A conceptual framework for the e-enabling of automotive supply chanins
- Authors: Cameron, Hilton John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/209 , Electronic commerce , Business logistics
- Description: Supply chains encompass all of the diverse activities that are associated with the flow and transformation of goods, right from the beginning stage of the raw materials, all the way through to the consumer. Supply chains are broken into three distinct parts, namely upstream activities involving the material and service inputs from suppliers, internal activities involving the manufacture and packaging of the goods, and downstream activities, which involve the distribution and sale of the goods. Since the inception of the automotive industry, buyers and suppliers have been linked in rigid, inflexible relationships. With the advent of the Internet, however, supply chains are becoming less rigid and more efficient. E-enabling an automotive supply chain involves two distinct spheres of interest, namely, the sphere of automotive supply chains and that of e-business. Both spheres are evolving fast and becoming increasingly complex. Due to the increasing complexity, there is a lack of understanding with regard to incorporating e-business principles effectively into automotive supply chains. In order to address this lack of understanding, the dissertation proposes a conceptual framework that can be used to assist in the process of e-enabling an automotive supply chain. Before the dissertation ventures to propose this conceptual framework, a number of challenges that may be encountered when attempting to enable an automotive supply chain are highlighted. The proposed framework, therefore, specifically aims to position activities conceptually in such a way that it can be argued that the identified challenges are considered at the appropriate time in the e-enabling process. The framework therefore, focuses on the entire process, starting at the planning phase and going right through to the implementation phase. As such, the framework consists of various phases, with each phase containing a myriad of activities. The different phases of the framework include developing a strategic business plan, designing an information technology architecture, identifying system and resource requirements, creating a project plan and finally implementing the project. These phases aim to address the entire e-enabling process. The contribution that this dissertation makes is in the form of a conceptual framework which may be followed during the e-enabling process. The framework aims to provide direction and to ensure that the many activities that are involved in the e-enabling process are considered. The dissertation also highlights the many challenges that may be encountered when enabling a supply chain. Lastly a prototype application has been developed using a new Internet technology. The prototype has been developed in order to ascertain the new technologies suitability to the e-enabled supply chain environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Cameron, Hilton John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/209 , Electronic commerce , Business logistics
- Description: Supply chains encompass all of the diverse activities that are associated with the flow and transformation of goods, right from the beginning stage of the raw materials, all the way through to the consumer. Supply chains are broken into three distinct parts, namely upstream activities involving the material and service inputs from suppliers, internal activities involving the manufacture and packaging of the goods, and downstream activities, which involve the distribution and sale of the goods. Since the inception of the automotive industry, buyers and suppliers have been linked in rigid, inflexible relationships. With the advent of the Internet, however, supply chains are becoming less rigid and more efficient. E-enabling an automotive supply chain involves two distinct spheres of interest, namely, the sphere of automotive supply chains and that of e-business. Both spheres are evolving fast and becoming increasingly complex. Due to the increasing complexity, there is a lack of understanding with regard to incorporating e-business principles effectively into automotive supply chains. In order to address this lack of understanding, the dissertation proposes a conceptual framework that can be used to assist in the process of e-enabling an automotive supply chain. Before the dissertation ventures to propose this conceptual framework, a number of challenges that may be encountered when attempting to enable an automotive supply chain are highlighted. The proposed framework, therefore, specifically aims to position activities conceptually in such a way that it can be argued that the identified challenges are considered at the appropriate time in the e-enabling process. The framework therefore, focuses on the entire process, starting at the planning phase and going right through to the implementation phase. As such, the framework consists of various phases, with each phase containing a myriad of activities. The different phases of the framework include developing a strategic business plan, designing an information technology architecture, identifying system and resource requirements, creating a project plan and finally implementing the project. These phases aim to address the entire e-enabling process. The contribution that this dissertation makes is in the form of a conceptual framework which may be followed during the e-enabling process. The framework aims to provide direction and to ensure that the many activities that are involved in the e-enabling process are considered. The dissertation also highlights the many challenges that may be encountered when enabling a supply chain. Lastly a prototype application has been developed using a new Internet technology. The prototype has been developed in order to ascertain the new technologies suitability to the e-enabled supply chain environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A contribution to cabbage pest management by subsistence and small-scale farmers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mkize, Nolwazi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Cabbage -- Diseases and pests , Insect pests -- Integrated control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005342 , Cabbage -- Diseases and pests , Insect pests -- Integrated control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The interaction between farmers, agricultural scientists and extension workers is sometimes overlooked in agricultural entomology. In an attempt to respond to this reality this study examines some foundation of this interaction in relation to the pest management practices of subsistence and small-scale farmers and also highlights the problems that might arise in the implementation of IPM. Problems involving pests occurrence; language barriers; beliefs, knowledge and perception about insects, and visual literacy are examined. The thesis has a two-fold focus, firstly the study of pests on cabbages of subsistence farmers in Grahamstown and secondly a broader focus on other aspects such as cultural entomology, perception of insects and visual literacy specifically in relation to Xhosa speaking people in the Eastern Cape. The most important crop for emergent farmers in the Eastern Cape are cabbages, which have a variety of pests of which diamondback moths and are the most important. Traditional pest management practices tend to influence the development of IPM programmes adopted by these farmers. Eastern Cape farmers apply periodic cropping systems, which had an effect on the population densities of diamondback moth (DBM), other lepidopteran pests and their parasitoids. Considering the maximum population densities of DBM, which were 0.2 - 2.9 larvae/plant, there were no major pest problems. The availability of parasitoids, even in highly disturbed and patchy environments, showed good potential for biological control. Since some extension officers cannot speak the local farmers’ language, a dictionary of insect names was formulated in their language (isiXhosa) to assist communication. Response-frequency distribution analysis showed that the dictionary is essentially complete. The literal translations of some names show that isiXhosa speakers often relate insects to people, or to their habitat or classify them according to their behaviour. Farmers from eight sites in the Eastern Cape were interviewed regarding their knowledge and perception of insect pests and their control thereof. To some extent, farmers still rely on cultural control and have beliefs about insects that reflected both reality and superstition. There is no difference between the Ciskei and Transkei regions regarding insect-related beliefs. Farmers generally lack an understanding of insect ecology. There is a need for farmers to be taught about insects to assist with the implementation of IPM. Leftover pesticides from commercial farms or detergents are sometimes used to manage the pests. When training illiterate or semi-literate farmers, it is important to understand their media literacy so as to design useful graphic and object training media. Generally farmers showed that they either understand graphic or object media depending on the features of the insects being looked at. These findings are discussed with regard to the potential development of IPM training material for subsistence and small-scale farmers in a community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mkize, Nolwazi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Cabbage -- Diseases and pests , Insect pests -- Integrated control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005342 , Cabbage -- Diseases and pests , Insect pests -- Integrated control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The interaction between farmers, agricultural scientists and extension workers is sometimes overlooked in agricultural entomology. In an attempt to respond to this reality this study examines some foundation of this interaction in relation to the pest management practices of subsistence and small-scale farmers and also highlights the problems that might arise in the implementation of IPM. Problems involving pests occurrence; language barriers; beliefs, knowledge and perception about insects, and visual literacy are examined. The thesis has a two-fold focus, firstly the study of pests on cabbages of subsistence farmers in Grahamstown and secondly a broader focus on other aspects such as cultural entomology, perception of insects and visual literacy specifically in relation to Xhosa speaking people in the Eastern Cape. The most important crop for emergent farmers in the Eastern Cape are cabbages, which have a variety of pests of which diamondback moths and are the most important. Traditional pest management practices tend to influence the development of IPM programmes adopted by these farmers. Eastern Cape farmers apply periodic cropping systems, which had an effect on the population densities of diamondback moth (DBM), other lepidopteran pests and their parasitoids. Considering the maximum population densities of DBM, which were 0.2 - 2.9 larvae/plant, there were no major pest problems. The availability of parasitoids, even in highly disturbed and patchy environments, showed good potential for biological control. Since some extension officers cannot speak the local farmers’ language, a dictionary of insect names was formulated in their language (isiXhosa) to assist communication. Response-frequency distribution analysis showed that the dictionary is essentially complete. The literal translations of some names show that isiXhosa speakers often relate insects to people, or to their habitat or classify them according to their behaviour. Farmers from eight sites in the Eastern Cape were interviewed regarding their knowledge and perception of insect pests and their control thereof. To some extent, farmers still rely on cultural control and have beliefs about insects that reflected both reality and superstition. There is no difference between the Ciskei and Transkei regions regarding insect-related beliefs. Farmers generally lack an understanding of insect ecology. There is a need for farmers to be taught about insects to assist with the implementation of IPM. Leftover pesticides from commercial farms or detergents are sometimes used to manage the pests. When training illiterate or semi-literate farmers, it is important to understand their media literacy so as to design useful graphic and object training media. Generally farmers showed that they either understand graphic or object media depending on the features of the insects being looked at. These findings are discussed with regard to the potential development of IPM training material for subsistence and small-scale farmers in a community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A corpus-based investigation of Xhosa English in the classroom setting
- Authors: Platt, Candice Lee
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-03
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching (Foreign speakers) -- South Africa , Computational linguistics , Black English -- South Africa , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007613 , English language -- Study and teaching (Foreign speakers) -- South Africa , Computational linguistics , Black English -- South Africa , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Education
- Description: This study is an investigation of Xhosa English as used by teachers in the Grahamstown area of the Eastern Cape. The aims of the study were firstly, to compile a 20 000 word mini-corpus of the spoken English of Xhosa mother-tongue teachers in Grahamstown, and to use this data to describe the characteristics of Xhosa English used in the classroom context; and secondly, to assess the usefulness of a corpus-based approach to a study of this nature. The English of five Xhosa mother-tongue teachers was investigated. These teachers were recorded while teaching in English and the data was then transcribed for analysis. The data was analysed using Wordsmith Tools to investigate patterns in the teachers' language. Grammatical, lexical and discourse patterns were explored based on the findings of other researchers' investigations of Black South African English and Xhosa English. In general, many of the patterns reported in the literature were found in the data, but to a lesser extent than reported in literature which gave quantitative information. Some features not described elsewhere were also found. The corpus-based approach was found to be useful within the limits of pattern-matching. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Platt, Candice Lee
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-03
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching (Foreign speakers) -- South Africa , Computational linguistics , Black English -- South Africa , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007613 , English language -- Study and teaching (Foreign speakers) -- South Africa , Computational linguistics , Black English -- South Africa , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Education
- Description: This study is an investigation of Xhosa English as used by teachers in the Grahamstown area of the Eastern Cape. The aims of the study were firstly, to compile a 20 000 word mini-corpus of the spoken English of Xhosa mother-tongue teachers in Grahamstown, and to use this data to describe the characteristics of Xhosa English used in the classroom context; and secondly, to assess the usefulness of a corpus-based approach to a study of this nature. The English of five Xhosa mother-tongue teachers was investigated. These teachers were recorded while teaching in English and the data was then transcribed for analysis. The data was analysed using Wordsmith Tools to investigate patterns in the teachers' language. Grammatical, lexical and discourse patterns were explored based on the findings of other researchers' investigations of Black South African English and Xhosa English. In general, many of the patterns reported in the literature were found in the data, but to a lesser extent than reported in literature which gave quantitative information. Some features not described elsewhere were also found. The corpus-based approach was found to be useful within the limits of pattern-matching. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A critical analysis of the influence of the "Prevention of the illegal eviction from and unlawful occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998" on investment in residential income-producing property
- Authors: Botha, Brink
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rental housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Eviction -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Occupancy (Law) -- South Africa , Real estate investment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/321 , Rental housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Eviction -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Occupancy (Law) -- South Africa , Real estate investment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: This research will focus on the influence of legislation (as indicated in this research) on the investment decision in residential income-producing property. Assumptions, as recorded in the hypothesis of this study, indicate that the legislation had a changing influence on the investment decision in residential income-producing property in comparison to the time period prior to the promulgation of the legislation. The research methodology will be based on a comparative analysis of the current legislation and the proposed Draft Amendment Bill. This analysis will be tested by means of a case study analysis incorporating a phenomenological study based on written data. The problems, sub-problems and hypothesis will be addressed and tested in this research in conjunction with the prescribed research methodology. This research is concluded by means of a synopsis and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Botha, Brink
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rental housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Eviction -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Occupancy (Law) -- South Africa , Real estate investment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/321 , Rental housing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Eviction -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Occupancy (Law) -- South Africa , Real estate investment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: This research will focus on the influence of legislation (as indicated in this research) on the investment decision in residential income-producing property. Assumptions, as recorded in the hypothesis of this study, indicate that the legislation had a changing influence on the investment decision in residential income-producing property in comparison to the time period prior to the promulgation of the legislation. The research methodology will be based on a comparative analysis of the current legislation and the proposed Draft Amendment Bill. This analysis will be tested by means of a case study analysis incorporating a phenomenological study based on written data. The problems, sub-problems and hypothesis will be addressed and tested in this research in conjunction with the prescribed research methodology. This research is concluded by means of a synopsis and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A critical evaluation of local level responses to mine closure in the Northwestern KwaZulu-Natal coal belt region, South Africa
- Buthelezi, Mbekezeli Simphiwe
- Authors: Buthelezi, Mbekezeli Simphiwe
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) , Deindustrialization -- Economic aspects--South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Coal mines and mining -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Economic development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Community development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural industries -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Labor supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Citizen participation , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Social conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4822 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005497 , Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) , Deindustrialization -- Economic aspects--South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Coal mines and mining -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Economic development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Community development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural industries -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Labor supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Citizen participation , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Social conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The de-industrialisation process that was a common feature of North America and Western Europe in the 1970s, through into the 1980s has become an observable feature in African countries and South Africa in particular in the last two decades. Globally, hard hit areas include those associated with the early Industrial Revolution characterised by mass production and the agglomeration of iron and steel, coal and textile industries. General changes in the global market, especially the falling demand for extractive heavy minerals like coal and gold have also affected many countries region and localities. In the case of South Mrica, the previous high economic dependence on mined minerals like coal and gold has resulted in many once prosperous mining regions of the country being reduced to a shadow of their former selves. The worst affected areas in South Africa are those of the Klerksdorp Goldfields in the North West Province and Free State Goldfields, with the latter alone losing 100,000 jobs during the 1990s. This trend has also been acute in the coal-mining industry of the KwaZulu-Natal province since the late 1970s. The firms that had grown in the shadow of the major mining company supplyipg machinery, or who processed the semi-manufactured product are also severely affected by the closing down and restructuring in the mining and iron industries. These industries have often been forced to close down because of a break in the vital connections they developed with these mining industries. Such localised economic crisis has encouraged the universal trend towards the devolution of developmental responsibilities to the local governments and other local stakeholders to - empower them to respond to these changes. This study investigated the local economic initiatives which have been undertaken in the three municipalities of north-western KwaZulu Natal i.e. Utrecht, Dundee and Dannhauser to respond to the closures which have taken place in the mining industry of this region, which used to be among the most prosperous coal mining regions of South Africa. Using their new developmental mandate the local governments, in partnership with the communities and other external interveners have tried to respond to these localised economic crisis and also indirectly to the general poverty and underdevelopment, which characterises this region of KwaZulu-Natal. The effects of apartheid policies, and previous discriminatory rural development policies in, particular, and the Regional Industrial Development policy, which was intensively applied in the 1980s by the pre-1994 government regime, have further compounded the magnitude of the challenge. The lack of capacity in some municipalities has constrained successful implementation of Local Economic Development has led to some communities acting alone to face their situation with or without external intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Buthelezi, Mbekezeli Simphiwe
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) , Deindustrialization -- Economic aspects--South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Coal mines and mining -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Economic development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Community development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural industries -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Labor supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Citizen participation , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Social conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4822 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005497 , Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) , Deindustrialization -- Economic aspects--South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Coal mines and mining -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Economic development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Community development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural industries -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Labor supply -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Citizen participation , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Social conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The de-industrialisation process that was a common feature of North America and Western Europe in the 1970s, through into the 1980s has become an observable feature in African countries and South Africa in particular in the last two decades. Globally, hard hit areas include those associated with the early Industrial Revolution characterised by mass production and the agglomeration of iron and steel, coal and textile industries. General changes in the global market, especially the falling demand for extractive heavy minerals like coal and gold have also affected many countries region and localities. In the case of South Mrica, the previous high economic dependence on mined minerals like coal and gold has resulted in many once prosperous mining regions of the country being reduced to a shadow of their former selves. The worst affected areas in South Africa are those of the Klerksdorp Goldfields in the North West Province and Free State Goldfields, with the latter alone losing 100,000 jobs during the 1990s. This trend has also been acute in the coal-mining industry of the KwaZulu-Natal province since the late 1970s. The firms that had grown in the shadow of the major mining company supplyipg machinery, or who processed the semi-manufactured product are also severely affected by the closing down and restructuring in the mining and iron industries. These industries have often been forced to close down because of a break in the vital connections they developed with these mining industries. Such localised economic crisis has encouraged the universal trend towards the devolution of developmental responsibilities to the local governments and other local stakeholders to - empower them to respond to these changes. This study investigated the local economic initiatives which have been undertaken in the three municipalities of north-western KwaZulu Natal i.e. Utrecht, Dundee and Dannhauser to respond to the closures which have taken place in the mining industry of this region, which used to be among the most prosperous coal mining regions of South Africa. Using their new developmental mandate the local governments, in partnership with the communities and other external interveners have tried to respond to these localised economic crisis and also indirectly to the general poverty and underdevelopment, which characterises this region of KwaZulu-Natal. The effects of apartheid policies, and previous discriminatory rural development policies in, particular, and the Regional Industrial Development policy, which was intensively applied in the 1980s by the pre-1994 government regime, have further compounded the magnitude of the challenge. The lack of capacity in some municipalities has constrained successful implementation of Local Economic Development has led to some communities acting alone to face their situation with or without external intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A critical evaluation of outcomes based education from a developmental perspective in South Africa with particular reference to the Eastern Cape.
- Mdikane, Knowledge Mzwandile
- Authors: Mdikane, Knowledge Mzwandile
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:6057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006663
- Description: This research study seeks to examine the impact of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE)from a developmental perspective in the Eastern Cape. Two schools were selected as research sites, one from a previously advantaged area and the other from a previously disadvantaged area. These schools were evaluated on their understanding of OBE and its relationship to development. OBE was introduced in South Africa under controversial circumstances because of the legacy of apartheid education from which we are coming. Because of that, schools in South Africa reflect the inequalities that are resulting from apartheid legislation. In 1994 the government introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to eradicate all the discrepancies resulting from apartheid. On the educational sphere, OBE was the curriculum policy aimed at eradicating the legacy of apartheid education. The then Minister of Education was convinced that OBE or Curriculum 2005 would be a developmental approach to education and would take South Africa into the 21st century. Ever since its introduction, educators have encountered many problems with the implementation of OBE, especially in the previously disadvantaged areas of the Eastern Cape. The researcher used semi-structured interviews to collect data from the respondents. However, one set of questionnaires was prepared for the educators, students, parents and education government officials. Because of the qualitative nature of the questionnaire the data collected was also analyzed qualitatively. Each question was analyzed from each of the focus groups and the researcher established findings that were analyzed in relation to the literature review. The researcher then was able to reach his own conclusions on the impact that OBE has on the South African education system and recommendations on what could be done for OBE to be successfully implemented and to be developmentally effective in previously disadvantaged areas of South Africa. The recommendations propose useful interventions, which could be made by the government to assist all the stakeholders involved in education in both an understanding and better implementation of OBE in Previously Disadvantaged Areas (PDA’s). They include provision of support to stakeholders and that teachers should be taught about the relationship between OBE and reconstruction. The research study focuses mainly on OBE and its relationship to development in urban or Previously Advantaged Areas (PAA’s) of two Eastern Cape schools. It will be relevant to the Eastern Cape Education Department in its efforts to implement OBE in schools and it could be a source of knowledge to educators. The conclusion that has been reached, however, is that there is a lot of ignorance about this new system of education to both educators and parents. There is also evidence of ignorance to matters pertaining to the relationship between OBE and it’s relationship to the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). A major recommendation that is made then is that for OBE to be relevant in the South African context, it should help to improve the lives of ordinary people in South Africa, especially in Previously Disadvantaged Areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mdikane, Knowledge Mzwandile
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:6057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006663
- Description: This research study seeks to examine the impact of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE)from a developmental perspective in the Eastern Cape. Two schools were selected as research sites, one from a previously advantaged area and the other from a previously disadvantaged area. These schools were evaluated on their understanding of OBE and its relationship to development. OBE was introduced in South Africa under controversial circumstances because of the legacy of apartheid education from which we are coming. Because of that, schools in South Africa reflect the inequalities that are resulting from apartheid legislation. In 1994 the government introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to eradicate all the discrepancies resulting from apartheid. On the educational sphere, OBE was the curriculum policy aimed at eradicating the legacy of apartheid education. The then Minister of Education was convinced that OBE or Curriculum 2005 would be a developmental approach to education and would take South Africa into the 21st century. Ever since its introduction, educators have encountered many problems with the implementation of OBE, especially in the previously disadvantaged areas of the Eastern Cape. The researcher used semi-structured interviews to collect data from the respondents. However, one set of questionnaires was prepared for the educators, students, parents and education government officials. Because of the qualitative nature of the questionnaire the data collected was also analyzed qualitatively. Each question was analyzed from each of the focus groups and the researcher established findings that were analyzed in relation to the literature review. The researcher then was able to reach his own conclusions on the impact that OBE has on the South African education system and recommendations on what could be done for OBE to be successfully implemented and to be developmentally effective in previously disadvantaged areas of South Africa. The recommendations propose useful interventions, which could be made by the government to assist all the stakeholders involved in education in both an understanding and better implementation of OBE in Previously Disadvantaged Areas (PDA’s). They include provision of support to stakeholders and that teachers should be taught about the relationship between OBE and reconstruction. The research study focuses mainly on OBE and its relationship to development in urban or Previously Advantaged Areas (PAA’s) of two Eastern Cape schools. It will be relevant to the Eastern Cape Education Department in its efforts to implement OBE in schools and it could be a source of knowledge to educators. The conclusion that has been reached, however, is that there is a lot of ignorance about this new system of education to both educators and parents. There is also evidence of ignorance to matters pertaining to the relationship between OBE and it’s relationship to the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). A major recommendation that is made then is that for OBE to be relevant in the South African context, it should help to improve the lives of ordinary people in South Africa, especially in Previously Disadvantaged Areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A critical examination of the income tax provisions relating to the taxation of foreign income of residents as defined
- Authors: Smith, William Nevel
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Foreign income -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019676
- Description: The Budget speech of 23 February 2000 by the Minister of Finance marked the introduction of significant changes to the income tax system of the Republic of South Africa (Republic). A residence-based system of taxation (RBT) was adopted for years of assessment commencing on or after 1 January 2001 and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was introduced with effect from 1 October 2001. According to the 2000 Budget Review a move to a residence-based system would significantly broaden the tax base, limit opportunities for tax arbitrage and bring the tax system in line with generally accepted international practice. The relaxation of exchange controls for South African residents with effect from 1 July 1997 made it possible for residents to invest limited funds offshore. The Fifth Interim Report of the Katz Commission suggested that if exchange controls were relaxed, the taxation of active income should remain on a source basis, but that passive income should be taxed on a residence basis. As a result deemed source rules in the form of section 9C and 9D were introduced into the Act with effect from 1 July 1997 and applied to “investment income” as defined. Section 9C taxed investment income of both residents and non-residents (from activities carried on by a permanent establishment in the Republic). Section 9D taxed investment income of controlled foreign entities and investment income arising from donations, settlements or other dispositions in the hands of residents. The taxation of foreign dividends with effect from 23 February 2000 as a first phase in the move to a residence based system, lead to the introduction of s 9E. Foreign Dividends were taxed in the hands of residents subject to certain exemptions. The basic interest exemption was extended to foreign dividends. Section 6quat was revised to extend the rebate to foreign dividends and profits of a company from which dividends were declared. Section 9D was amended to cater for foreign dividends received by or accrued to controlled foreign entities. The implementation of a full residence-based system of taxation with effect from years of assessment commencing on or after 1 January 2001 required amendments to various sections of the Income Tax Act as well as the introduction of new sections. A residence minus system was adopted which means that residents as defined are now taxed on their world- wide income with certain exemptions. Non-residents are taxed on their income from sources within or deemed to be within the Republic. The provisions relating to the taxation of foreign income of residents is complex; adding to the complexity is the fact that several changes have already been made to these provisions since the inception of the world-wide basis of taxation. The provisions must also be interpreted against the background of any double taxation agreement (DTA) between the Republic and the relevant foreign country as the applicable DTA may override the Republic domestic legislation. For purposes of this treatise the amending Acts enacted up to the end of December 2003 are taken into account. Hardly five years after the Katz commission of inquiry into the tax structure concluded that RBT and CGT were too complicated to be administered by SARS, the implementation of RBT and CGT were announced in the 2000 Budget. A detailed examination of the provisions relating to foreign income of residents as defined was undertaken. Interpretational issues to be clarified by legislation and certain planning issues are highlighted. It is essential to understand and carefully consider the Republic tax laws and the relevant double taxation agreements, for the successful application of the provisions. Careful planning before concluding transactions is of vital importance in order to avoid or minimize any unwanted tax consequences resulting from the RBT and CGT provisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Smith, William Nevel
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Foreign income -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019676
- Description: The Budget speech of 23 February 2000 by the Minister of Finance marked the introduction of significant changes to the income tax system of the Republic of South Africa (Republic). A residence-based system of taxation (RBT) was adopted for years of assessment commencing on or after 1 January 2001 and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was introduced with effect from 1 October 2001. According to the 2000 Budget Review a move to a residence-based system would significantly broaden the tax base, limit opportunities for tax arbitrage and bring the tax system in line with generally accepted international practice. The relaxation of exchange controls for South African residents with effect from 1 July 1997 made it possible for residents to invest limited funds offshore. The Fifth Interim Report of the Katz Commission suggested that if exchange controls were relaxed, the taxation of active income should remain on a source basis, but that passive income should be taxed on a residence basis. As a result deemed source rules in the form of section 9C and 9D were introduced into the Act with effect from 1 July 1997 and applied to “investment income” as defined. Section 9C taxed investment income of both residents and non-residents (from activities carried on by a permanent establishment in the Republic). Section 9D taxed investment income of controlled foreign entities and investment income arising from donations, settlements or other dispositions in the hands of residents. The taxation of foreign dividends with effect from 23 February 2000 as a first phase in the move to a residence based system, lead to the introduction of s 9E. Foreign Dividends were taxed in the hands of residents subject to certain exemptions. The basic interest exemption was extended to foreign dividends. Section 6quat was revised to extend the rebate to foreign dividends and profits of a company from which dividends were declared. Section 9D was amended to cater for foreign dividends received by or accrued to controlled foreign entities. The implementation of a full residence-based system of taxation with effect from years of assessment commencing on or after 1 January 2001 required amendments to various sections of the Income Tax Act as well as the introduction of new sections. A residence minus system was adopted which means that residents as defined are now taxed on their world- wide income with certain exemptions. Non-residents are taxed on their income from sources within or deemed to be within the Republic. The provisions relating to the taxation of foreign income of residents is complex; adding to the complexity is the fact that several changes have already been made to these provisions since the inception of the world-wide basis of taxation. The provisions must also be interpreted against the background of any double taxation agreement (DTA) between the Republic and the relevant foreign country as the applicable DTA may override the Republic domestic legislation. For purposes of this treatise the amending Acts enacted up to the end of December 2003 are taken into account. Hardly five years after the Katz commission of inquiry into the tax structure concluded that RBT and CGT were too complicated to be administered by SARS, the implementation of RBT and CGT were announced in the 2000 Budget. A detailed examination of the provisions relating to foreign income of residents as defined was undertaken. Interpretational issues to be clarified by legislation and certain planning issues are highlighted. It is essential to understand and carefully consider the Republic tax laws and the relevant double taxation agreements, for the successful application of the provisions. Careful planning before concluding transactions is of vital importance in order to avoid or minimize any unwanted tax consequences resulting from the RBT and CGT provisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A critical investigation into discourses that construct academic literacy at the Durban Institute of Technology
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004121
- Description: This thesis examines the construction of academic literacy at the Durban Institute of Technology through a discourse analysis of interviews with educators and learners. Academic literacy comprises the norms and values of higher education as manifested in discipline-specific practices. Students are expected to take on these practices, and the underlying epistemologies, without any overt instruction in, or critique of, these ways of being. Lecturer and student discourses are identified and discussed in terms of their impact on the teaching and learning process. This broad context of educator and student understandings is set against the backdrop of the changing educational policies and structures in post-Apartheid South Africa. The changes in approach to academic development are also traced as a setting for the institutional study. The discourses about the intersection between language and learning were found largely to assume that texts, be they lectures, books, assignments etc, are neutral and autonomous of their contexts. Difficulties some learners experience in accessing or producing the expected meaning of these texts were largely ascribed to their problems with language at a surface level rather than to their lack of shared norms regarding the construction of these texts. The study provides an analysis of how the ‘autonomous’ model is manifested iii and illustrates the limitations on curriculum change imposed by this understanding of how texts are constructed and interpreted. Discourses of motivation presume that students’ difficulties in taking on the literacy practices esteemed by the academy are related to attitude. This discourse assumes that learners have a fairly fixed identity, an assumption that did not bear out in the data. The multiple identities of the learners often presented tensions in the acquisition of discipline-specific academic literacies. The learners were found not to invest strongly in an academically literate identity, or were found to experience conflict between this target identity and the identities they brought with them to the institution. The elevation of academic literacy practices is questioned if the surface features, characteristic of these practices, are valued without a concomitant claim to knowledge production. The rapid emergence of a high skills discourse in Universities of Technology in South Africa is also interrogated, given the current emphasis on training for economic growth over discourses of social redress and transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004121
- Description: This thesis examines the construction of academic literacy at the Durban Institute of Technology through a discourse analysis of interviews with educators and learners. Academic literacy comprises the norms and values of higher education as manifested in discipline-specific practices. Students are expected to take on these practices, and the underlying epistemologies, without any overt instruction in, or critique of, these ways of being. Lecturer and student discourses are identified and discussed in terms of their impact on the teaching and learning process. This broad context of educator and student understandings is set against the backdrop of the changing educational policies and structures in post-Apartheid South Africa. The changes in approach to academic development are also traced as a setting for the institutional study. The discourses about the intersection between language and learning were found largely to assume that texts, be they lectures, books, assignments etc, are neutral and autonomous of their contexts. Difficulties some learners experience in accessing or producing the expected meaning of these texts were largely ascribed to their problems with language at a surface level rather than to their lack of shared norms regarding the construction of these texts. The study provides an analysis of how the ‘autonomous’ model is manifested iii and illustrates the limitations on curriculum change imposed by this understanding of how texts are constructed and interpreted. Discourses of motivation presume that students’ difficulties in taking on the literacy practices esteemed by the academy are related to attitude. This discourse assumes that learners have a fairly fixed identity, an assumption that did not bear out in the data. The multiple identities of the learners often presented tensions in the acquisition of discipline-specific academic literacies. The learners were found not to invest strongly in an academically literate identity, or were found to experience conflict between this target identity and the identities they brought with them to the institution. The elevation of academic literacy practices is questioned if the surface features, characteristic of these practices, are valued without a concomitant claim to knowledge production. The rapid emergence of a high skills discourse in Universities of Technology in South Africa is also interrogated, given the current emphasis on training for economic growth over discourses of social redress and transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A democratising South Africa?: an analysis of the 2004 national election
- Authors: Prudhomme, Leah Shianne
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: African National Congress , Elections -- South Africa , Voting -- South Africa , Democracy -- South Africa , Political parties -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003033 , African National Congress , Elections -- South Africa , Voting -- South Africa , Democracy -- South Africa , Political parties -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: Two of the post apartheid elections held in South Africa (1994, 1999) have been used as mechanisms to analyse and assess the extent to which the country’s transition from apartheid to a democratic dispensation is succeeding or not. The primary analytical focus of the 1994 and 1999 elections has revolved around the nature of the party system and voting behaviour. Basically, contestation has arisen over two primary and related issues: the dominance of the African National Congress (ANC) weighed against the weakness of opposition parties and the implications that this development has for effective democratic consolidation. Also, whether voting decisions based on divisive racial and ethnic identities that underlie electoral contests are pervasive enough to derail the process of democratisation. Generally, the primary conclusion has been that the unfolding pattern of South African electoral politics indicates sufficient grounds on which to doubt the prospects for effective democratic consolidation. This dissertation engages these debates with particular reference to the 2004 elections. In contrast to this pessimistic view of the prospects of successful democratisation in South Africa it upholds through an analysis of the 2004 elections the view that there is insufficient empirical evidence, to conclude that South Africa’s democratisation process is imperiled. It maintains that although there are problems related to the to the nature of the party system and some elements of voting behaviour there is enough countervailing evidence revealed by the 2004 election results that this does not present a substantially serious threat to the prospects of South Africa attaining a democratic society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Prudhomme, Leah Shianne
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: African National Congress , Elections -- South Africa , Voting -- South Africa , Democracy -- South Africa , Political parties -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003033 , African National Congress , Elections -- South Africa , Voting -- South Africa , Democracy -- South Africa , Political parties -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: Two of the post apartheid elections held in South Africa (1994, 1999) have been used as mechanisms to analyse and assess the extent to which the country’s transition from apartheid to a democratic dispensation is succeeding or not. The primary analytical focus of the 1994 and 1999 elections has revolved around the nature of the party system and voting behaviour. Basically, contestation has arisen over two primary and related issues: the dominance of the African National Congress (ANC) weighed against the weakness of opposition parties and the implications that this development has for effective democratic consolidation. Also, whether voting decisions based on divisive racial and ethnic identities that underlie electoral contests are pervasive enough to derail the process of democratisation. Generally, the primary conclusion has been that the unfolding pattern of South African electoral politics indicates sufficient grounds on which to doubt the prospects for effective democratic consolidation. This dissertation engages these debates with particular reference to the 2004 elections. In contrast to this pessimistic view of the prospects of successful democratisation in South Africa it upholds through an analysis of the 2004 elections the view that there is insufficient empirical evidence, to conclude that South Africa’s democratisation process is imperiled. It maintains that although there are problems related to the to the nature of the party system and some elements of voting behaviour there is enough countervailing evidence revealed by the 2004 election results that this does not present a substantially serious threat to the prospects of South Africa attaining a democratic society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A development and management framework for a new Octopus vulgaris fishery in South Africa
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Ané
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Common octopus -- South Africa Octopus fisheries -- South Africa Octopus fisheries -- South Africa -- Economic aspects Fishery management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005098
- Description: A new policy incorporating an operational protocol was developed for the establishment of new fisheries in South Africa. The common octopus, Octopus vulgaris was used as a candidate species for the project. The operational protocol consisted of a three-phased development framework, namely information gathering (Phase 0), an experimental fishery (Phase 1) and the final implementation of a commercial fishery (Phase 2). The present study focussed on phase 0 of this theoretical framework and protocol and was implemented by using a proposed octopus pot fishery in South Africa as a case study. Phase 0 included a desktop study, information gathering in the field, an economic feasibility study and the formulation of a Fishery Management Plan and experimental design for the fishery. Information gaps identified during the desktop study were addressed during field investigations into the population structure and biology of O. vulgaris along the southeast coast. Immature females were found to use the intertidal area to feed and grow before migrating to the subtidal area to mature and spawn. Mean size differed substantially between intertidal and subtidal areas, with larger octopus found subtidally. Age and growth trials using tetracycline as a marker showed that O. vulgaris deposit daily growth lines in their beaks. A genetic study showed that there is most likely only one panmitic population along the coast. The economic feasibility study indicated that a longline pot fishery could be feasible provided a 30% catch in 6600 pots/month is attained. Only existing, debt-free vessels should be used in this fishery. The Fishery Management Plan proposed in this study includes management measures such as effort limitation of licences and gear, size restrictions, vessel monitoring systems, and observer programmes. Based on the population dynamics and biology of O. vulgaris it is suggested that a precautionary approach to developing fisheries for this species in both the inter- and subtidal areas along the South African coast.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Ané
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Common octopus -- South Africa Octopus fisheries -- South Africa Octopus fisheries -- South Africa -- Economic aspects Fishery management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005098
- Description: A new policy incorporating an operational protocol was developed for the establishment of new fisheries in South Africa. The common octopus, Octopus vulgaris was used as a candidate species for the project. The operational protocol consisted of a three-phased development framework, namely information gathering (Phase 0), an experimental fishery (Phase 1) and the final implementation of a commercial fishery (Phase 2). The present study focussed on phase 0 of this theoretical framework and protocol and was implemented by using a proposed octopus pot fishery in South Africa as a case study. Phase 0 included a desktop study, information gathering in the field, an economic feasibility study and the formulation of a Fishery Management Plan and experimental design for the fishery. Information gaps identified during the desktop study were addressed during field investigations into the population structure and biology of O. vulgaris along the southeast coast. Immature females were found to use the intertidal area to feed and grow before migrating to the subtidal area to mature and spawn. Mean size differed substantially between intertidal and subtidal areas, with larger octopus found subtidally. Age and growth trials using tetracycline as a marker showed that O. vulgaris deposit daily growth lines in their beaks. A genetic study showed that there is most likely only one panmitic population along the coast. The economic feasibility study indicated that a longline pot fishery could be feasible provided a 30% catch in 6600 pots/month is attained. Only existing, debt-free vessels should be used in this fishery. The Fishery Management Plan proposed in this study includes management measures such as effort limitation of licences and gear, size restrictions, vessel monitoring systems, and observer programmes. Based on the population dynamics and biology of O. vulgaris it is suggested that a precautionary approach to developing fisheries for this species in both the inter- and subtidal areas along the South African coast.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A fuzzy classification technique for predicting species' distributions: applications using invasive alien plants and indigenous insects
- Robertson, Mark P, Villet, Martin H, Palmer, Anthony R
- Authors: Robertson, Mark P , Villet, Martin H , Palmer, Anthony R
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011659 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1366-9516.2004.00108.x
- Description: A new predictive modelling technique called the fuzzy envelope model (FEM) is introduced. The technique can be used to predict potential distributions of organisms using presence-only locality records and a set of environmental predictor variables. FEM uses fuzzy logic to classify a set of predictor variable maps based on the values associated with presence records and combines the results to produce a potential distribution map for a target species. This technique represents several refinements of the envelope approach used in the BIOCLIM modelling package. These refinements are related to the way in which FEMs deal with uncertainty, the way in which this uncertainty is represented in the resultant potential distribution maps, and the way that these maps can be interpreted and applied. To illustrate its potential use in biogeographical studies, FEM was applied to predicting the potential distribution of three invasive alien plant species (Lantana camara L., Ricinus communis L. and Solanum mauritianum Scop.), and three native cicada species (Capicada decora Germar, Platypleura deusta Thun. and P. capensis L.) in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. These models were quantitatively compared with models produced by means of the algorithm used in the BIOCLIM modelling package, which is referred to as a crisp envelope model (the CEM design). The average performance of models of the FEM design was consistently higher than those of the CEM design. There were significant differences in model performance among species but there was no significant interaction between model design and species. The average maximum kappa value ranged from 0.70 to 0.90 for FEM design and from 0.57 to 0.89 for the CEM design, which can be described as 'good' to 'excellent' using published ranges of agreement for the kappa statistic. This technique can be used to predict species' potential distributions that could be used for identifying regions at risk from invasion by alien species. These predictions could also be used in conservation planning in the case of native species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Robertson, Mark P , Villet, Martin H , Palmer, Anthony R
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011659 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1366-9516.2004.00108.x
- Description: A new predictive modelling technique called the fuzzy envelope model (FEM) is introduced. The technique can be used to predict potential distributions of organisms using presence-only locality records and a set of environmental predictor variables. FEM uses fuzzy logic to classify a set of predictor variable maps based on the values associated with presence records and combines the results to produce a potential distribution map for a target species. This technique represents several refinements of the envelope approach used in the BIOCLIM modelling package. These refinements are related to the way in which FEMs deal with uncertainty, the way in which this uncertainty is represented in the resultant potential distribution maps, and the way that these maps can be interpreted and applied. To illustrate its potential use in biogeographical studies, FEM was applied to predicting the potential distribution of three invasive alien plant species (Lantana camara L., Ricinus communis L. and Solanum mauritianum Scop.), and three native cicada species (Capicada decora Germar, Platypleura deusta Thun. and P. capensis L.) in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. These models were quantitatively compared with models produced by means of the algorithm used in the BIOCLIM modelling package, which is referred to as a crisp envelope model (the CEM design). The average performance of models of the FEM design was consistently higher than those of the CEM design. There were significant differences in model performance among species but there was no significant interaction between model design and species. The average maximum kappa value ranged from 0.70 to 0.90 for FEM design and from 0.57 to 0.89 for the CEM design, which can be described as 'good' to 'excellent' using published ranges of agreement for the kappa statistic. This technique can be used to predict species' potential distributions that could be used for identifying regions at risk from invasion by alien species. These predictions could also be used in conservation planning in the case of native species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A geological evaluation of marine diamond placer deposits on the central Namibian inner shelf : a case study of the Hottentot Bay area
- Authors: Rau, Grant
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Diamond mines and mining -- Namibia , Ocean mining -- Namibia , Marine mineral resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5038 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007554 , Diamond mines and mining -- Namibia , Ocean mining -- Namibia , Marine mineral resources
- Description: This study focusses on the marine diamond placers within Exclusive Prospecting Licence 1950 and Mining Licence 103a, located northwest of the north-facing Hottentot Bay which is 60 km north of Lüderitz, along the central Namibian coastline. The thesis follows the natural geological evolution of the marine placer deposit from primary source, through alluvial and/or glacial transportation, concentration along the coastline by wave, aeolian and alluvial/sheet-wash processes and finally marine diamond placer preservation. All of these processes are reviewed as they are important in understanding of the evolution marine placer deposits. The poly-cyclic role of coastal aeolian, alluvial, and marine processes, in marine placer enrichment is shown to be particularly important in considered target identification and prioritisation. A detailed bathymetric, sonographic and seismic interpretation, is an integral part of diamond placer exploration, and was used to examine and describe surficial and sub-bottom characteristics within the study area. Marine placers are formed along palaeo-strandlines during periods of marine transgression and regression and are therefore fundamental in marine placer exploration. A detailed bathymetry map, compiled for this study, of the area between Lüderitz Bay and Clara Hill, provides the foundation for a detailed terrace level investigation. Regionally, twelve well-developed stillstand levels are identified, nine of which fall into the study area. These interpretations are compared with global eustatic as well as terrace and resource/reserve levels in the Lüderitz area and are found to correlate well. Sediment dynamic studies involve the use of accredited application software for wave refraction modelling, to determine the wave angle and orbital wave velocity at the seabed. Bedload velocities, required to move diamonds of specific sizes, can be empirically determined and therefore areas of diamond entrainment and deposition can be modelled and target features delineated and prioritised. These detailed interpretations provide a sound platform for evaluating diamond placer process models in the study area. By integrating both previously published and newly formulated ideas, a revised, holistic model for the formation of marine diamond placer deposits in central Namibian is postulated. The proposed model is tested by comparing it to the lateral distribution of presently defined resource/reserve areas in the Lüderitz area and shows a close correlation with most of these enriched deposits. Based on this model, a matrix for the delineation and prioritisation of marine placer deposits is developed and the best target features within the study area are identified. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Rau, Grant
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Diamond mines and mining -- Namibia , Ocean mining -- Namibia , Marine mineral resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5038 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007554 , Diamond mines and mining -- Namibia , Ocean mining -- Namibia , Marine mineral resources
- Description: This study focusses on the marine diamond placers within Exclusive Prospecting Licence 1950 and Mining Licence 103a, located northwest of the north-facing Hottentot Bay which is 60 km north of Lüderitz, along the central Namibian coastline. The thesis follows the natural geological evolution of the marine placer deposit from primary source, through alluvial and/or glacial transportation, concentration along the coastline by wave, aeolian and alluvial/sheet-wash processes and finally marine diamond placer preservation. All of these processes are reviewed as they are important in understanding of the evolution marine placer deposits. The poly-cyclic role of coastal aeolian, alluvial, and marine processes, in marine placer enrichment is shown to be particularly important in considered target identification and prioritisation. A detailed bathymetric, sonographic and seismic interpretation, is an integral part of diamond placer exploration, and was used to examine and describe surficial and sub-bottom characteristics within the study area. Marine placers are formed along palaeo-strandlines during periods of marine transgression and regression and are therefore fundamental in marine placer exploration. A detailed bathymetry map, compiled for this study, of the area between Lüderitz Bay and Clara Hill, provides the foundation for a detailed terrace level investigation. Regionally, twelve well-developed stillstand levels are identified, nine of which fall into the study area. These interpretations are compared with global eustatic as well as terrace and resource/reserve levels in the Lüderitz area and are found to correlate well. Sediment dynamic studies involve the use of accredited application software for wave refraction modelling, to determine the wave angle and orbital wave velocity at the seabed. Bedload velocities, required to move diamonds of specific sizes, can be empirically determined and therefore areas of diamond entrainment and deposition can be modelled and target features delineated and prioritised. These detailed interpretations provide a sound platform for evaluating diamond placer process models in the study area. By integrating both previously published and newly formulated ideas, a revised, holistic model for the formation of marine diamond placer deposits in central Namibian is postulated. The proposed model is tested by comparing it to the lateral distribution of presently defined resource/reserve areas in the Lüderitz area and shows a close correlation with most of these enriched deposits. Based on this model, a matrix for the delineation and prioritisation of marine placer deposits is developed and the best target features within the study area are identified. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A new broom: feature
- Cocks, Michelle L, Dold, Anthony P, Sizane, Nomtunzi
- Authors: Cocks, Michelle L , Dold, Anthony P , Sizane, Nomtunzi
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141404 , vital:37969 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC112779
- Description: Traditional grass brooms keep certain cultural practices alive in urban areas and provide rural people with a means to earn an income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Cocks, Michelle L , Dold, Anthony P , Sizane, Nomtunzi
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141404 , vital:37969 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC112779
- Description: Traditional grass brooms keep certain cultural practices alive in urban areas and provide rural people with a means to earn an income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A phenological and bioclimatic analysis of honey yield in South Africa
- Authors: Illgner, Peter Mark
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Bee culture -- South Africa -- Statistics Honeybee -- South Africa Bee culture -- South Africa -- Management Honey plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007153
- Description: This study has investigated the interaction between honeybees and their forage plants and the impact of selected climatic variables on honey production in South Africa. Twenty-seven scale-hive records from 25 localities have been used as a measure of colony honey reserves. At least 944 plant species are visited by honeybees in South Africa for their nectar and/or pollen, with more than half providing both rewards. The entire honeybee flora encompasses 532 genera and 137 families. The flowering phenologies of the different reward categories of the indigenous forage plants are all significantly and positively correlated at the 0.05 level. Similarly, species offering both rewards are significantly and positively correlated with the flowering phenology of the null flora. The same results were obtained for correlations between the different reward categories of the exotic forage plants in South Africa. Of the 30 species pairs which fulfilled the criteria for selection, 23 occurred in sympatry, 5 in allopatry and 2 in possible parapatry. There is evidence for both competition and facilitation within different indigenous species pairs. The lack of geographical correlation in the intra-annual variation in honey stores and the near absence of any statistically significant (p < 0.05) honey related intra-annual intracolonial correlations may indicate that the former is more important than the latter for the determination of the level of honey reserves within a colony. Only one statistically significant correlation was found between either scale-hive record from the University of Pretoria Experimental Farm and any of the selected climatic variables. A one month lag period and/or possible seasonal effects were detected for each variable, with the exception of the duration of sunshine, in the autocorrelation analyses. A possible 12 month seasonal period was also identified in the single series fourier analyses for a number of variables. Similarly, 12 months was also the most frequently recurring period in the crossspectral results for the one scale-hive record (H42). Any activities which have an impact on the landscape have the potential to affect honeybees and/or their forage plants. Honeybee crop or plant pollination may also enhance yields for commercial farmers and facilitate rural food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Illgner, Peter Mark
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Bee culture -- South Africa -- Statistics Honeybee -- South Africa Bee culture -- South Africa -- Management Honey plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007153
- Description: This study has investigated the interaction between honeybees and their forage plants and the impact of selected climatic variables on honey production in South Africa. Twenty-seven scale-hive records from 25 localities have been used as a measure of colony honey reserves. At least 944 plant species are visited by honeybees in South Africa for their nectar and/or pollen, with more than half providing both rewards. The entire honeybee flora encompasses 532 genera and 137 families. The flowering phenologies of the different reward categories of the indigenous forage plants are all significantly and positively correlated at the 0.05 level. Similarly, species offering both rewards are significantly and positively correlated with the flowering phenology of the null flora. The same results were obtained for correlations between the different reward categories of the exotic forage plants in South Africa. Of the 30 species pairs which fulfilled the criteria for selection, 23 occurred in sympatry, 5 in allopatry and 2 in possible parapatry. There is evidence for both competition and facilitation within different indigenous species pairs. The lack of geographical correlation in the intra-annual variation in honey stores and the near absence of any statistically significant (p < 0.05) honey related intra-annual intracolonial correlations may indicate that the former is more important than the latter for the determination of the level of honey reserves within a colony. Only one statistically significant correlation was found between either scale-hive record from the University of Pretoria Experimental Farm and any of the selected climatic variables. A one month lag period and/or possible seasonal effects were detected for each variable, with the exception of the duration of sunshine, in the autocorrelation analyses. A possible 12 month seasonal period was also identified in the single series fourier analyses for a number of variables. Similarly, 12 months was also the most frequently recurring period in the crossspectral results for the one scale-hive record (H42). Any activities which have an impact on the landscape have the potential to affect honeybees and/or their forage plants. Honeybee crop or plant pollination may also enhance yields for commercial farmers and facilitate rural food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A phenomenological exploration of adoptive parents' motivation for and experience of transracial adoption in South Africa
- Authors: Attwell, Terry-Anne
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Interracial adoption -- South Africa , Race awareness in children -- South Africa , Prejudices in children -- South Africa , Adoption -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , South Africa -- Race relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2927 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002436 , Interracial adoption -- South Africa , Race awareness in children -- South Africa , Prejudices in children -- South Africa , Adoption -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , South Africa -- Race relations
- Description: Prior to the democratic elections of 1994, South Africa was daunted by legislation flooded with racial segregation. Adoption across racial lines is, because of South Africa’s racially segregated past, a relatively recent phenomenon in this country. The number of legal adoptions has increased dramatically, especially after its legalization in 1991. Parents may adopt across racial lines for an array of different reasons, from not being able to conceive a baby, to wanting to give a child the best opportunity in life. This study explored the experiences of white parents who have adopted black children, paying particular attention to how they deal with issues of “racial” identity. In-depth interviews were used to generate qualitative data pertaining to the parental perceptions of their motivation for, and experiences of adopting a child transracially in South Africa. The study aimed to explore their motivation for adopting and experiences, as well as issues relating to “racial” identity. Recommendations have been made to assist parents who are interested in adopting transracially. The report presents findings relating to the unique characteristics of the participants who have adopted transracially. These include adopters’ motivation and thought processes before taking the relevant steps to adopt transracially; the support that they have received from others in their decision to adopt transracially; communication patterns; their relevant concerns regarding the future of their adopted child; and issues pertaining to race, culture, heritage, prejudices and stereotypes. The findings suggest that parents were pragmatic, without regrets, in their views about adopting across racial lines. The parents’ motivations for adopting across racial lines were very similar to various perspectives, but were all due to the fact that they were unable to have biological children. Parents were aware of the child’s identity and cultural issues, which may be more perceptible in the future. Their perceptions, views and opinions, and the future concerns of their children were not unrealistic. Due to the children’s young age a follow-up study of these children should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Attwell, Terry-Anne
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Interracial adoption -- South Africa , Race awareness in children -- South Africa , Prejudices in children -- South Africa , Adoption -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , South Africa -- Race relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2927 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002436 , Interracial adoption -- South Africa , Race awareness in children -- South Africa , Prejudices in children -- South Africa , Adoption -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , South Africa -- Race relations
- Description: Prior to the democratic elections of 1994, South Africa was daunted by legislation flooded with racial segregation. Adoption across racial lines is, because of South Africa’s racially segregated past, a relatively recent phenomenon in this country. The number of legal adoptions has increased dramatically, especially after its legalization in 1991. Parents may adopt across racial lines for an array of different reasons, from not being able to conceive a baby, to wanting to give a child the best opportunity in life. This study explored the experiences of white parents who have adopted black children, paying particular attention to how they deal with issues of “racial” identity. In-depth interviews were used to generate qualitative data pertaining to the parental perceptions of their motivation for, and experiences of adopting a child transracially in South Africa. The study aimed to explore their motivation for adopting and experiences, as well as issues relating to “racial” identity. Recommendations have been made to assist parents who are interested in adopting transracially. The report presents findings relating to the unique characteristics of the participants who have adopted transracially. These include adopters’ motivation and thought processes before taking the relevant steps to adopt transracially; the support that they have received from others in their decision to adopt transracially; communication patterns; their relevant concerns regarding the future of their adopted child; and issues pertaining to race, culture, heritage, prejudices and stereotypes. The findings suggest that parents were pragmatic, without regrets, in their views about adopting across racial lines. The parents’ motivations for adopting across racial lines were very similar to various perspectives, but were all due to the fact that they were unable to have biological children. Parents were aware of the child’s identity and cultural issues, which may be more perceptible in the future. Their perceptions, views and opinions, and the future concerns of their children were not unrealistic. Due to the children’s young age a follow-up study of these children should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A phenomenological hermeneutic investigation into the psychoanalytic psychotherapist's experience of using the psychoanalytic couch
- Authors: Milton, Christopher
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Freud, Sigmund, 1856-1939 -- Criticism and interpretation Psychoanalysis Psychotherapy Psychotherapy -- Methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3162 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007655
- Description: The aim of this study was to describe and critically explore the psychoanalytic, psychotherapist's lived experience of the technique of using the couch. Through examination of the literature a question was formulated that would disclose the analyst's experience of the technique of using the couch. Four experienced psychoanalytic practitioners who could be operationally defined as 'analysts' were interviewed. Using a phenomenological method the protocols were comprehensively analyzed to produce descriptions of the general structure of the experience. These were then texturally enhanced using interleaved direct citations from the interviews. The structural and textural 'findings ' so produced were then hermeneutically dialogued with contemporary psychoanalytic notions of critical discourse and intersubjectivity. The phenomenological ' findings ' of the study disclosed the meaning of the couch as context-based, paradoxical and ambiguous. The couch was found to be a symbol of the analyst as analyst and the process as authentic analysis. Furthermore, at its best, the couch was found to mediate a mode of being that is containing and intimate and in which psychological life may be evoked, tracked and interpreted. The most significant contributor to this mode of being was found to be privacy, which, in particular, helps the analyst maintain an analytic attitude. The couch was also found to be significantly implicated in the generation of an intersubjective analytic third and to support reverie. These 'findings' were hermeneutically dialogued with literature on the couch as well as contemporary psychoanalytic theoretical notions. The dialogue fell into three foci. The first focus entailed deconstructing the meaning of the couch as context-based and ambiguous and not essential. The second pursued critiques of the role that the couch plays in domination, of its function as a symbol/evocative object and of the way in which it shapes being-together, bodily attunement, privacy, the intersubjective analytic third and reverie. Finally the 'findings' were critically examined in terms of both Lacan's notion 'analytic discourse ' and its role in revealing/concealing the analysand as subject. The study concludes with an examination of its own limitations and suggestions for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Milton, Christopher
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Freud, Sigmund, 1856-1939 -- Criticism and interpretation Psychoanalysis Psychotherapy Psychotherapy -- Methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3162 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007655
- Description: The aim of this study was to describe and critically explore the psychoanalytic, psychotherapist's lived experience of the technique of using the couch. Through examination of the literature a question was formulated that would disclose the analyst's experience of the technique of using the couch. Four experienced psychoanalytic practitioners who could be operationally defined as 'analysts' were interviewed. Using a phenomenological method the protocols were comprehensively analyzed to produce descriptions of the general structure of the experience. These were then texturally enhanced using interleaved direct citations from the interviews. The structural and textural 'findings ' so produced were then hermeneutically dialogued with contemporary psychoanalytic notions of critical discourse and intersubjectivity. The phenomenological ' findings ' of the study disclosed the meaning of the couch as context-based, paradoxical and ambiguous. The couch was found to be a symbol of the analyst as analyst and the process as authentic analysis. Furthermore, at its best, the couch was found to mediate a mode of being that is containing and intimate and in which psychological life may be evoked, tracked and interpreted. The most significant contributor to this mode of being was found to be privacy, which, in particular, helps the analyst maintain an analytic attitude. The couch was also found to be significantly implicated in the generation of an intersubjective analytic third and to support reverie. These 'findings' were hermeneutically dialogued with literature on the couch as well as contemporary psychoanalytic theoretical notions. The dialogue fell into three foci. The first focus entailed deconstructing the meaning of the couch as context-based and ambiguous and not essential. The second pursued critiques of the role that the couch plays in domination, of its function as a symbol/evocative object and of the way in which it shapes being-together, bodily attunement, privacy, the intersubjective analytic third and reverie. Finally the 'findings' were critically examined in terms of both Lacan's notion 'analytic discourse ' and its role in revealing/concealing the analysand as subject. The study concludes with an examination of its own limitations and suggestions for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A resource-based learning approach to professional development: the case of the ACEE (Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education)
- Agria Russo, Vladimir Kiluange
- Authors: Agria Russo, Vladimir Kiluange
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003625
- Description: This interpretative case study derives and examines the characterising features of the resource-based learning approach used in the Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education (ACEE), particularly in Module 1 (Environment and Environmental Issues) and Module 3 (Contemporary Environmental Issues). The study explores processes of resource-based learning through the analysis of three individual case stories of participants’ experience in adaptive use of learning support materials in different work contexts. It discusses the relationship between thematic categories related to participants’ experience of assignment work, and course design and course implementation. This study indicates that resource-based learning processes in the ACEE involve curriculum deliberation and the use of resource packs in supporting participants’ practice. It also indicates that the ACEE’s practice-based orientation to workplace-based assignments plays an important role in supporting the adaptive use of learning support materials, encouraging lifelong learning and developing applied competence. It highlights the significance of reflexive narration of practice in improving course participants’ educational practice. A diagrammatic representation of the unfolding and intermeshed characterising features of resource-based learning is presented. The study argues that resource-based learning in the ACEE appears to create possibilities for the course participants to become scaffolders and co-constructors of their own learning. It notes that resource-based learning can enable course participants to take ownership of their educational and workplace needs, and to develop skills and competences necessary to respond to environmental issues and risks in southern Africa. This study examines the potential that the reflexive narration of practice has in supporting course participants to engage in better ways of doing things in their workplace-based contexts. This study provides some recommendations to enhance the Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education as well as some ‘fuzzy generalisations’ that might guide the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Environmental Education Programme (REEP) in the development and adaptation of professional development courses in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Agria Russo, Vladimir Kiluange
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003625
- Description: This interpretative case study derives and examines the characterising features of the resource-based learning approach used in the Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education (ACEE), particularly in Module 1 (Environment and Environmental Issues) and Module 3 (Contemporary Environmental Issues). The study explores processes of resource-based learning through the analysis of three individual case stories of participants’ experience in adaptive use of learning support materials in different work contexts. It discusses the relationship between thematic categories related to participants’ experience of assignment work, and course design and course implementation. This study indicates that resource-based learning processes in the ACEE involve curriculum deliberation and the use of resource packs in supporting participants’ practice. It also indicates that the ACEE’s practice-based orientation to workplace-based assignments plays an important role in supporting the adaptive use of learning support materials, encouraging lifelong learning and developing applied competence. It highlights the significance of reflexive narration of practice in improving course participants’ educational practice. A diagrammatic representation of the unfolding and intermeshed characterising features of resource-based learning is presented. The study argues that resource-based learning in the ACEE appears to create possibilities for the course participants to become scaffolders and co-constructors of their own learning. It notes that resource-based learning can enable course participants to take ownership of their educational and workplace needs, and to develop skills and competences necessary to respond to environmental issues and risks in southern Africa. This study examines the potential that the reflexive narration of practice has in supporting course participants to engage in better ways of doing things in their workplace-based contexts. This study provides some recommendations to enhance the Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education as well as some ‘fuzzy generalisations’ that might guide the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Environmental Education Programme (REEP) in the development and adaptation of professional development courses in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A revision of a section of the hearing and speech scale of the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Authors: Kotras, Nicole
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Griffiths scales of mental development , Psychological tests for children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11022 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/350 , Griffiths scales of mental development , Psychological tests for children
- Description: Since the introduction of the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development (Griffiths Scales) in the United Kingdom (1950) and South Africa (1977) they have become widely used and researched, both at a national and international level. Studies completed in South Africa have demonstrated the invaluable role the Griffiths Scales have fulfilled in the assessment of South African children of all cultural and socio-economic groups. However, research has indicated a need for the revision of the scales specifically relating to social and cultural factors that influence performance. The aim of this study was two-fold , namely: (i) to revise the 20 small pictures and the large picture of the Hearing and Speech Scale of the Griffiths Scales, making them more culturally relevant for the children of our contemporary world, and especially in South Africa; and (ii) to describe the performance of South African children, between 60 and 83 months of age, utilizing the revised pictures. For the qualitative component of the study a questionnaire pertaining to the small and large “Experimental pictures” was completed by the participants. The participants consisted of the executive committee members of the ARICD in the United Kingdom. Additionally 17 “expert “ Griffith's users and “lay-experts” working in early childhood development throughout South Africa, were included. Their responses were content analyzed and incorporated into the Experimental pictures. This resulted in the development of the Revised Griffiths pictures. The quantitative component of the study utilized two sample pools. Sample 1 (n=204) and Sample 2 (n=180) were comprised of pre-school children aged between 60 and 83 months. Sample 1 was utilized for the 20 small revised pictures and the large revised SA picture, while sample 2 was utilized for the 20 small revised pictures and the large revised United Kingdom/ European/Australian picture. Furthermore, both samples, consisted of children from all cultural, socio-economic, language, and gender groups. x The major findings of the present study were as follows: 1. Referring to sample 1, only the White and Indian pre-schoolers correctly identified a mean number of small pictures above that which was proposed by Griffiths (1960). The Coloured pre-schoolers almost identified Griffiths (1960) proposed number. 2. Referring to sample 2, all excepting the Black pre-schoolers correctly identified Griffiths’ (1960) proposed mean of small pictures. 3. All children from sample 1 and sample 2 were able to identify more stimuli from the large revised pictures, than was proposed by Griffiths (1960). 4. All four cultural groups from samples 1 and 2, elicited a mean number of descriptive words below Griffiths’ (1960) proposed criteria. 5. White pre-schoolers from sample 1 elicited a mean number of descriptive sentences above Griffiths’ (1960) proposed criteria. 6. White and Coloured pre-schoolers from sample 2 elicited a mean number of descriptive sentences above Griffiths’ (1960) proposed criteria. 7. All four cultural groups from sample 1 and sample 2, elicited a mean number of personal or possessive pronouns below Griffith's (1960) proposed criteria. 8. A general trend noted for the four cultural groups of both samples, was that the percentage of children who passed successive age-appropriate items, did not decrease stepwise as would be expected from the placement of items in order of difficulty. In view of the latter finding, it is recommended that for South African children the placement of the items for the small and large pictures of the Hearing and Speech Scale should be revised in terms of their order of difficulty. It is furthermore recommended that separate norms for South African children be established for the Hearing and Speech Scale
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kotras, Nicole
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Griffiths scales of mental development , Psychological tests for children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11022 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/350 , Griffiths scales of mental development , Psychological tests for children
- Description: Since the introduction of the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development (Griffiths Scales) in the United Kingdom (1950) and South Africa (1977) they have become widely used and researched, both at a national and international level. Studies completed in South Africa have demonstrated the invaluable role the Griffiths Scales have fulfilled in the assessment of South African children of all cultural and socio-economic groups. However, research has indicated a need for the revision of the scales specifically relating to social and cultural factors that influence performance. The aim of this study was two-fold , namely: (i) to revise the 20 small pictures and the large picture of the Hearing and Speech Scale of the Griffiths Scales, making them more culturally relevant for the children of our contemporary world, and especially in South Africa; and (ii) to describe the performance of South African children, between 60 and 83 months of age, utilizing the revised pictures. For the qualitative component of the study a questionnaire pertaining to the small and large “Experimental pictures” was completed by the participants. The participants consisted of the executive committee members of the ARICD in the United Kingdom. Additionally 17 “expert “ Griffith's users and “lay-experts” working in early childhood development throughout South Africa, were included. Their responses were content analyzed and incorporated into the Experimental pictures. This resulted in the development of the Revised Griffiths pictures. The quantitative component of the study utilized two sample pools. Sample 1 (n=204) and Sample 2 (n=180) were comprised of pre-school children aged between 60 and 83 months. Sample 1 was utilized for the 20 small revised pictures and the large revised SA picture, while sample 2 was utilized for the 20 small revised pictures and the large revised United Kingdom/ European/Australian picture. Furthermore, both samples, consisted of children from all cultural, socio-economic, language, and gender groups. x The major findings of the present study were as follows: 1. Referring to sample 1, only the White and Indian pre-schoolers correctly identified a mean number of small pictures above that which was proposed by Griffiths (1960). The Coloured pre-schoolers almost identified Griffiths (1960) proposed number. 2. Referring to sample 2, all excepting the Black pre-schoolers correctly identified Griffiths’ (1960) proposed mean of small pictures. 3. All children from sample 1 and sample 2 were able to identify more stimuli from the large revised pictures, than was proposed by Griffiths (1960). 4. All four cultural groups from samples 1 and 2, elicited a mean number of descriptive words below Griffiths’ (1960) proposed criteria. 5. White pre-schoolers from sample 1 elicited a mean number of descriptive sentences above Griffiths’ (1960) proposed criteria. 6. White and Coloured pre-schoolers from sample 2 elicited a mean number of descriptive sentences above Griffiths’ (1960) proposed criteria. 7. All four cultural groups from sample 1 and sample 2, elicited a mean number of personal or possessive pronouns below Griffith's (1960) proposed criteria. 8. A general trend noted for the four cultural groups of both samples, was that the percentage of children who passed successive age-appropriate items, did not decrease stepwise as would be expected from the placement of items in order of difficulty. In view of the latter finding, it is recommended that for South African children the placement of the items for the small and large pictures of the Hearing and Speech Scale should be revised in terms of their order of difficulty. It is furthermore recommended that separate norms for South African children be established for the Hearing and Speech Scale
- Full Text:
A statistical evaluation and analysis of mosquito repellent combination
- Authors: Asquith, Ilse Bernadette
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Mosquitoes -- Control , Insect baits and repellents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015732
- Description: The present product development project was aimed at studying the synergism and/or antagonism amongst various known insect repellent actives with the view to formulating a multi-active repellent product with improved properties when compared to current single-active commercial products. Advanced statistical methods were used to identify synergism between individual active substances and to define a formulation as close as possible to the “ideal” formulation. Several mosquito repellent samples were prepared and sent to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in Pretoria to test for their efficiency in repelling mosquitoes. From the results of the repellency tests of the various active combinations, three actives were identified that showed promising signs of synergism. These actives were then studied in further detail to determine their optimum combination. In addition, it was shown that when using a natural flavourant as promoter and incorporating a slow-release agent into formulations for aerosols and lotions, a product is obtained that gives comparable levels of efficiency to current commercial products, but at much reduced levels of active loading. Accelerated stability tests performed on the final combination of the three actives used in the final formulation showed no adverse reactions over a three-week study. These tests shall be repeated once the final application form (lotion, aerosol, etc) and product packing have been decided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Asquith, Ilse Bernadette
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Mosquitoes -- Control , Insect baits and repellents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015732
- Description: The present product development project was aimed at studying the synergism and/or antagonism amongst various known insect repellent actives with the view to formulating a multi-active repellent product with improved properties when compared to current single-active commercial products. Advanced statistical methods were used to identify synergism between individual active substances and to define a formulation as close as possible to the “ideal” formulation. Several mosquito repellent samples were prepared and sent to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in Pretoria to test for their efficiency in repelling mosquitoes. From the results of the repellency tests of the various active combinations, three actives were identified that showed promising signs of synergism. These actives were then studied in further detail to determine their optimum combination. In addition, it was shown that when using a natural flavourant as promoter and incorporating a slow-release agent into formulations for aerosols and lotions, a product is obtained that gives comparable levels of efficiency to current commercial products, but at much reduced levels of active loading. Accelerated stability tests performed on the final combination of the three actives used in the final formulation showed no adverse reactions over a three-week study. These tests shall be repeated once the final application form (lotion, aerosol, etc) and product packing have been decided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A study of how a customer relationship management programme can assist SAB Miller improve customer service to off-trade retailers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Dias, Ricardo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , South African Breweries Ltd. Customer services , Liquor industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/183 , Customer relations -- Management , South African Breweries Ltd. Customer services , Liquor industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Description: A customer relationship management programme is a management tool that enables organisations to identify, satisfy and retain customers profitably by leveraging information technology. In addition to this the programme also links all the functional business units of the organisation together to operate as a single cohesive unit. This paper investigates whether or not SAB Miller should utilise a customer relationship management programme to provide off-trade retailers with world-class customer service. An important reason for this investigation is that the local beer market has experienced declining growth over the past few years. Furthermore SAB Miller which has had a monopoly in the South African beer market now faces increased competition in the premium segment of the beer market, which is experiencing growth and has good margins. In order to determine whether or not SAB Miller should institute a customer relationship management programme, a theoretical and empirical investigation was undertaken. The theoretical investigation provided a background to what components make up a customer relationship management programme and how these components are used to develop a customer relationship management strategic framework. Due to customer relationship management programmes not operating in isolation, the various key functions that support a customer relationship management programme were also introduced. Both the advantages and disadvantages of using such a programme were also introduced. The information technology aspects of the customer relationship management programme were also investigated. In terms of the empirical study it was determined that SAB Miller is not currently using a customer relationship management programme. The company, however, does make use of a tailored service package to segment their customers, to determine call frequencies by representatives, the financial needs of customers and what level of service to provide to customers. However, after conducting personal interviews with a sample of off-trade retailers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, it was determined that SAB Miller and Namibian Breweries Ltd (Brandhouse) provided very similar levels of service in terms of key functions supported by a customer relationship management programme. Therefore, by introducing a customer relationship management programme, SAB Miller could enhance their service levels and profitability to off-trade retailers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Dias, Ricardo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , South African Breweries Ltd. Customer services , Liquor industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/183 , Customer relations -- Management , South African Breweries Ltd. Customer services , Liquor industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Description: A customer relationship management programme is a management tool that enables organisations to identify, satisfy and retain customers profitably by leveraging information technology. In addition to this the programme also links all the functional business units of the organisation together to operate as a single cohesive unit. This paper investigates whether or not SAB Miller should utilise a customer relationship management programme to provide off-trade retailers with world-class customer service. An important reason for this investigation is that the local beer market has experienced declining growth over the past few years. Furthermore SAB Miller which has had a monopoly in the South African beer market now faces increased competition in the premium segment of the beer market, which is experiencing growth and has good margins. In order to determine whether or not SAB Miller should institute a customer relationship management programme, a theoretical and empirical investigation was undertaken. The theoretical investigation provided a background to what components make up a customer relationship management programme and how these components are used to develop a customer relationship management strategic framework. Due to customer relationship management programmes not operating in isolation, the various key functions that support a customer relationship management programme were also introduced. Both the advantages and disadvantages of using such a programme were also introduced. The information technology aspects of the customer relationship management programme were also investigated. In terms of the empirical study it was determined that SAB Miller is not currently using a customer relationship management programme. The company, however, does make use of a tailored service package to segment their customers, to determine call frequencies by representatives, the financial needs of customers and what level of service to provide to customers. However, after conducting personal interviews with a sample of off-trade retailers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, it was determined that SAB Miller and Namibian Breweries Ltd (Brandhouse) provided very similar levels of service in terms of key functions supported by a customer relationship management programme. Therefore, by introducing a customer relationship management programme, SAB Miller could enhance their service levels and profitability to off-trade retailers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004