List of Titles

Evaluating perceptions of co-management on small-scale fisheries in the Wild Coast of South Africa

Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

Factors that influence the adoption and implementation of sustainable procurement: a case of a South African public university

- Mpapha, Sive

Authors: Mpapha, Sive
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434663 , vital:73094
Description: Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Improving the first-generation students’ alumni awareness at Sol Plaatje University

- Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc

Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Instagram and male body image: an in-depth study of perceptions surrounding Instagram-related body ideals amongst gym-going, male students at Rhodes University.

- Nikiforos, Declyn Michael Costa

Authors: Nikiforos, Declyn Michael Costa
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Instagram (Electronic resource) , Body image in men South Africa Makhanda , College students Attitudes , Rhodes University , Disciplinary power , Social comparison theory
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434584 , vital:73087
Description: Guided by the disciplinary power and social comparison theories, this study sought to explore the perceptions of Instagram-related male body ideals amongst young, gym-going men enrolled at Rhodes University. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted, and the responses suggested that Instagram use shaped young men’s body-related perceptions in a variety of complex ways. The findings suggested that Instagram exposed users to a lean and muscular body ideal and that perceptions of this ideal were shaped by factors such as Instagram’s positivity bias, the age of users, and the exposure to the idealised bodies of fitness influencers. Furthermore, perceptions of Instagram’s male body ideal were influenced by context. Black South Africans that attended majority white high schools were more likely to conform to the male body ideals associated with their school environment. In such instances, individuals rejected the body norms associated with their ethnic backgrounds in lieu of striving for a lean and muscular body. Additionally, perceptions of body dissatisfaction were evident in cases where upward social comparisons were made with unrealistic male body ideals. Conformity to Instagram’s male body ideal also suggested that male users were subjected to a coercive form of power that resulted in their active participation in the reproduction of male body ideals. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Issues in language acquisition planning in Zimbabwe: the case of Ndebele within the primary education system

- Masuku, Seabird

Authors: Masuku, Seabird
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434626 , vital:73091 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434627
Description: This thesis discusses pertinent language issues within the primary school system in Zimbabwe in view of complaints (over many years) of communities in the two Matabeleland provinces and Bulawayo about high failure rates of learners in the final grade 7 examinations. It also interrogates the government’s commitment to the development of indigenous languages in the primary school system, particularly in the three provinces mentioned above as mirrored in the 2013 constitution of the country. The study conducted traces the language trends exhibited currently back to their beginnings during the colonial era in language planning by the government and the policies that informed such planning. What obtains on the ground seems to be violating the principles behind the declaration of the International Mother Language Day (30C/62) proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. On 16 May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/61/266, called upon Member States (Zimbabwe included) "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world". The amended education act of 2006 states that in Zimbabwe’s primary schools early learning must be done through mother tongue instruction then switch to English in grade 4 upwards. As a first step of a child’s academic life, the lower primary education needs to be conducted in the child’s mother tongue to bridge the gap between the child’s home environment and the new school environment as well as to reduce culture shock associated with the sudden introduction of a new language. Studies, such as those done by Noormohamadi, (2008) and Mackenzie, (2013) have shown that children tend to understand better if they are taught in their mother tongue. In this thesis I seek to establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural ideology (awareness of circumstances surrounding individuals and how their behaviours are affected, specifically by their surroundings, social and cultural factors) and political ideology (thinking structures about the way policies should be run) underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe. It is my observation and argument that the Education Act proclaims what has not been practised on the ground through teacher training and deployment practices. To establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural and political ideologies underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe, I carried out research in Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces covering a total of 27 schools, 27 heads of school and 135 teachers. The research’s main aims were to find out if Ndebele was taught at school, by who and using what materials. It should be noted that mother tongue, in learning, acts as a basis of interpretation of subsequent concepts. When a child is learning new concepts or words in the second language, he or she first searches the equivalent in his or her mother tongue. If the primary language has not been developed well enough to have such equivalents, such a child is likely to have problems in forming new concepts in the second language. The role of language in meaning, therefore, is a variable that depends on the socio-geographical location of the languages and their speakers. The research established that, indigenous languages, Ndebele included, are not developed by the government through financial support for teaching material production and qualified teacher deployment. Instead, it was discovered that in Matabeleland there are some learners at primary school who are taught by a Shona-speaking teacher who cannot communicate properly with the learners. It should be remembered that a primary language is used by a child as the foundation to learn the basic concepts in his or her own language and to give him or her freedom to express himself or herself without the inhibitions imposed by an insufficient mastery of the medium of instruction. As a way of concluding the research I found it necessary that the use of mother tongue by learners at lower grades of primary school be strengthened through the deployment of teachers who can teach Ndebele properly because it provides a strong foundation for further education. Using the mother tongue, students learn to think, communicate and acquire an intuitive understanding of grammar. The mother tongue is; therefore, the greatest asset and vital tool people use to acquire new concepts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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The influence of strategic leadership on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises as mediated by strategy implementation

- January, Nceba

Authors: January, Nceba
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434723 , vital:73099
Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as the cornerstone of socio-economic development in many economies globally. The progressive contribution of SMEs to the global economy is irrefutable and enshrined in poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and job creation strategies pursued by many economies worldwide. SMEs are primarily the form of enterprise that accounts for over 90% of all businesses; thus, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises are the main source of employment. SMEs' contribution to value creation is estimated to be above 50% on average. In emerging countries, particularly South Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 45% of the total employment and 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In most countries, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contribute to more than 50% of employment and GDP, and these figures become significantly higher when the informal small business sector is included. World Bank estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030, making SME development a high priority for many governments worldwide. Despite globally acknowledged SME contributions, small businesses are still faced with many challenges that have ramifications on their survival, growth, and performance. Studies highlighted challenges such as lack of access to finance and funding modalities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, markets and social networks, and lack of research and development, strategic management skills, and inability to perform managerial tasks, among others. Recent studies have been conducted on many of these challenges; however, there is little known about the strategic management challenges that face SMEs and their business performance. Several studies were conducted on some of these strategic management challenges, such as strategic planning, strategic orientation, strategic agility, organisational flexibility, and total quality management. However, a review of studies relevant to SMEs and their performance is silent on the argument regarding the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs, especially when key drivers of effective strategy implementation mediate strategic leadership. Thus, this study investigated the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs as mediated by strategy implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A detailed theoretical investigation was conducted on the nature and role of strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. Strategic leadership represents the independent variables of this study, namely: strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, organisational culture, organisation’s resource portfolio, and ethical practice, followed by the mediating variable (strategy implementation) and the dependent variable (business performance). An empirical investigation was also conducted to test the significant influence between these variables. This study adopted a positivistic approach using a quantitative research method. The sample size of the study was 390 respondents. Self-developed and structured questionnaires were physically distributed to 315 SME owners and managers in NMB using a convenience sampling method. Only 229 returned questionnaires were suitable and relevant to this study; thus, a 72.69% response rate was achieved. Returned questionnaires were cleansed, coded, and transferred to a statistical data analysis software called Statistica, version 14.0, for quantitative data analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics was calculated to summarise the empirical data on demographic variables and the main variables of this study. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the correlations between the main variables of this study, and the results confirmed that there is a positive influence between strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of the influence between the main variables of the study. A regression analysis outcome revealed that some of the strategic leadership activities (strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, and organisational culture) have a statistically significant positive influence on the business performance of SMEs. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive influence does exist between strategy implementation and business performance of SMEs. This study’s recommendations were suggested to SME owners/managers. Firstly, to formulate and develop a clear long-term vision of the business for the next 3 to 5 years. Align resources to key areas of business operation and set internal controls that will help set standards of desired performance and ultimately achieve them. Secondly, to formulate and implement shared values that connect employees to the business purpose and the way it is conducted. These shared values must be underpinned by a unique, valuable, and incomparable culture against competitors to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, consider using rewards to recognise employees who embody the shared values of the business and are committed to the success of the business because of its culture. Thirdly, ensure both strategic and financial controls support strategy implementation and guide employees to achieve performance objectives. Use balanced scorecards to assess the effectiveness of controls in the business and put corrective measures to address performance gaps. Last but not least, invest in staff development and training, technological infrastructure, and set sound processes and systems for the business operation, establish structures that have clear lines of reporting, authority, and delegation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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The private collection: aura, the cult of celebrity and, the construct of value in saleable works of art

- Ellis, Yvette Tamsin

Authors: Ellis, Yvette Tamsin
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434574 , vital:73086
Description: A tenet of the twenty-first century is the monetisation of everything due to commercialisation. The effects of this commercialisation have crept into every aspect of our lives, and although in the art world it has mostly been underhanded in its adoption, the traces of commercialisations touch are still evident in its functioning. Due to this underhandedness there hasn't been much thought put into what 'the monetisation of everything' truly implies for the industry, or how the value of the art object devoted to commercialisation may look like. The Private Collection (exhibition title of the practical component for submission in MFA completion) addresses the concept of object value and, more specifically, how that value is created within the art world through mechanisms of commercialisation that include celebrity cult, functioning of possession (through collecting), and taste. Research into Walter Benjamin's theory of the authenticity of the work of art, and in particular his concept of "aura," has helped inform the creation of a marketing strategy propelled by value driven mechanisms found within the Art Market for The Private Collection. Particular emphasis is placed on how brand value drives sales in this thesis. Thus, The Private Collection: Aura, the Cult of Celebrity, and the Construct of Value in Saleable Works of Art, defines The Private Collection as a tailored system built expressly for engagement with economic forces inside the art industry. As a result, the position of this study is based on the marketability of the object through particular driving forces that have seeped into the value system of the saleable work of art. The position of this thesis is that in this commercialist system, driving forces of value can be sustained within instances of the multiple. The project additionally supports this in maintaining that interaction from a fine art perspective would be limited if restricted to orthodox approaches (a gallery showing, and one print works), which is why a more economically interactive approach (e-commerce) was decided on for the exhibition component. The Private Collection offers an observation that the worth of a saleable work of art has become a warped representation of the commercial context we find ourselves in and that value is only awarded through particular kingmakers of the system. The practical component of this submission can be viewed online by clicking the image below. Please note that the website is not optimised for phone or tablet use, please instead view it on a computer (preferably a desktop) in full screen mode. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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The relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an automotive original equipment manufacturer in South Africa

- Slater, Bronwyn Lereen

Authors: Slater, Bronwyn Lereen
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434756 , vital:73102
Description: The manufacturing industry is one of the greatest contributors to the South African economy. Owing to a competitive and complex automotive climate, it is suggested that only a few automotive manufacturing organisations will remain viable in the coming years, without the optimal reliance on human capital resources to navigate an unpredictable and unfolding landscape. In securing a sustainable future, the engagement of these human capital resources is necessitated. This competitive landscape has resulted in the call for adaptive and flexible leadership. Leadership behaviour is categorised into three streams, namely, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and non-leadership, which is referred to as laissez-faire leadership. Employee engagement is defined as the extent to which an employee is committed to, and involved in, their operational function and the organisation, whilst portraying a willingness to perform and contribute beyond that which is expected of them. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in South Africa. This OEM operates in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa. Globally, the OEM launched a leadership journey to facilitate a shared value system that supported a vision towards organisational success, by focusing on transformed ways of working and acting, as a global collective team. The outcome of this desired journey yielded eight Leadership Principles. These Leadership Principles are referred to, and included in the research study, to gain a more robust internal perspective of the leadership behaviours that are most advocated within the OEM, in relation to employee engagement. The objective of this research therefore was to establish the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in the respective OEM, by investigating the impact of transformational leadership and transactional leadership on employee engagement. A triangulation approach was adopted to analyse the data, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The result when testing the reliability coefficient scores of the leadership instrument described a poor measure for transactional leadership, and a good measure for transformational leadership. Therefore, the results that stemmed from the statistical analysis in relation to transactional leadership could not be trusted. However, in the context of this research, it was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement. Whilst utilising the qualitative research methodology, it was found that there is a limited definition-based relationship between transactional leadership and the eight Leadership Principles. However, there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and transformational leadership, owing to similarities found in the definition descriptions between at least six of the eight Leadership Principles. In the investigation of whether there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and employee engagement, it was found that a limited definition-based relationship between the eight Leadership Principles and engagement existed. The research therefore met its objectives in determining a relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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The Zimbabwe National Gender Policy (NGP) 2013–2017 and Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE): a study of small-scale gold miners in the Bubi and Gwanda rural districts, Zimbabwe

- Moyo, Phoebe Michelle Zibusiso Sandi

Authors: Moyo, Phoebe Michelle Zibusiso Sandi
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434638 , vital:73092 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434638
Description: The study examines the impact of Zimbabwe’s second National Gender Policy (NGP) 2013-2017 under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development on women’s access to and control over productive resources in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Bubi and Gwanda rural districts of Zimbabwe. Despite the implementation of the NGP over the past fourteen years, its effect on the economic empowerment of women has not been investigated adequately. Women’s economic empowerment (WEE) is recognized as a crucial development strategy. However, it faces challenges related to the tensions between structure and agency. Some perceive WEE as an entrepreneurial concept focusing on equal access and control over productive resources like credit, equipment, skills, and business training. Others argue that WEE should encompass more than just resource access and control by addressing structural factors that hinder women’s agency e.g. unequal social relations between men and women, patriarchy, unpaid care work, and sociocultural norms. The study employed a hybrid lens, combining structure and agency to analyse the implementation of the NGP’s empowerment programs. Drawing on Kabeer’s (1994) Social Relations Approach (SRA), the study utilized two key concepts from the SRA, namely social relations and institutional analysis, to examine the interaction between the NGP and various institutions (market, community, and family) where women are located. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which the NGP has supported or impeded WEE among the female small-scale gold miners in Bubi and Gwanda, a qualitative approach was employed as an investigative method. The findings indicated that the NGP adopts a liberal or agency centred approach to WEE. This approach emphasizes women’s agency and their ability to fulfil their potential in the public sphere. The NGP has facilitated access to credit, equipment, skills, and business training. However, the evidence also highlighted the uneven implementation of the NGP’s empowerment programs between the Bubi and Gwanda districts. Overall, the evidence revealed that, while the NGP has addressed gender inequalities to a limited degree, it has also reinforced class inequalities. The NGP’s empowerment programs have overlooked the structural factors that keep women in subordinate positions, such as the unequal social relations that exist between men and women, patriarchy, unpaid care work and sociocultural norms. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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Yield curve and business cycle dynamics in South Africa: new evidence from a Markov switching model

- Rotich, Mercyline Chepkemoi

Authors: Rotich, Mercyline Chepkemoi
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434739 , vital:73101
Description: Globally, several empirical studies have demonstrated the ability of the yield spread to predict a recession in a country. In South Africa, previous studies have not only shown the yield curve's predictive power but have further demonstrated that it outperforms other commonly used variables, such as the growth rate of real money supply, changes in stock prices, and the index of leading economic indicators. However, some recent studies have shown that the yield spread (the spread between 10-year bonds and 3-month Treasury bills) gave false signals of recession. In this study, we explore the possible reasons for the false signals of the yield spread by addressing the following questions. Does the yield spread used matter? Does the measure of the business cycle used matter? And do the estimation techniques used matter? To address the first question, unlike the previous studies, this paper uses four different yield spreads- depicting short-term, medium-term, and long-term government bonds against the backdrop of a changing structure of bond holding, which reflects the increasing risk eversion of investors in South Africa. Second, the paper used different measures of business cycles, namely industrial production index, lagging, coincident, and leading economic indicators. The empirical models were estimated using both univariate and multivariate Markov switching models. As economic theory suggests, the univariate Markov switching model was used to determine if each variable exhibits a significant regime switching. The multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for each business cycle and yield spread variable, with each of the other variables serving as a non-switching explanatory variable, thereby addressing potential endogeneity concerns and the predictive power of the explanatory variable. Finally, the multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for three monthly sample periods, a full sample for 1986 to 2022, and two sub-samples – 1986 to 2009 and 2010 to 2022. This analysis consistently reveals significant regime-switching behavior across all the series thus, affirming the superiority of the regime switching model over the standard model used in previous studies. By analyzing the transition probabilities and the expected durations between these regimes, we find that including the spreads in the business cycle model improves the models’ predictability, with the medium-term bonds spread performing better than the usual long-term spread. The smoothed regime probability of the best-performing models is compared with the SARB recession dates; the two closely resemble each other, proving that the Markov switching model can help predict the turning points in the business cycle in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-03

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A community school model to reconceptualise basic school functionality for quality education in low-income South African communities

- Malangeni, Silindile Portia

Authors: Malangeni, Silindile Portia
Date: 2024-04
Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Community and school , Educational sociology
Language: English
Type: Doctral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64000 , vital:73636
Description: Despite efforts to improve educational outcomes, systemic issues such as poverty, social inequality, and limited resources continue to hinder providing an equitable and inclusive learning environment (Taylor, 2018). It is, therefore, unsurprising that, in recent years, the discourse surrounding education in low-income South African communities has increasingly focused on the need for innovative models that not only redefine the functionality of schools but also prioritise the delivery of quality education (Janks and McKinney, 2021). Therefore, the aims of this study were twofold: The primary aim was to explore and understand, with multi-stakeholders in education, the reconceptualisation of basic school functionality for quality education in low-income South African communities. The study's second aim was to develop a conceptual framework that can serve as a guide for promoting basic functionality and quality education in community schools and other schools operating in similar contexts that wish to implement a community school model to enhance their basic functionality for improved quality education. Through a collaborative process, the participants in this study attempted to address a significant gap in the literature, namely how these aims could be achieved in a way that would benefit communities and schools. My interest in this topic was piqued while serving as a social work intern and Manyano Network schools’ project coordinator under the Centre for the Community School (CCS) at Nelson Mandela University; hence, the focus of this thesis on whether schools would benefit in terms functionality if they partnered with their communities and other external stakeholders in the vicinity. However, communities are seldom actively involved in schools and school activities on an ongoing daily basis. To address the country's current educational challenges, stakeholders within and outside schools must work together to redefine and reassess their roles and responsibilities within community schools. This involves exploring how they can best serve these communities and schools to create opportunities for an improved future for everyone. Using the critical participatory action research (CPAR) design and methodology in this study ensured that all participants' voices were heard. Two theoretical lenses, complementary learning systems framework (CLSF) and social constructionism theory in education, were employed in the study, providing insights into the multi-faceted nature of South African community schools. Furthermore, a critical transformative philosophical paradigm and its assumptions, epistemology, ontology, and axiology, were implemented as a lens to interpret and understand the data. The iterative design of the research process ensured that the participants also engaged in a critical discourse analysis of the data that emerged, of which the trustworthiness was enhanced using dialogic and process, catalytic, rhetoric, democratic and outcome validity. The emergence of the data through this collaborative engagement was underpinned by the ethical values of mutual respect, equality, inclusion, democratic participation, active learning, making a difference, collective action, and personal integrity. Data generation occurred with the action learning set through three data generation cycles, according to the CPAR, and comprised principals, teachers, school governing body, school volunteers, parents, afterschool programme member, and a member from the CCS, using dialogues, collage-making, drawings, personal reflective journals, personal communication, and document analysis. Thematic data analysis resulted in the following co-generated themes: the key requirements for basic school functioning, multi-stakeholders' conceptualisation of what constitutes a community school, the key role players and the contextual factors in community schools that affect the achievement of basic school functioning and quality education, the successes that can be achieved in a community school, and the benefits and key strategies required for this process. The participants’ voices allowed for rich, in-depth collaboration and engagement that led to critical reflection within the study. Furthermore, through iterative processes, collaborative engagement and participation, a proposition for a community school model to reconceptualise basic school functionality was co-constructed in response to the fourth sub-question of the study. The findings of this study further reveal the building blocks of the conceptual framework, including revisiting who constitutes the stakeholder community school, foregrounding relationship building, and assessing the complexity and values of a contextually relevant community school. Moreover, the findings reveal that this process model must have structure, principles, and an inclusive methodology. This study has made valuable theoretical and methodological contributions through the participants’ voices, with the research study embedded within CPAR principles.This study is unique; I am unaware of any similar study having been conducted in a community school in South Africa. Furthermore, the collaborative approach used in the study helped ensure that its methodology could be of value to principals and other school stakeholders in addressing various complex challenges confronting community schools in these contexts. Most notably, the findings add to the theoretical body of knowledge around basic community school functionality, especially those in low-income communities. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate Education, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04

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A comparison of implementation platforms for the visualisation of animal family trees

- Kanotangudza, Priviledge

Authors: Kanotangudza, Priviledge
Date: 2024-04
Subjects: Business intelligence -- Computer programs , Human-computer interaction , Computer science
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64105 , vital:73653
Description: Genealogy is the study of family history. Family trees are used to show ancestry and visualise family history. Animal family trees are different from human family trees as animals have more offspring to represent in a family tree visualisation. Auctioneering organisations, such as Boere Korporasie Beperk (BKB), provide livestock auction catalogues containing pictures of the animal on sale, the animal’s family tree and its breeding and selection data. Modern-day farming has become data-driven and livestock farmers use various online devices and platforms to obtain information, such as real-time milk production, animal health monitoring and to manage farming operations. This study investigated and compared two Business Intelligence (BI) platforms namely Microsoft Power BI and Tableau (Salesforce) and the Python programming language used in the implementation of cattle family tree charts. Animal family tree visualisation requirements were identified from analysing data collected from 23 agriculture users and auction attendees who responded to an online questionnaire. The results of an online survey showed that agriculture users preferred an animal family tree that resembled a human one, which is not currently used in livestock auction catalogues. A conference paper was published based on the survey results. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was used to aid in creating animal family tree charts using Power BI, Tableau and Python. The author compared the visualisation tools against selected criteria, such as learnability, portability interoperability and security. Usability evaluations using eye tracking were conducted with agriculture users in a usability lab to compare the artefacts developed using Power BI and Python. Tableau was discarded during the implementation process as it did not produce the required family tree visualisation The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory, which seeks to predict the acceptance and use of technology based on users' perception of its usefulness and ease of use, was used to guide the research study in evaluating the artefacts. According to TAM, the adoption of the proposed technology to solve the problem of a static animal family tree in livestock auction catalogues was dependent on the agriculture user’s beliefs. This was based upon that the technology would help them make better buying decisions at livestock auctions effortlessly. The other theory used in this study was the Task Technology Fit (TTF). This theory was used mainly to create the task list to be used in the usability test. The results showed that the author of this work and the agriculture users preferred the artefact produced by Power BI. The learnability and development time was shorter and the User Interface (UI) created was more intuitive. The findings of this study indicated that the present auction catalogue could be supplemented using interactive online animal family tree visualisations created using Power BI. This study recommended that livestock auctioneering organisations should, in addition to providing paper catalogues, provide farmers with an online platform to view the family trees of cattle on auction to enhance purchasing decisions. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04

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A discourse analysis study of traditional health practitioners’ role in the treatment of female sexual violence and its mental health sequelae in KwaZulu-Natal

- Muthwa, Nqobile

Authors: Muthwa, Nqobile
Date: 2024-04
Subjects: Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63904 , vital:73625
Description: South Africa is considered the epicentre of rape, leading to its reputation as the ‘rape capital of the world’. As a way of mitigating the risk of re-victimisation to individuals who have experienced rape, hospital-based post-rape centres were developed to offer services and support to rape victims. The uptake of these services remains scant as issues such as rape stigma, limited knowledge on their availability and alternative health systems limits their usage. In South Africa, there exists medical pluralism, which refers to multiple ways of making sense of illness and treatment seeking methods. It is estimated that around 80% of South Africans utilise the services of traditional health practitioners in conjunction with biomedical health practices or as a standalone service to get alternative solutions for their health needs. Victims of rape need to access a wide range of services such as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), medical examinations, and emergency contraception. There has been a paucity in research looking into the alternative treatments accessed by rape victims who do not access services in the formal healthcare system. It is against this backdrop that this study explored the construction and treatment formulation of rape by traditional health practitioners. The study focused on the use of language and how it becomes action that influences the services rendered to rape victims. Thematic analysis, discourse and conversational analytical approaches were used to analyse data that emerges from the one-on-one interviews. 15 traditional healers who identified as abathandazi, Izangoma and izinyanga were selected to participate in the present study. The healthworlds framework and social constructionism were used to make sense of how traditional health practitioners construct rape and how the dominant discourses surrounding rape influence how they understand their position as healthcare providers. The main findings of the study illustrated that in the healthworld of traditional healers’ understanding of rape was constructed as ukungcola nobumnyama / impurity and darkness. These discourses spoke to the perception of rape as an aberration as one’s ancestors should prevent traumas and catastrophes from befalling on the individual. When rape occurs, it signalled spiritual problems resulting into a phenomenon where ancestors cannot safeguard the living. Under these discourse rape was also constructed as something that taints, impurifies and contaminates not just the raped individual but their entire bloodline and ancestors. As a result of the discourse surrounding rape, cleansing and purification rituals played a huge role in post-rape care. In addition, traditional health practitioners viewed their role as facilitators in reestablishing the relationship between the raped individual and their ancestors. The study observed that rape victims who share the same healthworld are likely to experience spiritual transgressions following rape which will have long-lasting effects on the psychological health outcomes of victims. The present study recommends a post-rape care model that advocates for collaborative opportunities between biomedical and traditional healthcare practitioners. This model can be integrated into existing post-rape care systems to provide holistic and comprehensive healthcare that addresses biopsychosocial as well as the spiritual and cultural influences of rape. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04

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A methodology for modernising legacy web applications: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual

- Malgraff, Maxine

Authors: Malgraff, Maxine
Date: 2024-04
Subjects: Management information systems , Information technology , Application software -- Development
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64148 , vital:73657
Description: One problem faced in the Information Systems domain is that of poorly maintained, poorly documented, and/or unmanageable systems, known as Legacy Information Systems (LISs). As a result of the everchanging web development landscape, web applications have also become susceptible to the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advances, and older applications are starting to display the characteristics of becoming Legacy Web Applications (LWAs). As retaining business process support and meeting business requirements is often necessary, one method of recovering vital LWAs is to modernise them. System modernisation aims to recover business knowledge and provide an enhanced system that overcomes the problems plagued by LISs. When planning to modernise an LWA, guidance and support are essential to ensure that the modernisation exercise is performed efficiently and effectively. Modernisation methodologies can provide this required guidance and support as they provide models, tools and techniques that serve as guiding principles for the modernisation process. Although many modernisation methodologies exist, very few offer a comprehensive approach to modernisation that provides guidelines for each modernisation phase, tools to assist in the modernisation and techniques that can be used throughout. Existing methodologies also do not cater for cases that include both the LWA and migration to modernised web-specific environments. This research study aimed to investigate modernisation methodologies and identify which methodologies, or parts thereof, could be adapted for modernising LWAs. Existing methodologies were analysed and compared using the definition of a methodology, as well as other factors that improve the modernisation process. Modernisation case studies were reviewed to identify lessons learned from these studies so that these could be considered when planning an LWA modernisation. The ARTIST methodology was the most comprehensive modernisation methodology identified from those researched and was selected as the most appropriate methodology for modernising an LWA. ARTIST was modified to the mARTIST methodology to cater for web-based environments.mARTIST was used to modernise an existing LWA, called OldMax, at an automotive manufacturer, anonymously referred to as AutoCo, to determine its ability to support the modernisation of LWAs. Additional tools and evaluation methods were also investigated and used in place of those recommended by ARTIST, where deemed appropriate for the modernisation of OldMax. Limitations set by AutoCo on the hosting and technical environments for the modernised application also required ARTIST to be adapted to better suit the use case. The steps taken during this modernisation were documented and reported on to highlight the effectiveness of mARTIST and the tools used. The result of this modernisation was that the modernised web application, ModMax, was evaluated to determine the success of the modernisation. The modernisation of OldMax to ModMax, using the mARTIST methodology, was found to be successful based on the criteria set by the ARTIST methodology. Based on this, mARTIST can successfully be used for the modernisation of LWAs. To support future modernisations, an evaluation method for determining technical feasibility was developed for LWA, and alternate tools that could be used throughout modernisation exercises were recommended. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04

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A model for measuring and predicting stress for software developers using vital signs and activities

- Hibbers, Ilze

Authors: Hibbers, Ilze
Date: 2024-04
Subjects: Machine learning , Neural networks (Computer science) , Computer software developers
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63799 , vital:73614
Description: Occupational stress is a well-recognised issue that affects individuals in various professions and industries. Reducing occupational stress has multiple benefits, such as improving employee's health and performance. This study proposes a model to measure and predict occupational stress using data collected in a real IT office environment. Different data sources, such as questionnaires, application software (RescueTime) and Fitbit smartwatches were used for collecting heart rate (HR), facial emotions, computer interactions, and application usage. The results of the Demand Control Support and Effort and Reward questionnaires indicated that the participants experienced high social support and an average level of workload. Participants also reported their daily perceived stress and workload level using a 5- point score. The perceived stress of the participants was overall neutral. There was no correlation found between HR, interactions, fear, and meetings. K-means and Bernoulli algorithms were applied to the dataset and two well-separated clusters were formed. The centroids indicated that higher heart rates were grouped either with meetings or had a higher difference in the center point values for interactions. Silhouette scores and 5-fold-validation were used to measure the accuracy of the clusters. However, these clusters were unable to predict the daily reported stress levels. Calculations were done on the computer usage data to measure interaction speeds and time spent working, in meetings, or away from the computer. These calculations were used as input into a decision tree with the reported daily stress levels. The results of the tree helped to identify which patterns lead to stressful days. The results indicated that days with high time pressure led to more reported stress. A new, more general tree was developed, which was able to predict 82 per cent of the daily stress reported. The main discovery of the research was that stress does not have a straightforward connection with computer interactions, facial emotions, or meetings. High interactions sometimes lead to stress and other times do not. So, predicting stress involves finding patterns and how data from different data sources interact with each other. Future work will revolve around validating the model in more office environments around South Africa. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04

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