A Statistical assessment of available solar resource across multiple sites in South Africa
- Authors: Eastwood, Kirstie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39907 , vital:35505
- Description: Around the globe, fossil fuels remain the primary source of energy at around 78% of the world’s total energy consumption. However, the associated carbon emissions, environmental impact, the depletion of fossil fuels and price and cost volatility are factors influencing the growing popularity of research into renewable energy. Solar power is acknowledged as the fastest-growing renewable energy, but the uncertainty surrounding the long-term projections of solar irradiance available for energy conversion is a hindrance when discussing the financial risk with potential investors. This study investigates the quality of freely available solar resource data in South Africa as well as proposes techniques for potential solar farm site comparisons. Tolerance intervals derived within a Bayesian framework provide information on the future available solar resource across multiple sites. These techniques capture the inherent variability in the available solar resource which equips investors with statistical methods that lead to the better understanding of the solar resource and thus aids in better decision-making.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The effects of project maturity in university infrastructure development
- Authors: Motebele, Matsiababa Solofelang
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Management , Construction industry -- Management Project management Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41953 , vital:36612
- Description: The level of maturity in project management systems within South African universities is low. The low maturity affects project success. Organisational Project Management Maturity Model (OPM3®) – Third Edition (2013). The study is aimed at investigating and finding solutions to the perceived factors that affect Project Management Maturity at Universities’ infrastructure departments. The literature review indicates that organisations benefit from achieving organisational Project Management Maturity when projects are tied to business strategy and support business goals as opposed to when they are executed randomly (OPM3)- Third Edition (2013). A quantitative method was used to collect and analyse data. One questionnaire was put together and distributed to the targeted receipts, i.e., personnel working at infrastructure departments at South African universities, a web-based questionnaire was used to gather the data. A total of 56 responses were received to analyse the data. The stakeholders that responded were: project managers, portfolio managers, project coordinators, administrators and engineer. The study found that PMBoK and planning are factors that have an impact on Project Maturity. Recommendations were that all personnel implementing projects for University Infrastructure should be trained in earned Value Management to ensure that their PMBoK knowledge is enhanced. Other training that is recommended includes Integration Management, Scope Management, Quality Management, Risk Management, Time Management, Resource Management, Procurement Management, Cost Management and Stakeholder Management.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Critical success factors of effective performance appraisal and the latter's effect on employee engagement
- Authors: Tseana, Tloutsana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of Employee motivation -- Research , Performance standards Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21395 , vital:29511
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate what the critical elements were for an employee performance appraisal system (EPA) to be effective and successful and whether the latter would enhance employee engagement. The study hypothesised that three elements, namely the level of trust in the appraiser, communication by the appraiser and the level of training of the appraiser would be critical to achieve an effective EPA. Effective performance appraisal is known to benefit organisations by helping them measure performance, motivate employees and most commonly help to make HR related administrative decisions, such as promotions and rewards. The study was conducted in a national public entity, which is constituted and mandated in terms of the PPEC Act, No 9 of 1983, to perform cold chain services and also under the APS Act, No.119 of 1990. The organisation studied also delivers inspection and food safety services for perishable products as mandated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The research adopts a survey approach where self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from the employees to measure their opinions of the measured elements of the employee performance appraisal (EPA). The surveys were issued to a total of 150 employees within the organisation and a total of 82 usable surveys were returned. The findings of the study revealed that the employees were generally satisfied with the level of competency, training of, and trust in, the appraiser, but there was still work to be done in improving the system and making it more successful and rewarding. Communication by the appraiser was found to be not significantly related to the effectiveness of the current performance appraisal system.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Best practices in dealing with substance abuse in the workplace
- Authors: Mboniswa, Hlangalwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- Prevention , Alcoholism and employment -- South Africa , Employee assistance programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8542 , vital:26404
- Description: The research study was to identify what strategies could be used by organizations in managing or containing substance abuse in the workplace. In solving the research problems, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the scope and impact of substance abuse in the workplace; A literature study was also conducted to identify the strategies to prevent and contain substance abuse in the workplace;The findings from the literature studies were integrated into a model of best practices for the management of substance abuse in the workplace; The model was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire to determine which strategies and wellness activities the surveyed companies were using. The questionnaire survey was administered at 25 companies in Port Elizabeth. The empirical results revealed that substance abuse was common at all organizations and the size of the organization had no bearing on the extent of the substance abuse problem. The majority of the participants in the study indicated that they experienced substance abuse problems in their organizations with alcohol consumption being the main problem at these organizations. The results also revealed that companies were not doing enough in terms of education and awareness campaigns. The lack of campaigns and education material could pose a difficult challenge to deal with and could result in companies experiencing adverse performance. Another contributing factor in the prevalence of substance abuse in the workplace was that alcohol and tobacco were referred to as socially acceptable substances.
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- Date Issued: 2015
The effect of phytocannabinoid treatment on adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells
- Authors: Ramlugon, Sonaal
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Cannabinoids , Adipose tissues , Cannabis -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10361 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021072
- Description: During the 1800’s cannabis use was described as a treatment for a variety of metabolic disorders but its recreational use in the twentieth century resulted in laws which made the usage of cannabis illegal despite its medicinal properties. Cannabis usage has been reported to be useful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes but unfortunately conflicting results are often published and its mechanism of action is still unknown. The aim of this project was to investigate the effect of phytocannabinoid treatment on adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells, to unravel their mechanism of action and also to test for potential anti-diabetic properties. The studies showed that phytocannabinoid treatment promoted higher glucose uptake and significantly less fat accumulation when compared to Rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone is an anti-diabetic drug that has recently been withdrawn from the market since its usage has been associated with severe side effects. It was also found that during the 1800’s cannabis use was described as a treatment for a variety of metabolic disorders but its recreational use in the twentieth century resulted in laws which made the usage of cannabis illegal despite its medicinal properties. Cannabis usage has been reported to be useful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes but unfortunately conflicting results are often published and its mechanism of action is still unknown. The aim of this project was to investigate the effect of phytocannabinoid treatment on adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells, to unravel their mechanism of action and also to test for potential anti-diabetic properties. The studies showed that phytocannabinoid treatment promoted higher glucose uptake and significantly less fat accumulation when compared to Rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone is an anti-diabetic drug that has recently been withdrawn from the market since its usage has been associated with severe side effects. It was also found that phytocannabinoid treatment was able to reverse the insulin-resistant state of 3T3-L1 cells. The study indicates that the mechanism of action occurs at the mitochondrial level where enzymes such as succinate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase are modulated thereby affecting oxidative phosphorylation involved in the respiratory chain. In addition the effect observed with phytocannabinoid treatment is time dependent and affects the cells differently at different developmental stages. Therefore it can be concluded that phytocannabinoid treatment not only helps to maintain the balance between adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells but its use may also be helpful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity-related insulin resistance.phytocannabinoid treatment was able to reverse the insulin-resistant state of 3T3-L1 cells. The study indicates that the mechanism of action occurs at the mitochondrial level where enzymes such as succinate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase are modulated thereby affecting oxidative phosphorylation involved in the respiratory chain. In addition the effect observed with phytocannabinoid treatment is time dependent and affects the cells differently at different developmental stages. Therefore it can be concluded that phytocannabinoid treatment not only helps to maintain the balance between adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells but its use may also be helpful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity-related insulin resistance.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Improving the organisational perfomance of school by increasing the effectiveness of school management teams
- Authors: Balie, Isaac Ronald
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1612 , School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The principal together with the school management team (SMT) of a public school is responsible for ensuring that all areas in the school function effectively. Effective school-based management is no longer a choice in South Africa but, rather, a must. Seventeen years into democracy, the Grade 12 pass rates in the Eastern Cape for the past three years were 50.6% in 2008, 51.0% in 2009 and 58.3% in 2010. Although there has been an improvement over the last three years, the Eastern Cape was still number seven out of the nine provinces in 2010. Against this background the question arose as to whether the schools in the Eastern Cape were effectively managed. The primary objective of the study is therefore to improve the organisational performance of public schools in the Uitenhage education district by investigating the relationship between the perceived effective implementation of basic managerial tasks (planning, organising, leading and controlling), on the one hand, and organisational performance of schools, on the other hand. Convenience sampling was used to select 100 out of a possible 139 senior management team members from 26 public schools in the Uitenhage education district. The sample was stratified to include principals, deputy principals and heads of departments. The empirical results revealed that the management tasks, leading and controlling, were the main determinants of the organisational performance of participating schools. The empirical results showed that planning and organising do not have a significant influence on the organisational performance of these schools. The managerial implications of the results are discussed and recommendations are made on the basis of these discussions.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Investigating the implication of agricultural projects in Ngqushwa local municipality in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sinuka, M
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8175 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1586
- Description: The Department of Social Development, in collaboration with Ngqushwa Local Municipality, administers many community development projects in this local municipality. These projects aim to help local communities alleviate poverty. Scholars of community development advocate for people-centred approach to successful and sustainable community development, thus promoting community participation. Some Department officials have to ensure that community development projects are implemented in needy communities in accordance with development principles. Despite the advantages of these projects, there are challenges that confront their implementation. These projects are too formalised and too discrete, thus curtailing their chances of success and sustainability. Also, due to the complex nature of some of these projects, they are often poorly run, and do not achieve their intended objectives. Consequently, project membership is constantly decreasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of agricultural projects in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. In investigating these projects, the objectives of the study were to explore the extent of community participation and challenges in the implementation of these projects. In addition, this study sought to provide an understanding into inherent factors that have an impact on the implementation of these agricultural projects. The ultimate aim was to share with community development agents where outdated paradigm regarding implementation of projects is still prevailing and the lessons learnt about holistic and integrated strategies in order to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life. This study used a qualitative approach in gathering data. It combined the survey of literature and administration of questionnaires in gathering of empirical data. The sampling method used to select participants was purposive, which is the most important non-probability sampling. In this type of sampling, researchers rely on their experience, ingenuity, previous research experience and findings to deliberately obtain units of analysis in such a way that the sample researchers obtain may be regarded as being representative of the relevant population. This iv iv type of sample is based entirely on the judgment of the researcher in that the sample is composed of elements that contain the most characteristics, representative or typical attributes of the population that serve the purpose of the study best. The researcher personally administered the questionnaires to four project members who were unable to read and write. The rest of sixteen project members, three officials who are directly involved in the implementation of agricultural projects in the Department of Social Development and an Office Manager, were given questionnaires to complete. This study revealed that in most instances, decisions have been taken unilaterally by the officials of the Department of Social Development. All the planning for the implementation of agricultural projects is the prerogative of Department officials. The high level of dissatisfaction among project members is likely a direct result of this approach by the Department. Inviting community members to participate in projects when decisions have already been taken, or where there is no meaningful issue to decide on, results in community members losing their interest in projects. It also emerged from the study that the Department of Social Development does not have criteria to select who should be the members of a particular project. This potentially results in deserving community members being excluded. There is a strong sense among project members that poverty alleviation energy is focused on one type of project, rather than looking at other ways to ensure that those who are not interested in food gardens are given alternative opportunities. The findings have also shown that lack of capacity is considered critical in explaining reasons for the failure in the implementation of these agricultural projects. This research has also shown that there is some degree of uncertainty about the role that can be played by the Department officials who are directly involved in the implementation of agricultural projects to ensure active and meaningful participation of communities. Moreover, this study has established that support is lacking from Department officials. Their inability to support project members may be attributed to their lack of experience in their work as their profiles pointed to this. During the conduct of the survey, it has also emerged that educational qualifications of two Department officials who are directly involved in the implementation of projects do not tally with their actual work. This is likely to minimise their capacity to drive the implementation of agricultural projects in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. It also emerged during the conduct of this study that there were no indicators in place to measure the success and impact of agricultural projects on improving lives of communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The influence of leadership on the organisational effectiveness of SAPS precincts
- Authors: Chetty, Sandy-Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: South Africa Police Service , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Leadership -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8607 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1590 , South Africa Police Service , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Leadership -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Description: Public institutions have the responsibility to deliver various services to the public in the most effective and efficient manner. In South Africa, many public sector reforms were instituted after 1994. The main reasons for these reforms were to improve the access of the historically disadvantaged to public services, to increase efficiencies, to reduce costs and to reduce public debt. Despite improvements to the policy framework that underpins service delivery by the public sector, however, there are still many challenges in the delivery of public services. An improved public policy to deliver service alone is not enough if not supported by effective systems and processes for actual delivery, as well as effective leadership that leads and ensures the delivery of such services. Improving the organisational effectiveness of public institutions is therefore important in South Africa. The present study explores the role that leadership plays in the pursuit of organisational effectiveness in a selected public institution, namely the South African Police Service (SAPS). The primary objective of this study is to improve the organisational effectiveness of SAPS in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipal area by investigating the influence of leadership style (transactional and transformational) and personality (Machiavellian, narcissistic, collectivistic, masculine and feminine) on organisational effectiveness of SAPS (as measured by overall organisational performance and the individual job performance intentions of police officers). The research design is positivistic, as the relationships among the above-mentioned variables are statistically tested. The sample consisted of 90 police officers of senior rank drawn from five police stations in the Nelson Mandela Bay. The empirical results were reported and interpreted. These results revealed that constructive narcissistic and collectivistic leadership personality traits, as well as transformational leadership style exert a positive influence on the organisational performance of the Nelson Mandela Bay police precincts. The empirical results also showed that collectivistic leadership personality traits influence the performance intent of these police officials positively. These results are discussed in terms of the implications they hold for the managers of police precincts. The limitations of the study are reported which provide areas for future research.
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- Date Issued: 2011