"A lean-led-evaluation" of infrastructure development improvement programme in South Africa
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44535 , vital:38131
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44535 , vital:38131
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Construction material logistics management: the case of North-Central Nigeria
- Authors: Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44556 , vital:38132
- Description: The Management of Construction Material Logistics Systems plays a significant role in meeting the goals of cost, quality and time to completion of a construction project. Fundamentally, it is accepted that any inefficiency in the delivery of construction material could lead to a time overrun and thus, a rise in construction costs. Therefore addressing the operational performance of logistics would have a positive impact on the goals of a construction project. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the operational performance of material logistics in North-Central Nigeria as there is little specific research conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted on ten quantitative approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm, and purposive sampling techniques, was adopted. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed, and the findings and interpretations presented through graphs and images. Analysis of the findings led to the conclusion that material logistics did not operate as a system. There was almost no collaboration and integration of the logistics systems to create a synergistic interrelationship between functions in pursuit of higher overall effectiveness and efficiency. Improvement was needed in warehouse and transport operations and processes; technology and automation of logistics operations were absent, and delivery of material to customers was not effective. The implication was that the current materials logistics system did not meet the delivery goals of cost, quality and time of a construction project. The recommendations suggested included the adoption of the framework developed in this study. This would serve as a guide towards effective and efficient logistics management for material manufacturing firms, and for construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44556 , vital:38132
- Description: The Management of Construction Material Logistics Systems plays a significant role in meeting the goals of cost, quality and time to completion of a construction project. Fundamentally, it is accepted that any inefficiency in the delivery of construction material could lead to a time overrun and thus, a rise in construction costs. Therefore addressing the operational performance of logistics would have a positive impact on the goals of a construction project. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the operational performance of material logistics in North-Central Nigeria as there is little specific research conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted on ten quantitative approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm, and purposive sampling techniques, was adopted. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed, and the findings and interpretations presented through graphs and images. Analysis of the findings led to the conclusion that material logistics did not operate as a system. There was almost no collaboration and integration of the logistics systems to create a synergistic interrelationship between functions in pursuit of higher overall effectiveness and efficiency. Improvement was needed in warehouse and transport operations and processes; technology and automation of logistics operations were absent, and delivery of material to customers was not effective. The implication was that the current materials logistics system did not meet the delivery goals of cost, quality and time of a construction project. The recommendations suggested included the adoption of the framework developed in this study. This would serve as a guide towards effective and efficient logistics management for material manufacturing firms, and for construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Data quality issues in electronic health records for large-scale databases
- Authors: Saiod, Abdul Kader
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Healthcare -- Data quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44577 , vital:38145
- Description: Data Quality (DQ) in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is one of the core functions that play a decisive role to improve the healthcare service quality. The DQ issues in EHRs are a noticeable trend to improve the introduction of an adaptive framework for interoperability and standards in Large-Scale Databases (LSDB) management systems. Therefore, large data communications are challenging in the traditional approaches to satisfy the needs of the consumers, as data is often not capture directly into the Database Management Systems (DBMS) in a seasonably enough fashion to enable their subsequent uses. In addition, large data plays a vital role in containing plenty of treasures for all the fields in the DBMS. EHRs technology provides portfolio management systems that allow HealthCare Organisations (HCOs) to deliver a higher quality of care to their patients than that which is possible with paper-based records. EHRs are in high demand for HCOs to run their daily services as increasing numbers of huge datasets occur every day. Efficient EHR systems reduce the data redundancy as well as the system application failure and increase the possibility to draw all necessary reports. However, one of the main challenges in developing efficient EHR systems is the inherent difficulty to coherently manage data from diverse heterogeneous sources. It is practically challenging to integrate diverse data into a global schema, which satisfies the need of users. The efficient management of EHR systems using an existing DBMS present challenges because of incompatibility and sometimes inconsistency of data structures. As a result, no common methodological approach is currently in existence to effectively solve every data integration problem. The challenges of the DQ issue raised the need to find an efficient way to integrate large EHRs from diverse heterogeneous sources. To handle and align a large dataset efficiently, the hybrid algorithm method with the logical combination of Fuzzy-Ontology along with a large-scale EHRs analysis platform has shown the results in term of improved accuracy. This study investigated and addressed the raised DQ issues to interventions to overcome these barriers and challenges, including the provision of EHRs as they pertain to DQ and has combined features to search, extract, filter, clean and integrate data to ensure that users can coherently create new consistent data sets. The study researched the design of a hybrid method based on Fuzzy-Ontology with performed mathematical simulations based on the Markov Chain Probability Model. The similarity measurement based on dynamic Hungarian algorithm was followed by the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which will increase the quality of service over HCOs in adaptive frameworks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Saiod, Abdul Kader
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Healthcare -- Data quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44577 , vital:38145
- Description: Data Quality (DQ) in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is one of the core functions that play a decisive role to improve the healthcare service quality. The DQ issues in EHRs are a noticeable trend to improve the introduction of an adaptive framework for interoperability and standards in Large-Scale Databases (LSDB) management systems. Therefore, large data communications are challenging in the traditional approaches to satisfy the needs of the consumers, as data is often not capture directly into the Database Management Systems (DBMS) in a seasonably enough fashion to enable their subsequent uses. In addition, large data plays a vital role in containing plenty of treasures for all the fields in the DBMS. EHRs technology provides portfolio management systems that allow HealthCare Organisations (HCOs) to deliver a higher quality of care to their patients than that which is possible with paper-based records. EHRs are in high demand for HCOs to run their daily services as increasing numbers of huge datasets occur every day. Efficient EHR systems reduce the data redundancy as well as the system application failure and increase the possibility to draw all necessary reports. However, one of the main challenges in developing efficient EHR systems is the inherent difficulty to coherently manage data from diverse heterogeneous sources. It is practically challenging to integrate diverse data into a global schema, which satisfies the need of users. The efficient management of EHR systems using an existing DBMS present challenges because of incompatibility and sometimes inconsistency of data structures. As a result, no common methodological approach is currently in existence to effectively solve every data integration problem. The challenges of the DQ issue raised the need to find an efficient way to integrate large EHRs from diverse heterogeneous sources. To handle and align a large dataset efficiently, the hybrid algorithm method with the logical combination of Fuzzy-Ontology along with a large-scale EHRs analysis platform has shown the results in term of improved accuracy. This study investigated and addressed the raised DQ issues to interventions to overcome these barriers and challenges, including the provision of EHRs as they pertain to DQ and has combined features to search, extract, filter, clean and integrate data to ensure that users can coherently create new consistent data sets. The study researched the design of a hybrid method based on Fuzzy-Ontology with performed mathematical simulations based on the Markov Chain Probability Model. The similarity measurement based on dynamic Hungarian algorithm was followed by the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which will increase the quality of service over HCOs in adaptive frameworks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Innovation: its impact on the success of construction micro, small, and medium enterprises in Northern Nigeria
- Authors: Tsado, Abel John
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44568 , vital:38130
- Description: There is growing recognition of the important role Construction Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs) play in economic development. In 2013, Nigeria had about 36,994,578 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 731,303 CMSMEs, about 1.99% of the total number of MSMEs in the country. However, 50% of CMSMEs in Nigeria close down within their first five years of existence. Consequently, only about 10% of CMSMEs in Nigeria survive, thrive, and grow to maturity. Enterprises failing within so short a time, portend a huge problem surrounding CMSME innovation and success. While literature seems to indicate innovation as the likely way out of CMSMEs failure, few researchers have considered the connection between CMSMEs innovation and their success. Hence, this research aimed to explore the effect of innovation(s) and innovation systems on the success of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs. The research objectives were: to identify the types of innovation that are predominant in/peculiar to the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs; to determine how the types of innovation impact the success of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs; to establish what the innovation systems that manage the innovation of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs are; and, to determine how the innovation systems, promote innovation among the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs. Qualitative research method was utilised; consisting of 17 recorded interviews within Northern Nigerian which is the study area. The interview also employed structured interview guide, comprising structured open-ended questions to ensure consistency and rigour in the data collection process. The research adopted two stage non-probabilistic sampling, comprising judgmental and snowballing sampling for stage one and two respectively. In stage one, participants were drawn judgmentally based on their innovation and in stage two, the sample size was expanded, using a snowballing sampling technique where the participants in stage one suggested other participants who had also been innovative. Data collected were transcribed and open coded, while the codes for innovation types, and innovation impact on CMSME success were developed with the aid of a deductive code earlier developed from literature. The code occurrences were determined and categorised, and themes were developed. These themes were then subjected to interpretation and analysis. The research findings indicate that the predominant type of innovations within the CMSMEs in the northern part of Nigeria are product innovation, management innovation and service innovation. In addition, there are, technological application innovations, logistics innovations and labour innovations. These innovations impact on the profit, capital, customers, workers and the products of the CMSMEs studied. The innovations are responsible for the CMSMEs success periods, reasons for success and their salient points of success. Therefore, the research concludes that innovation impacts on the studied CMSMEs success. Consequently, the research achieved its aim. The study also discovered an absence of systems that support the innovation of CMSMEs in the northern part of Nigeria. Through this research, an innovation system framework has been developed and it is recommended that it be implemented because of the observed lack of innovation systems in Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tsado, Abel John
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44568 , vital:38130
- Description: There is growing recognition of the important role Construction Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs) play in economic development. In 2013, Nigeria had about 36,994,578 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 731,303 CMSMEs, about 1.99% of the total number of MSMEs in the country. However, 50% of CMSMEs in Nigeria close down within their first five years of existence. Consequently, only about 10% of CMSMEs in Nigeria survive, thrive, and grow to maturity. Enterprises failing within so short a time, portend a huge problem surrounding CMSME innovation and success. While literature seems to indicate innovation as the likely way out of CMSMEs failure, few researchers have considered the connection between CMSMEs innovation and their success. Hence, this research aimed to explore the effect of innovation(s) and innovation systems on the success of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs. The research objectives were: to identify the types of innovation that are predominant in/peculiar to the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs; to determine how the types of innovation impact the success of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs; to establish what the innovation systems that manage the innovation of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs are; and, to determine how the innovation systems, promote innovation among the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs. Qualitative research method was utilised; consisting of 17 recorded interviews within Northern Nigerian which is the study area. The interview also employed structured interview guide, comprising structured open-ended questions to ensure consistency and rigour in the data collection process. The research adopted two stage non-probabilistic sampling, comprising judgmental and snowballing sampling for stage one and two respectively. In stage one, participants were drawn judgmentally based on their innovation and in stage two, the sample size was expanded, using a snowballing sampling technique where the participants in stage one suggested other participants who had also been innovative. Data collected were transcribed and open coded, while the codes for innovation types, and innovation impact on CMSME success were developed with the aid of a deductive code earlier developed from literature. The code occurrences were determined and categorised, and themes were developed. These themes were then subjected to interpretation and analysis. The research findings indicate that the predominant type of innovations within the CMSMEs in the northern part of Nigeria are product innovation, management innovation and service innovation. In addition, there are, technological application innovations, logistics innovations and labour innovations. These innovations impact on the profit, capital, customers, workers and the products of the CMSMEs studied. The innovations are responsible for the CMSMEs success periods, reasons for success and their salient points of success. Therefore, the research concludes that innovation impacts on the studied CMSMEs success. Consequently, the research achieved its aim. The study also discovered an absence of systems that support the innovation of CMSMEs in the northern part of Nigeria. Through this research, an innovation system framework has been developed and it is recommended that it be implemented because of the observed lack of innovation systems in Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework for improving construction workers’ health and safety practices in Lagos, Nigeria
- Authors: Kukoyi, Patricia Omega
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- Lagos -- Nigeria , Industrial safety -- Lagos -- Nigeria Sustainable construction -- Lagos -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30962 , vital:31235
- Description: The construction sector is known for its poor health and safety (H&S) record. This situation contributes to the poor performance of construction projects and poor worker productivity. In view of this, the research was undertaken to improve workers’ H&S practices. This study determined how the systems thinking approach will mitigate unhealthy and unsafe construction practices in Lagos, Nigeria by developing interventions, and proposing a model for improved H&S practices. The study utilised a mixed research method approach. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used specifically the concurrent embedded method to obtain and analyse the data. The sample size for the quantitative study was 375 respondents and a total of 40 respondents were engaged in the qualitative study. The sample consisted of designers, contractors, clients, quantity surveyors, project managers, construction managers, supervisors, and construction workers (masons, carpenters, painters, roofers, electricians) based in Lagos, Nigeria. The findings reveal that there is inadequate consideration for H&S during the procurement of construction projects. Furthermore, the absence of H&S regulations relating to the construction sector was observed. Unsafe practices at construction sites in Nigeria can be attributed to this discovery. The study reveals that the regulatory system, the organisation, the individual and the work environment all have an impact on H&S work practices. Although the contractors are mainly responsible for H&S at construction sites, other construction stakeholders (such as clients, consultants, etc.) influence H&S practices. The findings highlight the need for the adoption of a holistic approach to facilitate improvement in H&S practices on construction sites. The research has contributed to the body of knowledge by developing a framework for improving workers’ H&S performance on construction sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kukoyi, Patricia Omega
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- Lagos -- Nigeria , Industrial safety -- Lagos -- Nigeria Sustainable construction -- Lagos -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30962 , vital:31235
- Description: The construction sector is known for its poor health and safety (H&S) record. This situation contributes to the poor performance of construction projects and poor worker productivity. In view of this, the research was undertaken to improve workers’ H&S practices. This study determined how the systems thinking approach will mitigate unhealthy and unsafe construction practices in Lagos, Nigeria by developing interventions, and proposing a model for improved H&S practices. The study utilised a mixed research method approach. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used specifically the concurrent embedded method to obtain and analyse the data. The sample size for the quantitative study was 375 respondents and a total of 40 respondents were engaged in the qualitative study. The sample consisted of designers, contractors, clients, quantity surveyors, project managers, construction managers, supervisors, and construction workers (masons, carpenters, painters, roofers, electricians) based in Lagos, Nigeria. The findings reveal that there is inadequate consideration for H&S during the procurement of construction projects. Furthermore, the absence of H&S regulations relating to the construction sector was observed. Unsafe practices at construction sites in Nigeria can be attributed to this discovery. The study reveals that the regulatory system, the organisation, the individual and the work environment all have an impact on H&S work practices. Although the contractors are mainly responsible for H&S at construction sites, other construction stakeholders (such as clients, consultants, etc.) influence H&S practices. The findings highlight the need for the adoption of a holistic approach to facilitate improvement in H&S practices on construction sites. The research has contributed to the body of knowledge by developing a framework for improving workers’ H&S performance on construction sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A multi-stakeholder approach to productivity improvement in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Design of a dedicated IFT microcontroller
- Authors: Himunzowa, Grayson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Feedback control systems , Automatic control , Engineering design -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30017 , vital:30809
- Description: The design of a Dedicated IFT Microcontroller originated from the successful implementation of the Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) technique into the Digital Signal Processor microcontroller (DSP56F807C) at the University of Cape Town in 2006. However, implementation of the IFT technique on a general-purpose microcontroller is neither optimal, nor a cost-effective exercise, as most of the microcontroller peripherals remain unused, and drain energy for doing nothing. In addition, microcontrollers and DSPs are software-driven devices whose nature is sequential in executing algorithms, and hence have a significant effect on the bandwidth of the closed-loop control. To mitigate the said problem, the design of a Dedicated IFT Microcontroller is proposed in this thesis. To accomplish this goal, the preliminary task was to explore the IFT theory and its applications, followed by a review of the literature on FPGA design methodology for industrial control systems, Microcontroller design principles, and FPGA theory and trends. Furthermore, a survey of electronic design automation (EDA) tools and other application software was also conducted. After the literature review, the IFT was investigated exhaustively by applying it to three types of plants, namely: a DC motor, an oscillatory plant, and an unstable plant. Each of these plants were tested using three types of initial controllers, namely heavilydamped, critically damped and under-damped initial controllers. The plants were also tested by varying the amplitude of the reference signal, followed by using a single-step signal of constant amplitude of one volt. The intention of exploring all of these possibilities was meant to firmly expose the IFT boundaries of applicability, so that the final product would not be vulnerable to unnecessary post-production discoveries. The design methodology adopted in this research was a popular hierarchical and modular top-down procedure, which is an array of abstraction levels that are detailed as: system level, behavioural level, Register-Transfer Level (RTL) and Gate level. At system level, the Dedicated IFT Microcontroller was defined. Thereafter, at behavioural level, the design was simulated using VHDL, created by porting the LabView IFT code to the Xilinx EDA tool. At the RTL, the synthesisable VHDL code utilising fixed-point number representation was written. The compiled bit file was downloaded onto National Instruments (NI) Digital Electronics FPGA Board featuring iii the Spartan 3 series FPGA. This was tested, using a method known as simulation in the hardware. The key contribution of this thesis is the experimental validation of the IFT technique on FPGA hardware as it has never been published before, the work described in chapter four and five. The other contribution is the analysis of 1DOF IFT technique in terms of limitations of applicability for correct implementation, which is the main work of chapter three. This work could be used to explore other computational methods, like the use of floating-point number representation for high resolution and accuracy in numerical computations. Another avenue that could be exploited is Xilinx's recent Vivado methodology, which has the capacity for traditional programming languages like C or C++, as these have in-built floating-point number capability. Finally, out of this work, two papers have already been published by Springer and IEEE Xplore Publishers, and a journal paper has also been written for publication in the Control Systems Technology journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Himunzowa, Grayson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Feedback control systems , Automatic control , Engineering design -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30017 , vital:30809
- Description: The design of a Dedicated IFT Microcontroller originated from the successful implementation of the Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) technique into the Digital Signal Processor microcontroller (DSP56F807C) at the University of Cape Town in 2006. However, implementation of the IFT technique on a general-purpose microcontroller is neither optimal, nor a cost-effective exercise, as most of the microcontroller peripherals remain unused, and drain energy for doing nothing. In addition, microcontrollers and DSPs are software-driven devices whose nature is sequential in executing algorithms, and hence have a significant effect on the bandwidth of the closed-loop control. To mitigate the said problem, the design of a Dedicated IFT Microcontroller is proposed in this thesis. To accomplish this goal, the preliminary task was to explore the IFT theory and its applications, followed by a review of the literature on FPGA design methodology for industrial control systems, Microcontroller design principles, and FPGA theory and trends. Furthermore, a survey of electronic design automation (EDA) tools and other application software was also conducted. After the literature review, the IFT was investigated exhaustively by applying it to three types of plants, namely: a DC motor, an oscillatory plant, and an unstable plant. Each of these plants were tested using three types of initial controllers, namely heavilydamped, critically damped and under-damped initial controllers. The plants were also tested by varying the amplitude of the reference signal, followed by using a single-step signal of constant amplitude of one volt. The intention of exploring all of these possibilities was meant to firmly expose the IFT boundaries of applicability, so that the final product would not be vulnerable to unnecessary post-production discoveries. The design methodology adopted in this research was a popular hierarchical and modular top-down procedure, which is an array of abstraction levels that are detailed as: system level, behavioural level, Register-Transfer Level (RTL) and Gate level. At system level, the Dedicated IFT Microcontroller was defined. Thereafter, at behavioural level, the design was simulated using VHDL, created by porting the LabView IFT code to the Xilinx EDA tool. At the RTL, the synthesisable VHDL code utilising fixed-point number representation was written. The compiled bit file was downloaded onto National Instruments (NI) Digital Electronics FPGA Board featuring iii the Spartan 3 series FPGA. This was tested, using a method known as simulation in the hardware. The key contribution of this thesis is the experimental validation of the IFT technique on FPGA hardware as it has never been published before, the work described in chapter four and five. The other contribution is the analysis of 1DOF IFT technique in terms of limitations of applicability for correct implementation, which is the main work of chapter three. This work could be used to explore other computational methods, like the use of floating-point number representation for high resolution and accuracy in numerical computations. Another avenue that could be exploited is Xilinx's recent Vivado methodology, which has the capacity for traditional programming languages like C or C++, as these have in-built floating-point number capability. Finally, out of this work, two papers have already been published by Springer and IEEE Xplore Publishers, and a journal paper has also been written for publication in the Control Systems Technology journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Integrating sustainability principles in construction health and safety management practices in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chigara, Benviolent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable construction -- Zimbabwe , Construction industry -- Safety measures Industrial safety -- Zimbabwe -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23459 , vital:30565
- Description: The construction industry is an important industry to national development through the provision of infrastructure and creation of employment, and hence contributing to sustainable development. Nevertheless, the construction industry has a poor health and safety (H&S) and environmental record. Globally, the construction industry is a leading contributor to workplace fatalities, injuries, and disease. In Zimbabwe, the Millennium Towers accident, which resulted in 15 construction workers losing their lives, compromised the integrity of construction H&S management, and highlighted the need to improve H&S management in the sector. This study examined H&S management in Zimbabwe and developed a framework for integrating sustainability into H&S management practices. The study employed a mixed method research design involving the use of interviews and questionnaires to collect primary data from contractors, consultants, government, clients, and workers in Harare and Bulawayo. A total of 101 questionnaires were successfully completed and analysed, representing a response rate of 55.6%. The data from questionnaires were analysed with the help of the SPSS software v.23 to produce descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study suggest that H&S practices are inadequate as demonstrated by the extent to which workers are exposed to hazards and the occurrence of injuries, disease, and fatalities. The factors contributing to workers’ exposure to hazards and the occurrence of injuries, disease, and fatalities include, inter alia, inadequate planning for H&S, inadequate hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRAs), inadequate management of hazards, inadequate occupational health (OH) surveillance, appointment of stakeholders who do not systematically manage H&S, inadequate design HIRAs, and unsafe work practices. The problem is amplified by inadequate integration of H&S within procurement systems, which limit the extent to which contractors make financial provision for H&S. Regrettably, workplace fatalities, injuries, and disease diminish the quality of life for the injured workers, increase project cost and delays project completion. Against this background, the study investigated the integration of sustainability principles in construction H&S as a strategy to improve H&S practices in Zimbabwe. The outcome of that investigation was a strategy and interventions, and a framework for improved practices in the form of a Sustainability Framework for Construction H&S (SFCHS). The validation of the SFCHS by construction practitioners confirms the importance of the recommended practices to reducing workplace fatalities, injuries, and disease in Zimbabwe and beyond. The development of a SFCHS, as a strategy to improve H&S practices in Zimbabwe, and the validation thereof, resulted in a significant contribution to the related body of knowledge. Nevertheless, the transition to sustainable H&S practices require contractors, consultants, government, clients and workers to take a proactive role relative to the recommended practices in the SFCHS. Further studies can explore the responsiveness of sustainability factors relative to the occurrence of injuries, disease and fatalities based on selected case studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chigara, Benviolent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable construction -- Zimbabwe , Construction industry -- Safety measures Industrial safety -- Zimbabwe -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23459 , vital:30565
- Description: The construction industry is an important industry to national development through the provision of infrastructure and creation of employment, and hence contributing to sustainable development. Nevertheless, the construction industry has a poor health and safety (H&S) and environmental record. Globally, the construction industry is a leading contributor to workplace fatalities, injuries, and disease. In Zimbabwe, the Millennium Towers accident, which resulted in 15 construction workers losing their lives, compromised the integrity of construction H&S management, and highlighted the need to improve H&S management in the sector. This study examined H&S management in Zimbabwe and developed a framework for integrating sustainability into H&S management practices. The study employed a mixed method research design involving the use of interviews and questionnaires to collect primary data from contractors, consultants, government, clients, and workers in Harare and Bulawayo. A total of 101 questionnaires were successfully completed and analysed, representing a response rate of 55.6%. The data from questionnaires were analysed with the help of the SPSS software v.23 to produce descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study suggest that H&S practices are inadequate as demonstrated by the extent to which workers are exposed to hazards and the occurrence of injuries, disease, and fatalities. The factors contributing to workers’ exposure to hazards and the occurrence of injuries, disease, and fatalities include, inter alia, inadequate planning for H&S, inadequate hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRAs), inadequate management of hazards, inadequate occupational health (OH) surveillance, appointment of stakeholders who do not systematically manage H&S, inadequate design HIRAs, and unsafe work practices. The problem is amplified by inadequate integration of H&S within procurement systems, which limit the extent to which contractors make financial provision for H&S. Regrettably, workplace fatalities, injuries, and disease diminish the quality of life for the injured workers, increase project cost and delays project completion. Against this background, the study investigated the integration of sustainability principles in construction H&S as a strategy to improve H&S practices in Zimbabwe. The outcome of that investigation was a strategy and interventions, and a framework for improved practices in the form of a Sustainability Framework for Construction H&S (SFCHS). The validation of the SFCHS by construction practitioners confirms the importance of the recommended practices to reducing workplace fatalities, injuries, and disease in Zimbabwe and beyond. The development of a SFCHS, as a strategy to improve H&S practices in Zimbabwe, and the validation thereof, resulted in a significant contribution to the related body of knowledge. Nevertheless, the transition to sustainable H&S practices require contractors, consultants, government, clients and workers to take a proactive role relative to the recommended practices in the SFCHS. Further studies can explore the responsiveness of sustainability factors relative to the occurrence of injuries, disease and fatalities based on selected case studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium alloy for optical mould inserts
- Authors: Otieno, Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Automobiles -- Materials Materials -- Mechanical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23097 , vital:30415
- Description: Ultra-high precision machining is a material removing process under the nanotechnology regime whereby the highest dimensional accuracies are attained. Critical components for optical devices and optical measuring systems are mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Their mass production is usually implemented by utilising optical moulds. Aluminium alloys have proven to be advantageous and very commonly used in the photonics industry for moulds. This ever-increasing use and demand within optics have led to the development of newly modified grades of aluminium alloys produced by rapid solidification in the foundry process. The newer grades are characterised by finer microstructures and improved mechanical and physical properties. The main inconvenience in their usage currently lies in their very limited machining database. This research investigates the machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium, RSA 905, under varying cutting conditions in single point diamond turning. The machining parameters varied were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The resulting surface roughness of the workpiece and wear of the diamond tool were measured at various intervals. Acoustic emissions and cutting force were also monitored during machining. The results were statistically analysed and accurate predictive models were developed. Generally, very low tool wear, within 3 to 5 μm, and very low surface roughness, within 3 to 8 nm, was obtained. Acoustic emissions recorded were in the range of 0.06 to 0.13 V and cutting forces were in the range of 0.08 to 0.94 N. The trends of the monitored acoustic emissions and cutting force showed to have a linked representation of the tool wear and surface roughness results. Contour maps were generated to identify zones where the cutting parameters produced the best results. In addition, a range of machining parameters were presented for optimum quality where surface roughness and tool wear can be minimised. As the machining is of a nanometric scale, a molecular dynamics approach was applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms at atom level. The nanomachining simulations were found to have a correlation to the actual machining results and microstructural nature of the alloy. This research proves that rapidly solidified aluminium is a superior alternative to traditional aluminium alloys and provides a good reference with room for flexibility that machinists can apply when using rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Efficiency could be improved by reducing the required machining interruption through effective monitoring and performance could be improved by maintaining quality and extending tool life through parameter selection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Otieno, Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Automobiles -- Materials Materials -- Mechanical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23097 , vital:30415
- Description: Ultra-high precision machining is a material removing process under the nanotechnology regime whereby the highest dimensional accuracies are attained. Critical components for optical devices and optical measuring systems are mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Their mass production is usually implemented by utilising optical moulds. Aluminium alloys have proven to be advantageous and very commonly used in the photonics industry for moulds. This ever-increasing use and demand within optics have led to the development of newly modified grades of aluminium alloys produced by rapid solidification in the foundry process. The newer grades are characterised by finer microstructures and improved mechanical and physical properties. The main inconvenience in their usage currently lies in their very limited machining database. This research investigates the machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium, RSA 905, under varying cutting conditions in single point diamond turning. The machining parameters varied were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The resulting surface roughness of the workpiece and wear of the diamond tool were measured at various intervals. Acoustic emissions and cutting force were also monitored during machining. The results were statistically analysed and accurate predictive models were developed. Generally, very low tool wear, within 3 to 5 μm, and very low surface roughness, within 3 to 8 nm, was obtained. Acoustic emissions recorded were in the range of 0.06 to 0.13 V and cutting forces were in the range of 0.08 to 0.94 N. The trends of the monitored acoustic emissions and cutting force showed to have a linked representation of the tool wear and surface roughness results. Contour maps were generated to identify zones where the cutting parameters produced the best results. In addition, a range of machining parameters were presented for optimum quality where surface roughness and tool wear can be minimised. As the machining is of a nanometric scale, a molecular dynamics approach was applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms at atom level. The nanomachining simulations were found to have a correlation to the actual machining results and microstructural nature of the alloy. This research proves that rapidly solidified aluminium is a superior alternative to traditional aluminium alloys and provides a good reference with room for flexibility that machinists can apply when using rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Efficiency could be improved by reducing the required machining interruption through effective monitoring and performance could be improved by maintaining quality and extending tool life through parameter selection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of psychosocial recuperative therapy in enhancing construction performance on projects
- Authors: Obiozo, Rita Ngozi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Building -- Psychological aspects , Construction industry -- Accidents Building -- Economic aspects Feng shui
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23080 , vital:30414
- Description: Research findings indicate that recent improvements in construction management initiatives have not substantially reduced the incidence of fatal occurrences and accidents in construction due to negligence and error. Some of the traumatic and causative factors include the dissipation of vital energy, health, safety, and wellbeing in the construction workforce due to the lack of contact with nature on construction sites, combined with the exhaustive nature of the work, and multiple stress factors in construction. The resultant effect is visible in the form of increased rework, disputes, and socio-psycho-traumatic factors that result in a reduction in profit margins due to the daily repetition of health and safety (H&S) hazards and quality errors. To address these issues there is a need for the exploration of the inherent potential to achieve exceptional environmental credentials on construction worksites attributable to the biophilic design concept of the intelligent construction workplace. This would involve the introduction of a biophilic construction site model (BCSM) that has the potential of establishing the continuous flow of natural energy that would replenish the vital life force and impact on the improvement of the performance of the construction workforce and management throughout the life cycle of the construction process. The objective of the initiative involves the introduction of dynamic harmonious energy in consonance with the theory of biophilia and feng shui principles of wellness interventions, which would introduce and enhance the flow of natural energy relative to the greening of construction sites in aid of H&S, wellbeing and human factors for ergonomics in construction. The methodology adopted, involved a survey of the related literature, and the triangulation and longitudinal assessment of multiple case studies of viable construction sites in progress. The applied technique included a greening construction site survey, interviews, observations, photo elicitation, questionnaire surveys, and a focus group study conducted with the construction workforce during the construction process. Findings indicate a potential increase in the level of sustainable behaviour in construction that impacts on the enhanced concentration and level of focus of the workforce, as well as a reduction in H&S and quality errors that militate against consistent improvement of the construction process. These efforts add value and novelty to the construction management body of knowledge (CMBOK) with regards to the green building construction and sustainable sites initiative. Research findings established the ‘greening of the construction site / biophilic construction site model (BCSM)’ as a cost-effective strategy towards the healing of the ‘sick construction site syndrome’ and the psychosocial recuperative and rejunative therapy for the workforce in construction for productive performance. It is significant and notable that the empirical findings relative to the BCSM strategy were found to substantiate effectively as the missing link in the establishment and reconstitution of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which according to research findings, is currently conceptual. The recommendations include the suggestions for the ‘informal dynamic rock garden design’ as suitable for the BCSM with the inclusion of ‘plants as a primary indicator’ in construction site premises, site offices, material sheds, welfare facilities including ‘lunch break retreats and outdoor shelters’. The recommendation of the BCSM strategy for the construction site is aimed towards the onset of construction as opposed to the conclusion of works / external works at the end of the project as is currently practiced. For effective application, the empirical findings relative to the study recommend that the procurement of the BCSM as a ‘silent and indispensable team mate’ should commence from the conceptual design, pre-bid / tender stages, to the fiscal planning and setting out of worksites, as well as its inclusion in the ‘curriculum of studies’ for the instruction of emerging construction management practitioners. In furtherance of the CMBOK and the enhancement of the BCSM strategy and the ‘humanistic value of the intelligent construction worksite’, the study recommends that the concept of ‘frozen music’ be addressed in future research relative to the ‘biophilic design concept’ to determine its role in enhancing cost effective performance, H&S, ergonomics, and the health and wellbeing of workers in construction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Obiozo, Rita Ngozi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Building -- Psychological aspects , Construction industry -- Accidents Building -- Economic aspects Feng shui
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23080 , vital:30414
- Description: Research findings indicate that recent improvements in construction management initiatives have not substantially reduced the incidence of fatal occurrences and accidents in construction due to negligence and error. Some of the traumatic and causative factors include the dissipation of vital energy, health, safety, and wellbeing in the construction workforce due to the lack of contact with nature on construction sites, combined with the exhaustive nature of the work, and multiple stress factors in construction. The resultant effect is visible in the form of increased rework, disputes, and socio-psycho-traumatic factors that result in a reduction in profit margins due to the daily repetition of health and safety (H&S) hazards and quality errors. To address these issues there is a need for the exploration of the inherent potential to achieve exceptional environmental credentials on construction worksites attributable to the biophilic design concept of the intelligent construction workplace. This would involve the introduction of a biophilic construction site model (BCSM) that has the potential of establishing the continuous flow of natural energy that would replenish the vital life force and impact on the improvement of the performance of the construction workforce and management throughout the life cycle of the construction process. The objective of the initiative involves the introduction of dynamic harmonious energy in consonance with the theory of biophilia and feng shui principles of wellness interventions, which would introduce and enhance the flow of natural energy relative to the greening of construction sites in aid of H&S, wellbeing and human factors for ergonomics in construction. The methodology adopted, involved a survey of the related literature, and the triangulation and longitudinal assessment of multiple case studies of viable construction sites in progress. The applied technique included a greening construction site survey, interviews, observations, photo elicitation, questionnaire surveys, and a focus group study conducted with the construction workforce during the construction process. Findings indicate a potential increase in the level of sustainable behaviour in construction that impacts on the enhanced concentration and level of focus of the workforce, as well as a reduction in H&S and quality errors that militate against consistent improvement of the construction process. These efforts add value and novelty to the construction management body of knowledge (CMBOK) with regards to the green building construction and sustainable sites initiative. Research findings established the ‘greening of the construction site / biophilic construction site model (BCSM)’ as a cost-effective strategy towards the healing of the ‘sick construction site syndrome’ and the psychosocial recuperative and rejunative therapy for the workforce in construction for productive performance. It is significant and notable that the empirical findings relative to the BCSM strategy were found to substantiate effectively as the missing link in the establishment and reconstitution of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which according to research findings, is currently conceptual. The recommendations include the suggestions for the ‘informal dynamic rock garden design’ as suitable for the BCSM with the inclusion of ‘plants as a primary indicator’ in construction site premises, site offices, material sheds, welfare facilities including ‘lunch break retreats and outdoor shelters’. The recommendation of the BCSM strategy for the construction site is aimed towards the onset of construction as opposed to the conclusion of works / external works at the end of the project as is currently practiced. For effective application, the empirical findings relative to the study recommend that the procurement of the BCSM as a ‘silent and indispensable team mate’ should commence from the conceptual design, pre-bid / tender stages, to the fiscal planning and setting out of worksites, as well as its inclusion in the ‘curriculum of studies’ for the instruction of emerging construction management practitioners. In furtherance of the CMBOK and the enhancement of the BCSM strategy and the ‘humanistic value of the intelligent construction worksite’, the study recommends that the concept of ‘frozen music’ be addressed in future research relative to the ‘biophilic design concept’ to determine its role in enhancing cost effective performance, H&S, ergonomics, and the health and wellbeing of workers in construction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Understanding factors that influence the acceptance of electronic medical records by nurses in hospitals: a framework
- Authors: Makalima, Melissa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31488 , vital:31495
- Description: Globally, unlike in the past, it is rare for a patient to consult the same healthcare provider throughout his or her lifetime. However, this makes it difficult to maintain informational continuity of care. Researchers have confirmed that paper-based methods of record keeping do not meet the needs of informational continuity of care. As a result, the popularity of electronic means of recordkeeping, specifically, electronic medical records (EMRs), is growing. However, the implementation of EMRs in hospitals is not without challenges with these challenges playing a significant role in the failure of EMRs. One such challenge is a lack of user acceptance. Research reveals that nurses comprise the largest user group of EMRs in the hospital setting. However, there is inadequate literature that focuses on the factors contributing to EMR acceptance with nurses as the user group. Hence, the main problem addressed in this research study relates to the inadequate understanding of the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. In order to address this problem, a literature review and a case study were conducted to ascertain and investigate the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. A total of 39 factors were formulated. Subsequent to the formulation of these factors, knowledge on the impact of each factor on EMR acceptance was collected. Socio-technical Systems Theory (STS) was used as a theoretical lens through which to view the resulting factors. The STS dimension from which each factor originates as well as the STS dimension influenced by the factor were identified. The analysis of the different stages of acceptance as well as the STS analysis resulted in a framework that could play an important role in providing a better understanding of EMR acceptance by nurses in hospitals. It was anticipated that this study would contribute to a better understanding of the factors that hospitals should address in order to create a conducive environment for EMR acceptance by nurses within the hospitals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Makalima, Melissa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic records -- Management , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31488 , vital:31495
- Description: Globally, unlike in the past, it is rare for a patient to consult the same healthcare provider throughout his or her lifetime. However, this makes it difficult to maintain informational continuity of care. Researchers have confirmed that paper-based methods of record keeping do not meet the needs of informational continuity of care. As a result, the popularity of electronic means of recordkeeping, specifically, electronic medical records (EMRs), is growing. However, the implementation of EMRs in hospitals is not without challenges with these challenges playing a significant role in the failure of EMRs. One such challenge is a lack of user acceptance. Research reveals that nurses comprise the largest user group of EMRs in the hospital setting. However, there is inadequate literature that focuses on the factors contributing to EMR acceptance with nurses as the user group. Hence, the main problem addressed in this research study relates to the inadequate understanding of the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. In order to address this problem, a literature review and a case study were conducted to ascertain and investigate the factors that influence the acceptance of EMRs by nurses. A total of 39 factors were formulated. Subsequent to the formulation of these factors, knowledge on the impact of each factor on EMR acceptance was collected. Socio-technical Systems Theory (STS) was used as a theoretical lens through which to view the resulting factors. The STS dimension from which each factor originates as well as the STS dimension influenced by the factor were identified. The analysis of the different stages of acceptance as well as the STS analysis resulted in a framework that could play an important role in providing a better understanding of EMR acceptance by nurses in hospitals. It was anticipated that this study would contribute to a better understanding of the factors that hospitals should address in order to create a conducive environment for EMR acceptance by nurses within the hospitals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for m-voting implementation in South Africa
- Authors: Mpekoa, Noluntu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa Voting -- Technological innovations , Voting-machines -- South Africa -- Reliability Elections -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19662 , vital:28927
- Description: Voting enables certain formal decisions to be made through the participation of a given population; and it is the vital part of a democratic process. The method of voting used in South Africa (SA) today is derived from the Australian ballot system. This paper-based voting system, however, is slow, convoluted and inaccurate because of human errors; it is costly and largely inefficient. In the early 1900s, election officials overwhelmingly decided to use electronic voting (E-voting) systems to solve some of the problematic issues of paper-based voting systems. Mobile voting (M-voting) is a subset of E-voting; and it allows citizens to use their mobile phones to cast their votes. Very few countries have endeavoured to implement M-voting, in order to improve mobility and simplify the election procedures. Despite several M-voting initiatives reported worldwide; insufficient attention has been devoted to understanding the factors that influence the success or failure of M-voting implementation. It is also important to note that the implementation of M-voting may be very difficult; if the different modalities that aid successful M-voting implementation are not in place. This study seeks to develop a framework that has the potential to enable the successful implementation of M-voting in SA. The proposed framework is an IT artefact that endeavors to improve human experiences for voting. This study followed a Design-Science approach; and it made use of a case study to collect the data via a literature review, observations, questionnaires, focus groups and expert reviews. The study revealed that there is no institutional, legal and regulatory framework for the proliferation of M-voting in SA. Successful M-voting implementation depends on a compendium of factors, which may be unique in the local context where it is implemented. The framework that resulted from the above was assessed for validity and applicability; after which a modified framework was presented. The research concludes with specific implementation guidelines, as well as areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mpekoa, Noluntu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa Voting -- Technological innovations , Voting-machines -- South Africa -- Reliability Elections -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19662 , vital:28927
- Description: Voting enables certain formal decisions to be made through the participation of a given population; and it is the vital part of a democratic process. The method of voting used in South Africa (SA) today is derived from the Australian ballot system. This paper-based voting system, however, is slow, convoluted and inaccurate because of human errors; it is costly and largely inefficient. In the early 1900s, election officials overwhelmingly decided to use electronic voting (E-voting) systems to solve some of the problematic issues of paper-based voting systems. Mobile voting (M-voting) is a subset of E-voting; and it allows citizens to use their mobile phones to cast their votes. Very few countries have endeavoured to implement M-voting, in order to improve mobility and simplify the election procedures. Despite several M-voting initiatives reported worldwide; insufficient attention has been devoted to understanding the factors that influence the success or failure of M-voting implementation. It is also important to note that the implementation of M-voting may be very difficult; if the different modalities that aid successful M-voting implementation are not in place. This study seeks to develop a framework that has the potential to enable the successful implementation of M-voting in SA. The proposed framework is an IT artefact that endeavors to improve human experiences for voting. This study followed a Design-Science approach; and it made use of a case study to collect the data via a literature review, observations, questionnaires, focus groups and expert reviews. The study revealed that there is no institutional, legal and regulatory framework for the proliferation of M-voting in SA. Successful M-voting implementation depends on a compendium of factors, which may be unique in the local context where it is implemented. The framework that resulted from the above was assessed for validity and applicability; after which a modified framework was presented. The research concludes with specific implementation guidelines, as well as areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A framework for the secure consumerisation of mobile, handheld devices in the healthcare institutional context
- Authors: Kativu, Tatenda Kevin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mobile computing -- Hospitals -- South Africa Electronic data processing -- Security measures -- South Africa , Wireless communication systems -- Social aspects Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18630 , vital:28696
- Description: The advances in communication technologies have resulted in a significant shift in the workplace culture. Mobile computing devices are increasingly becoming an integral part of workplace culture. Mobility has several advantages to the organisation, one such example is the “always online” workforce resulting in increased productivity hours. As a result, organisations are increasingly providing mobile computing devices to the workforce to enable remote productivity at the organisations cost. A challenge associated with mobility is that these devices are likely to connect to a variety of networks, some which may insecure, and because of their smaller form factor and perceived value, are vulnerable to loss and theft amongst other information security challenges. Increased mobility has far reaching benefits for remote and rural communities, particularly in the healthcare domain where health workers are able to provide services to previously inaccessible populations. The adverse economic and infrastructure environment means institution provided devices make up the bulk of the mobile computing devices, and taking away the ownership, the usage patterns and the susceptibility of information to adversity are similar. It is for this reason that this study focuses on information security on institution provided devices in a rural healthcare setting. This study falls into the design science paradigm and is guided by the principles of design science proposed by Hevner et al. The research process incorporates literature reviews focusing on health information systems security and identifying theoretical constructs that support the low-resource based secure deployment of health information technologies. Thereafter, the artifact is developed and evaluated through an implementation case study and expert reviews. The outcomes from the feedback are integrated into the framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kativu, Tatenda Kevin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mobile computing -- Hospitals -- South Africa Electronic data processing -- Security measures -- South Africa , Wireless communication systems -- Social aspects Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18630 , vital:28696
- Description: The advances in communication technologies have resulted in a significant shift in the workplace culture. Mobile computing devices are increasingly becoming an integral part of workplace culture. Mobility has several advantages to the organisation, one such example is the “always online” workforce resulting in increased productivity hours. As a result, organisations are increasingly providing mobile computing devices to the workforce to enable remote productivity at the organisations cost. A challenge associated with mobility is that these devices are likely to connect to a variety of networks, some which may insecure, and because of their smaller form factor and perceived value, are vulnerable to loss and theft amongst other information security challenges. Increased mobility has far reaching benefits for remote and rural communities, particularly in the healthcare domain where health workers are able to provide services to previously inaccessible populations. The adverse economic and infrastructure environment means institution provided devices make up the bulk of the mobile computing devices, and taking away the ownership, the usage patterns and the susceptibility of information to adversity are similar. It is for this reason that this study focuses on information security on institution provided devices in a rural healthcare setting. This study falls into the design science paradigm and is guided by the principles of design science proposed by Hevner et al. The research process incorporates literature reviews focusing on health information systems security and identifying theoretical constructs that support the low-resource based secure deployment of health information technologies. Thereafter, the artifact is developed and evaluated through an implementation case study and expert reviews. The outcomes from the feedback are integrated into the framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A national strategy towards cultivating a cybersecurity culture in South Africa
- Authors: Gcaza, Noluxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Cyberspace -- Security measures Computer security -- South Africa Subculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13735 , vital:27303
- Description: In modern society, cyberspace is interwoven into the daily lives of many. Cyberspace is increasingly redefining how people communicate as well as gain access to and share information. Technology has transformed the way the business world operates by introducing new ways of trading goods and services whilst bolstering traditional business methods. It has also altered the way nations govern. Thus individuals, organisations and nations are relying on this technology to perform significant functions. Alongside the positive innovations afforded by cyberspace, however, those who use it are exposed to a variety of risks. Cyberspace is beset by criminal activities such as cybercrime, fraud, identity theft to name but a few. Nonetheless, the negative impact of these cyber threats does not outweigh the advantages of cyberspace. In light of such threats, there is a call for all entities that reap the benefits of online services to institute cybersecurity. As such, cybersecurity is a necessity for individuals, organisations and nations alike. In practice, cybersecurity focuses on preventing and mitigating certain security risks that might compromise the security of relevant assets. For a long time, technology-centred measures have been deemed the most significant solution for mitigating such risks. However, after a legacy of unsuccessful technological efforts, it became clear that such solutions in isolation are insufficient to mitigate all cyber-related risks. This is mainly due to the role that humans play in the security process, that is, the human factor. In isolation, technology-centred measures tend to fail to counter the human factor because of the perception among many users that security measures are an obstacle and consequently a waste of time. This user perception can be credited to the perceived difficulty of the security measure, as well as apparent mistrust and misinterpretation of the measure. Hence, cybersecurity necessitates the development of a solution that encourages acceptable user behaviour in the reality of cyberspace. The cultivation of a cybersecurity culture is thus regarded as the best approach for addressing the human factors that weaken the cybersecurity chain. While the role of culture in pursuing cybersecurity is well appreciated, research focusing on defining and measuring cybersecurity culture is still in its infancy. Furthermore, studies have shown that there are no widely accepted key concepts that delimit a cybersecurity culture. However, the notion that such a culture is not well-delineated has not prevented national governments from pursuing a culture in which all citizens behave in a way that promotes cybersecurity. As a result, many countries now offer national cybersecurity campaigns to foster a culture of cybersecurity at a national level. South Africa is among the nations that have identified cultivating a culture of cybersecurity as a strategic priority. However, there is an apparent lack of a practical plan to cultivate such a cybersecurity culture in South Africa. Thus, this study sought firstly to confirm from the existing body of knowledge that cybersecurity culture is indeed ill-defined and, secondly, to delineate what constitutes a national cybersecurity culture. Finally, and primarily, it sought to devise a national strategy that would assist SA in fulfilling its objective of cultivating a culture of cybersecurity on a national level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gcaza, Noluxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Cyberspace -- Security measures Computer security -- South Africa Subculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13735 , vital:27303
- Description: In modern society, cyberspace is interwoven into the daily lives of many. Cyberspace is increasingly redefining how people communicate as well as gain access to and share information. Technology has transformed the way the business world operates by introducing new ways of trading goods and services whilst bolstering traditional business methods. It has also altered the way nations govern. Thus individuals, organisations and nations are relying on this technology to perform significant functions. Alongside the positive innovations afforded by cyberspace, however, those who use it are exposed to a variety of risks. Cyberspace is beset by criminal activities such as cybercrime, fraud, identity theft to name but a few. Nonetheless, the negative impact of these cyber threats does not outweigh the advantages of cyberspace. In light of such threats, there is a call for all entities that reap the benefits of online services to institute cybersecurity. As such, cybersecurity is a necessity for individuals, organisations and nations alike. In practice, cybersecurity focuses on preventing and mitigating certain security risks that might compromise the security of relevant assets. For a long time, technology-centred measures have been deemed the most significant solution for mitigating such risks. However, after a legacy of unsuccessful technological efforts, it became clear that such solutions in isolation are insufficient to mitigate all cyber-related risks. This is mainly due to the role that humans play in the security process, that is, the human factor. In isolation, technology-centred measures tend to fail to counter the human factor because of the perception among many users that security measures are an obstacle and consequently a waste of time. This user perception can be credited to the perceived difficulty of the security measure, as well as apparent mistrust and misinterpretation of the measure. Hence, cybersecurity necessitates the development of a solution that encourages acceptable user behaviour in the reality of cyberspace. The cultivation of a cybersecurity culture is thus regarded as the best approach for addressing the human factors that weaken the cybersecurity chain. While the role of culture in pursuing cybersecurity is well appreciated, research focusing on defining and measuring cybersecurity culture is still in its infancy. Furthermore, studies have shown that there are no widely accepted key concepts that delimit a cybersecurity culture. However, the notion that such a culture is not well-delineated has not prevented national governments from pursuing a culture in which all citizens behave in a way that promotes cybersecurity. As a result, many countries now offer national cybersecurity campaigns to foster a culture of cybersecurity at a national level. South Africa is among the nations that have identified cultivating a culture of cybersecurity as a strategic priority. However, there is an apparent lack of a practical plan to cultivate such a cybersecurity culture in South Africa. Thus, this study sought firstly to confirm from the existing body of knowledge that cybersecurity culture is indeed ill-defined and, secondly, to delineate what constitutes a national cybersecurity culture. Finally, and primarily, it sought to devise a national strategy that would assist SA in fulfilling its objective of cultivating a culture of cybersecurity on a national level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Tsokota, Theo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Zimbabwe , Technological innovations -- Zimbabwe Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Computer network resources Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Data processing Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Zimbabwe Sustainable tourism -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21340 , vital:29479
- Description: This research sought to develop an ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has identified ICT and tourism both as strategic industries and pillars for economic revival. The tourism sector was identified as an essential source of foreign exchange earnings and as a means to drive the economy to greater heights and reduce poverty through direct employment in down-stream and up-stream industries. Despite being endowed with rich natural resources that include five World Natural Heritage sites, exquisite flora and fauna. Zimbabwe is not performing well in the world tourism sector. The Southern African country continues to be ranked low on World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. Despite the country‘s strengths, in terms of endowments, the low Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index suggests weaknesses in related areas. There is currently no clear strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. Despite huge investments and advances in ICT, services in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe continue to be delivered manually and in traditional ways. Therefore, this research sought to propose a strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. However, this strategy had to be informed and supported by an empirical study of the shortcomings in the existing situation in the tourism sector. In order to achieve this objective, this research, which is a comprehensive case study on the tourism sector in Zimbabwe, deployed semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observations and netnography to collect data. The case study was carried out in accordance with the steps for conducting a case as outlined by Yin guided by an interpretive paradigm. The entities and organisations that formed part of the case study were purposefully chosen to provide a representative sample of the tourism role-players in Zimbabwe. The samples were based on sample variation and feasibility (taking into consideration factors such as geographical location, organisational thrust and size). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with various role-players in the tourism sector. The role-players interviewed included officials from the government, the regulator and from the service providers. The interviews were held in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Matopos, Hwange and Victoria Falls. A Zimbabwe annual premier tourism expo, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, was also attended in order to interact with various players and to conduct formal and informal interviews. The questionnaires, which were completed by tourists, were administered in Harare, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Matopos, and the Beitbridge and Kazungula border posts. An online version of the questionnaire was also administered. The questionnaire link was e-mailed to tourists, as some of them did not have enough time to complete them during their stay in Zimbabwe and agreed to do so via email. The data was analysed in two phases - structured coding and thematic analysis. . Key factors were identified through structural coding and thematic analysis. Country-specific, sector-specific and organisationalspecific factors were identified for tourists, the government, the regulator and service providers. After a further analysis of the results, those that pointed to the same factors were grouped together and a deduction was made as a diagnosis of the problem was identified. The identified problems were synthesised into seven diagnostics: (i) lack of infrastructure and enabling services; (ii) e-customer relationship management; (iii) lack of collaboration and poor systems integration, (iv) policy and regulation; (v) lack of financial resources; (vi) poor ICT governance and (vii) poor human resource development. A guiding policy was then identified for each of the diagnostics, leading to a set of coherent actions. The research also showed the implementation of this set of actions that consisting of three layers, namely, government, regulator and service providers. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a clear strategy formulation model and showing how the implementation will be rolled out. The ICT-related challenges were diagnosed, guiding policies formulated to address the situation and required coherent actions suggested. This research is deemed to be significant for understanding the future of ICT use in developing countries like Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tsokota, Theo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Zimbabwe , Technological innovations -- Zimbabwe Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Computer network resources Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Data processing Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Zimbabwe Sustainable tourism -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21340 , vital:29479
- Description: This research sought to develop an ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has identified ICT and tourism both as strategic industries and pillars for economic revival. The tourism sector was identified as an essential source of foreign exchange earnings and as a means to drive the economy to greater heights and reduce poverty through direct employment in down-stream and up-stream industries. Despite being endowed with rich natural resources that include five World Natural Heritage sites, exquisite flora and fauna. Zimbabwe is not performing well in the world tourism sector. The Southern African country continues to be ranked low on World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. Despite the country‘s strengths, in terms of endowments, the low Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index suggests weaknesses in related areas. There is currently no clear strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. Despite huge investments and advances in ICT, services in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe continue to be delivered manually and in traditional ways. Therefore, this research sought to propose a strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. However, this strategy had to be informed and supported by an empirical study of the shortcomings in the existing situation in the tourism sector. In order to achieve this objective, this research, which is a comprehensive case study on the tourism sector in Zimbabwe, deployed semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observations and netnography to collect data. The case study was carried out in accordance with the steps for conducting a case as outlined by Yin guided by an interpretive paradigm. The entities and organisations that formed part of the case study were purposefully chosen to provide a representative sample of the tourism role-players in Zimbabwe. The samples were based on sample variation and feasibility (taking into consideration factors such as geographical location, organisational thrust and size). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with various role-players in the tourism sector. The role-players interviewed included officials from the government, the regulator and from the service providers. The interviews were held in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Matopos, Hwange and Victoria Falls. A Zimbabwe annual premier tourism expo, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, was also attended in order to interact with various players and to conduct formal and informal interviews. The questionnaires, which were completed by tourists, were administered in Harare, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Matopos, and the Beitbridge and Kazungula border posts. An online version of the questionnaire was also administered. The questionnaire link was e-mailed to tourists, as some of them did not have enough time to complete them during their stay in Zimbabwe and agreed to do so via email. The data was analysed in two phases - structured coding and thematic analysis. . Key factors were identified through structural coding and thematic analysis. Country-specific, sector-specific and organisationalspecific factors were identified for tourists, the government, the regulator and service providers. After a further analysis of the results, those that pointed to the same factors were grouped together and a deduction was made as a diagnosis of the problem was identified. The identified problems were synthesised into seven diagnostics: (i) lack of infrastructure and enabling services; (ii) e-customer relationship management; (iii) lack of collaboration and poor systems integration, (iv) policy and regulation; (v) lack of financial resources; (vi) poor ICT governance and (vii) poor human resource development. A guiding policy was then identified for each of the diagnostics, leading to a set of coherent actions. The research also showed the implementation of this set of actions that consisting of three layers, namely, government, regulator and service providers. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a clear strategy formulation model and showing how the implementation will be rolled out. The ICT-related challenges were diagnosed, guiding policies formulated to address the situation and required coherent actions suggested. This research is deemed to be significant for understanding the future of ICT use in developing countries like Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An ICT strategy to support a patient-centred approach to diabetes care
- Authors: Petratos, Anastasia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries Health services administration -- Developing countries -- Data processing , Telecommunication in medicine Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14466 , vital:27650
- Description: Factors such as poverty, ethnicity, socio-economic status, poor infrastructure and governance, etc., are some of the reasons that effective and proven prevention and treatment interventions for most of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the developing world continue to fail. Chronic diseases require complex interventions that these countries simply cannot maintain. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is on the rise worldwide. This disease is a lifestyle disease, which means, that it is brought on by poor health habits. Statistics show that 285 million (6.4%) people aged between 20 and 79 years will be affected by Diabetes in 2010 and a staggering 439 million (7.7%) by 2030. This is a projected growth of 69% in developing countries and 20% in developed countries. The findings from studies conducted from 1993 to 2003 in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, around the health care services for diabetes highlights many challenges. Sadly, the challenges 10 years after that study, are very similar. The conditions of people with Diabetes can be improved through regular monitoring of patients, improvement and monitoring of health care provided, education on healthy lifestyle, as well as education on the importance of adherence to treatment plans for the successful management of the condition. The diabetes endemic in South Africa is exacerbated by the manual functions that are performed in all aspects of monitoring and management of the disease. With the advancements that have been made in ICT and the many apps that already exist for healthcare, it is sensible to state that ICT can assist in the monitoring and management of diabetes. Another factor that is considered is that of patient-centred care. The huge number of people who need acute care and treatment in hospitals and clinics have forced a previously caring environment, to turn into a cold, almost production line affair. The sick wait in long queues and are ushered in and out of the consulting rooms as fast as possible without even as much as a “hallo”. This has left a void in the healthcare delivery to South Africans which should never have been removed in the first place, namely patient-centred care. This means that the patient is at the centre of the treatment and fully involved in the decisions about his/her health. Every patient deserves to be recognised as a human-being and treated with dignity and respect. Treatment plans for long term chronic care patients such as diabetics, should be thoroughly discussed with the patient and they should believe and comit themselves to the treatment plan. These plans are life-long and require dedication and as it is vital that patients are part of decision making and understand fully what they are expected to do. Bearing this in mind, this study has investigated the needs and care plans for people with diabetes. Specialist in the field of diabetes were interviewed and recognised care plans for diabetes such as those from WHO, IDF and SEMSDA were studied. This study also established, that by practising a patient-centred approach the adherence to a treatment plan is likely to be higher. The strategy developed involves the person with diabetes, the healthcare worker and the support structure in the care plan of the diabetic. The use of ICT as part of the solution must consider the patient-centred requirements for using IT so that the people using the strategy are comfortable and not intimidated by the technology. The need to incorporate e-health into governments’ healthcare plans has been growing over the last decade. The GSMA conducted research into mobile health opportunities in South Africa and found that SA now has a penetration of 98% and that this is the ideal medium to address the inaccessibility and inequality of healthcare in SA. The causes identified as playing a major role in the rise in diabetes were identified and it was determined that through the implementation of an ICT strategy for diabetes care, many of these can be addressed. These include the use of technology for, improved monitoring and management, increased diabetes awareness and education, and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The study focuses on the self-management aspect of diabetes and produces a strategy that incorporates various ICT solutions that would assist in the daily aspects of diabetes care, as well as follow a patient-centred approach to diabetes care. This strategy developed in this study does not need any intervention from government as it is driven by the people who have diabetes and their healthcare workers, with the aid of the technology that they currently have on hand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Petratos, Anastasia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries Health services administration -- Developing countries -- Data processing , Telecommunication in medicine Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14466 , vital:27650
- Description: Factors such as poverty, ethnicity, socio-economic status, poor infrastructure and governance, etc., are some of the reasons that effective and proven prevention and treatment interventions for most of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the developing world continue to fail. Chronic diseases require complex interventions that these countries simply cannot maintain. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is on the rise worldwide. This disease is a lifestyle disease, which means, that it is brought on by poor health habits. Statistics show that 285 million (6.4%) people aged between 20 and 79 years will be affected by Diabetes in 2010 and a staggering 439 million (7.7%) by 2030. This is a projected growth of 69% in developing countries and 20% in developed countries. The findings from studies conducted from 1993 to 2003 in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, around the health care services for diabetes highlights many challenges. Sadly, the challenges 10 years after that study, are very similar. The conditions of people with Diabetes can be improved through regular monitoring of patients, improvement and monitoring of health care provided, education on healthy lifestyle, as well as education on the importance of adherence to treatment plans for the successful management of the condition. The diabetes endemic in South Africa is exacerbated by the manual functions that are performed in all aspects of monitoring and management of the disease. With the advancements that have been made in ICT and the many apps that already exist for healthcare, it is sensible to state that ICT can assist in the monitoring and management of diabetes. Another factor that is considered is that of patient-centred care. The huge number of people who need acute care and treatment in hospitals and clinics have forced a previously caring environment, to turn into a cold, almost production line affair. The sick wait in long queues and are ushered in and out of the consulting rooms as fast as possible without even as much as a “hallo”. This has left a void in the healthcare delivery to South Africans which should never have been removed in the first place, namely patient-centred care. This means that the patient is at the centre of the treatment and fully involved in the decisions about his/her health. Every patient deserves to be recognised as a human-being and treated with dignity and respect. Treatment plans for long term chronic care patients such as diabetics, should be thoroughly discussed with the patient and they should believe and comit themselves to the treatment plan. These plans are life-long and require dedication and as it is vital that patients are part of decision making and understand fully what they are expected to do. Bearing this in mind, this study has investigated the needs and care plans for people with diabetes. Specialist in the field of diabetes were interviewed and recognised care plans for diabetes such as those from WHO, IDF and SEMSDA were studied. This study also established, that by practising a patient-centred approach the adherence to a treatment plan is likely to be higher. The strategy developed involves the person with diabetes, the healthcare worker and the support structure in the care plan of the diabetic. The use of ICT as part of the solution must consider the patient-centred requirements for using IT so that the people using the strategy are comfortable and not intimidated by the technology. The need to incorporate e-health into governments’ healthcare plans has been growing over the last decade. The GSMA conducted research into mobile health opportunities in South Africa and found that SA now has a penetration of 98% and that this is the ideal medium to address the inaccessibility and inequality of healthcare in SA. The causes identified as playing a major role in the rise in diabetes were identified and it was determined that through the implementation of an ICT strategy for diabetes care, many of these can be addressed. These include the use of technology for, improved monitoring and management, increased diabetes awareness and education, and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The study focuses on the self-management aspect of diabetes and produces a strategy that incorporates various ICT solutions that would assist in the daily aspects of diabetes care, as well as follow a patient-centred approach to diabetes care. This strategy developed in this study does not need any intervention from government as it is driven by the people who have diabetes and their healthcare workers, with the aid of the technology that they currently have on hand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Application of the theory of critical distance technique to predict fracture toughness in friction stir welded Ti-6Al-4V sheet
- Authors: Rall, William Henry
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Friction stir welding Fracture mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20351 , vital:29266
- Description: With modern day socioeconomic pressures to deliver more cost effective, higher performance and energy efficient mechanisms and structures, light weight design is coming more to the forefront of design methodologies. These methodologies need to apply lightweight materials in unison with a defect tolerant design strategy. Titanium is certainly not a new material and was used in large quantities in the 1960’s and ‘70s, but mostly in military applications. The main drawback of this material was cost, however due to current design needs as mentioned the consumption of the material is rising rapidly. Friction stir welding is by no means a new technique anymore, however, relatively speaking it is still in its infancy when compared to other traditional welding techniques. It has been applied mostly to low melting temperature metals, more specifically aluminium; however, its application to higher melting temperatures has started to enjoy more attention over the last few years. The lower temperatures at which the weld occurs, when compared to conventional processes, is the main reason for applying this technique to materials melting at a higher temperature such as titanium. Fracture mechanics allows modern-day designers and maintenance engineers to operate structures with an inherent flaw. These flaws may be due to geometric features of the design; fabrication defects or defects such as cracks that have developed over time within an operational structure. Fracture mechanics has evolved significantly since Griffith first proposed it in the early 20th century. The application of the method is often complex and determining the material properties for fracture resistance can be problematic and costly. Many techniques have been proposed over time to simplify the application of this method and one of these techniques would be the theory of critical distance. Since the technique is relatively new and has mostly been applied to more brittle materials, this study aimed not only to apply this technique to a more ductile material but additionally to one that is classified as a sheet material. The initial tests of this study investigated if a common convergent point could be determined by using three notches varying in size. The technique does not have a standard that governs its application. The initial tests did not yield a common intersecting point thus a second study was applied to see if sample width would influence the results. The results from the study indicated that wider samples seemed to yield similar apparent fracture toughness results, however a common convergence point could still not be established. This prompted a more in-depth study which involved various sample widths coupled with varying notch depths. Sharper notches were also applied and samples with controlled cracks were also tested. The results clearly showed that as the plastic zone size increases in relation to the ligament length of the sample, the critical distance becomes larger. The results also suggested that it would perhaps be best to use sample sizes with notches which allow fracture of the sample before the nett section stress reaches the material’s yield strength. The final tests involved testing the friction stir welded material. Various other studies were also done to corroborate the fracture toughness results. The stress relieved samples showed a reduction in the fracture toughness due to possible precipitation hardening during the stress relieving heat treatment process. The welded material showed an increase in the apparent fracture toughness when compared to the parent plate. The results indicate that residual stresses have an influence on the fracture toughness. In terms of the critical distance, it would appear that the value stays unchanged from the parent plate to the welded material; however, what is significant was that the value seemed to stay more or less constant as long as the nett section stress of the notched samples stayed below the yield stress of the material.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Rall, William Henry
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Friction stir welding Fracture mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20351 , vital:29266
- Description: With modern day socioeconomic pressures to deliver more cost effective, higher performance and energy efficient mechanisms and structures, light weight design is coming more to the forefront of design methodologies. These methodologies need to apply lightweight materials in unison with a defect tolerant design strategy. Titanium is certainly not a new material and was used in large quantities in the 1960’s and ‘70s, but mostly in military applications. The main drawback of this material was cost, however due to current design needs as mentioned the consumption of the material is rising rapidly. Friction stir welding is by no means a new technique anymore, however, relatively speaking it is still in its infancy when compared to other traditional welding techniques. It has been applied mostly to low melting temperature metals, more specifically aluminium; however, its application to higher melting temperatures has started to enjoy more attention over the last few years. The lower temperatures at which the weld occurs, when compared to conventional processes, is the main reason for applying this technique to materials melting at a higher temperature such as titanium. Fracture mechanics allows modern-day designers and maintenance engineers to operate structures with an inherent flaw. These flaws may be due to geometric features of the design; fabrication defects or defects such as cracks that have developed over time within an operational structure. Fracture mechanics has evolved significantly since Griffith first proposed it in the early 20th century. The application of the method is often complex and determining the material properties for fracture resistance can be problematic and costly. Many techniques have been proposed over time to simplify the application of this method and one of these techniques would be the theory of critical distance. Since the technique is relatively new and has mostly been applied to more brittle materials, this study aimed not only to apply this technique to a more ductile material but additionally to one that is classified as a sheet material. The initial tests of this study investigated if a common convergent point could be determined by using three notches varying in size. The technique does not have a standard that governs its application. The initial tests did not yield a common intersecting point thus a second study was applied to see if sample width would influence the results. The results from the study indicated that wider samples seemed to yield similar apparent fracture toughness results, however a common convergence point could still not be established. This prompted a more in-depth study which involved various sample widths coupled with varying notch depths. Sharper notches were also applied and samples with controlled cracks were also tested. The results clearly showed that as the plastic zone size increases in relation to the ligament length of the sample, the critical distance becomes larger. The results also suggested that it would perhaps be best to use sample sizes with notches which allow fracture of the sample before the nett section stress reaches the material’s yield strength. The final tests involved testing the friction stir welded material. Various other studies were also done to corroborate the fracture toughness results. The stress relieved samples showed a reduction in the fracture toughness due to possible precipitation hardening during the stress relieving heat treatment process. The welded material showed an increase in the apparent fracture toughness when compared to the parent plate. The results indicate that residual stresses have an influence on the fracture toughness. In terms of the critical distance, it would appear that the value stays unchanged from the parent plate to the welded material; however, what is significant was that the value seemed to stay more or less constant as long as the nett section stress of the notched samples stayed below the yield stress of the material.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Guidelines for cybersecurity education campaigns
- Authors: Reid, Rayne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14091 , vital:27416
- Description: In our technology- and information-infused world, cyberspace is an integral part of modern-day society. As the number of active cyberspace users increases, so too does the chances of a cyber threat finding a vulnerable target increase. All cyber users who are exposed to cyber risks need to be educated about cyber security. Human beings play a key role in the implementation and governing of an entire cybersecurity and cybersafety solution. The effectiveness of any cybersecurity and cybersafety solutions in a societal or individual context is dependent on the human beings involved in the process. If these human beings are either unaware or not knowledgeable about their roles in the security solution they become the weak link in these cybersecurity solutions. It is essential that all users be educated to combat any threats. Children are a particularly vulnerable subgroup within society. They are digital natives and make use of ICT, and online services with increasing frequency, but this does not mean they are knowledgeable about or behaving securely in their cyber activities. Children will be exposed to cyberspace throughout their lifetimes. Therefore, cybersecurity and cybersafety should be taught to children as a life-skill. There is a lack of well-known, comprehensive cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns which target school children. Most existing information security and cybersecurity education campaigns limit their scope. Literature reports mainly on education campaigns focused on primary businesses, government agencies and tertiary education institutions. Additionally, most guidance for the design and implementation of security and safety campaigns: are for an organisational context, only target organisational users, and mostly provide high-level design recommendations. This thesis addressed the lack of guidance for designing and implementing cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns suited to school learners as a target audience. The thesis aimed to offer guidance for designing and implementing education campaigns that educate school learners about cybersecurity and cybersafety. This was done through the implementation of an action research process over a five-year period. The action research process involved cybersecurity and cybersafety educational interventions at multiple schools. A total of 18 actionable guidelines were derived from this research to guide the design and implementation of cybersecurity and cybersafety education campaigns which aim to educate school children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Reid, Rayne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14091 , vital:27416
- Description: In our technology- and information-infused world, cyberspace is an integral part of modern-day society. As the number of active cyberspace users increases, so too does the chances of a cyber threat finding a vulnerable target increase. All cyber users who are exposed to cyber risks need to be educated about cyber security. Human beings play a key role in the implementation and governing of an entire cybersecurity and cybersafety solution. The effectiveness of any cybersecurity and cybersafety solutions in a societal or individual context is dependent on the human beings involved in the process. If these human beings are either unaware or not knowledgeable about their roles in the security solution they become the weak link in these cybersecurity solutions. It is essential that all users be educated to combat any threats. Children are a particularly vulnerable subgroup within society. They are digital natives and make use of ICT, and online services with increasing frequency, but this does not mean they are knowledgeable about or behaving securely in their cyber activities. Children will be exposed to cyberspace throughout their lifetimes. Therefore, cybersecurity and cybersafety should be taught to children as a life-skill. There is a lack of well-known, comprehensive cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns which target school children. Most existing information security and cybersecurity education campaigns limit their scope. Literature reports mainly on education campaigns focused on primary businesses, government agencies and tertiary education institutions. Additionally, most guidance for the design and implementation of security and safety campaigns: are for an organisational context, only target organisational users, and mostly provide high-level design recommendations. This thesis addressed the lack of guidance for designing and implementing cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns suited to school learners as a target audience. The thesis aimed to offer guidance for designing and implementing education campaigns that educate school learners about cybersecurity and cybersafety. This was done through the implementation of an action research process over a five-year period. The action research process involved cybersecurity and cybersafety educational interventions at multiple schools. A total of 18 actionable guidelines were derived from this research to guide the design and implementation of cybersecurity and cybersafety education campaigns which aim to educate school children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Improving the supply of subsidised housing in South Africa
- Authors: Bekker, Jakobus Petrus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Housing -- South Africa Housing subsidies -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa Public housing -- South Africa Housing development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19553 , vital:28893
- Description: Despite South African citizen’s constitutional right to adequate housing, Government’s housing delivery has been described as a complex, multi-stakeholder, multi-phase problem, exacerbated by political interference and corruption. Housing delivery in South Africa is ideologically and politically designed and executed. However, the government subsidised housing sector remains plagued by: huge and increasing backlogs; corruption; quality concerns, and recipient and stakeholder dissatisfaction. This includes the government subsidised housing construction sector, which faces issues such as: established contractors leaving the sector; late and failed completion; substandard quality; rework; cost overruns; late progress payments; and insolvencies. Moreover, government subsidised housing officials, which forms part of this sector, must contend with abandoned projects and appointing new contractors; shoddy workmanship from sub-standard contractors; remedial work, including demolition and rebuilding; and systemic problems such as staff shortages and under qualified staff. The process of Government’s ideological and political designed and execution may therefore not have considered certain practicalities relative to construction principles and practice. It therefore appears that there may be some relationship between the compatibility of Government’s housing ideological and political designed (policy) and execution and general construction principles and practice. It is clear from the related literature that government subsidised housing construction has mostly been investigated as an exercise observing from the outside in, and not from a construction sector perspective. The main purpose of this study is thus to explore housing policy and practice compatibility as a major obstacle to housing delivery in general and assess whether the current housing policy is sufficiently responsive to the requirements of the government subsidised housing sector by specifically describing and exploring the effects of Government’s housing procurement policies relative to the ability of the construction sector to supply government subsidised housing. More specifically, the study describes and explores corruption, quality; contractors and worker competency, and government capacity as specific consequences of housing policy and practice incompatibility, as well as factors contributing to recipient dissatisfaction and the housing backlog. Finally, based on the finding, a proposed framework for improving the supply of subsidised housing in South Africa has been developed. The methodology for this study adopted a post-positivist philosophy, embracing a quantitative approach using questionnaires, which incorporated mainly five-point Likert type scale, but also multiple-choice questions, as instruments for data collection. Three surveys were conducted, starting with a pilot study and followed by a primary study, during which a total of 2 884 potential participants within the construction sector across South Africa were randomly sampled and solicited to participate, of which 284 responded. The respondents consisted of four groups: general contractors (76); government housing officials (34); built environment professionals (137), and built environment suppliers (37). An electronic questionnaire was sent by email to all potential participants and allowed four weeks to complete the survey. Furthermore, a housing recipient survey was conducted among 100 randomly selected recipients of government subsidised housing in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area, by means of a structured interview using a paper based questionnaire, over a period of two weeks. The primary outcome measures used for this study were the ranked mean scores for mainly descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test, the 𝑡-test, Cohan’s d test, ANOVA and Scheffé test, using Cronbach's alpha as a measure of internal consistency of scale and validity, for inferential analyses and hypotheses testing. Hypothesis testing was founded upon Government’s worldview that its policies will not influence the operations of the construction sector relative to housing construction, and therefore tested respondents’ perspectives with respect to the impact that government policies have in terms of contractor operations and contractor success, as well as its contribution towards the housing backlog, substandard housing, recipient dissatisfaction and corruption. The following results were obtained by means of the hypothesis testing:Government housing procurement policies are inappropriate for application in the government subsidised housing sector. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government policy and practices do not impact contractor operations and contractor success, and thus the supply of houses; The application of government housing procurement policies leads to inadequate quality. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government preferential procurement policies do not impact quality; Government’s housing procurement policies inappropriately target emerging contractors. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government’s targeting of emerging contractors does not impact housing supply; Government has inadequate capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in terms of housing projects. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government has the capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in the supply of housing, and Government subsidised houses do not meet recipients’ expectations. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government subsidised houses do meet recipients’ expectations. It thus became apparent that housing supply is mostly inhibited by Government’s housing procurement policy, contributing to various factors, such as quality capability, contractor capability, systemic and administrative capacity, and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. Using Pearson’s product moment correlation, a framework model was developed to illustrate the process flow, which revealed definitive statistical and practical relationships between these factors, and indeed reflects complex relationships between factors inhibiting supply and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. To find an appropriate framework model for the purpose of improving housing supply, various sources were consulted. Based on the research question, together with the aims and objectives for this study, as well as the realisation that the problems associated with housing supply relate to the project management of the construction phase, which requires interventions for improving supply, it was decided that a results framework would be the most appropriate for this purpose. The proposed framework is therefore a graphical depiction of how the research process may be used to identify problems in the government subsidised housing sector, questioning how these may be resolved, setting strategies to improve the situation, evolving hypotheses and testing these hypotheses to establish the critical factors to be considered in the process of resolving the problem in the housing sector, by means of implementation and feedback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bekker, Jakobus Petrus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Housing -- South Africa Housing subsidies -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa Public housing -- South Africa Housing development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19553 , vital:28893
- Description: Despite South African citizen’s constitutional right to adequate housing, Government’s housing delivery has been described as a complex, multi-stakeholder, multi-phase problem, exacerbated by political interference and corruption. Housing delivery in South Africa is ideologically and politically designed and executed. However, the government subsidised housing sector remains plagued by: huge and increasing backlogs; corruption; quality concerns, and recipient and stakeholder dissatisfaction. This includes the government subsidised housing construction sector, which faces issues such as: established contractors leaving the sector; late and failed completion; substandard quality; rework; cost overruns; late progress payments; and insolvencies. Moreover, government subsidised housing officials, which forms part of this sector, must contend with abandoned projects and appointing new contractors; shoddy workmanship from sub-standard contractors; remedial work, including demolition and rebuilding; and systemic problems such as staff shortages and under qualified staff. The process of Government’s ideological and political designed and execution may therefore not have considered certain practicalities relative to construction principles and practice. It therefore appears that there may be some relationship between the compatibility of Government’s housing ideological and political designed (policy) and execution and general construction principles and practice. It is clear from the related literature that government subsidised housing construction has mostly been investigated as an exercise observing from the outside in, and not from a construction sector perspective. The main purpose of this study is thus to explore housing policy and practice compatibility as a major obstacle to housing delivery in general and assess whether the current housing policy is sufficiently responsive to the requirements of the government subsidised housing sector by specifically describing and exploring the effects of Government’s housing procurement policies relative to the ability of the construction sector to supply government subsidised housing. More specifically, the study describes and explores corruption, quality; contractors and worker competency, and government capacity as specific consequences of housing policy and practice incompatibility, as well as factors contributing to recipient dissatisfaction and the housing backlog. Finally, based on the finding, a proposed framework for improving the supply of subsidised housing in South Africa has been developed. The methodology for this study adopted a post-positivist philosophy, embracing a quantitative approach using questionnaires, which incorporated mainly five-point Likert type scale, but also multiple-choice questions, as instruments for data collection. Three surveys were conducted, starting with a pilot study and followed by a primary study, during which a total of 2 884 potential participants within the construction sector across South Africa were randomly sampled and solicited to participate, of which 284 responded. The respondents consisted of four groups: general contractors (76); government housing officials (34); built environment professionals (137), and built environment suppliers (37). An electronic questionnaire was sent by email to all potential participants and allowed four weeks to complete the survey. Furthermore, a housing recipient survey was conducted among 100 randomly selected recipients of government subsidised housing in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area, by means of a structured interview using a paper based questionnaire, over a period of two weeks. The primary outcome measures used for this study were the ranked mean scores for mainly descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test, the 𝑡-test, Cohan’s d test, ANOVA and Scheffé test, using Cronbach's alpha as a measure of internal consistency of scale and validity, for inferential analyses and hypotheses testing. Hypothesis testing was founded upon Government’s worldview that its policies will not influence the operations of the construction sector relative to housing construction, and therefore tested respondents’ perspectives with respect to the impact that government policies have in terms of contractor operations and contractor success, as well as its contribution towards the housing backlog, substandard housing, recipient dissatisfaction and corruption. The following results were obtained by means of the hypothesis testing:Government housing procurement policies are inappropriate for application in the government subsidised housing sector. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government policy and practices do not impact contractor operations and contractor success, and thus the supply of houses; The application of government housing procurement policies leads to inadequate quality. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government preferential procurement policies do not impact quality; Government’s housing procurement policies inappropriately target emerging contractors. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government’s targeting of emerging contractors does not impact housing supply; Government has inadequate capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in terms of housing projects. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government has the capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in the supply of housing, and Government subsidised houses do not meet recipients’ expectations. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government subsidised houses do meet recipients’ expectations. It thus became apparent that housing supply is mostly inhibited by Government’s housing procurement policy, contributing to various factors, such as quality capability, contractor capability, systemic and administrative capacity, and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. Using Pearson’s product moment correlation, a framework model was developed to illustrate the process flow, which revealed definitive statistical and practical relationships between these factors, and indeed reflects complex relationships between factors inhibiting supply and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. To find an appropriate framework model for the purpose of improving housing supply, various sources were consulted. Based on the research question, together with the aims and objectives for this study, as well as the realisation that the problems associated with housing supply relate to the project management of the construction phase, which requires interventions for improving supply, it was decided that a results framework would be the most appropriate for this purpose. The proposed framework is therefore a graphical depiction of how the research process may be used to identify problems in the government subsidised housing sector, questioning how these may be resolved, setting strategies to improve the situation, evolving hypotheses and testing these hypotheses to establish the critical factors to be considered in the process of resolving the problem in the housing sector, by means of implementation and feedback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Optimisation of a mini horizontal axis wind turbine to increase energy yield during short duration wind variations
- Authors: Poole, Sean Nichola
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wind turbines -- Design and construction , Horizontal axis wind turbines -- Blades , Wind turbines -- Aerodynamics , Wind power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7036 , vital:21196
- Description: The typical methodology for analytically designing a wind turbine blade is by means of blade element momentum (BEM) theory, whereby the aerofoil angle of attack is optimized to achieve a maximum lift-to-drag ratio. This research aims to show that an alternative optimisation methodology could yield better results, especially in gusty and turbulent wind conditions. This alternative method looks at increasing the aerofoil Reynolds number by increasing the aerofoil chord length. The increased Reynolds number generally increases the e_ectiveness of the aerofoil which would result in a higher or similar lift-to-drag ratio (even at the decreased angle of attacked require to maintain the turbine thrust coe_cient). The bene_t of this design is a atter power curve which causes the turbine to be less sensitive to uctuating winds. Also, the turbine has more torque at startup, allowing for operatation in lower wind speeds. This research is assumed to only be applicable to small wind turbines which operated in a low Reynolds number regime (<500 000), where Reynolds number manipulation is most advantageous.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Poole, Sean Nichola
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wind turbines -- Design and construction , Horizontal axis wind turbines -- Blades , Wind turbines -- Aerodynamics , Wind power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7036 , vital:21196
- Description: The typical methodology for analytically designing a wind turbine blade is by means of blade element momentum (BEM) theory, whereby the aerofoil angle of attack is optimized to achieve a maximum lift-to-drag ratio. This research aims to show that an alternative optimisation methodology could yield better results, especially in gusty and turbulent wind conditions. This alternative method looks at increasing the aerofoil Reynolds number by increasing the aerofoil chord length. The increased Reynolds number generally increases the e_ectiveness of the aerofoil which would result in a higher or similar lift-to-drag ratio (even at the decreased angle of attacked require to maintain the turbine thrust coe_cient). The bene_t of this design is a atter power curve which causes the turbine to be less sensitive to uctuating winds. Also, the turbine has more torque at startup, allowing for operatation in lower wind speeds. This research is assumed to only be applicable to small wind turbines which operated in a low Reynolds number regime (<500 000), where Reynolds number manipulation is most advantageous.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017