Block copolymer templates for metal oxide nanostructures
- Authors: Talla, Assane
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Nanostructured materials Metal oxide semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43889 , vital:37075
- Description: Recent advances in technology have increased the need for fabrication of devices with feature sizes of tens of nanometers, such as ultra-fine filters or membranes, and high density data storage media, to name a few. For this reason, research is now focused on block copolymer nanolithographic processes, particularly the fabrication of nanoscale templates with domains well below 100 nm. Block copolymers have the tendency to self-organise into various structures, such as lamellae, spheres or cylinders on a nanometer scale. Among these possible configurations, the perpendicular cylindrical structure is most desirable, because it can be used for templates or masks for feature development, in particular, oriented wires or rods. In this work, the aim is to create a nano-mask from a di-block copolymer thin film, for zinc oxide nanorods growth. For this purpose poly (styrene-block-methylmethacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) was investigated as a potential nano-mask. Samples were characterized using X-ray reflectometry to determine the thicknesses of the PS-b-PMMA thin films, while scanning probe microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the surface morphology of the samples. PS-b-PMMA thin films were produced on a random copolymer (poly (styrene-random-methylmethacrylate) (PS-r-PMMA) coated onto a silicon substrate. The PS-r-PMMA permits a non-preferential interaction between the di-block constituents and the substrate. Thermal annealing in vacuum of PS-b-PMMA on PS-r-PMMA led to perpendicular cylinders of PMMA within a PS matrix in the di-block. The typical thicknesses measured for the di-block copolymer films ranged between 33 nm and 37 nm. During this study, a perpendicular orientation of the di-block components was also produced when PS-b-PMMA was spun onto a layer of zinc oxide nanoparticles and thermally annealed in vacuum. It was shown that the ZnO nanoparticles created a corrugated surface on silicon which induced perpendicular cylinders of PMMA within the PS matrix. This was possible for a specific surface roughness parameter and film thickness. In this case, the typical thickness determined for the di-block copolymer ranged between 33 and 35 nm and the surface roughness parameter was 0.07. For the fabrication of a di-block template or PS nano-mask, the vertically oriented PMMA cylindrical nanodomains in the PS matrix were removed by exposing the film to ultraviolet radiation at an adequate dose, followed successively by washing in acetic acid and de-ionized water. It was shown that ultraviolet exposure is necessary to ensure the degradation of PMMA. A subsequent rinse in glacial acetic acid and DI water of the film exposed to ultraviolet, left an array of ordered nanoscopic pores with sizes ranging between 10 nm and 20 nm. Finally, the growth of ZnO nanorods on the di-block template produced on zinc oxide nanoparticles, was attempted using an aqueous solution based-method, namely chemical bath deposition. The rods did not grow inside the nanopores, probably due to poor capillary action. In additional experiments, the di-block template was removed by toluene (a selective solvent for PS) followed by the growth of ZnO rods on the exposed nanoparticle surface. Vertical and well separated ZnO rods formed on this surface, in places where the underlying seed layer had been attacked by the acetic acid treatment during removal of the PMMA. The observed ZnO rod morphology can be used in applications such as solar cell.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Talla, Assane
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Nanostructured materials Metal oxide semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43889 , vital:37075
- Description: Recent advances in technology have increased the need for fabrication of devices with feature sizes of tens of nanometers, such as ultra-fine filters or membranes, and high density data storage media, to name a few. For this reason, research is now focused on block copolymer nanolithographic processes, particularly the fabrication of nanoscale templates with domains well below 100 nm. Block copolymers have the tendency to self-organise into various structures, such as lamellae, spheres or cylinders on a nanometer scale. Among these possible configurations, the perpendicular cylindrical structure is most desirable, because it can be used for templates or masks for feature development, in particular, oriented wires or rods. In this work, the aim is to create a nano-mask from a di-block copolymer thin film, for zinc oxide nanorods growth. For this purpose poly (styrene-block-methylmethacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) was investigated as a potential nano-mask. Samples were characterized using X-ray reflectometry to determine the thicknesses of the PS-b-PMMA thin films, while scanning probe microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the surface morphology of the samples. PS-b-PMMA thin films were produced on a random copolymer (poly (styrene-random-methylmethacrylate) (PS-r-PMMA) coated onto a silicon substrate. The PS-r-PMMA permits a non-preferential interaction between the di-block constituents and the substrate. Thermal annealing in vacuum of PS-b-PMMA on PS-r-PMMA led to perpendicular cylinders of PMMA within a PS matrix in the di-block. The typical thicknesses measured for the di-block copolymer films ranged between 33 nm and 37 nm. During this study, a perpendicular orientation of the di-block components was also produced when PS-b-PMMA was spun onto a layer of zinc oxide nanoparticles and thermally annealed in vacuum. It was shown that the ZnO nanoparticles created a corrugated surface on silicon which induced perpendicular cylinders of PMMA within the PS matrix. This was possible for a specific surface roughness parameter and film thickness. In this case, the typical thickness determined for the di-block copolymer ranged between 33 and 35 nm and the surface roughness parameter was 0.07. For the fabrication of a di-block template or PS nano-mask, the vertically oriented PMMA cylindrical nanodomains in the PS matrix were removed by exposing the film to ultraviolet radiation at an adequate dose, followed successively by washing in acetic acid and de-ionized water. It was shown that ultraviolet exposure is necessary to ensure the degradation of PMMA. A subsequent rinse in glacial acetic acid and DI water of the film exposed to ultraviolet, left an array of ordered nanoscopic pores with sizes ranging between 10 nm and 20 nm. Finally, the growth of ZnO nanorods on the di-block template produced on zinc oxide nanoparticles, was attempted using an aqueous solution based-method, namely chemical bath deposition. The rods did not grow inside the nanopores, probably due to poor capillary action. In additional experiments, the di-block template was removed by toluene (a selective solvent for PS) followed by the growth of ZnO rods on the exposed nanoparticle surface. Vertical and well separated ZnO rods formed on this surface, in places where the underlying seed layer had been attacked by the acetic acid treatment during removal of the PMMA. The observed ZnO rod morphology can be used in applications such as solar cell.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between organisational culture and cross-team collaboration at an institution of higher learning
- McGowan-Berry, Charlene Hilda
- Authors: McGowan-Berry, Charlene Hilda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate culture , Organizational change Organizational behavior Organization -- Research Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42628 , vital:36675
- Description: Institutions of higher learning are under constant pressure to become more effective amidst lowering subsidies and increased student intake. Bozalek, Ngambi and Dachago (2013) identify a limit of resources as one of the major challenges facing higher education. As a result, resources and talent need to be more effectively utilised. There is also a growing call for closer co-operation across disciplines, for example in terms of increased interdisciplinary teaching and research to address real life issues. The opposite, namely a silo mentality where people focus on their own tasks without interacting and solving problems collaboratively, does not lead to excellence. Silos are invisible barriers which fragment organisations and make it difficult to cross boundaries (Cilliers & Greyvenstein, 2012). The primary objective of this study was to explore the existing culture at a selected university and to determine whether a relationship between organisational culture and cross-team collaboration existed. A positivistic research approach was followed and quantitative research methods were adopted. The target population included all of the academics from one of the campuses of the selected university. A non-probability sampling technique of convenience sampling was used. The Organisational Culture Questionnaire (OCQ) developed by Harrison (1993) was administered to 120 employees at the selected university. The results suggested that a Task and Role Culture was most evident at the University, but that a Support Culture was mostly supportive of cross-team collaboration. Recommendations were made for the University and for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: McGowan-Berry, Charlene Hilda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate culture , Organizational change Organizational behavior Organization -- Research Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42628 , vital:36675
- Description: Institutions of higher learning are under constant pressure to become more effective amidst lowering subsidies and increased student intake. Bozalek, Ngambi and Dachago (2013) identify a limit of resources as one of the major challenges facing higher education. As a result, resources and talent need to be more effectively utilised. There is also a growing call for closer co-operation across disciplines, for example in terms of increased interdisciplinary teaching and research to address real life issues. The opposite, namely a silo mentality where people focus on their own tasks without interacting and solving problems collaboratively, does not lead to excellence. Silos are invisible barriers which fragment organisations and make it difficult to cross boundaries (Cilliers & Greyvenstein, 2012). The primary objective of this study was to explore the existing culture at a selected university and to determine whether a relationship between organisational culture and cross-team collaboration existed. A positivistic research approach was followed and quantitative research methods were adopted. The target population included all of the academics from one of the campuses of the selected university. A non-probability sampling technique of convenience sampling was used. The Organisational Culture Questionnaire (OCQ) developed by Harrison (1993) was administered to 120 employees at the selected university. The results suggested that a Task and Role Culture was most evident at the University, but that a Support Culture was mostly supportive of cross-team collaboration. Recommendations were made for the University and for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Public sector employees and their right to just administrative action
- Authors: Kemp, Matthew
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Administrative acts -- South Africa , Administrative law -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30616 , vital:30980
- Description: Prior to the enactment of the Constitution, common law notions such as the audi alteram partem rule, the nemo iudex in sua causa rule and the doctrine of legitimate expectation were extended to protect public-sector employees against unlawful decisions taken against them by their employers. Courts noted the unique relationship between public-sector employees and their employers and that administrative law remedies could be extended to those employees. The enactment of the Constitution brought about two distinct sections in the Bill of Rights which provided for the right to fair labour practices (section 23) and the right to “lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair” administrative action (section 33) respectively. Legislation such as the LRA, BCEA and EEA has been enacted to give effect to section 23 of the Constitution, while the PAJA has been enacted to give effect to section 33. Whether public-sector employees retain their right to seek administrative law remedies against their employers has been the subject of debate for some time. On the one hand it is argued that there should be no problem with there being more than one right affected in a given case and there being more than one legal remedy available to a litigant who finds themselves in such a scenario. On the other hand, it is argued that certain perils, such as forum shopping and dual systems of law will arise if public-sector employees could simply choose either legal remedy. In Fredericks v MEC for Education and Training, Eastern Cape 2002 (2) BCLR 113 (CC) the Constitutional Court held that the applicants could claim relief in terms of sections 9 and 33 of the Constitution as they had specifically based their claims on the rights which they enjoyed in terms of those sections. The court therefore held that the High Court had jurisdiction to hear the matter. X In Chirwa v Transnet Limited 2008 (3) BCLR 251 (CC) the applicant approached the High Court on the basis that her constitutional right to just administrative action as contemplated by the PAJA was violated as a result of her dismissal. The majority decision of the Constitutional Court held that the High Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter. The applicant’s claim was based on an unfair dismissal dispute for alleged poor work performance. The Constitutional Court therefore held that the applicant should have exhausted the procedures and remedies specifically provided for in the LRA in the case of such a labour dispute. In order to bring clarity to the position of public-sector employees the Constitutional Court in the matter of Gcaba v Minister of Safety and Security [2009] 12 BLLR 1145 (CC) provided an explanation of why the failure of the state as employer to appoint a candidate to a certain position is quintessentially a labour issue and therefore not administrative action. It followed that the High Court indeed lacked jurisdiction as the dispute was primarily a labour matter, cognisable by the Labour Court. The Gcaba judgment raises a number of interesting legal challenges, such as whether the Constitutional Court has overruled its own judgment in the Fredericks case and to what extent administrative law remedies are still open to public-sector employees. The treatise will discuss the complex constitutional framework which is at play when labour law and administrative law overlap. With a critical analysis of the Gcaba judgment and the principles which it sets, this treatise will discuss the administrative law rights available to public-sector employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kemp, Matthew
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Administrative acts -- South Africa , Administrative law -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30616 , vital:30980
- Description: Prior to the enactment of the Constitution, common law notions such as the audi alteram partem rule, the nemo iudex in sua causa rule and the doctrine of legitimate expectation were extended to protect public-sector employees against unlawful decisions taken against them by their employers. Courts noted the unique relationship between public-sector employees and their employers and that administrative law remedies could be extended to those employees. The enactment of the Constitution brought about two distinct sections in the Bill of Rights which provided for the right to fair labour practices (section 23) and the right to “lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair” administrative action (section 33) respectively. Legislation such as the LRA, BCEA and EEA has been enacted to give effect to section 23 of the Constitution, while the PAJA has been enacted to give effect to section 33. Whether public-sector employees retain their right to seek administrative law remedies against their employers has been the subject of debate for some time. On the one hand it is argued that there should be no problem with there being more than one right affected in a given case and there being more than one legal remedy available to a litigant who finds themselves in such a scenario. On the other hand, it is argued that certain perils, such as forum shopping and dual systems of law will arise if public-sector employees could simply choose either legal remedy. In Fredericks v MEC for Education and Training, Eastern Cape 2002 (2) BCLR 113 (CC) the Constitutional Court held that the applicants could claim relief in terms of sections 9 and 33 of the Constitution as they had specifically based their claims on the rights which they enjoyed in terms of those sections. The court therefore held that the High Court had jurisdiction to hear the matter. X In Chirwa v Transnet Limited 2008 (3) BCLR 251 (CC) the applicant approached the High Court on the basis that her constitutional right to just administrative action as contemplated by the PAJA was violated as a result of her dismissal. The majority decision of the Constitutional Court held that the High Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter. The applicant’s claim was based on an unfair dismissal dispute for alleged poor work performance. The Constitutional Court therefore held that the applicant should have exhausted the procedures and remedies specifically provided for in the LRA in the case of such a labour dispute. In order to bring clarity to the position of public-sector employees the Constitutional Court in the matter of Gcaba v Minister of Safety and Security [2009] 12 BLLR 1145 (CC) provided an explanation of why the failure of the state as employer to appoint a candidate to a certain position is quintessentially a labour issue and therefore not administrative action. It followed that the High Court indeed lacked jurisdiction as the dispute was primarily a labour matter, cognisable by the Labour Court. The Gcaba judgment raises a number of interesting legal challenges, such as whether the Constitutional Court has overruled its own judgment in the Fredericks case and to what extent administrative law remedies are still open to public-sector employees. The treatise will discuss the complex constitutional framework which is at play when labour law and administrative law overlap. With a critical analysis of the Gcaba judgment and the principles which it sets, this treatise will discuss the administrative law rights available to public-sector employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of open-plan office design on the productivity of City of Cape Town employees
- Authors: Nghona, Ziyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Performance -- Measurement Interior architecture Space (Architecture)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48080 , vital:40469
- Description: Comprehensive research studies on identifying the positive and negative impact of open-plan office designs on employees’ work productivity were long initiated and still continually debated in developed nations such as USA, Canada and UK. As a result, the researcher decided to undertake research in order to determine whether the salient negative and positive factors, identified in international literature about open-plan office designs, are applicable in the South African context. The aim was not to reduce the accrued positive and negative factors, emanating from open-plan offices, but rather to identify and determine how they impact employees work productivity. The study had the following objectives, namely: (1) to investigate the employees satisfaction level with the physical environment as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; (2) to determine the employees' stress levels as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; (3) to determine the team members or co-workers satisfaction level as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; and lastly, (4) to determine the positive and negative impact of the open-plan office design layout on employees work productivity. The data gathering approaches included survey self-administered questionnaires to the Built Environment related employees working within the open-plan offices of the City of Cape Town Municipality within the CBD area. The sample consisted the following departments: Facilities Management; Sports & Recreation; Human Settlement and Solid Waste. A purposeful random sampling method was followed to identify participants for the study. Concerning the first objective, it was clear from the analysis that employees are unsatisfied with the physical environment of the open-plan office design layout. Their dissatisfaction pointed to several issues such as less control or flexibility to rearrange or reorganise their office furniture to meet their work needs; limited or no available quiet and undisturbed time. As a result, it was not surprising that employees in open-plan office experience high job-related stress levels. However, in a positive light, concerning the team members or co-workers relations on working within open-plan offices, it was reported that employees are satisfied reporting high exchange of job related information and thus learning from each other. Lastly and more importantly, in terms of the overall aim of this study, the study revealed that the employees’ work productivity is affected negatively as a result of the open-plan office design in the City of Cape Town. Initially identification of how open-plan offices impact employees work productivity is the critical first-step in an attempt to reduce the negative and increase the positive impact and this constitutes the contribution of this study. However, this study was limited in that it only requested respondents to agree or disagree with the relationships among measurable variables that already exist in previous studies done in developed countries. The study survey was also limited by the selected sample within the City of Cape Town Municipality public offices. As a result, the study only sampled five Built Environment related openplan offices and thus the generalisability of the findings is limited. Further studies with large and wider survey can thus benefit this study topic in developing economies like South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nghona, Ziyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Performance -- Measurement Interior architecture Space (Architecture)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48080 , vital:40469
- Description: Comprehensive research studies on identifying the positive and negative impact of open-plan office designs on employees’ work productivity were long initiated and still continually debated in developed nations such as USA, Canada and UK. As a result, the researcher decided to undertake research in order to determine whether the salient negative and positive factors, identified in international literature about open-plan office designs, are applicable in the South African context. The aim was not to reduce the accrued positive and negative factors, emanating from open-plan offices, but rather to identify and determine how they impact employees work productivity. The study had the following objectives, namely: (1) to investigate the employees satisfaction level with the physical environment as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; (2) to determine the employees' stress levels as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; (3) to determine the team members or co-workers satisfaction level as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; and lastly, (4) to determine the positive and negative impact of the open-plan office design layout on employees work productivity. The data gathering approaches included survey self-administered questionnaires to the Built Environment related employees working within the open-plan offices of the City of Cape Town Municipality within the CBD area. The sample consisted the following departments: Facilities Management; Sports & Recreation; Human Settlement and Solid Waste. A purposeful random sampling method was followed to identify participants for the study. Concerning the first objective, it was clear from the analysis that employees are unsatisfied with the physical environment of the open-plan office design layout. Their dissatisfaction pointed to several issues such as less control or flexibility to rearrange or reorganise their office furniture to meet their work needs; limited or no available quiet and undisturbed time. As a result, it was not surprising that employees in open-plan office experience high job-related stress levels. However, in a positive light, concerning the team members or co-workers relations on working within open-plan offices, it was reported that employees are satisfied reporting high exchange of job related information and thus learning from each other. Lastly and more importantly, in terms of the overall aim of this study, the study revealed that the employees’ work productivity is affected negatively as a result of the open-plan office design in the City of Cape Town. Initially identification of how open-plan offices impact employees work productivity is the critical first-step in an attempt to reduce the negative and increase the positive impact and this constitutes the contribution of this study. However, this study was limited in that it only requested respondents to agree or disagree with the relationships among measurable variables that already exist in previous studies done in developed countries. The study survey was also limited by the selected sample within the City of Cape Town Municipality public offices. As a result, the study only sampled five Built Environment related openplan offices and thus the generalisability of the findings is limited. Further studies with large and wider survey can thus benefit this study topic in developing economies like South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A mathematical study on optimal prevention and control strategies for tuberculosis: case study for Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Zembe, Pumelela Vincent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention Tuberculosis -- Mathematical models , Tuberculosis -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12823 , vital:27124
- Description: In this treatise a SEIR model for the transmission of tuberculosis was proposed. It assumes that the latent infected individuals progress to active tuberculosis through endogenous reactivation and exogenous re-infection and that the individuals who have recovered from the disease through treatment are not immune to tuberculosis re-infection. While most features of the original model were kept, the model was modified to incorporate two control measures in the form of post-exposure tuberculosis prophylaxis for the treatment of latent individuals and tuberculosis therapeutics for the treatmentof individuals with active tuberculosis. Mathematical analysis of the modelwas done under the assumption that the two control measures are positiveconstants. The disease-free equilibrium point was locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number was less than unity and unstable when this epidemic threshold exceeds unity. An optimal control problem was formulated and the necessary conditions for optimality were derived.The numerical results based on data from Port Elizabeth suggest that using both forms of control measures simultaneously is more effective in reducing the total number of infected individuals than applying single controls separately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Zembe, Pumelela Vincent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention Tuberculosis -- Mathematical models , Tuberculosis -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12823 , vital:27124
- Description: In this treatise a SEIR model for the transmission of tuberculosis was proposed. It assumes that the latent infected individuals progress to active tuberculosis through endogenous reactivation and exogenous re-infection and that the individuals who have recovered from the disease through treatment are not immune to tuberculosis re-infection. While most features of the original model were kept, the model was modified to incorporate two control measures in the form of post-exposure tuberculosis prophylaxis for the treatment of latent individuals and tuberculosis therapeutics for the treatmentof individuals with active tuberculosis. Mathematical analysis of the modelwas done under the assumption that the two control measures are positiveconstants. The disease-free equilibrium point was locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number was less than unity and unstable when this epidemic threshold exceeds unity. An optimal control problem was formulated and the necessary conditions for optimality were derived.The numerical results based on data from Port Elizabeth suggest that using both forms of control measures simultaneously is more effective in reducing the total number of infected individuals than applying single controls separately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into the provision of government social grants to people with disabilities in Amathole Distrcit municipality
- Authors: Aplom, Thobeka
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency , Public welfare -- South Africa , Grants-in-aid -- South Africa , Welfare fraud -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social service -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5754 , vital:20998
- Description: This study seeks to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of the process for providing government social grants to people with disabilities in the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Amathole District Municipality in order to determine the need for any improvement measures. Taylor’s scientific management theory and the Total Quality Management (TQM) concept were used to interpret efficiency in the functional activities of the officials working in the Disability Grant Unit in Amathole District. The study also sought to answer the question of whether exit programmes existed that were designed to assist the beneficiaries to support them and cater for their needs related to their disabilities. The study followed a qualitative method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the sample of this study consisted of ten participants who are working at Grant Administration. These participants included one General Manager; one District Manager; one SASSA doctor; one Head of Grants Administration in the district and six officials who are at lower levels of the hierarchy at Amathole District Municipality in East London service office. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of the respondents experienced challenges such as lack of assessment doctors, turn around-time, corruption, poor consultation, lack of managerial commitment and doctors regarding the assessment of applications. In this regards, the study made a set of recommendations on the measures and strategies that could improve efficiency in the provision of this service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Aplom, Thobeka
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency , Public welfare -- South Africa , Grants-in-aid -- South Africa , Welfare fraud -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social service -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5754 , vital:20998
- Description: This study seeks to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of the process for providing government social grants to people with disabilities in the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Amathole District Municipality in order to determine the need for any improvement measures. Taylor’s scientific management theory and the Total Quality Management (TQM) concept were used to interpret efficiency in the functional activities of the officials working in the Disability Grant Unit in Amathole District. The study also sought to answer the question of whether exit programmes existed that were designed to assist the beneficiaries to support them and cater for their needs related to their disabilities. The study followed a qualitative method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the sample of this study consisted of ten participants who are working at Grant Administration. These participants included one General Manager; one District Manager; one SASSA doctor; one Head of Grants Administration in the district and six officials who are at lower levels of the hierarchy at Amathole District Municipality in East London service office. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of the respondents experienced challenges such as lack of assessment doctors, turn around-time, corruption, poor consultation, lack of managerial commitment and doctors regarding the assessment of applications. In this regards, the study made a set of recommendations on the measures and strategies that could improve efficiency in the provision of this service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Implementation of integrated quality management systems in selected schools, Cofimvaba education district
- Authors: Yotsi, Melekeli
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Total quality management in education , Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017551
- Description: This study evaluates the implementation of Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) policy to improve the quality of teaching and learning at schools in the Cofimvaba Education District. IQMS involves the measurement and evaluation of teacher performance for developmental purposes and to reward the best performers in order to improve teaching. A qualitative research approach was adopted and data was collected using questionnaires distributed and retrieved from schools in order to determine educators’ experience of IQMS implementation. The data were then analysed using constant comparative methods. The findings indicate that most participants agreed with the objectives of the policy and felt that it should be retained to evaluate teacher performance for accountability purposes and improved teaching and learning results. The system has the potential to develop educators if is implemented honesty and as long as educators trust the evaluation processes to identify weaknesses and strengths. A key recommendation is that IQMS should be part of the school management team’s responsibilities, which must report quarterly on implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Yotsi, Melekeli
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Total quality management in education , Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017551
- Description: This study evaluates the implementation of Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) policy to improve the quality of teaching and learning at schools in the Cofimvaba Education District. IQMS involves the measurement and evaluation of teacher performance for developmental purposes and to reward the best performers in order to improve teaching. A qualitative research approach was adopted and data was collected using questionnaires distributed and retrieved from schools in order to determine educators’ experience of IQMS implementation. The data were then analysed using constant comparative methods. The findings indicate that most participants agreed with the objectives of the policy and felt that it should be retained to evaluate teacher performance for accountability purposes and improved teaching and learning results. The system has the potential to develop educators if is implemented honesty and as long as educators trust the evaluation processes to identify weaknesses and strengths. A key recommendation is that IQMS should be part of the school management team’s responsibilities, which must report quarterly on implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The production of Omega 3 fatty acids by a mixed microalgae culture
- Authors: Kimono, Diana Agnes
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Omega-3 fatty acids , Algae culture , Microalgae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6498 , vital:21097
- Description: Background and Aim: Microalgae are a potential economical source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from microalgae are however still expensive due to high costs involved in production. These costs can partly be attributed to cultivation of microalgae in unialgal cultures, which are prone to contamination, difficult to scale up and require stringent control of growth conditions. This study therefore is aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a mixed microalgae culture for the production of omega-3 fatty acids. Methods and materials: The microalgae were grown under uncontrolled conditions in a hanging-bag photo-bioreactor, with only the phosphorus-nitrogen ratio (P:N-ratio) varied. Variations in the different population proportions in the culture were studied and related to the biomass, total fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid productivity of the culture. Finally, a comparison was made between the results obtained in this study and similar studies found in literature. Results and discussion: The mixed culture used was composed of several green microalgae, whose proportions varied with P:N-ratio, season, and age of the culture. Different interactions between the populations were observable, and these were thought to influence the culture’s biomass, total fatty acids (TFAs) and omega-3 fatty acid productivity. The TFA content of the culture was ~10-20% by the end of the exponential phase, depending on the nutrients supplied. The fatty acids were composed of mostly unsaturated fatty acids, the majority of which were omega-3 fatty acids; C18:3ω3 (up to 50% of TFA), C16:4ω3 (up to 15%) and C18:4ω3 (up to 5%). Other fatty acids observed included C16:0 (up to 25%), C18:1ω9/C18:1ω8 (up to 20%), C18:2ω6 (up to 5%), traces of C18:0, C18:3ω6, C17:0, C16:3ω3 and C16:1ω7 were also detected. The presence of these fatty acids was found to vary depending on season, P:N-ratio, and age of the culture. When compared to studies in the literature, the mixed culture was found to perform better than, or as well as reported studies, where unialgal cultures were cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions. Conclusion: In view of the reported advantages of cultivating mixed cultures, the production of omega-3 fatty acids via such cultures appears attractive. More research however is needed to optimise the culture; study interactions between the organisms and their effect on biomass, total fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid productivity. Finally, the economic implications of using mixed cultures need to be evaluated as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kimono, Diana Agnes
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Omega-3 fatty acids , Algae culture , Microalgae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6498 , vital:21097
- Description: Background and Aim: Microalgae are a potential economical source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from microalgae are however still expensive due to high costs involved in production. These costs can partly be attributed to cultivation of microalgae in unialgal cultures, which are prone to contamination, difficult to scale up and require stringent control of growth conditions. This study therefore is aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a mixed microalgae culture for the production of omega-3 fatty acids. Methods and materials: The microalgae were grown under uncontrolled conditions in a hanging-bag photo-bioreactor, with only the phosphorus-nitrogen ratio (P:N-ratio) varied. Variations in the different population proportions in the culture were studied and related to the biomass, total fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid productivity of the culture. Finally, a comparison was made between the results obtained in this study and similar studies found in literature. Results and discussion: The mixed culture used was composed of several green microalgae, whose proportions varied with P:N-ratio, season, and age of the culture. Different interactions between the populations were observable, and these were thought to influence the culture’s biomass, total fatty acids (TFAs) and omega-3 fatty acid productivity. The TFA content of the culture was ~10-20% by the end of the exponential phase, depending on the nutrients supplied. The fatty acids were composed of mostly unsaturated fatty acids, the majority of which were omega-3 fatty acids; C18:3ω3 (up to 50% of TFA), C16:4ω3 (up to 15%) and C18:4ω3 (up to 5%). Other fatty acids observed included C16:0 (up to 25%), C18:1ω9/C18:1ω8 (up to 20%), C18:2ω6 (up to 5%), traces of C18:0, C18:3ω6, C17:0, C16:3ω3 and C16:1ω7 were also detected. The presence of these fatty acids was found to vary depending on season, P:N-ratio, and age of the culture. When compared to studies in the literature, the mixed culture was found to perform better than, or as well as reported studies, where unialgal cultures were cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions. Conclusion: In view of the reported advantages of cultivating mixed cultures, the production of omega-3 fatty acids via such cultures appears attractive. More research however is needed to optimise the culture; study interactions between the organisms and their effect on biomass, total fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid productivity. Finally, the economic implications of using mixed cultures need to be evaluated as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
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