A mixed methods investigation of students’ attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods: a focus on postgraduate psychology students at a South African university
- Authors: Ngantweni, Xolelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- South Africa , Statistics , Psychology -- Research , College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Psychology -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140490 , vital:37894
- Description: Many University programs offer a course in either basic or intermediate statistics as part of the degree requirements prior to graduation (McGrath, Ferns, Greiner, Wanamaker and Brown, 2015). These statistics or quantitative research methods courses are integral in helping students gain vital skills in analysing quantitative data. Research (Schau, Stevens, Dauphinee, and Del Vecchio, 1995) does however indicate that most students have a perfunctory disposition towards these courses. My study sought to particularly investigate attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods amongst a sample of 61 postgraduate Psychology students at Rhodes University undertaking a ‘Quantitative Research Methods’ course as part of their degree offering. A mixed methods approach was used to investigate students’ attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods. The Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics (SATS-36) (Schau, 2003) captured student’s attitudes towards statistics using a Likert Scale instrument; whereas detailed qualitative interviews accentuated findings from the SATS-36. Key quantitative findings from the SATS-36 including students’ perceptions of statistics being a difficult course as well as students having a low affect towards statistics are detailed. Key qualitative findings related to why students experience statistics anxiety such as students’ (1) fear of failing statistics, (2) The late introduction of statistics in the Psychology curriculum, and (3) The role of educator/s in alleviating or promoting feelings of statistics anxiety are noted. The significance of these findings as well as the contributions of the study to the teaching and learning of statistics and quantitative research methods courses at Rhodes University are explored, in light of other studies on the topic of statistics anxiety and attitudes towards statistics/ quantitative research methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ngantweni, Xolelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- South Africa , Statistics , Psychology -- Research , College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Psychology -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140490 , vital:37894
- Description: Many University programs offer a course in either basic or intermediate statistics as part of the degree requirements prior to graduation (McGrath, Ferns, Greiner, Wanamaker and Brown, 2015). These statistics or quantitative research methods courses are integral in helping students gain vital skills in analysing quantitative data. Research (Schau, Stevens, Dauphinee, and Del Vecchio, 1995) does however indicate that most students have a perfunctory disposition towards these courses. My study sought to particularly investigate attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods amongst a sample of 61 postgraduate Psychology students at Rhodes University undertaking a ‘Quantitative Research Methods’ course as part of their degree offering. A mixed methods approach was used to investigate students’ attitudes towards statistics and quantitative research methods. The Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics (SATS-36) (Schau, 2003) captured student’s attitudes towards statistics using a Likert Scale instrument; whereas detailed qualitative interviews accentuated findings from the SATS-36. Key quantitative findings from the SATS-36 including students’ perceptions of statistics being a difficult course as well as students having a low affect towards statistics are detailed. Key qualitative findings related to why students experience statistics anxiety such as students’ (1) fear of failing statistics, (2) The late introduction of statistics in the Psychology curriculum, and (3) The role of educator/s in alleviating or promoting feelings of statistics anxiety are noted. The significance of these findings as well as the contributions of the study to the teaching and learning of statistics and quantitative research methods courses at Rhodes University are explored, in light of other studies on the topic of statistics anxiety and attitudes towards statistics/ quantitative research methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Automated statistical audit system for a government regulatory authority
- Authors: Xozwa, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Auditing -- Statistical methods -- Data processing , Mathematica (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6061 , vital:21035
- Description: Governments all over the world are faced with numerous challenges while running their countries on a daily basis. The predominant challenges which arise are those which involve statistical methodologies. Official statistics to South Africa’s infrastructure are very important and because of this it is important that an effort is made to reduce the challenges that occur during the development of official statistics. For official statistics to be developed successfully quality standards need to be built into an organisational framework and form a system of architecture (Statistics New Zealand 2009:1). Therefore, this study seeks to develop a statistical methodology that is appropriate and scientifically correct using an automated statistical system for audits in government regulatory authorities. The study makes use of Mathematica to provide guidelines on how to develop and use an automated statistical audit system. A comprehensive literature study was conducted using existing secondary sources. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study, to empirically assess the demographic characteristics of tenants of Social Housing Estates and their perceptions towards the rental units they inhabit. More specifically a descriptive study was undertaken. Furthermore, a sample size was selected by means of convenience sampling for a case study on SHRA to assess the respondent’s biographical information. From this sample, a pilot study was conducted investigating the general perceptions of the respondents regarding the physical conditions and quality of their units. The technical development of an automated statistical audit system was discussed. This process involved the development and use of a questionnaire design tool, statistical analysis and reporting and how Mathematica software served as a platform for developing the system. The findings of this study provide insights on how government regulatory authorities can best utilise automated statistical audits for regulation purposes and achieved this by developing an automated statistical audit system for government regulatory authorities. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide government regulatory authorities with practical suggestions or solutions regarding the generating of official statistics for regulatory purposes, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to further investigate automated statistical audit systems, statistical analysis, automated questionnaire development, and government regulatory authorities individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Xozwa, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Auditing -- Statistical methods -- Data processing , Mathematica (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6061 , vital:21035
- Description: Governments all over the world are faced with numerous challenges while running their countries on a daily basis. The predominant challenges which arise are those which involve statistical methodologies. Official statistics to South Africa’s infrastructure are very important and because of this it is important that an effort is made to reduce the challenges that occur during the development of official statistics. For official statistics to be developed successfully quality standards need to be built into an organisational framework and form a system of architecture (Statistics New Zealand 2009:1). Therefore, this study seeks to develop a statistical methodology that is appropriate and scientifically correct using an automated statistical system for audits in government regulatory authorities. The study makes use of Mathematica to provide guidelines on how to develop and use an automated statistical audit system. A comprehensive literature study was conducted using existing secondary sources. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study, to empirically assess the demographic characteristics of tenants of Social Housing Estates and their perceptions towards the rental units they inhabit. More specifically a descriptive study was undertaken. Furthermore, a sample size was selected by means of convenience sampling for a case study on SHRA to assess the respondent’s biographical information. From this sample, a pilot study was conducted investigating the general perceptions of the respondents regarding the physical conditions and quality of their units. The technical development of an automated statistical audit system was discussed. This process involved the development and use of a questionnaire design tool, statistical analysis and reporting and how Mathematica software served as a platform for developing the system. The findings of this study provide insights on how government regulatory authorities can best utilise automated statistical audits for regulation purposes and achieved this by developing an automated statistical audit system for government regulatory authorities. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide government regulatory authorities with practical suggestions or solutions regarding the generating of official statistics for regulatory purposes, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to further investigate automated statistical audit systems, statistical analysis, automated questionnaire development, and government regulatory authorities individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of paired comparison models
- Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Authors: Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Paired comparisons (Statistics) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/364 , Paired comparisons (Statistics) , Mathematical statistics
- Description: Introduction: A typical task in quantitative data analysis is to derive estimates of population parameters based on sample statistics. For manifest variables this is usually a straightforward process utilising suitable measurement instruments and standard statistics such the mean, median and standard deviation. Latent variables on the other hand are typically more elusive, making it difficult to obtain valid and reliable measurements. One of the most widely used methods of estimating the parameter value of a latent variable is to use a summated score derived from a set of individual scores for each of the various attributes of the latent variable. A serious limitation of this method and other similar methods is that the validity and reliability of measurements depend on whether the statements included in the questionnaire cover all characteristics of the variable being measured and also on respondents’ ability to correctly indicate their perceived assessment of the characteristics on the scale provided. Methods without this limitation and that are especially useful where a set of objects/entities must be ranked based on the parameter values of one or more latent variables, are methods of paired comparisons. Although the underlying assumptions and algorithms of these methods often differ dramatically, they all rely on data derived from a series of comparisons, each consisting of a pair of specimens selected from the set of objects/entities being investigated. Typical examples of the comparison process are: subjects (judges) who have to indicate for each pair of objects which of the two they prefer; sport teams that compete against each other in matches that involve two teams at a time. The resultant data of each comparison range from a simple dichotomy to indicate which of the two objects are preferred/better, to an interval or ratio scale score for e d Bradley-Terry models, and were based on statistical theory assuming that the variable(s) being measured is either normally (Thurstone-Mosteller) or exponentially (Bradley-Terry) distributed. For many years researchers had to rely on these PCM’s when analysing paired comparison data without any idea about the implications if the distribution of the data from which their sample were obtained differed from the assumed distribution for the applicable PCM being utilised. To address this problem, PCM’s were subsequently developed to cater for discrete variables and variables with distributions that are neither normal or exponential. A question that remained unanswered is how the performance, as measured by the accuracy of parameter estimates, of PCM's are affected if they are applied to data from a range of discrete and continuous distribution that violates the assumptions on which the applicable paired comparison algorithm is based. This study is an attempt to answer this question by applying the most popular PCM's to a range of randomly derived data sets that spans typical continuous and discrete data distributions. It is hoped that the results of this study will assist researchers when selecting the most appropriate PCM to obtain accurate estimates of the parameters of the variables in their data sets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Paired comparisons (Statistics) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/364 , Paired comparisons (Statistics) , Mathematical statistics
- Description: Introduction: A typical task in quantitative data analysis is to derive estimates of population parameters based on sample statistics. For manifest variables this is usually a straightforward process utilising suitable measurement instruments and standard statistics such the mean, median and standard deviation. Latent variables on the other hand are typically more elusive, making it difficult to obtain valid and reliable measurements. One of the most widely used methods of estimating the parameter value of a latent variable is to use a summated score derived from a set of individual scores for each of the various attributes of the latent variable. A serious limitation of this method and other similar methods is that the validity and reliability of measurements depend on whether the statements included in the questionnaire cover all characteristics of the variable being measured and also on respondents’ ability to correctly indicate their perceived assessment of the characteristics on the scale provided. Methods without this limitation and that are especially useful where a set of objects/entities must be ranked based on the parameter values of one or more latent variables, are methods of paired comparisons. Although the underlying assumptions and algorithms of these methods often differ dramatically, they all rely on data derived from a series of comparisons, each consisting of a pair of specimens selected from the set of objects/entities being investigated. Typical examples of the comparison process are: subjects (judges) who have to indicate for each pair of objects which of the two they prefer; sport teams that compete against each other in matches that involve two teams at a time. The resultant data of each comparison range from a simple dichotomy to indicate which of the two objects are preferred/better, to an interval or ratio scale score for e d Bradley-Terry models, and were based on statistical theory assuming that the variable(s) being measured is either normally (Thurstone-Mosteller) or exponentially (Bradley-Terry) distributed. For many years researchers had to rely on these PCM’s when analysing paired comparison data without any idea about the implications if the distribution of the data from which their sample were obtained differed from the assumed distribution for the applicable PCM being utilised. To address this problem, PCM’s were subsequently developed to cater for discrete variables and variables with distributions that are neither normal or exponential. A question that remained unanswered is how the performance, as measured by the accuracy of parameter estimates, of PCM's are affected if they are applied to data from a range of discrete and continuous distribution that violates the assumptions on which the applicable paired comparison algorithm is based. This study is an attempt to answer this question by applying the most popular PCM's to a range of randomly derived data sets that spans typical continuous and discrete data distributions. It is hoped that the results of this study will assist researchers when selecting the most appropriate PCM to obtain accurate estimates of the parameters of the variables in their data sets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Plantar force differences before and after an ultra-endurance event
- Authors: Sims, Gwenivere
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10101 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012795 , Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the pre- and post-plantar force differences of athletes competing in an ultra-endurance event. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A Quasi-experimental, one group pretest, posttest design was used. The study involved 84 participants selected by means of convenient sampling from a total of 1552 participants. The equipment used for data collection was the RS Footscan®, stadiometer and a weight scale. Differences between the plantar forces before and after the competition were significant for the sample group, indicating higher forces before the competition (t = -3.62, p = 0.001, d = 0.40). Gender, and novice and expert groupings had no significant effect on the plantar forces (t = 1.43, p = 0.155 and t = 0.21, p = 0.837) respectively. Gender groups had large significant differences between the left and right forefoot (t = 3.90, p = 0.000) and the heel (t = 3.54, p = 0.001), before the competition, but this difference was reduced after the competition from large to moderate significance for the forefoot and the heel (t = 2.84, p = 0.006 and t = 2.99 and p = 0.004) respectively. Lower forces after the ultra-endurance event may indicate compensation due to overuse; with less muscle contraction to control foot roll over for force distribution. Favouring of the right foot for weight bearing changed after the event with smaller differences, which could indicate increase loading of the left feet, which may result in injury. The number of females included in this study was relatively few and therefore the effect of gender in respect of plantar foot force exerted should be interpreted with caution. The novices recorded higher forces in the forefoot, after the competition. Similar results were found in other studies that reported increased pressures under the forefoot after long distance running. The latter findings may suggest that novices have a higher chance for overuse injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sims, Gwenivere
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10101 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012795 , Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the pre- and post-plantar force differences of athletes competing in an ultra-endurance event. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A Quasi-experimental, one group pretest, posttest design was used. The study involved 84 participants selected by means of convenient sampling from a total of 1552 participants. The equipment used for data collection was the RS Footscan®, stadiometer and a weight scale. Differences between the plantar forces before and after the competition were significant for the sample group, indicating higher forces before the competition (t = -3.62, p = 0.001, d = 0.40). Gender, and novice and expert groupings had no significant effect on the plantar forces (t = 1.43, p = 0.155 and t = 0.21, p = 0.837) respectively. Gender groups had large significant differences between the left and right forefoot (t = 3.90, p = 0.000) and the heel (t = 3.54, p = 0.001), before the competition, but this difference was reduced after the competition from large to moderate significance for the forefoot and the heel (t = 2.84, p = 0.006 and t = 2.99 and p = 0.004) respectively. Lower forces after the ultra-endurance event may indicate compensation due to overuse; with less muscle contraction to control foot roll over for force distribution. Favouring of the right foot for weight bearing changed after the event with smaller differences, which could indicate increase loading of the left feet, which may result in injury. The number of females included in this study was relatively few and therefore the effect of gender in respect of plantar foot force exerted should be interpreted with caution. The novices recorded higher forces in the forefoot, after the competition. Similar results were found in other studies that reported increased pressures under the forefoot after long distance running. The latter findings may suggest that novices have a higher chance for overuse injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing the statistical methodologies of business research in the South African context
- Authors: Ndou, Aifheli Amos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:8631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1484 , Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study is to establish an acceptable classification scheme for the statistical methods used in business research. The approach compares the statistical component of the research and evaluates how it has changed over time and across different journals. If, as expected, the statistical expertise has changed, the change would be identified with the view to recommending curriculum changes for Statistics Departments of South African tertiary institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ndou, Aifheli Amos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:8631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1484 , Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study is to establish an acceptable classification scheme for the statistical methods used in business research. The approach compares the statistical component of the research and evaluates how it has changed over time and across different journals. If, as expected, the statistical expertise has changed, the change would be identified with the view to recommending curriculum changes for Statistics Departments of South African tertiary institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Integer optimization for the selection of a twenty20 cricket team
- Authors: Lourens, Mark
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cricket -- Coaching , Teamwork (Sports) , Cricket players , Sports -- Research -- Methodology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10568 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009631 , Cricket -- Coaching , Teamwork (Sports) , Cricket players , Sports -- Research -- Methodology
- Description: During the last few years, much effort has been devoted to measuring the ability of sport teams, as well as that of the individual players. Much research has been on the game of cricket, and the comparison, or ranking, of players according to their abilities. This study continues preceding research using an optimization approach, namely, a binary integer programme, to select an SA domestic Pro20 cricket team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Lourens, Mark
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cricket -- Coaching , Teamwork (Sports) , Cricket players , Sports -- Research -- Methodology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10568 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009631 , Cricket -- Coaching , Teamwork (Sports) , Cricket players , Sports -- Research -- Methodology
- Description: During the last few years, much effort has been devoted to measuring the ability of sport teams, as well as that of the individual players. Much research has been on the game of cricket, and the comparison, or ranking, of players according to their abilities. This study continues preceding research using an optimization approach, namely, a binary integer programme, to select an SA domestic Pro20 cricket team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The consolidation of forecests with regression models
- Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Authors: Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Regression analysis -- Mathematical models , Forecasting -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020964
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to develop a dashboard for the consolidation of multiple forecasts utilising a range of multiple linear regression models. The term dashboard is used to describe with a single word the characteristics of the forecasts consolidation application that was developed to provide the required functionalities via a graphical user interface structured as a series of interlinked screens. Microsoft Excel© was used as the platform to develop the dashboard named ConFoRM (acronym for Consolidate Forecasts with Regression Models). The major steps of the consolidation process incorporated in ConFoRM are: 1. Input historical data. Select appropriate analysis and holdout samples. 3. Specify regression models to be considered as candidates for the final model to be used for the consolidation of forecasts. 4. Perform regression analysis and holdout analysis for each of the models specified in step 3. 5. Perform post-holdout testing to assess the performance of the model with best holdout validation results on out-of-sample data. 6. Consolidate forecasts. Two data transformations are available: the removal of growth and time-periods effect from the time series; a translation of the time series by subtracting ̅i, the mean of all the forecasts for data record i, from the variable being predicted and its related forecasts for each data record I. The pre-defined regression models available for ordinary least square linear regression models (LRM) are: a. A set of k simple LRM’s, one for each of the k forecasts; b. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts: c. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts and as many of the first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard with the interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; d. A multiple LRM that includes as many of the forecasts and first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard: with the forecasts and interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; e. A simple LRM with the predictor variable being the mean of the forecasts: f. A set of simple LRM’s with the predictor variable in each case being the weighted mean of the forecasts with different formulas for the weights Also available is an ad hoc user specified model in terms of the forecasts and the predictor variables generated by the dashboard for the pre-defined models. Provision is made in the regression analysis for both of forward entry and backward removal regression. Weighted least squares (WLS) regression can be performed optionally based on the age of forecasts with smaller weight for older forecasts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Venter, Daniel Jacobus Lodewyk
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Regression analysis -- Mathematical models , Forecasting -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020964
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to develop a dashboard for the consolidation of multiple forecasts utilising a range of multiple linear regression models. The term dashboard is used to describe with a single word the characteristics of the forecasts consolidation application that was developed to provide the required functionalities via a graphical user interface structured as a series of interlinked screens. Microsoft Excel© was used as the platform to develop the dashboard named ConFoRM (acronym for Consolidate Forecasts with Regression Models). The major steps of the consolidation process incorporated in ConFoRM are: 1. Input historical data. Select appropriate analysis and holdout samples. 3. Specify regression models to be considered as candidates for the final model to be used for the consolidation of forecasts. 4. Perform regression analysis and holdout analysis for each of the models specified in step 3. 5. Perform post-holdout testing to assess the performance of the model with best holdout validation results on out-of-sample data. 6. Consolidate forecasts. Two data transformations are available: the removal of growth and time-periods effect from the time series; a translation of the time series by subtracting ̅i, the mean of all the forecasts for data record i, from the variable being predicted and its related forecasts for each data record I. The pre-defined regression models available for ordinary least square linear regression models (LRM) are: a. A set of k simple LRM’s, one for each of the k forecasts; b. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts: c. A multiple LRM that includes all the forecasts and as many of the first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard with the interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; d. A multiple LRM that includes as many of the forecasts and first-order interactions between the input forecasts as allowed by the sample size and the maximum number of predictors provided by the dashboard: with the forecasts and interactions included in the model to be those with the highest individual correlation with the variable being predicted; e. A simple LRM with the predictor variable being the mean of the forecasts: f. A set of simple LRM’s with the predictor variable in each case being the weighted mean of the forecasts with different formulas for the weights Also available is an ad hoc user specified model in terms of the forecasts and the predictor variables generated by the dashboard for the pre-defined models. Provision is made in the regression analysis for both of forward entry and backward removal regression. Weighted least squares (WLS) regression can be performed optionally based on the age of forecasts with smaller weight for older forecasts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Business Statistics: STD 121
- Authors: Odeyemi, A , Tyler, J
- Date: 2010-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:11976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010341
- Description: Business Statistics: STD 121, degree exmaination November 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-11
- Authors: Odeyemi, A , Tyler, J
- Date: 2010-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:11976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010341
- Description: Business Statistics: STD 121, degree exmaination November 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-11
An investigation into the prevalence and growth of phishing attacks against South African financial targets
- Authors: Lala, Darshan Magan
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3157 , vital:20379
- Description: Phishing in the electronic communications medium is the act of sending unsolicited email messages with the intention of masquerading as a reputed business. The objective is to deceive the recipient into divulging personal and sensitive information such as bank account details, credit card numbers and passwords. Attacks against financial services are the most common types of targets for scammers. Phishing attacks in South Africa have cost businesses and consumers substantial amounts of financial loss. This research investigated existing literature to understand the basic concepts of email, phishing, spam and how these fit together. The research also looks into the increasing growth of phishing worldwide and in particular against South African targets. A quantitative study is performed and reported on; this involves the study and analysis of phishing statistics in a data set provided by the South African Anti-Phishing Working Group. The data set contains phishing URL information, country code where the site has been hosted, targeted company name, IP address information and timestamp of the phishing site. The data set contains 161 different phishing targets. The research primarily focuses on the trend in phishing attacks against six South African based financial institutions, but also correlates this with the overall global trend using statistical analysis. The results from the study of the data set are compared to existing statistics and literature regarding the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa. The question that this research answers is whether or not the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa correlates with the global trend in phishing attacks. The findings indicate that certain correlations exist between some of the South African phishing targets and global phishing trends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Lala, Darshan Magan
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3157 , vital:20379
- Description: Phishing in the electronic communications medium is the act of sending unsolicited email messages with the intention of masquerading as a reputed business. The objective is to deceive the recipient into divulging personal and sensitive information such as bank account details, credit card numbers and passwords. Attacks against financial services are the most common types of targets for scammers. Phishing attacks in South Africa have cost businesses and consumers substantial amounts of financial loss. This research investigated existing literature to understand the basic concepts of email, phishing, spam and how these fit together. The research also looks into the increasing growth of phishing worldwide and in particular against South African targets. A quantitative study is performed and reported on; this involves the study and analysis of phishing statistics in a data set provided by the South African Anti-Phishing Working Group. The data set contains phishing URL information, country code where the site has been hosted, targeted company name, IP address information and timestamp of the phishing site. The data set contains 161 different phishing targets. The research primarily focuses on the trend in phishing attacks against six South African based financial institutions, but also correlates this with the overall global trend using statistical analysis. The results from the study of the data set are compared to existing statistics and literature regarding the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa. The question that this research answers is whether or not the prevalence and growth of phishing in South Africa correlates with the global trend in phishing attacks. The findings indicate that certain correlations exist between some of the South African phishing targets and global phishing trends.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Mapping and prediction of archaeological sites of habitation by modern humans using GIS and expert mapping on the south coast of South Africa
- Authors: Kleyn, Philippa May
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Archaeological sites , Kitchen-middens -- South Africa , Prehistoric peoples -- South Africa , Prehistoric peoples -- Dwellings -- South Africa , Geological mapping -- South Africa , Coastal archaeology -- South Africa , Archaeological significance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018662
- Description: South Africa contains many archaeological resources including shell middens from the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA). These shell middens give researchers insight into the behaviour of modern humans where the first fossil evidence appears in Africa around 200 000 years ago (Klein, 2008). Research into shell middens is therefore vital to understand the origin of human kind. This study investigates whether Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a useful tool for predicting locations of unknown shell midden sites using the characteristics of known areas of modern human habitation. This was done using suitability analysis and expert mapping techniques. Ground truthing of the results of the desktop analysis revealed that GIS is not a useful tool for predicting sites of modern habitation as the characteristics that determine human habitation are too variable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kleyn, Philippa May
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Archaeological sites , Kitchen-middens -- South Africa , Prehistoric peoples -- South Africa , Prehistoric peoples -- Dwellings -- South Africa , Geological mapping -- South Africa , Coastal archaeology -- South Africa , Archaeological significance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018662
- Description: South Africa contains many archaeological resources including shell middens from the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA). These shell middens give researchers insight into the behaviour of modern humans where the first fossil evidence appears in Africa around 200 000 years ago (Klein, 2008). Research into shell middens is therefore vital to understand the origin of human kind. This study investigates whether Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a useful tool for predicting locations of unknown shell midden sites using the characteristics of known areas of modern human habitation. This was done using suitability analysis and expert mapping techniques. Ground truthing of the results of the desktop analysis revealed that GIS is not a useful tool for predicting sites of modern habitation as the characteristics that determine human habitation are too variable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Improving employee retention at a selected South African petrochemical firm through career-pathing
- Authors: Saaiman, Cherwin Jesse
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021190
- Description: In the competitive knowledge economy of today it is talented employees who ensure a competitive advantage for their company above their competitors. Voluntary employee turnover is said to have a number of negative consequences for employers, such as recruitment, selection and training costs, as well as lowered morale in the case of employees who stay behind. Companies and countries such as South Africa have to become globally competitive through talented and dedicated employees. Companies should therefore place more focus on the retention and grooming of their internal talent since a “war on talent” is being waged between companies for the best talent. With the looming shortage of talent globally it becomes more important for organisations in general and the petrochemical sector in particular to understand why talented and dedicated employees voluntarily leave their organisations. With such insight at their disposal, people managers are able to devise appropriate strategies to retain talent for the competitive benefit of their own organisations. The principal objective of this research study was to improve employee retention by investigating the influence of career-pathing (career development practices) and other selected critical success factors on employee retention. The study considered how employee retention (the dependent variable) is influenced by affective organisational commitment, career-pathing, growth need satisfaction, job commitment, affective professional commitment, continuance professional commitment and normative professional commitment (the independent variables). The sample who participated in this study consisted of one hundred and one (101) out of a possible total of two hundred and eleven (211) respondents from the selected South African petrochemical organisation. The empirical results reveal that affective organisational commitment and career-pathing are significantly related to employee retention, while all the other variables tested are not significantly related to employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Saaiman, Cherwin Jesse
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021190
- Description: In the competitive knowledge economy of today it is talented employees who ensure a competitive advantage for their company above their competitors. Voluntary employee turnover is said to have a number of negative consequences for employers, such as recruitment, selection and training costs, as well as lowered morale in the case of employees who stay behind. Companies and countries such as South Africa have to become globally competitive through talented and dedicated employees. Companies should therefore place more focus on the retention and grooming of their internal talent since a “war on talent” is being waged between companies for the best talent. With the looming shortage of talent globally it becomes more important for organisations in general and the petrochemical sector in particular to understand why talented and dedicated employees voluntarily leave their organisations. With such insight at their disposal, people managers are able to devise appropriate strategies to retain talent for the competitive benefit of their own organisations. The principal objective of this research study was to improve employee retention by investigating the influence of career-pathing (career development practices) and other selected critical success factors on employee retention. The study considered how employee retention (the dependent variable) is influenced by affective organisational commitment, career-pathing, growth need satisfaction, job commitment, affective professional commitment, continuance professional commitment and normative professional commitment (the independent variables). The sample who participated in this study consisted of one hundred and one (101) out of a possible total of two hundred and eleven (211) respondents from the selected South African petrochemical organisation. The empirical results reveal that affective organisational commitment and career-pathing are significantly related to employee retention, while all the other variables tested are not significantly related to employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The application of Classification Trees in the Banking Sector
- Authors: Mtwa, Sithayanda
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178514 , vital:42946
- Description: Access restricted until April 2026. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mtwa, Sithayanda
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178514 , vital:42946
- Description: Access restricted until April 2026. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
SIERRA: ERM and usage statistics
- Van der Walt, Wynand, Innovative User Group Southern Africa (IUGSA), 14th Annual Conference : 2016 : Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Authors: Van der Walt, Wynand , Innovative User Group Southern Africa (IUGSA), 14th Annual Conference : 2016 : Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Library science
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5611 , vital:20946
- Description: This paper outlines the processes involved in incorporating e-resources usages statistics into the ERM module within Sierra. The challenges and results of using the JR1 COUNTER statistics within the ERM module will be discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van der Walt, Wynand , Innovative User Group Southern Africa (IUGSA), 14th Annual Conference : 2016 : Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Library science
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5611 , vital:20946
- Description: This paper outlines the processes involved in incorporating e-resources usages statistics into the ERM module within Sierra. The challenges and results of using the JR1 COUNTER statistics within the ERM module will be discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation of training and mentoring of emerging contractors in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Moss, Ian
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Mentoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1630 , Construction industry -- South Africa , Mentoring
- Description: The first democratically elected government in South Africa came into power in 1994 and with this the whole country faced changes and new challenges. The construction industry faced the challenge of incorporating and empowering previously disadvantaged people that were part of the industry as well as new emerging contractors that entered the industry. Various training and mentoring programmes were initiated by government as well as quasi-government institutions which attempted to address these challenges. Having an effective mentoring programme in place in the construction industry is critical to the development and growth of the emerging contractors as well as the industry as a whole. This research focuses on a specific programme to establish if the need for training and mentoring programmes exist and which specific aspects of the training need the most attention. The study furthermore, investigates the effect the programme had on emerging contractors on the specific programme. Primary data was collected by means of a telephonic questionnaire to emerging contractors on the mentoring programme as well as the mentors and service providers of the programme. Secondary data was obtained from the literature reviewed and from relevant publications. The main findings were that a need for the training and mentoring of emerging contractors exists and the study emphasizes that there is a demand for the ongoing monitoring of emerging contractors after completion of the programme. The study furthermore reveals that all aspects of the training and mentoring programme is important but more time and effort should be spent on the management and financial aspects of the programme The research is limited to emerging contractors and mentors who participated in the East Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) mentoring programme in the Eastern Cape and is limited to two specific regions namely Port Elizabeth and East London. The findings from the study could be used by training providers as well as mentors to enhance the existing programme to ensure proper rounding of the emerging contractors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Moss, Ian
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Mentoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1630 , Construction industry -- South Africa , Mentoring
- Description: The first democratically elected government in South Africa came into power in 1994 and with this the whole country faced changes and new challenges. The construction industry faced the challenge of incorporating and empowering previously disadvantaged people that were part of the industry as well as new emerging contractors that entered the industry. Various training and mentoring programmes were initiated by government as well as quasi-government institutions which attempted to address these challenges. Having an effective mentoring programme in place in the construction industry is critical to the development and growth of the emerging contractors as well as the industry as a whole. This research focuses on a specific programme to establish if the need for training and mentoring programmes exist and which specific aspects of the training need the most attention. The study furthermore, investigates the effect the programme had on emerging contractors on the specific programme. Primary data was collected by means of a telephonic questionnaire to emerging contractors on the mentoring programme as well as the mentors and service providers of the programme. Secondary data was obtained from the literature reviewed and from relevant publications. The main findings were that a need for the training and mentoring of emerging contractors exists and the study emphasizes that there is a demand for the ongoing monitoring of emerging contractors after completion of the programme. The study furthermore reveals that all aspects of the training and mentoring programme is important but more time and effort should be spent on the management and financial aspects of the programme The research is limited to emerging contractors and mentors who participated in the East Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) mentoring programme in the Eastern Cape and is limited to two specific regions namely Port Elizabeth and East London. The findings from the study could be used by training providers as well as mentors to enhance the existing programme to ensure proper rounding of the emerging contractors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Applied Agricultural Biometry: AGB 321
- Authors: Odeyemi, A , Tyler, J
- Date: 2010-01
- Subjects: Applied Agricultural Biometry -- Statistics , Agriculture -- Statistical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17473 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010296 , Applied Agricultural Biometry -- Statistics
- Description: Applied Agricultural Biometry: AGB 321, January 2010 Supplementary examination.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-01
- Authors: Odeyemi, A , Tyler, J
- Date: 2010-01
- Subjects: Applied Agricultural Biometry -- Statistics , Agriculture -- Statistical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17473 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010296 , Applied Agricultural Biometry -- Statistics
- Description: Applied Agricultural Biometry: AGB 321, January 2010 Supplementary examination.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-01
The effect of an exercise programme on the health and well-being of people living with HIV in a rural community of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Lotter, Jennifer
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Exercise -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects , HIV infections -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18211 , vital:28589
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 11-week combined progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise programme on the health and well-being of a group of participants sampled from an HIV positive rural population. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilised quantitative research methods. A total number of 37 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The participants were assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n=19) based on their willingness to participate in the exercise intervention and the remainder were assigned to the control group (CG) (n=17). The experimental group participated in an 11-week intervention programme which entailed exercising twice a week for the duration of 60 minutes. The intervention entailed a low cost exercise programme which consisted of aerobic exercises (walking, jogging and stepping) and progressive resistance exercises (own body weight, core exercises and light free weight training). The following variables were measured pre-, mid- and post- intervention, namely: health related fitness components, quality of life, physical activity levels and relevant blood variables. An analysis of data was conducted utilising descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcome of the analyses indicated that the EG did not reveal significantly better post-intervention results than the CG in respect of any of the variables assessed. The CG remained sedentary during the intervention period and revealed either an increase in, or maintenance of the initial scores. The slight variation could have been attributed to the decrease in sample size at mid – and post – testing. At the post-intervention testing phase the majority of the participants available for testing were those who were working and healthy. However, it can be concluded that the overall aims and objectives of the study were achieved despite the attrition of participants during the study and that the subsequent outcome of the study was not expected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Lotter, Jennifer
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Exercise -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Physiological aspects , HIV infections -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18211 , vital:28589
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 11-week combined progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise programme on the health and well-being of a group of participants sampled from an HIV positive rural population. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilised quantitative research methods. A total number of 37 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The participants were assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n=19) based on their willingness to participate in the exercise intervention and the remainder were assigned to the control group (CG) (n=17). The experimental group participated in an 11-week intervention programme which entailed exercising twice a week for the duration of 60 minutes. The intervention entailed a low cost exercise programme which consisted of aerobic exercises (walking, jogging and stepping) and progressive resistance exercises (own body weight, core exercises and light free weight training). The following variables were measured pre-, mid- and post- intervention, namely: health related fitness components, quality of life, physical activity levels and relevant blood variables. An analysis of data was conducted utilising descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcome of the analyses indicated that the EG did not reveal significantly better post-intervention results than the CG in respect of any of the variables assessed. The CG remained sedentary during the intervention period and revealed either an increase in, or maintenance of the initial scores. The slight variation could have been attributed to the decrease in sample size at mid – and post – testing. At the post-intervention testing phase the majority of the participants available for testing were those who were working and healthy. However, it can be concluded that the overall aims and objectives of the study were achieved despite the attrition of participants during the study and that the subsequent outcome of the study was not expected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Main thesis title 2021: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Authors: Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52791 , vital:44031
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52791 , vital:44031
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
Improving indirect purchasing competitiveness in manufacturing firms through strategic purchasing
- Authors: Makubalo, Gcobisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1653 , Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Description: The advent of the global financial recession, its impact on the economy with respect to market turbulence and the increase in customer demands have put organisations under intense pressure to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. By virtue of it not being business as usual in the business arena, organisations are forced to constantly devise strategies that are geared towards growth, transformation and continuous improvement. This cuts across all spheres of organisational structures, which means that every division has a role to play.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Makubalo, Gcobisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1653 , Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Description: The advent of the global financial recession, its impact on the economy with respect to market turbulence and the increase in customer demands have put organisations under intense pressure to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. By virtue of it not being business as usual in the business arena, organisations are forced to constantly devise strategies that are geared towards growth, transformation and continuous improvement. This cuts across all spheres of organisational structures, which means that every division has a role to play.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Preliminary assessment of the gender aspects of disaster vulnerability and loss of human life in South Africa
- Tandlich, Roman, Chirenda, Tatenda G, Srinivas, Sunitha C
- Authors: Tandlich, Roman , Chirenda, Tatenda G , Srinivas, Sunitha C
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76183 , vital:30518 , https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v5i2.84
- Description: South Africa has reached a medium level of human development and has a heterogeneous situation with respect to disaster risk management. In this article, a preliminary assessment of the gender aspects of disaster vulnerability and fatalities is presented. The United Nations, the Health Systems Trust and Statistics South Africa were used as data sources for the following gender-segregated values: the life expectancy at birth, unemployment rates, the human development index values, the maternal mortality rates and the number of deaths from unnatural and non-natural causes. The relevant inequality indices were then calculated and used to draw conclusions regarding the gender aspects of disaster risk management in South Africa. Results of the calculations indicate that between 1980 and 2011 men were 10% more vulnerable with respect to their health status. However, the gender differences have been decreasing in recent years. Access of women to healthcare is decreasing with time, potentially decreasing the recovery potential of whole families. Women are more economically vulnerable than men in South Africa, as they are 16.3% – 33% more likely to be unemployed than men. Educational status of both genders in South Africa is comparable based on literacy and enrolment rates at primary and secondary level. On the other hand, men are five times more likely to suffer fatal injuries during disasters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tandlich, Roman , Chirenda, Tatenda G , Srinivas, Sunitha C
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76183 , vital:30518 , https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v5i2.84
- Description: South Africa has reached a medium level of human development and has a heterogeneous situation with respect to disaster risk management. In this article, a preliminary assessment of the gender aspects of disaster vulnerability and fatalities is presented. The United Nations, the Health Systems Trust and Statistics South Africa were used as data sources for the following gender-segregated values: the life expectancy at birth, unemployment rates, the human development index values, the maternal mortality rates and the number of deaths from unnatural and non-natural causes. The relevant inequality indices were then calculated and used to draw conclusions regarding the gender aspects of disaster risk management in South Africa. Results of the calculations indicate that between 1980 and 2011 men were 10% more vulnerable with respect to their health status. However, the gender differences have been decreasing in recent years. Access of women to healthcare is decreasing with time, potentially decreasing the recovery potential of whole families. Women are more economically vulnerable than men in South Africa, as they are 16.3% – 33% more likely to be unemployed than men. Educational status of both genders in South Africa is comparable based on literacy and enrolment rates at primary and secondary level. On the other hand, men are five times more likely to suffer fatal injuries during disasters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Plantar pressure and impulse profiles of students from a South African university
- Authors: Kramer, Mark
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Human mechanics , Foot -- Movements , Joints -- ange of motion , eng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010606 , Human mechanics , Foot -- Movements , Joints -- ange of motion
- Description: Most activities of daily living and numerous modes of physical activity incorporate some form of ambulation, of which the foot and ankle constitute the first link in the kinetic chain. A change in foot or ankle structure may therefore have subsequent effects on the superincumbent joints of the human body such as the knee, hip and lower back. Plantar pressure and impulse measurements can therefore provide greater insight into the mechanics of the foot under load-bearing conditions with regards to the areas and regions of the foot that exhibit the largest pressure values and impulse figures. Hence, it is of importance to establish normative data so as to obtain a frame of reference to identify those individuals that fall outside these norms and may exhibit a larger probability of injury. Aim and Objectives: The primary aim was to identify and compare the plantar pressure distribution patterns and impulse values of students of a South African university of different gender and race groups. To realise this aim two specific objectives were set. The first was to determine whether height, weight, body mass index (BMI), gender, race, and the level of physical activity were related to the pressure and impulse values obtained, and the second was to generate reference tables from the normative data gathered. Method: The RS Footscan system was used to measure the pressure and impulse values of the foot. The characteristics that were analysed were height, weight, body mass index and the level of physical activity of the participant and their respective association with plantar pressure and impulse values obtained. This information was then used to establish normative data. A quasi-experimental study design utilising convenience sampling was implemented as the intention was to investigate as single instance in as natural a manner as possible. Convenience sampling was used with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 180 participants were utilised in this study and were subdivided as follows: Gender: Males (n = 90); Females (n = 90); Race: African black (n = 60); white (n = 60) and coloured (n = 60). Each race group therefore comprised of 30 males and 30 females respectively. The anthropometric profile of participants was as follows: Age (S.D.) = 22.21 (S.D. ± 2.93) years; Height (S.D.) = 169.69 (S.D. ± 8.91) cm; Weight (S.D.) = 66.97 (S.D. ± 12.01) kg; BMI (S.D.) = 23.16 (S.D. ± 3.15) kg/m2. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire prior to testing that would identify all exclusion criteria consisting of: the presence of foot pain or deformity, acute lower extremity trauma, lower extremity surgery, exhibited problems of performance including eye, ear or cognitive impairment, diabetes mellitus or other neurological neuropathy, or the use of walking aids. Anthropometric measurements were then taken for those participants that qualified for the study. Participants were required to perform approximately five warm-up trials to familiarise themselves with the testing equipment before testing commenced. A total of ten successful trails were subsequently recorded for each participant, with three footprints being recorded per trial on the pressure platform, thereby comprising 30 footprints (15 left foot and 15 right foot) per participant that were analysed regarding pressure and impulse values. The two-step gait initiation protocol was implemented which was proven to be a valid and reliable means of assessing gait. Participants were instructed to walk at a comfortable walking speed between 1.19 – 1.60 m/s to ensure conformity between all participants as between-trial gait velocities were proven to be significantly variable. The foot was subdivided into ten anatomical areas focusing on the great toe, lesser toes, metatarsal 1, metatarsal 2, metatarsal 3, metatarsal 4, metatarsal 5, midfoot, medial heel and lateral heel. These ten areas were then grouped into one of three regions, namely the forefoot region (great toe, lesser toes, and all five metatarsal head areas), midfoot region (midfoot area), and rearfoot/heel region (medial and lateral heel areas). Once all relevant data was gathered, corrected and analysed it was used to establish normative data tables pertaining to the various gender and race groups. Results: Of the ten individual pressure and impulse areas, the second and third metatarsal heads demonstrated the highest mean peak pressure and impulse values. Once grouped into one of the three regions, the heel region was ascribed with the largest impulse and pressure values. It was established that statistically and practically significant racial pressure differences were apparent in the left and right forefoot and midfoot regions, with black and coloured individuals yielding the highest values, whereas white participants yielded the lowest. The same was true with regards to impulse figures in that both statistical and practical significant levels were established in the forefoot and midfoot regions. Black and coloured participants exhibited larger impulse values than the white participants. The level of physical activity was found to be associated with both pressure and impulse values over the various regions of the foot. Black individuals that were largely inactive as well as moderately active coloured participants yielded the highest pressure and impulse values, which were found to be statistically and practically significant over the forefoot regions. Conversely, white participants of all physical activity levels as well as coloured participants of both low and high physical activity levels exhibited the lowest pressure values over the forefoot region, which were also found to be statistically and practically significant. The anthropometric variables of height, weight and BMI were found to relate statistically to pressure and impulse values under the various regions of the foot, but none were found to be of any practical significance (r < .30). Conclusion: It was clearly established that both gender and race specific differences existed regarding plantar pressure and impulse values of the normal foot. Plantar pressure and impulse values were also associated with the level of physical activity of the individual, thereby indicating that the level of physical activity could be a contributing factor to altered pressure and impulse values. Anthropometric variables such as height, weight and BMI could not solely account for the variances observed in pressure and impulse. Further research is required to determine whether pressure or impulse values above or below those obtained predispose an individual to injury and to contrast between various activity or sporting codes and the effect of these on plantar pressure and impulse figures. Finally, from the collected data one was able to establish reference tables for the specific gender and race groups for both plantar pressure and impulse values. This enables one to classify individuals based on the pressure and impulse values generated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kramer, Mark
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Human mechanics , Foot -- Movements , Joints -- ange of motion , eng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010606 , Human mechanics , Foot -- Movements , Joints -- ange of motion
- Description: Most activities of daily living and numerous modes of physical activity incorporate some form of ambulation, of which the foot and ankle constitute the first link in the kinetic chain. A change in foot or ankle structure may therefore have subsequent effects on the superincumbent joints of the human body such as the knee, hip and lower back. Plantar pressure and impulse measurements can therefore provide greater insight into the mechanics of the foot under load-bearing conditions with regards to the areas and regions of the foot that exhibit the largest pressure values and impulse figures. Hence, it is of importance to establish normative data so as to obtain a frame of reference to identify those individuals that fall outside these norms and may exhibit a larger probability of injury. Aim and Objectives: The primary aim was to identify and compare the plantar pressure distribution patterns and impulse values of students of a South African university of different gender and race groups. To realise this aim two specific objectives were set. The first was to determine whether height, weight, body mass index (BMI), gender, race, and the level of physical activity were related to the pressure and impulse values obtained, and the second was to generate reference tables from the normative data gathered. Method: The RS Footscan system was used to measure the pressure and impulse values of the foot. The characteristics that were analysed were height, weight, body mass index and the level of physical activity of the participant and their respective association with plantar pressure and impulse values obtained. This information was then used to establish normative data. A quasi-experimental study design utilising convenience sampling was implemented as the intention was to investigate as single instance in as natural a manner as possible. Convenience sampling was used with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 180 participants were utilised in this study and were subdivided as follows: Gender: Males (n = 90); Females (n = 90); Race: African black (n = 60); white (n = 60) and coloured (n = 60). Each race group therefore comprised of 30 males and 30 females respectively. The anthropometric profile of participants was as follows: Age (S.D.) = 22.21 (S.D. ± 2.93) years; Height (S.D.) = 169.69 (S.D. ± 8.91) cm; Weight (S.D.) = 66.97 (S.D. ± 12.01) kg; BMI (S.D.) = 23.16 (S.D. ± 3.15) kg/m2. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire prior to testing that would identify all exclusion criteria consisting of: the presence of foot pain or deformity, acute lower extremity trauma, lower extremity surgery, exhibited problems of performance including eye, ear or cognitive impairment, diabetes mellitus or other neurological neuropathy, or the use of walking aids. Anthropometric measurements were then taken for those participants that qualified for the study. Participants were required to perform approximately five warm-up trials to familiarise themselves with the testing equipment before testing commenced. A total of ten successful trails were subsequently recorded for each participant, with three footprints being recorded per trial on the pressure platform, thereby comprising 30 footprints (15 left foot and 15 right foot) per participant that were analysed regarding pressure and impulse values. The two-step gait initiation protocol was implemented which was proven to be a valid and reliable means of assessing gait. Participants were instructed to walk at a comfortable walking speed between 1.19 – 1.60 m/s to ensure conformity between all participants as between-trial gait velocities were proven to be significantly variable. The foot was subdivided into ten anatomical areas focusing on the great toe, lesser toes, metatarsal 1, metatarsal 2, metatarsal 3, metatarsal 4, metatarsal 5, midfoot, medial heel and lateral heel. These ten areas were then grouped into one of three regions, namely the forefoot region (great toe, lesser toes, and all five metatarsal head areas), midfoot region (midfoot area), and rearfoot/heel region (medial and lateral heel areas). Once all relevant data was gathered, corrected and analysed it was used to establish normative data tables pertaining to the various gender and race groups. Results: Of the ten individual pressure and impulse areas, the second and third metatarsal heads demonstrated the highest mean peak pressure and impulse values. Once grouped into one of the three regions, the heel region was ascribed with the largest impulse and pressure values. It was established that statistically and practically significant racial pressure differences were apparent in the left and right forefoot and midfoot regions, with black and coloured individuals yielding the highest values, whereas white participants yielded the lowest. The same was true with regards to impulse figures in that both statistical and practical significant levels were established in the forefoot and midfoot regions. Black and coloured participants exhibited larger impulse values than the white participants. The level of physical activity was found to be associated with both pressure and impulse values over the various regions of the foot. Black individuals that were largely inactive as well as moderately active coloured participants yielded the highest pressure and impulse values, which were found to be statistically and practically significant over the forefoot regions. Conversely, white participants of all physical activity levels as well as coloured participants of both low and high physical activity levels exhibited the lowest pressure values over the forefoot region, which were also found to be statistically and practically significant. The anthropometric variables of height, weight and BMI were found to relate statistically to pressure and impulse values under the various regions of the foot, but none were found to be of any practical significance (r < .30). Conclusion: It was clearly established that both gender and race specific differences existed regarding plantar pressure and impulse values of the normal foot. Plantar pressure and impulse values were also associated with the level of physical activity of the individual, thereby indicating that the level of physical activity could be a contributing factor to altered pressure and impulse values. Anthropometric variables such as height, weight and BMI could not solely account for the variances observed in pressure and impulse. Further research is required to determine whether pressure or impulse values above or below those obtained predispose an individual to injury and to contrast between various activity or sporting codes and the effect of these on plantar pressure and impulse figures. Finally, from the collected data one was able to establish reference tables for the specific gender and race groups for both plantar pressure and impulse values. This enables one to classify individuals based on the pressure and impulse values generated.
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- Date Issued: 2012