce are not sufficiently equipped with all the necessary non-technical skills required by the accounting profession (Fouché, 2013). The research for this study was guided by the question whether universities sufficiently prepare entering trainee accountants with regards to work-readiness skills and whether a gap exists between the level of work-readiness skills expected by employers in professional accounting practice, and the actual level of capability of these skills transferred through the formal professional accounting educational programmes offered by universities in South Africa. Published literature reviewed on the work-readiness of graduates showed that an educational gap could exist between the skills required by employees and the skills that entering trainee accountants possess. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from supervisors and/or coordinators from Accredited Training Centres (ATCs) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Region of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) on their perception of the level of capability expected of entering trainee accountants. The findings of this study showed that the universities provide entering trainee accountants with sufficient knowledge insofar as their technical abilities are concerned. However, employers perceive entering trainee accountants‟ capabilities in terms of their work-readiness skills, as insufficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017