Determining the critical success factors for implementing lean manufacturing in South Africa: a case study
- Authors: Pitout, Callum John
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021082
- Description: The lean manufacturing system that evolved in Japan since World War II has leapt across the globe to North America and Europe. The secret success of Japan’s manufacturing machine has been shared. In Europe and America, lean has been identified as a manufacturing best practice that should be adopted to ensure competitive manufacturing efficiency. Many success stories have been told of American companies adopting the Japanese lean tools and techniques. Now, South African manufacturers are implementing the lean manufacturing philosophy, some with more success than others. This research paper explores lean manufacturing implementations at two South African automotive component manufacturers and identifies the critical success factors that have driven the implementation process forward. Commitment from top company executives, extensive training, worker empowerment and other critical success factors for implementing lean manufacturing into a South African environment are identified as a result of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Pitout, Callum John
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021082
- Description: The lean manufacturing system that evolved in Japan since World War II has leapt across the globe to North America and Europe. The secret success of Japan’s manufacturing machine has been shared. In Europe and America, lean has been identified as a manufacturing best practice that should be adopted to ensure competitive manufacturing efficiency. Many success stories have been told of American companies adopting the Japanese lean tools and techniques. Now, South African manufacturers are implementing the lean manufacturing philosophy, some with more success than others. This research paper explores lean manufacturing implementations at two South African automotive component manufacturers and identifies the critical success factors that have driven the implementation process forward. Commitment from top company executives, extensive training, worker empowerment and other critical success factors for implementing lean manufacturing into a South African environment are identified as a result of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Determining the impact of emotional intelligence on organisational effectiveness
- Authors: Paul, Stephanie
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/591 , Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Description: Employees who are able to use their emotions intelligently can contribute meaningfully towards building an emotionally intelligent organisation, one in which everyone take responsibility for increasing his or her own emotional intelligence, for using it in relations with others, and for applying the skills of emotional intelligence to the organisation as a whole. The lack of emotional intelligence, however, undermines both an individual’s and a company’s growth and success. Expressing emotions within the workplace has for many years been considered inappropriate and irrelevant to business. This research study points to the fact that an overwhelming amount of research shows that not only are emotions very much a part if the work experience but, to a large degree, set the course that companies should follow. This research study firstly discusses the core components of emotional intelligence and its impact on individuals and how they relate to others. The study further focuses on the impact that emotional intelligence has on aspects that contribute to organisational effectiveness. This study suggests that emotional intelligence within companies could result in a situation where employees communicate with understanding and respect and where confidence and enthusiasm in the organisation are instilled. Knowing one’s own emotions and controlling them; recognizing emotions in others and managing them; and self-motivation are key dimensions of emotional intelligence covered in the theoretical perspective of emotional intelligence discussed in Chapter Two. This study points to the benefits of emotional intelligence as an indispensable element not only in creating a profitable business but also in leading a successful life. The findings discussed in Chapter Six indicate a reasonable level of emotional intelligence amongst employees at GMSA who participated in the survey. Recommendations from the study indicated a need for training in various aspects of emotional intelligence in order to derive the benefits of improved organisational effectiveness and profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Paul, Stephanie
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/591 , Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Description: Employees who are able to use their emotions intelligently can contribute meaningfully towards building an emotionally intelligent organisation, one in which everyone take responsibility for increasing his or her own emotional intelligence, for using it in relations with others, and for applying the skills of emotional intelligence to the organisation as a whole. The lack of emotional intelligence, however, undermines both an individual’s and a company’s growth and success. Expressing emotions within the workplace has for many years been considered inappropriate and irrelevant to business. This research study points to the fact that an overwhelming amount of research shows that not only are emotions very much a part if the work experience but, to a large degree, set the course that companies should follow. This research study firstly discusses the core components of emotional intelligence and its impact on individuals and how they relate to others. The study further focuses on the impact that emotional intelligence has on aspects that contribute to organisational effectiveness. This study suggests that emotional intelligence within companies could result in a situation where employees communicate with understanding and respect and where confidence and enthusiasm in the organisation are instilled. Knowing one’s own emotions and controlling them; recognizing emotions in others and managing them; and self-motivation are key dimensions of emotional intelligence covered in the theoretical perspective of emotional intelligence discussed in Chapter Two. This study points to the benefits of emotional intelligence as an indispensable element not only in creating a profitable business but also in leading a successful life. The findings discussed in Chapter Six indicate a reasonable level of emotional intelligence amongst employees at GMSA who participated in the survey. Recommendations from the study indicated a need for training in various aspects of emotional intelligence in order to derive the benefits of improved organisational effectiveness and profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Development of an employee management model to address conflict and discipline in SME's
- Authors: Wren, Beverley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Conflict management , Personnel management , Small business -- South Africa -- George
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/646 , Conflict management , Personnel management , Small business -- South Africa -- George
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study is to determine what effect current labour legislation has on small and medium enterprises (SME’s), in particular with regard to handling conflict and disciplinary procedures in the workplace. To achieve this objective a literature study was undertaken to ascertain what labour relations practices are recommended and/or enforced by law. The literature study included a look at the effect of conflict on the workforce and the resultant cause and effect of the stress that conflict causes. The literature study was then used to develop a questionnaire to test the degree to which small to medium sized business managers, in the coastal city of George in the Western Cape, complied with the law and application of the necessary regulations governing labour relations. The empirical study results indicated a healthy adherence to labour legislation in general. The results indicated that the role-players, namely owners and managers of small to medium sized businesses, had valid arguments both for and against the weight of the labour legislation imposed on small businesses. Those businesses that had not indicated a strict adherence to regulation run the risk of costly fines and penalties being imposed on them. Such enterprises would do well to employ an independent consultant to “audit” and update employee records on a regular (6 monthly) basis. Failure to take the time to have all the correct documentation prepared could result in costly labour disputes and government intervention, which far outweighs the cost of a professional ensuring that all the necessary paperwork is correct and in place
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Wren, Beverley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Conflict management , Personnel management , Small business -- South Africa -- George
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/646 , Conflict management , Personnel management , Small business -- South Africa -- George
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study is to determine what effect current labour legislation has on small and medium enterprises (SME’s), in particular with regard to handling conflict and disciplinary procedures in the workplace. To achieve this objective a literature study was undertaken to ascertain what labour relations practices are recommended and/or enforced by law. The literature study included a look at the effect of conflict on the workforce and the resultant cause and effect of the stress that conflict causes. The literature study was then used to develop a questionnaire to test the degree to which small to medium sized business managers, in the coastal city of George in the Western Cape, complied with the law and application of the necessary regulations governing labour relations. The empirical study results indicated a healthy adherence to labour legislation in general. The results indicated that the role-players, namely owners and managers of small to medium sized businesses, had valid arguments both for and against the weight of the labour legislation imposed on small businesses. Those businesses that had not indicated a strict adherence to regulation run the risk of costly fines and penalties being imposed on them. Such enterprises would do well to employ an independent consultant to “audit” and update employee records on a regular (6 monthly) basis. Failure to take the time to have all the correct documentation prepared could result in costly labour disputes and government intervention, which far outweighs the cost of a professional ensuring that all the necessary paperwork is correct and in place
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Dismissal due to pregnancy
- Authors: Ledwaba, Lesetsa Joel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Pregnant women -- Employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/433 , Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Pregnant women -- Employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Previously, our workplaces were characterised by serious hardships emanating from labour laws which did not always cater for all areas of the employment relationship. South African female employees were without a clear legitimate remedial right precluding any severe violation and infringement to their fundamental rights resulting from their pregnancy; a task they did not opt for in the first place, but was instead, naturally imposed on them as a result of their gender category. Undoubtedly, many female employees were victims of unfair discrimination. The legislature therefore saw it fit to democratise the workplace by making rapid statutory interventions. As a result, a number of significant changes in various spheres of our labour laws were brought in. Amongst the greatly notable valuable changes was the introduction of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. This piece of legislation has generally reformed our industrial society by bringing in the elimination of unfair discrimination and thereby enhancing the principle of equity in the workplace. The act has further touched a place within hearts of female employees for fear of discrimination as a result of their pregnancy status or any reasons related to their pregnancy. The act further codified Industrial Court decisions that were already established under the discrimination law jurisprudence from the Labour Relations Act 28 of 1956. The application of the provisions of the Act has made the employment relationship no longer to be a comfort zone for employers. These general changes to the law also impact on the dismissal law regime. The purpose of this treatise is to give an overview of the applicable legislation and contributions made by the Labour Courts in developing pregnancy dismissal and discrimination law. The Labour Courts have handed down few judgements that have helped in clarifying the provisions of both the current Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act around the topic. One should hasten to say that this has never been a smooth process by the courts. It is further shown in this treatise that some of the court decisions were not well accepted in the light of other important considerations, such as the equality provisions of the Constitution. For the purpose of effectively dealing with this topic, this treatise contains a discussion of the historical context of discrimination law in the form of common-law position, and the discrimination law before the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. It then endeavours to identify the legislative provision of the Act when it comes to discrimination law provisions. At the same time the important court decisions that were made are identified and examined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Ledwaba, Lesetsa Joel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Pregnant women -- Employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/433 , Sex discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Pregnant women -- Employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Previously, our workplaces were characterised by serious hardships emanating from labour laws which did not always cater for all areas of the employment relationship. South African female employees were without a clear legitimate remedial right precluding any severe violation and infringement to their fundamental rights resulting from their pregnancy; a task they did not opt for in the first place, but was instead, naturally imposed on them as a result of their gender category. Undoubtedly, many female employees were victims of unfair discrimination. The legislature therefore saw it fit to democratise the workplace by making rapid statutory interventions. As a result, a number of significant changes in various spheres of our labour laws were brought in. Amongst the greatly notable valuable changes was the introduction of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. This piece of legislation has generally reformed our industrial society by bringing in the elimination of unfair discrimination and thereby enhancing the principle of equity in the workplace. The act has further touched a place within hearts of female employees for fear of discrimination as a result of their pregnancy status or any reasons related to their pregnancy. The act further codified Industrial Court decisions that were already established under the discrimination law jurisprudence from the Labour Relations Act 28 of 1956. The application of the provisions of the Act has made the employment relationship no longer to be a comfort zone for employers. These general changes to the law also impact on the dismissal law regime. The purpose of this treatise is to give an overview of the applicable legislation and contributions made by the Labour Courts in developing pregnancy dismissal and discrimination law. The Labour Courts have handed down few judgements that have helped in clarifying the provisions of both the current Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act around the topic. One should hasten to say that this has never been a smooth process by the courts. It is further shown in this treatise that some of the court decisions were not well accepted in the light of other important considerations, such as the equality provisions of the Constitution. For the purpose of effectively dealing with this topic, this treatise contains a discussion of the historical context of discrimination law in the form of common-law position, and the discrimination law before the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. It then endeavours to identify the legislative provision of the Act when it comes to discrimination law provisions. At the same time the important court decisions that were made are identified and examined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Eating disorders, body image and weight control life orientation teachers' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
- Authors: Hardie, Alison
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9844 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/394 , Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: The apparent increase in the incidence of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa worldwide has resulted in a surge of interest in effective treatment, prevention programmes and health promotion. Health promotion and the primary prevention of eating and body image problems among young people, and in particular adolescents, is emerging as one of the most desirable achievements in contemporary health and nutrition education. Eating disorders usually have their origin during the teenage years, and as such, high schools provide useful sites for the implementation of prevention programmes. Educators can play an important role in the prevention of eating disorders and act as socialization agents who either reinforce or buffer the dominant societal discourses that shape young women’s views of themselves. There are calls, however, for caution in the design and implementation of school-based eating disorder curricula as school educators may inadvertently do more harm than good. It has also been suggested that female educators, as other women, are likely to possess a degree of normative discontent with their body shape and size, and that this dissatisfaction and negative beliefs about food may be unknowingly transferred to the learners within their care. The current study used an exploratory, descriptive research design to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to eating disorders, body image and weight control of a group of Life Orientation educators. A biographical questionnaire, a questionnaire designed for the purposes of the current research and two standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, namely the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), were administered to 50 female Life Orientation educators in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of participants and descriptive statistics were used to explore and describe the data. The results of the current research study indicated a lack of knowledge in those Life Orientation educators assessed regarding eating disorders and healthy diet. The results also indicated inaccurate knowledge amongst those educators assessed regarding effective and safe teaching practices of eating disorder pathology. The results of the two standardised questionnaires reflected an internalisation of the dominant societal ideals regarding weight and body shape, with 18% of the sample xi demonstrating attitudes and behaviours that could be indicative of eating disorder pathology of either clinical or subclinical proportions. Suggestions were made regarding future research and the need for further training of Life Orientation educators. Finally, the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hardie, Alison
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9844 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/394 , Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: The apparent increase in the incidence of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa worldwide has resulted in a surge of interest in effective treatment, prevention programmes and health promotion. Health promotion and the primary prevention of eating and body image problems among young people, and in particular adolescents, is emerging as one of the most desirable achievements in contemporary health and nutrition education. Eating disorders usually have their origin during the teenage years, and as such, high schools provide useful sites for the implementation of prevention programmes. Educators can play an important role in the prevention of eating disorders and act as socialization agents who either reinforce or buffer the dominant societal discourses that shape young women’s views of themselves. There are calls, however, for caution in the design and implementation of school-based eating disorder curricula as school educators may inadvertently do more harm than good. It has also been suggested that female educators, as other women, are likely to possess a degree of normative discontent with their body shape and size, and that this dissatisfaction and negative beliefs about food may be unknowingly transferred to the learners within their care. The current study used an exploratory, descriptive research design to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to eating disorders, body image and weight control of a group of Life Orientation educators. A biographical questionnaire, a questionnaire designed for the purposes of the current research and two standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, namely the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), were administered to 50 female Life Orientation educators in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of participants and descriptive statistics were used to explore and describe the data. The results of the current research study indicated a lack of knowledge in those Life Orientation educators assessed regarding eating disorders and healthy diet. The results also indicated inaccurate knowledge amongst those educators assessed regarding effective and safe teaching practices of eating disorder pathology. The results of the two standardised questionnaires reflected an internalisation of the dominant societal ideals regarding weight and body shape, with 18% of the sample xi demonstrating attitudes and behaviours that could be indicative of eating disorder pathology of either clinical or subclinical proportions. Suggestions were made regarding future research and the need for further training of Life Orientation educators. Finally, the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Eksperiment en intertekstualiteit: 'n studie van Ingrid Winterbach se Niggie (2002) en die oorlogsdagboek van Jan F.E. Celliers 1899-1902 (1978), asook ander Anglo-Boereoorlog tekste
- Authors: Botha, Maria Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Afrikaans fiction -- History and criticism , Winterbach, Ingrid. Niggie , Intertextuality , South African War, 1899-1902 Fiction
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8442 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/436 , Afrikaans fiction -- History and criticism , Winterbach, Ingrid. Niggie , Intertextuality , South African War, 1899-1902 Fiction
- Description: This study focuses on the creative adaptation of Anglo-Boer War material in Ingrid Winterbach’s (Lettie Viljoen) Niggie [Cousin] (2002) with specific reference to the Oorlogsdagboek van Jan F.E. Celliers, 1899-1902 [War Diary of Jan F.E. Celliers, 1899-1902] (1978) and other texts written during or shortly after the Anglo Boer War in Dutch, such as Totius’ Vier-en-sestig dae te velde: ‘n Oorlogsdagboek [Sixty Four Days Afield: A War Diary] (1977) and in English, Woman’s Endurance (1904) by A.D.L. and Deneys Reitz’s Commando. A Boer Journal of the Boer War (1929). More recent Afrikaans novels dealing with the same war are also analysed, such as Ons oorlog [Our War] (2000) by Klaas Steytler, Op soek na Generaal Mannetjies Mentz [In Search of General Mannetjies Mentz] (1998) by Christoffel Coetzee and Etienne Leroux’s Magersfontein O! Magersfontein (1976). A literary analysis is done of the novel Niggie, with specific focus on the nature and function of Anglo-Boer War material in Winterbach’s text. The question is posed why there is such a sustained focus and creative adaptation of Anglo-Boer War texts in Winterbach’s oeuvre (especially in Belemmering [Impediment], 1990, Karolina Ferreira, 1993, Buller se plan [Buller’s Plan], 1999, and Niggie [Cousin], 2002)? This novel has a profound effect on the reader a century after the war, because it addresses postcolonial issues and predicaments such as a defragmenting identity, as well as the possible demise of the Afrikaans language and culture, faced by the descendants of those involved in the war a century ago. In her reworking of the past to come to grips with the present, Winterbach confronts difficult South African topics, such as interracial relationships, racism, the relationship with the land, possible language death, gender relationships, the role of the supernatural and the unconscious in everyday life (in the form of dreams and trickster figures), amongst many others. The dissertation offers an intertextual study as well as a literary analyses of the literary techniques used, and the characteristics of this magisterial novel, which deservedly won the Hertzog prize in 2004, the highest accolade possible for an Afrikaans novel. The anomaly of such a novel in 2002 seemingly dwelling on the past, is shown up for what it is: a metaphor for the present and its dilemmas, reflecting the social conflicts existing at present in the crumbling Afrikaans community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Botha, Maria Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Afrikaans fiction -- History and criticism , Winterbach, Ingrid. Niggie , Intertextuality , South African War, 1899-1902 Fiction
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8442 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/436 , Afrikaans fiction -- History and criticism , Winterbach, Ingrid. Niggie , Intertextuality , South African War, 1899-1902 Fiction
- Description: This study focuses on the creative adaptation of Anglo-Boer War material in Ingrid Winterbach’s (Lettie Viljoen) Niggie [Cousin] (2002) with specific reference to the Oorlogsdagboek van Jan F.E. Celliers, 1899-1902 [War Diary of Jan F.E. Celliers, 1899-1902] (1978) and other texts written during or shortly after the Anglo Boer War in Dutch, such as Totius’ Vier-en-sestig dae te velde: ‘n Oorlogsdagboek [Sixty Four Days Afield: A War Diary] (1977) and in English, Woman’s Endurance (1904) by A.D.L. and Deneys Reitz’s Commando. A Boer Journal of the Boer War (1929). More recent Afrikaans novels dealing with the same war are also analysed, such as Ons oorlog [Our War] (2000) by Klaas Steytler, Op soek na Generaal Mannetjies Mentz [In Search of General Mannetjies Mentz] (1998) by Christoffel Coetzee and Etienne Leroux’s Magersfontein O! Magersfontein (1976). A literary analysis is done of the novel Niggie, with specific focus on the nature and function of Anglo-Boer War material in Winterbach’s text. The question is posed why there is such a sustained focus and creative adaptation of Anglo-Boer War texts in Winterbach’s oeuvre (especially in Belemmering [Impediment], 1990, Karolina Ferreira, 1993, Buller se plan [Buller’s Plan], 1999, and Niggie [Cousin], 2002)? This novel has a profound effect on the reader a century after the war, because it addresses postcolonial issues and predicaments such as a defragmenting identity, as well as the possible demise of the Afrikaans language and culture, faced by the descendants of those involved in the war a century ago. In her reworking of the past to come to grips with the present, Winterbach confronts difficult South African topics, such as interracial relationships, racism, the relationship with the land, possible language death, gender relationships, the role of the supernatural and the unconscious in everyday life (in the form of dreams and trickster figures), amongst many others. The dissertation offers an intertextual study as well as a literary analyses of the literary techniques used, and the characteristics of this magisterial novel, which deservedly won the Hertzog prize in 2004, the highest accolade possible for an Afrikaans novel. The anomaly of such a novel in 2002 seemingly dwelling on the past, is shown up for what it is: a metaphor for the present and its dilemmas, reflecting the social conflicts existing at present in the crumbling Afrikaans community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Epirismm: an enterprise information risk management model
- Authors: Lategan, Neil
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/541 , Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Description: Today, information is considered a commodity and no enterprise can operate without it. Indeed, the information and the supporting technology are pivotal in all enterprises. However, a major problem being experienced in the business environment is that enterprise risk cannot be managed effectively because business and information-related risk are not congruently aligned with risk management terminology and practices. The business environment and information technology are bound together by information. For this reason, it is imperative that risk management is synergised in the business, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and information environments. A thorough, all inclusive, risk analysis exercise needs to be conducted in business and supporting environments in order to develop an effective internal control system. Such an internal control system should reduce the exposure of risk and aid the safeguarding of assets. Indeed, in today’s so-called information age, where business processes integrate the business and ICT environments, it is imperative that a unary internal control system be established, based on a holistic risk management exercise. To ensure that the enterprise, information and ICT environments operate free of the risks that threaten them, the risks should be properly governed. A model, EPiRISMM (Enterprise Information Risk Management Model) is proposed that offers to combine risk management practices from an ICT, information, governance, and enterprise perspective because there are so many overlapping aspects inherent in them. EPiRISMM combines various well-known standards and frameworks into one coherent model. By employing EPiRISMM, an enterprise will be able to eliminate the traditional segmented approach of the ICT department and thus eliminate any previous discontinuity in risk management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Lategan, Neil
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/541 , Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Description: Today, information is considered a commodity and no enterprise can operate without it. Indeed, the information and the supporting technology are pivotal in all enterprises. However, a major problem being experienced in the business environment is that enterprise risk cannot be managed effectively because business and information-related risk are not congruently aligned with risk management terminology and practices. The business environment and information technology are bound together by information. For this reason, it is imperative that risk management is synergised in the business, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and information environments. A thorough, all inclusive, risk analysis exercise needs to be conducted in business and supporting environments in order to develop an effective internal control system. Such an internal control system should reduce the exposure of risk and aid the safeguarding of assets. Indeed, in today’s so-called information age, where business processes integrate the business and ICT environments, it is imperative that a unary internal control system be established, based on a holistic risk management exercise. To ensure that the enterprise, information and ICT environments operate free of the risks that threaten them, the risks should be properly governed. A model, EPiRISMM (Enterprise Information Risk Management Model) is proposed that offers to combine risk management practices from an ICT, information, governance, and enterprise perspective because there are so many overlapping aspects inherent in them. EPiRISMM combines various well-known standards and frameworks into one coherent model. By employing EPiRISMM, an enterprise will be able to eliminate the traditional segmented approach of the ICT department and thus eliminate any previous discontinuity in risk management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Epitaxial growth and characterisation of CuGaS2
- Authors: Branch, Matthew Stewart
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Epitaxy , Chalcopyrite , Semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012893 , Epitaxy , Chalcopyrite , Semiconductors
- Description: In this work, the growth and characterisation of the chalcopyrite semiconductor CuGaS2 is presented. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the defect chemistry of this class of materials through a systematic study relating the structural and optical properties to the composition of thin films grown by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy. Details associated with the optimisation of the growth process are presented in a format relating the changes in the composition and morphology to variations in the growth process. The structural properties of thin films grown on GaAs(001) substrates are described. A dominance of polycrystalline growth is found to occur for Cu-rich material, whereas near-stoichiometric to Ga-rich material is typified by epitaxial growth. Secondary phases are identified by X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy for severely non-stoichiometric material. In some cases, the formation of the cubic zincblende and CuPt polytype of CuGaS2 are identified by transmission electron microscopy. It will be shown that changes in the Cu/Ga ratio of the solid strongly influence the photoluminescence response of the layers. Weak excitonic luminescence is observed for both slightly Ga-rich and Cu-rich material. Near stoichiometric layers exhibit luminescence centered at ~2.4 eV. Cu-rich layers are dominated by a line occurring at ~2.1 eV, whereas a different line at ~2.25 eV dominates for Ga-rich layers. A clear picture emerges of the radiative mechanisms dominating for Cu-rich and Ga-rich layers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Branch, Matthew Stewart
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Epitaxy , Chalcopyrite , Semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012893 , Epitaxy , Chalcopyrite , Semiconductors
- Description: In this work, the growth and characterisation of the chalcopyrite semiconductor CuGaS2 is presented. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the defect chemistry of this class of materials through a systematic study relating the structural and optical properties to the composition of thin films grown by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy. Details associated with the optimisation of the growth process are presented in a format relating the changes in the composition and morphology to variations in the growth process. The structural properties of thin films grown on GaAs(001) substrates are described. A dominance of polycrystalline growth is found to occur for Cu-rich material, whereas near-stoichiometric to Ga-rich material is typified by epitaxial growth. Secondary phases are identified by X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy for severely non-stoichiometric material. In some cases, the formation of the cubic zincblende and CuPt polytype of CuGaS2 are identified by transmission electron microscopy. It will be shown that changes in the Cu/Ga ratio of the solid strongly influence the photoluminescence response of the layers. Weak excitonic luminescence is observed for both slightly Ga-rich and Cu-rich material. Near stoichiometric layers exhibit luminescence centered at ~2.4 eV. Cu-rich layers are dominated by a line occurring at ~2.1 eV, whereas a different line at ~2.25 eV dominates for Ga-rich layers. A clear picture emerges of the radiative mechanisms dominating for Cu-rich and Ga-rich layers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Establishing effective organisational coaching strategies
- Authors: Dove, Jean Tracy
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Employees -- Coaching of , Mentoring in business , Employee retention , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/496 , Employees -- Coaching of , Mentoring in business , Employee retention , Organizational effectiveness
- Description: To enable a business to grow and to uplift the economic and social development of its employees, it is vital that skills are provided to individuals. Businesses today strive to retain employees, as their skills learnt, prove to be a valuable asset that takes years to replace. For this reason, all means available are utilised to retain employees in the workplace. The term coaching is a relatively newcomer to the world of business and is seen to take a holistic view of the individual and focuses on work, corporate values, personal needs and career development. The main objective of this study was to identify coaching strategies that can be implemented by organisations in order to ensure the retention and development of employees. Businesses have to rely on employees to help them achieve financial growth, outperform their competitors, produce innovative products and to achieve long-term goals. These tasks would be impossible to achieve if the interests of employees were neglected. It was established from the literature survey that the coaching style of leadership involved more than simply training managers in coaching skills. A whole new coaching culture needed to be implemented in businesses in order to bring about change. Coachees rely on effective coachers to provide guidance and to demonstrate the skills needed. Based on various models in the literature survey a coaching model was formulated. The empirical survey was conducted at five selected companies in the Buffalo City Municipal area. A theoretical model for organisational coaching was developed and tested by means of a questionnaire. It emerged that employees at lower levels had not been involved in any form of coaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Dove, Jean Tracy
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Employees -- Coaching of , Mentoring in business , Employee retention , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/496 , Employees -- Coaching of , Mentoring in business , Employee retention , Organizational effectiveness
- Description: To enable a business to grow and to uplift the economic and social development of its employees, it is vital that skills are provided to individuals. Businesses today strive to retain employees, as their skills learnt, prove to be a valuable asset that takes years to replace. For this reason, all means available are utilised to retain employees in the workplace. The term coaching is a relatively newcomer to the world of business and is seen to take a holistic view of the individual and focuses on work, corporate values, personal needs and career development. The main objective of this study was to identify coaching strategies that can be implemented by organisations in order to ensure the retention and development of employees. Businesses have to rely on employees to help them achieve financial growth, outperform their competitors, produce innovative products and to achieve long-term goals. These tasks would be impossible to achieve if the interests of employees were neglected. It was established from the literature survey that the coaching style of leadership involved more than simply training managers in coaching skills. A whole new coaching culture needed to be implemented in businesses in order to bring about change. Coachees rely on effective coachers to provide guidance and to demonstrate the skills needed. Based on various models in the literature survey a coaching model was formulated. The empirical survey was conducted at five selected companies in the Buffalo City Municipal area. A theoretical model for organisational coaching was developed and tested by means of a questionnaire. It emerged that employees at lower levels had not been involved in any form of coaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Evaluating the extent to which Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) libraries meet student expectations
- Authors: Zhibing, Mu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/648 , Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Description: The failure to evaluate the service quality by comparing service expectations and service perceptions of students requires that the management of NMMU libraries identify the service expectations and service perceptions of students and measure the gaps between these service expectations and service perceptions of students. A literature review was conducted to explore the service expectations and service perceptions of students. An effective method (using the LibQUAL model) to evaluate the service quality of NMMU libraries based on the service expectations of students was described. Thereafter, a LibQUAL survey was used to collect the required empirical data from a convenience sample of 2 047 students enrolled at NMMU. The empirical findings showed that gaps existed between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different campuses of NMMU. At different campuses of NMMU, the service expectations of students were not met in term of the service perceptions of the four dimensions (affect of service, library as place, information access and personal control) of the LibQUAL model. ii The study identified the gaps between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different NMMU campuses and conclusions and recommendations based on these gaps were formulated. The management of the NMMU libraries needs to choose appropriate strategies to improve the quality of NMMU library services based on the service expectations of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Zhibing, Mu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/648 , Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Description: The failure to evaluate the service quality by comparing service expectations and service perceptions of students requires that the management of NMMU libraries identify the service expectations and service perceptions of students and measure the gaps between these service expectations and service perceptions of students. A literature review was conducted to explore the service expectations and service perceptions of students. An effective method (using the LibQUAL model) to evaluate the service quality of NMMU libraries based on the service expectations of students was described. Thereafter, a LibQUAL survey was used to collect the required empirical data from a convenience sample of 2 047 students enrolled at NMMU. The empirical findings showed that gaps existed between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different campuses of NMMU. At different campuses of NMMU, the service expectations of students were not met in term of the service perceptions of the four dimensions (affect of service, library as place, information access and personal control) of the LibQUAL model. ii The study identified the gaps between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different NMMU campuses and conclusions and recommendations based on these gaps were formulated. The management of the NMMU libraries needs to choose appropriate strategies to improve the quality of NMMU library services based on the service expectations of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Experiences of the Xhosa diabetic patient
- Authors: Ngamlana, Zodumo Princess
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa , Diabetics -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10014 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/465 , Diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa , Diabetics -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa
- Description: This study will be focussing on the experiences of Xhosa-speaking patients with DM utilising the NMMM public hospitals complex. In the OPD patients are assessed and treated for all chronic conditions including DM, and patients are seen at monthly intervals or when necessary. The OPD serves the neighbouring black population from the surrounding townships as well as the informal settlements. The effects of urbanisation have resulted in this area having a semi–rural, semi-urban population that is mostly Xhosa speaking. The bulk of the population is unemployed, while others are living on a minimal income. Unemployment in the Eastern Cape ranges from 40% in rural areas, rising to 50 - 60% in the urban areas (Proposed aluminium Pechiney smelter within the Coega IDZ, 2002:4-8). In some homes there is no or little money to buy food, and even less to make use of a health service. Some people live on either a social grant for the elderly, a grant for young children or a disability grant and most people in this area have an income below the level at which payment of taxes for contribution to the economy is possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Ngamlana, Zodumo Princess
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa , Diabetics -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10014 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/465 , Diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa , Diabetics -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa
- Description: This study will be focussing on the experiences of Xhosa-speaking patients with DM utilising the NMMM public hospitals complex. In the OPD patients are assessed and treated for all chronic conditions including DM, and patients are seen at monthly intervals or when necessary. The OPD serves the neighbouring black population from the surrounding townships as well as the informal settlements. The effects of urbanisation have resulted in this area having a semi–rural, semi-urban population that is mostly Xhosa speaking. The bulk of the population is unemployed, while others are living on a minimal income. Unemployment in the Eastern Cape ranges from 40% in rural areas, rising to 50 - 60% in the urban areas (Proposed aluminium Pechiney smelter within the Coega IDZ, 2002:4-8). In some homes there is no or little money to buy food, and even less to make use of a health service. Some people live on either a social grant for the elderly, a grant for young children or a disability grant and most people in this area have an income below the level at which payment of taxes for contribution to the economy is possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Exploring and describing depressogenic cognitive schema, levels of depression and hopelessness among depressed and non depressed adults
- Authors: Ahlfeldt, Alan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Depression, Mental -- South Africa , Depressed persons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/393 , Depression, Mental -- South Africa , Depressed persons -- South Africa
- Description: The subject of mood disorders and in particular depression is pertinent with rapidly increasing incidences of depression and suicide a widespread phenomenon in the world today. In South Africa, the rates of depression are increasing steadily each year. Much research has been undertaken in the area of depression, with negative cognitive schema identified as a common factor, which increases an individual’s vulnerability or diathesis to depression and hopelessness. The primary aims of this research are to explore and describe the depressogenic cognitive schema of both a depressed as well as normal (nondepressed) individuals and identify the relationship these schema have to levels of depression and hopelessness. In order to achieve these objectives, three measures were administered, the Beck’s Depression Inventory, the Beck’s Hopelessness Scale and the Inferential Style Questionnaire. The research design is quantitative in nature and took the form of an exploratory-descriptive study. The researcher made use of frequency tests to identify frequencies of scores and descriptive statistics to identify the mean, range and standard deviations. T tests, a Pearson product- moment correlation coefficient and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were also employed for statistical analysis within this research study. The findings of this research study identify that the depressed sample scored higher levels of depression, hopelessness and negative inferential style than that of the normal sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Ahlfeldt, Alan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Depression, Mental -- South Africa , Depressed persons -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/393 , Depression, Mental -- South Africa , Depressed persons -- South Africa
- Description: The subject of mood disorders and in particular depression is pertinent with rapidly increasing incidences of depression and suicide a widespread phenomenon in the world today. In South Africa, the rates of depression are increasing steadily each year. Much research has been undertaken in the area of depression, with negative cognitive schema identified as a common factor, which increases an individual’s vulnerability or diathesis to depression and hopelessness. The primary aims of this research are to explore and describe the depressogenic cognitive schema of both a depressed as well as normal (nondepressed) individuals and identify the relationship these schema have to levels of depression and hopelessness. In order to achieve these objectives, three measures were administered, the Beck’s Depression Inventory, the Beck’s Hopelessness Scale and the Inferential Style Questionnaire. The research design is quantitative in nature and took the form of an exploratory-descriptive study. The researcher made use of frequency tests to identify frequencies of scores and descriptive statistics to identify the mean, range and standard deviations. T tests, a Pearson product- moment correlation coefficient and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were also employed for statistical analysis within this research study. The findings of this research study identify that the depressed sample scored higher levels of depression, hopelessness and negative inferential style than that of the normal sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Factors influencing species richness, cover and composition of vegetation on Namaqualand quartz fields
- Authors: Van Tonder, Carlo
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Plant diversity -- South Africa -- Namaqualand , Soil biology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/630 , Plant diversity -- South Africa -- Namaqualand , Soil biology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Description: Quartz fields contribute significantly to plant diversity in the Succulent Karoo biome. They are distinctly different from surrounding habitats and have high levels of plant endemism. Biological soil crusts are features of quartz field soils and fulfill a vital function in that they stabilize soils. It is important for managers of nature reserves and agricultural rangelands to know what factors influence quartz field soils and vegetation. Both stakeholders could benefit from new information that would allow for informed decision-making regarding land-use on quartz fields. The present study took place in the Namaqua National Park that contains a significant proportion of the Riethuis-Wallekraal quartz fields phytochorion. The first part of the study aimed to understand whether certain land-use activities potentially destabilize quartz field soils, which might have possible ramifications for associated biological soil crusts and vegetation. It was followed by relating variation in soil stability with species richness, cover and species composition of quartz field vegetation. Overall, positions assumed to be impacted by land-use activities had less stable soils compared to positions assumed not be impacted. Soil stability had a significant influence on species richness and cover but to a lesser degree on species composition. Quartz field vegetation was significantly influenced by soil physical and chemical properties as well as location in the quartz fields landscape. The second part of the study aimed at understanding how species richness of isolated quartz outcrops is related to their size compared to that of a mainland body of quartz outcrops. No clear species-area relationships emerged from the study. There were significant differences between isolated outcrops and mainland outcrops in substrate and vegetation composition. Findings are discussed in relation to Island Biogeography Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Van Tonder, Carlo
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Plant diversity -- South Africa -- Namaqualand , Soil biology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/630 , Plant diversity -- South Africa -- Namaqualand , Soil biology -- South Africa -- Namaqualand
- Description: Quartz fields contribute significantly to plant diversity in the Succulent Karoo biome. They are distinctly different from surrounding habitats and have high levels of plant endemism. Biological soil crusts are features of quartz field soils and fulfill a vital function in that they stabilize soils. It is important for managers of nature reserves and agricultural rangelands to know what factors influence quartz field soils and vegetation. Both stakeholders could benefit from new information that would allow for informed decision-making regarding land-use on quartz fields. The present study took place in the Namaqua National Park that contains a significant proportion of the Riethuis-Wallekraal quartz fields phytochorion. The first part of the study aimed to understand whether certain land-use activities potentially destabilize quartz field soils, which might have possible ramifications for associated biological soil crusts and vegetation. It was followed by relating variation in soil stability with species richness, cover and species composition of quartz field vegetation. Overall, positions assumed to be impacted by land-use activities had less stable soils compared to positions assumed not be impacted. Soil stability had a significant influence on species richness and cover but to a lesser degree on species composition. Quartz field vegetation was significantly influenced by soil physical and chemical properties as well as location in the quartz fields landscape. The second part of the study aimed at understanding how species richness of isolated quartz outcrops is related to their size compared to that of a mainland body of quartz outcrops. No clear species-area relationships emerged from the study. There were significant differences between isolated outcrops and mainland outcrops in substrate and vegetation composition. Findings are discussed in relation to Island Biogeography Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Gender stereotypes versus gender equality: a critical analysis of some characters in Swaartbooi's "UMandisa" and Saule's "Idinga"
- Majola, Nontuthuzelo Angelina
- Authors: Majola, Nontuthuzelo Angelina
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in literature , Sex role in literature , Stereotypes (Social psychology) , Gender identity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/553 , Sex discrimination in literature , Sex role in literature , Stereotypes (Social psychology) , Gender identity
- Description: The focus of this study will be on gender stereotypes versus gender equality in Swaartbooi's novel “UMandisa” and in Saule's novel “Idinga”. CHAPTER ONE will be the introductory chapter where the aim of the study, methodology, motivation and definition of terms will be given, as well as the biographical outline of Ncedile Saule and that of V.N.M. Swaartbooi. CHAPTER TWO will focus on developing the theoretical framework of the study. Theories are used to advocate a change of approach in the teaching and reading of literature. The theory to be employed in this study will be based on aspects of the female gender and feminism. CHAPTER THREE will explore the issues of gender stereotypes as portrayed in Swaartbooi's “UMANDISA” CHAPTER FOUR will focus on gender equality as portrayed in “IDINGA” by Saule and “UMANDISA” by Swaartbooi. The two novels raised the question of equality between women and men. CHAPTER FIVE will serve as the concluding chapter where the evaluation of the study will be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Majola, Nontuthuzelo Angelina
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in literature , Sex role in literature , Stereotypes (Social psychology) , Gender identity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/553 , Sex discrimination in literature , Sex role in literature , Stereotypes (Social psychology) , Gender identity
- Description: The focus of this study will be on gender stereotypes versus gender equality in Swaartbooi's novel “UMandisa” and in Saule's novel “Idinga”. CHAPTER ONE will be the introductory chapter where the aim of the study, methodology, motivation and definition of terms will be given, as well as the biographical outline of Ncedile Saule and that of V.N.M. Swaartbooi. CHAPTER TWO will focus on developing the theoretical framework of the study. Theories are used to advocate a change of approach in the teaching and reading of literature. The theory to be employed in this study will be based on aspects of the female gender and feminism. CHAPTER THREE will explore the issues of gender stereotypes as portrayed in Swaartbooi's “UMANDISA” CHAPTER FOUR will focus on gender equality as portrayed in “IDINGA” by Saule and “UMANDISA” by Swaartbooi. The two novels raised the question of equality between women and men. CHAPTER FIVE will serve as the concluding chapter where the evaluation of the study will be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Horticultural propagation of the threatened species, Syncarpha revurvata (L.f.)B. Nord
- Authors: Swart, Pierre André
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10624 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/613 , Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Description: Syncarpha recurvata (L.f.) B. Nord. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) is listed as a vulnerable (intermediate priority) species. The propagation methods of achene germination, stem cuttings, air layering and micropropagation were investigated to obtain an efficient propagation method. Smoke water dilutions of 1:100, 1:50 and 1:10 significantly increased germination, with the 1:100 smoke water dilutions showing the highest germination percentage (22.4 percent). Achenes collected between August and October 2005 showed higher germination and viability than achenes collected between May and July 2006. Fifty percent of the stem cuttings and 32 percent of the airlayered branches rooted. Embryo culture was the only successful culture type out of the four attempted. Two embryos germinated and four became photosynthetic. Two of the germinated embryos also produced callus cells, a medium supplemented with 5 μM IAA may be used to test for a suitable plant regulator for organogenesis or embryogenesis. Syncarpha recurvata plants were also transplanted into pots and 60 percent survived. A growth rate of 1.466 mm y-1 was obtained from total shoot length measurements. In this study, it was found that air-layering branches of transplanted Syncarpha recurvata plants is the most efficient propagation method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Swart, Pierre André
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10624 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/613 , Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Description: Syncarpha recurvata (L.f.) B. Nord. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) is listed as a vulnerable (intermediate priority) species. The propagation methods of achene germination, stem cuttings, air layering and micropropagation were investigated to obtain an efficient propagation method. Smoke water dilutions of 1:100, 1:50 and 1:10 significantly increased germination, with the 1:100 smoke water dilutions showing the highest germination percentage (22.4 percent). Achenes collected between August and October 2005 showed higher germination and viability than achenes collected between May and July 2006. Fifty percent of the stem cuttings and 32 percent of the airlayered branches rooted. Embryo culture was the only successful culture type out of the four attempted. Two embryos germinated and four became photosynthetic. Two of the germinated embryos also produced callus cells, a medium supplemented with 5 μM IAA may be used to test for a suitable plant regulator for organogenesis or embryogenesis. Syncarpha recurvata plants were also transplanted into pots and 60 percent survived. A growth rate of 1.466 mm y-1 was obtained from total shoot length measurements. In this study, it was found that air-layering branches of transplanted Syncarpha recurvata plants is the most efficient propagation method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Impact of brand identity on perceived brand image of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Han, Ying
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Business names -- South Africa , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Name
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/464 , Business names -- South Africa , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Name
- Description: Since 1994, South Africa has witnessed the fundamental transformation and restructuring of its Higher Education Sector. The restructuring of Higher Education Institutions in the Eastern Cape Province is manifested by inter alia the incorporation of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Vista University into the University of Port Elizabeth as a first phase and, as the final phase, the merger between the University of Port Elizabeth and the Port Elizabeth Technikon. A new, comprehensive university, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), emerged from this merger on 1 January 2005. The previous institutions each had its own unique brand identity, brand image and brand name. With reference to the newly established NMMU, the question can be raised whether the brand identity of this newly established institution impacts on its perceived brand image among all stakeholders who have an interest in the institution. Given the merger background, the purpose of this research project is twofold: firstly, to analyse the impact of independent variables (‘reputation’, ‘relevance’, ‘personality’, ‘performance’ and ‘relationship’) on brand identity (moderating variable) and the impact of brand identity on brand image (dependent variable); and secondly, to gauge the perceptions of NMMU stakeholders of the brand image of the University in terms of both expectations and actual experiences. In order to give effect to the above, a conceptual model on brand identity and brand image based on secondary sources on branding, was empirically tested. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. By means of a Likert seven-point scale, primary data was sourced from 1 092 respondents, who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences of using the NMMU brand. The statistical analysis of the data comprised six phases. Initially, the data was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis to assess the discriminant validity of (xvi) the research instrument. This was followed by an assessment of the reliability of the research instrument through an internal consistency measure (Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients). The items that remained were included in the multiple regression model to assess the impact of brand identity variables on brand identity. The next phase comprised a regression analysis of the impact of brand identity on brand image. Fifthly, to assess any differences between stakeholders’ expectations and actual experiences when using the NMMU brand, pair-wise t-tests were performed. Finally, to gauge the level of satisfaction of NMMU stakeholders when using the brand, a “gap” analysis was conducted by converting the mean scores into relative percentage ratings. The empirical findings did not fully support the conceptual model. The testing of the conceptual model revealed that the independent variable ‘relevance’ did not demonstrate sufficient discriminant validity and, as a result, no evidence of construct validity. This variable therefore had to be removed from the conceptual model before it was subjected to further empirical assessment by means of the multiple linear regression analysis. Based on this finding on ‘relevance’, NMMU marketing communication strategists could perform an in-depth investigation on the positioning of the brand. Further, it was found that the dependent variable ‘brand image’ was not a uni-dimensional construct as suggested in the conceptual model. Ideally, images (in this case, brand images of the NMMU) should feed into strategic vision, serving as a mirror in which a university can reflect on its true standing. This implies that instead of using stakeholder images as exact assessments of brand performance compared with strategic vision, images held by stakeholders of who the university is and what it stands for (e.g. personality and relevance comparisons) should become part of the strategic envisioning process. The linkage between strategic intent and brand image should be evident. The results of the pair-wise t-tests revealed that significant statistical differences (xvii) existed between stakeholders’ perceptions of the expected and actual experiences when using the NMMU brand. To assess the magnitude of a possible ‘gap’ between stakeholders’ expectations and actual experiences of the NMMU brand, mean score differences were converted into relative percentage ratings. The most significant findings on actual experiences (on which the level of satisfaction is based) of the NMMU brand are as follows: All relative rating scores were below 92.05%. These relative satisfaction percentages imply that respondents were not satisfied with the NMMU brand, because their expectations were not fully met. The highest rating percentage (92.05%) was obtained in respect of the statement regarding “The NMMU slogan (‘for tomorrow’) reflects the NMMU brand identity”. The lowest rating percentage (78.33%) was given to the statement “The NMMU brand exceeds expectations in terms of promises”. The second lowest rating percentage (79.67%) was found for the statement “The NMMU brand delivers on promises”. The principal recommendations emanating from this study are summarised in three groups of recommendations, namely: Recommendations pertaining to the strategic implications of the findings for the NMMU marketing communication strategists. Recommendations pertaining to the interpretation of secondary sources on brand literature, and Recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Han, Ying
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Business names -- South Africa , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Name
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/464 , Business names -- South Africa , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Name
- Description: Since 1994, South Africa has witnessed the fundamental transformation and restructuring of its Higher Education Sector. The restructuring of Higher Education Institutions in the Eastern Cape Province is manifested by inter alia the incorporation of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Vista University into the University of Port Elizabeth as a first phase and, as the final phase, the merger between the University of Port Elizabeth and the Port Elizabeth Technikon. A new, comprehensive university, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), emerged from this merger on 1 January 2005. The previous institutions each had its own unique brand identity, brand image and brand name. With reference to the newly established NMMU, the question can be raised whether the brand identity of this newly established institution impacts on its perceived brand image among all stakeholders who have an interest in the institution. Given the merger background, the purpose of this research project is twofold: firstly, to analyse the impact of independent variables (‘reputation’, ‘relevance’, ‘personality’, ‘performance’ and ‘relationship’) on brand identity (moderating variable) and the impact of brand identity on brand image (dependent variable); and secondly, to gauge the perceptions of NMMU stakeholders of the brand image of the University in terms of both expectations and actual experiences. In order to give effect to the above, a conceptual model on brand identity and brand image based on secondary sources on branding, was empirically tested. Given the purpose and nature of the research in question, a positivistic research paradigm was adopted. By means of a Likert seven-point scale, primary data was sourced from 1 092 respondents, who shared their perceptions on the expectations and actual experiences of using the NMMU brand. The statistical analysis of the data comprised six phases. Initially, the data was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis to assess the discriminant validity of (xvi) the research instrument. This was followed by an assessment of the reliability of the research instrument through an internal consistency measure (Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients). The items that remained were included in the multiple regression model to assess the impact of brand identity variables on brand identity. The next phase comprised a regression analysis of the impact of brand identity on brand image. Fifthly, to assess any differences between stakeholders’ expectations and actual experiences when using the NMMU brand, pair-wise t-tests were performed. Finally, to gauge the level of satisfaction of NMMU stakeholders when using the brand, a “gap” analysis was conducted by converting the mean scores into relative percentage ratings. The empirical findings did not fully support the conceptual model. The testing of the conceptual model revealed that the independent variable ‘relevance’ did not demonstrate sufficient discriminant validity and, as a result, no evidence of construct validity. This variable therefore had to be removed from the conceptual model before it was subjected to further empirical assessment by means of the multiple linear regression analysis. Based on this finding on ‘relevance’, NMMU marketing communication strategists could perform an in-depth investigation on the positioning of the brand. Further, it was found that the dependent variable ‘brand image’ was not a uni-dimensional construct as suggested in the conceptual model. Ideally, images (in this case, brand images of the NMMU) should feed into strategic vision, serving as a mirror in which a university can reflect on its true standing. This implies that instead of using stakeholder images as exact assessments of brand performance compared with strategic vision, images held by stakeholders of who the university is and what it stands for (e.g. personality and relevance comparisons) should become part of the strategic envisioning process. The linkage between strategic intent and brand image should be evident. The results of the pair-wise t-tests revealed that significant statistical differences (xvii) existed between stakeholders’ perceptions of the expected and actual experiences when using the NMMU brand. To assess the magnitude of a possible ‘gap’ between stakeholders’ expectations and actual experiences of the NMMU brand, mean score differences were converted into relative percentage ratings. The most significant findings on actual experiences (on which the level of satisfaction is based) of the NMMU brand are as follows: All relative rating scores were below 92.05%. These relative satisfaction percentages imply that respondents were not satisfied with the NMMU brand, because their expectations were not fully met. The highest rating percentage (92.05%) was obtained in respect of the statement regarding “The NMMU slogan (‘for tomorrow’) reflects the NMMU brand identity”. The lowest rating percentage (78.33%) was given to the statement “The NMMU brand exceeds expectations in terms of promises”. The second lowest rating percentage (79.67%) was found for the statement “The NMMU brand delivers on promises”. The principal recommendations emanating from this study are summarised in three groups of recommendations, namely: Recommendations pertaining to the strategic implications of the findings for the NMMU marketing communication strategists. Recommendations pertaining to the interpretation of secondary sources on brand literature, and Recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Impacts of impala on subtropical thicket in the Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gerber, Johann
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Impala -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Impala -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Savannas -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10627 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/509 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012011 , Impala -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Impala -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Savannas -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Subtropical thicket supports a large variety of indigenous browsing herbivores, such as elephants, black rhino, kudu and bushbuck, but impala historically never occurred in the Eastern Cape. The aim of this study was to determine what impacts extralimital impala (Aepyceros melampus) have on subtropical thicket. The thicket of the Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, was used for the study. To quantify the effects of impala, feeding behaviour and diet was investigated during summer and winter. Sixteen impala were also enclosed in a camp of subtropical thicket where they would be limited to feedings on thicket. Vegetation composition and structure were monitored for a period of 12 months in the enclosure. Impala followed the expected high percentage graze and a low percentage browse in thicket in summer. However, the expected was not observed during winter: at this time grazing and browsing were equally important. Field collection of feeding behaviour data showed that impala are attracted to fringes of intact bush clumps or degraded thicket. Analysis of the impala diet confirmed this, with a significantly higher percentage graze (48 percent) than browse (22 percent) during summer. However, during winter, diet analysis indicated grazing to be much higher (36 percent) than browsing (6 percent) with the impala temporarily taking advantage of nutritious grasses still present. The enclosed portion of thicket was originally at 80 percent ecological status but it showed significant changes after addition of 16 impala. Animal trails increased in number and in width, resulting in a trampling effect. Grass cover was significantly different inside the enclosure after 12 months compared to outside. The amount of available browse of the enclosed thicket was also significantly different after addition of the impala. It is concluded that impala have a negative effect on thicket, with trampling the most significant effect. Long term monitoring of the effects of extralimital impala in different types of thicket will be required to accurately quantify their direct effects on subtropical thicket in the Eastern Cape. The main aim of this study was to determine the impacts of impala on Thicket. The study showed significant impacts on Thicket as found in Shamwari, and therefore the aim of the study was achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Gerber, Johann
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Impala -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Impala -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Savannas -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10627 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/509 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012011 , Impala -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Impala -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Savannas -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Subtropical thicket supports a large variety of indigenous browsing herbivores, such as elephants, black rhino, kudu and bushbuck, but impala historically never occurred in the Eastern Cape. The aim of this study was to determine what impacts extralimital impala (Aepyceros melampus) have on subtropical thicket. The thicket of the Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, was used for the study. To quantify the effects of impala, feeding behaviour and diet was investigated during summer and winter. Sixteen impala were also enclosed in a camp of subtropical thicket where they would be limited to feedings on thicket. Vegetation composition and structure were monitored for a period of 12 months in the enclosure. Impala followed the expected high percentage graze and a low percentage browse in thicket in summer. However, the expected was not observed during winter: at this time grazing and browsing were equally important. Field collection of feeding behaviour data showed that impala are attracted to fringes of intact bush clumps or degraded thicket. Analysis of the impala diet confirmed this, with a significantly higher percentage graze (48 percent) than browse (22 percent) during summer. However, during winter, diet analysis indicated grazing to be much higher (36 percent) than browsing (6 percent) with the impala temporarily taking advantage of nutritious grasses still present. The enclosed portion of thicket was originally at 80 percent ecological status but it showed significant changes after addition of 16 impala. Animal trails increased in number and in width, resulting in a trampling effect. Grass cover was significantly different inside the enclosure after 12 months compared to outside. The amount of available browse of the enclosed thicket was also significantly different after addition of the impala. It is concluded that impala have a negative effect on thicket, with trampling the most significant effect. Long term monitoring of the effects of extralimital impala in different types of thicket will be required to accurately quantify their direct effects on subtropical thicket in the Eastern Cape. The main aim of this study was to determine the impacts of impala on Thicket. The study showed significant impacts on Thicket as found in Shamwari, and therefore the aim of the study was achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Implementing lean manufacturing to improve production efficiency in the manufacturing operations at the Aspen General facility
- Authors: Jozaffe, Lyndon Brian
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8557 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/529 , Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Description: South African producers are constantly facing competition from foreign organisations in their domestic markets. The adverse effects of this competition stem, in part, from the low levels of productivity which characterise South African industry and which is well documented by the National Productivity Institute of South Africa. The concept of continuous improvement offers a proven methodology for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of production processes. Given the situation that faces South African producers, it would seem appropriate to investigate how the concept of continuous improvement can be applied to a specific South African manufacturing organisation, like the Aspen Pharmacare General Facility, in order to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Jozaffe, Lyndon Brian
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8557 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/529 , Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Description: South African producers are constantly facing competition from foreign organisations in their domestic markets. The adverse effects of this competition stem, in part, from the low levels of productivity which characterise South African industry and which is well documented by the National Productivity Institute of South Africa. The concept of continuous improvement offers a proven methodology for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of production processes. Given the situation that faces South African producers, it would seem appropriate to investigate how the concept of continuous improvement can be applied to a specific South African manufacturing organisation, like the Aspen Pharmacare General Facility, in order to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Job satisfaction as experienced by doctors in public sector hospitals in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: John-Franklin, Nworgu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/582 , Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Job satisfaction
- Description: South Africa is experiencing a brain drain of doctors. It is estimated that about 5000 doctors have left South Africa since 2003. Lack of job satisfaction has been identified as one of its causes. The purpose of this study was: To provide an overview of relevant literature concerning job satisfaction. To determine, by means of an empirical survey, whether doctors in the public sector experienced any factors, which were affecting their job satisfaction levels. To make recommendations as to how the job satisfaction levels of doctors in public sector hospitals could be increased. For the empirical study a survey, with a questionnaire as data collecting tool, was conducted among 59 permanently employed doctors at the Dora Nginza Hospital in Port Elizabeth. The questionnaire focused on biographical information, personality-job fit, job content factors and job context factors. For Section B, C and D of the questionnaire, the response options were structured according to a Likert-type scale. Respondents had to indicate the extent to which they agreed with each statement in the questionnaire. The responses obtained from the survey were presented and analysed. The researcher observed in this study that doctors were just satisfied with their jobs. Apart from the personality job fit factor of job satisfaction where excellent scores were recorded, there seemed to be problems with job content and job context factors. Management of Port Elizabeth Hospitals Complex has a challenge in improving job satisfaction of their doctors in these areas. The researcher recommends that management of Port Elizabeth Hospitals Complex should look into the satisfaction level of doctors in their employment. Doctors’ satisfaction level should be improved from being just satisfactory to being excellent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: John-Franklin, Nworgu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/582 , Physicians -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Job satisfaction
- Description: South Africa is experiencing a brain drain of doctors. It is estimated that about 5000 doctors have left South Africa since 2003. Lack of job satisfaction has been identified as one of its causes. The purpose of this study was: To provide an overview of relevant literature concerning job satisfaction. To determine, by means of an empirical survey, whether doctors in the public sector experienced any factors, which were affecting their job satisfaction levels. To make recommendations as to how the job satisfaction levels of doctors in public sector hospitals could be increased. For the empirical study a survey, with a questionnaire as data collecting tool, was conducted among 59 permanently employed doctors at the Dora Nginza Hospital in Port Elizabeth. The questionnaire focused on biographical information, personality-job fit, job content factors and job context factors. For Section B, C and D of the questionnaire, the response options were structured according to a Likert-type scale. Respondents had to indicate the extent to which they agreed with each statement in the questionnaire. The responses obtained from the survey were presented and analysed. The researcher observed in this study that doctors were just satisfied with their jobs. Apart from the personality job fit factor of job satisfaction where excellent scores were recorded, there seemed to be problems with job content and job context factors. Management of Port Elizabeth Hospitals Complex has a challenge in improving job satisfaction of their doctors in these areas. The researcher recommends that management of Port Elizabeth Hospitals Complex should look into the satisfaction level of doctors in their employment. Doctors’ satisfaction level should be improved from being just satisfactory to being excellent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Literacy as a community icon : a critical evaluation of literacy as a community icon in the design of a new public library for Stellenbosch
- Authors: Brand, Jacques Martin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Library buildings -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans , Public libraries -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/855 , Library buildings -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans , Public libraries -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans
- Description: The topic for this thesis is a new main public library for Stellenbosch and the direct urban spaces that support it. The thesis will explore the technical requirements for this type of building as well as the response to a historical urban context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Brand, Jacques Martin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Library buildings -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans , Public libraries -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/855 , Library buildings -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans , Public libraries -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch -- Designs and plans
- Description: The topic for this thesis is a new main public library for Stellenbosch and the direct urban spaces that support it. The thesis will explore the technical requirements for this type of building as well as the response to a historical urban context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006