An economic evaluation of a wind power electricity generating farm in South Africa
- Authors: Menzies, Greig Hamilton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Wind power -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wind power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Wind turbines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1335 , Wind power -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wind power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Wind turbines
- Description: Renewable energy technology has received much attention over recent years. The depletion of known fossil fuel reserves and the volatility of international fuel prices require that society looks beyond the current coal-dominated electricity generation methods. Wind energy is an internationally well-established technology with large markets in major countries around the world, such as the USA and Germany. South Africa has the potential to generate large amounts of electricity from the wind because of the strength of the country’s wind resource. The long coast line and open areas are ideal for the exploitation of wind energy. A wind farm project has been proposed for development near the town of Jeffrey’s Bay, in the Eastern Cape. The proposed project involves the construction and installation of a 15MW wind farm, consisting of 6-10 turbines standing 120m tall, over an area of 20ha.There are indirect costs and benefits (externalities) associated with a wind farm project and it is important that projects such as these are evaluated from a social standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the compensation required by residents for siting a wind farm in their area. This compensation was then used as a component of an overall evaluation of the project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Menzies, Greig Hamilton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Wind power -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wind power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Wind turbines
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1335 , Wind power -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wind power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Wind turbines
- Description: Renewable energy technology has received much attention over recent years. The depletion of known fossil fuel reserves and the volatility of international fuel prices require that society looks beyond the current coal-dominated electricity generation methods. Wind energy is an internationally well-established technology with large markets in major countries around the world, such as the USA and Germany. South Africa has the potential to generate large amounts of electricity from the wind because of the strength of the country’s wind resource. The long coast line and open areas are ideal for the exploitation of wind energy. A wind farm project has been proposed for development near the town of Jeffrey’s Bay, in the Eastern Cape. The proposed project involves the construction and installation of a 15MW wind farm, consisting of 6-10 turbines standing 120m tall, over an area of 20ha.There are indirect costs and benefits (externalities) associated with a wind farm project and it is important that projects such as these are evaluated from a social standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the compensation required by residents for siting a wind farm in their area. This compensation was then used as a component of an overall evaluation of the project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of effective customer care management at Buffalo city municipality: a case study
- Authors: Asiedu, Benjamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer services -- South Africa -- Management , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Civil service reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7947 , vital:24327
- Description: In 1994, the new democratic South African government realised the magnitude of its service delivery problem and the urgency with which it needed to solve it. Emphasis was placed on better life for all. The local government, with regard to ensuring better life all, has since adopted the Batho-Pele principles and incorporated them into customer care to deliver a better life for all. However, recent service delivery reports in the Daily Dispatch and its sister publication Go & Express as well as service delivery protests across the country (including BCM) indicate all is not well. Many hypothesises have been raised as to why municipalities continue to under-perform. However, beyond these hypothesises is customer care management, and its constituents of customer service, complaint management and call centre activities. Customer care in the public sector has long been seen as the work of front-line staff. Others believe it is irrelevant in the public service due to the non-competitive nature of public service. Batho-Pele principles, since its inception in the public sector in South Africa, have been drummed up to put people first. Weary citizens see it differently and this has not escaped Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). BCM, one of the pioneers in the South African local government to have initiated customer care, admits there is institutional inefficiency. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of customer care management at BCM. In doing so; the study has narrowed the study to: describing the practice of customer care and customer care management in the public sector ( BCM included), establishing the components that constitute an integrated customer care management programme at BCM, investigating and describing the conceptual understanding of customer care and customer care management at BCM, and exploring and describing the role vision and values statements play in rendering a successful customer care programme at local government level with BCM as the focal point.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Asiedu, Benjamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer services -- South Africa -- Management , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Civil service reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7947 , vital:24327
- Description: In 1994, the new democratic South African government realised the magnitude of its service delivery problem and the urgency with which it needed to solve it. Emphasis was placed on better life for all. The local government, with regard to ensuring better life all, has since adopted the Batho-Pele principles and incorporated them into customer care to deliver a better life for all. However, recent service delivery reports in the Daily Dispatch and its sister publication Go & Express as well as service delivery protests across the country (including BCM) indicate all is not well. Many hypothesises have been raised as to why municipalities continue to under-perform. However, beyond these hypothesises is customer care management, and its constituents of customer service, complaint management and call centre activities. Customer care in the public sector has long been seen as the work of front-line staff. Others believe it is irrelevant in the public service due to the non-competitive nature of public service. Batho-Pele principles, since its inception in the public sector in South Africa, have been drummed up to put people first. Weary citizens see it differently and this has not escaped Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). BCM, one of the pioneers in the South African local government to have initiated customer care, admits there is institutional inefficiency. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of customer care management at BCM. In doing so; the study has narrowed the study to: describing the practice of customer care and customer care management in the public sector ( BCM included), establishing the components that constitute an integrated customer care management programme at BCM, investigating and describing the conceptual understanding of customer care and customer care management at BCM, and exploring and describing the role vision and values statements play in rendering a successful customer care programme at local government level with BCM as the focal point.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of entrepreneurial skills needed for emerging black entrepreneurs within the Western Cape
- Authors: Vilakazi, Ezekiel
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Western Cape , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Business education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018809
- Description: South Africa’s economy is in a phase of transformation. As part of this process, the South African government has identified the development of economic activities amongst previously disadvantaged black communities. However, this noble intent is challenged by a lack of entrepreneurial skills, which are seen as important elements in the economic development effort and necessary to achieve transformation goals and objectives (Smith, 2004). Since the apartheid era, South Africa has seen the emergence of two distinct economic sectors: a first world economy, consisting mostly of white owned and formal businesses, and a third world economy, consisting of mostly black owned and informal businesses. Economic activities of emerging entrepreneurs have been restricted to mostly the black townships and rural areas, whereas first world entrepreneurs have been actively involved in mainstream economic activities. The separation of emerging and first world entrepreneurs has resulted in a wide gap in entrepreneurial and technical skills and knowledge between the two. This imbalance has maintained a situation in which the minority of the population controls more than 80 per cent of the wealth of the country. Upon gaining independence in 1994, the new South African government embarked on the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to redress the imbalances of the past (GEM, 2001; GEM, 2002). The government has since also adopted the Growth Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) macroeconomic strategy to grow the economy, create employment and redistribute wealth. To accelerate the implementation of GEAR, the government has passed a number of Acts, namely: The National Small Business Promotion Act (102/1996), Skills Development Act (97/1998), Affirmative Procurement Act (5/2000), Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act (28/2002) and, most recently, the Mining Charter (2003), Petroleum Charter (2003), Financial services Charter (2003), and the Information Communications Technology (ICT) Charter (2004). Small business has been seen by government as a vehicle to create employment, promote economic growth and redistribute wealth; as such the promotion of entrepreneurship has been identified as a critical aspect of GEAR. However, despite supportive legislation and programmes, South Africa’s entrepreneurship rating remains below average, as evidenced by the findings of the Global Entrepreneurial Monitor reports (GEM, 2001; GEM, 2002). The wide gap in skills and knowledge between emerging and first world entrepreneurs in South Africa is a contributing factor to the country’s poor rating – and it is expected to widen as the new knowledge economy unfolds, if corrective measures are not taken by the government or private sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Vilakazi, Ezekiel
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Western Cape , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Business education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018809
- Description: South Africa’s economy is in a phase of transformation. As part of this process, the South African government has identified the development of economic activities amongst previously disadvantaged black communities. However, this noble intent is challenged by a lack of entrepreneurial skills, which are seen as important elements in the economic development effort and necessary to achieve transformation goals and objectives (Smith, 2004). Since the apartheid era, South Africa has seen the emergence of two distinct economic sectors: a first world economy, consisting mostly of white owned and formal businesses, and a third world economy, consisting of mostly black owned and informal businesses. Economic activities of emerging entrepreneurs have been restricted to mostly the black townships and rural areas, whereas first world entrepreneurs have been actively involved in mainstream economic activities. The separation of emerging and first world entrepreneurs has resulted in a wide gap in entrepreneurial and technical skills and knowledge between the two. This imbalance has maintained a situation in which the minority of the population controls more than 80 per cent of the wealth of the country. Upon gaining independence in 1994, the new South African government embarked on the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to redress the imbalances of the past (GEM, 2001; GEM, 2002). The government has since also adopted the Growth Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) macroeconomic strategy to grow the economy, create employment and redistribute wealth. To accelerate the implementation of GEAR, the government has passed a number of Acts, namely: The National Small Business Promotion Act (102/1996), Skills Development Act (97/1998), Affirmative Procurement Act (5/2000), Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act (28/2002) and, most recently, the Mining Charter (2003), Petroleum Charter (2003), Financial services Charter (2003), and the Information Communications Technology (ICT) Charter (2004). Small business has been seen by government as a vehicle to create employment, promote economic growth and redistribute wealth; as such the promotion of entrepreneurship has been identified as a critical aspect of GEAR. However, despite supportive legislation and programmes, South Africa’s entrepreneurship rating remains below average, as evidenced by the findings of the Global Entrepreneurial Monitor reports (GEM, 2001; GEM, 2002). The wide gap in skills and knowledge between emerging and first world entrepreneurs in South Africa is a contributing factor to the country’s poor rating – and it is expected to widen as the new knowledge economy unfolds, if corrective measures are not taken by the government or private sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of impact of co-operative societies on poverty alleviation among the urban poor in Harare, Zimbabwe during the period 2008-2010
- Authors: Tukuta, Marian
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/506 , Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of co-operative societies on poverty alleviation among the urban poor in Zimbabwe with particular reference to consumer co-operative societies in areas of agriculture, housing and micro- finance. The co-operative sector plays an important role in poverty alleviation since many unemployed people have turned to co-operative activities as a way of earning a lawful and decent living during a period in which Zimbabwe generally suffered immense impoverishment in the midst of the national economic meltdown that was characterised by hyper-inflation, de-industrialisation and mass unemployment. The period of study was as from January 2008 to August 2010. This period is significant in that many co-operative societies were formed with the following broad objectives: (a) economic power and through this power; (b) control of socio-economic institution, to eliminate exploitation of man by man to make the people of Zimbabwe self reliant; (c) skills management, goods and services and establish in themselves a sense of confidence, initiative and high development aspirations; (d) to provide an opportunity to develop the community; and a (e) collective way of living that provides a sound base for socialism and national solidarity ix In this study, two hundred and seventy four respondents were used as research subjects. This consisted of one hundred and sixty respondents from housing, twenty four from micro- finance, and eighty eight from agricultural co-operative societies which covered dairy, poultry and fishing co-operative societies. This also included the Registrar of Co-operatives and the Harare City Council Co-operative officer. The research instruments that were used for the purpose of this research study were questionnaires, field visits, interviews and observations. Use was also made of secondary data that was obtained from the offices of Registrar of Co-operatives and the Town clerk of the Harare City Council as well as from the various co-operative societies that constitute the research study’s sample. The key factors that account for the failure of co-operative societies included the lack of adequate funding, lack of relevant knowledge and experience about co-operative activities, conflict among co-operative society members, failure to follow co-operative principles, mixing politics with co-operative activities and lack of education and training. The study also found out that the key to the success of any co-operative venture includes some of the following factors: Proper application of co-operative principles, the provision of co-operative education to both the membership and management of co-operative societies and proper keeping of institutional records. Most important of which include membership, financial and asset registers. x The study recommends that the government should give adequate administrative and financial support to co-operative societies since they have a potential of alleviating poverty if properly managed. It is also further recommended that research be done in order to enhance the strategic management of co-operative societies since empirical evidence tends to suggest that they are a viable tool for broad –based participatory and democratic sustainable livelihoods development. The study also recommended further studies to be carried out on the applicability of cooperative principles in all environments since some co-operative societies that have followed these principles especially in the developed countries have proved to be suitable instruments for poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tukuta, Marian
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/506 , Poor -- Services for -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Human services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Urban poor -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Poverty -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Cooperative societies -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Commercial associations -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of co-operative societies on poverty alleviation among the urban poor in Zimbabwe with particular reference to consumer co-operative societies in areas of agriculture, housing and micro- finance. The co-operative sector plays an important role in poverty alleviation since many unemployed people have turned to co-operative activities as a way of earning a lawful and decent living during a period in which Zimbabwe generally suffered immense impoverishment in the midst of the national economic meltdown that was characterised by hyper-inflation, de-industrialisation and mass unemployment. The period of study was as from January 2008 to August 2010. This period is significant in that many co-operative societies were formed with the following broad objectives: (a) economic power and through this power; (b) control of socio-economic institution, to eliminate exploitation of man by man to make the people of Zimbabwe self reliant; (c) skills management, goods and services and establish in themselves a sense of confidence, initiative and high development aspirations; (d) to provide an opportunity to develop the community; and a (e) collective way of living that provides a sound base for socialism and national solidarity ix In this study, two hundred and seventy four respondents were used as research subjects. This consisted of one hundred and sixty respondents from housing, twenty four from micro- finance, and eighty eight from agricultural co-operative societies which covered dairy, poultry and fishing co-operative societies. This also included the Registrar of Co-operatives and the Harare City Council Co-operative officer. The research instruments that were used for the purpose of this research study were questionnaires, field visits, interviews and observations. Use was also made of secondary data that was obtained from the offices of Registrar of Co-operatives and the Town clerk of the Harare City Council as well as from the various co-operative societies that constitute the research study’s sample. The key factors that account for the failure of co-operative societies included the lack of adequate funding, lack of relevant knowledge and experience about co-operative activities, conflict among co-operative society members, failure to follow co-operative principles, mixing politics with co-operative activities and lack of education and training. The study also found out that the key to the success of any co-operative venture includes some of the following factors: Proper application of co-operative principles, the provision of co-operative education to both the membership and management of co-operative societies and proper keeping of institutional records. Most important of which include membership, financial and asset registers. x The study recommends that the government should give adequate administrative and financial support to co-operative societies since they have a potential of alleviating poverty if properly managed. It is also further recommended that research be done in order to enhance the strategic management of co-operative societies since empirical evidence tends to suggest that they are a viable tool for broad –based participatory and democratic sustainable livelihoods development. The study also recommended further studies to be carried out on the applicability of cooperative principles in all environments since some co-operative societies that have followed these principles especially in the developed countries have proved to be suitable instruments for poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of integrated development planning in Joe Gqabi District Municipality in the Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Danyela, Mawethu Sidwell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1626 , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Integrated Development Plan of Joe Gqabi District Municipality. The research instruments used in the study included the interview schedule and the questionnaire for both focus group and individual research participants. Research participants included the Community Development Workers (CDW's), Municipal officials, organised community structures, community representatives, ward councillors and ward committees, and interviews with representative groups. The research has revealed that there was non-involvement of the private sector and other social partners in the planning of the municipal programmes. There was also no practical integrated planning among the Local, Provincial and National spheres of government, as well as, a lack of alignment between the Integrated Development Plan, budget and Service Delivery and Implementation Plan. In conclusion, the IDP process needed to be as inclusive as possible to cater for the needs of all the communities and speed up service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Danyela, Mawethu Sidwell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1626 , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Planning , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Integrated Development Plan of Joe Gqabi District Municipality. The research instruments used in the study included the interview schedule and the questionnaire for both focus group and individual research participants. Research participants included the Community Development Workers (CDW's), Municipal officials, organised community structures, community representatives, ward councillors and ward committees, and interviews with representative groups. The research has revealed that there was non-involvement of the private sector and other social partners in the planning of the municipal programmes. There was also no practical integrated planning among the Local, Provincial and National spheres of government, as well as, a lack of alignment between the Integrated Development Plan, budget and Service Delivery and Implementation Plan. In conclusion, the IDP process needed to be as inclusive as possible to cater for the needs of all the communities and speed up service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of lightweight classification methods for identifying malicious URLs
- Egan, Shaun P, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Egan, Shaun P , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429839 , vital:72644 , 10.1109/ISSA.2011.6027532
- Description: Recent research has shown that it is possible to identify malicious URLs through lexical analysis of their URL structures alone. This paper intends to explore the effectiveness of these lightweight classification algorithms when working with large real world datasets including lists of malicious URLs obtained from Phishtank as well as largely filtered be-nign URLs obtained from proxy traffic logs. Lightweight algorithms are defined as methods by which URLs are analysed that do not use exter-nal sources of information such as WHOIS lookups, blacklist lookups and content analysis. These parameters include URL length, number of delimiters as well as the number of traversals through the directory structure and are used throughout much of the research in the para-digm of lightweight classification. Methods which include external sources of information are often called fully featured classifications and have been shown to be only slightly more effective than a purely lexical analysis when considering both false-positives and false-negatives. This distinction allows these algorithms to be run client side without the introduction of additional latency, but still providing a high level of accu-racy through the use of modern techniques in training classifiers. Anal-ysis of this type will also be useful in an incident response analysis where large numbers of URLs need to be filtered for potentially mali-cious URLs as an initial step in information gathering as well as end us-er implementations such as browser extensions which could help pro-tect the user from following potentially malicious links. Both AROW and CW classifier update methods will be used as prototype implementa-tions and their effectiveness will be compared to fully featured analysis results. These methods are interesting because they are able to train on any labelled data, including instances in which their prediction is cor-rect, allowing them to build a confidence in specific lexical features. This makes it possible for them to be trained using noisy input data, making them ideal for real world applications such as link filtering and information gathering.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Egan, Shaun P , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429839 , vital:72644 , 10.1109/ISSA.2011.6027532
- Description: Recent research has shown that it is possible to identify malicious URLs through lexical analysis of their URL structures alone. This paper intends to explore the effectiveness of these lightweight classification algorithms when working with large real world datasets including lists of malicious URLs obtained from Phishtank as well as largely filtered be-nign URLs obtained from proxy traffic logs. Lightweight algorithms are defined as methods by which URLs are analysed that do not use exter-nal sources of information such as WHOIS lookups, blacklist lookups and content analysis. These parameters include URL length, number of delimiters as well as the number of traversals through the directory structure and are used throughout much of the research in the para-digm of lightweight classification. Methods which include external sources of information are often called fully featured classifications and have been shown to be only slightly more effective than a purely lexical analysis when considering both false-positives and false-negatives. This distinction allows these algorithms to be run client side without the introduction of additional latency, but still providing a high level of accu-racy through the use of modern techniques in training classifiers. Anal-ysis of this type will also be useful in an incident response analysis where large numbers of URLs need to be filtered for potentially mali-cious URLs as an initial step in information gathering as well as end us-er implementations such as browser extensions which could help pro-tect the user from following potentially malicious links. Both AROW and CW classifier update methods will be used as prototype implementa-tions and their effectiveness will be compared to fully featured analysis results. These methods are interesting because they are able to train on any labelled data, including instances in which their prediction is cor-rect, allowing them to build a confidence in specific lexical features. This makes it possible for them to be trained using noisy input data, making them ideal for real world applications such as link filtering and information gathering.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of South Africa's legislation to combat organised crime
- Authors: Nkosi, Zaba Philip
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Criminal law , Legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1566 , Criminal law , Legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Organised crime is a global phenomenon. It is a problem in South Africa as it is a problem in most countries. International and regional organisations, in particular, United Nations, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and African Union (AU), have developed legislative measures and laid down minimum standards to assist party and non-party states to combat the scourge. Member countries and signatories to those instruments are ever encouraged to bring about national legislative and regulatory frameworks to criminalise predicate crimes, curb money laundering, confiscate instrumentalities and proceeds of such crimes, and to co-operate amongst themselves in their endeavours to fight the scourge. South Africa is a signatory and state party to the Vienna Convention, the Palermo Convention, African Union conventions, Southern African Development Community protocols, and has embraced Financial Action Task Force Forty Recommendations. As a signatory and a state party to these instruments, South Africa has passed, in its parliament, a vast array of legislative tools aimed at complimenting the criminalisation of organised crime related conduct (thus extending range of predicate crimes, and has also put in place preventative measures to be taken by financial, non-financial and professional institutions against money laundering practices, in order to deny organised criminals of illicit proceeds and a further use of property as an instrument of crime. The legislative framework is also aimed to foster international co-operation in the form of mutual assistance, extradition and enforcement of foreign judgements and sentences. There is a public perception, though, that crime pays in South Africa. The general public perception is that crime pays because the laws of the country always lag behind the ingenuity of organised criminals who, it is believed, are always a step or two ahead in better organisation of their nefarious activities and in the use of sophisticated methods of execution to achieve their goals. The objective of this research is to evaluate existing South African laws intended to deal with organised crime with relevant international instruments in order to establish whether the laws are adequate and are being implemented effectively to fight the scourge. The hypothesis of this research project is that South Africa has adequate laws (compliance); however, the problem lies in their implementation (enforcement). To obtain the necessary information to achieve the said objectives, the views made by various writers on organised crime were considered. The legislation currently in place to combat organised crime was identified and measured against aforementioned instruments in order to establish whether they do achieve the minimum standards set for the fight against organised crime. The comparison was done following the perspectives contained in these instruments in chapter form. In this regard, over-achievements as well as under-achievements were highlighted. For an example, article 6 of the Palermo convention instructs state parties to include as predicate offences all serious crime, punishable by maximum deprivation of liberty of at least 4 years or more, for money laundering. The Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), on the other hand, contains no list of specific predicate offences, but makes an open-ended reference to the „proceeds of unlawful activities‟. It is, therefore, all-encompassing. Another example can be found in the South African definition of corruption. The South African statutory definition penalises corruption „in the widest sense and in all its forms, whereas that in the Palermo Convention is limited or restricted, as it does not instruct for the criminalisation of corruption involving foreign public officials or international civil servants. The evaluation of existing South African laws shows that South Africa has adequate laws to fight organised crime. There is, however, a room for improvement in their implementation, particularly in the prosecution of organised crimes. The South African government is urged to make available adequate financial resources to enable prosecutors to carry out their functions effectively in the fight against the scourge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Nkosi, Zaba Philip
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Criminal law , Legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1566 , Criminal law , Legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Organised crime is a global phenomenon. It is a problem in South Africa as it is a problem in most countries. International and regional organisations, in particular, United Nations, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and African Union (AU), have developed legislative measures and laid down minimum standards to assist party and non-party states to combat the scourge. Member countries and signatories to those instruments are ever encouraged to bring about national legislative and regulatory frameworks to criminalise predicate crimes, curb money laundering, confiscate instrumentalities and proceeds of such crimes, and to co-operate amongst themselves in their endeavours to fight the scourge. South Africa is a signatory and state party to the Vienna Convention, the Palermo Convention, African Union conventions, Southern African Development Community protocols, and has embraced Financial Action Task Force Forty Recommendations. As a signatory and a state party to these instruments, South Africa has passed, in its parliament, a vast array of legislative tools aimed at complimenting the criminalisation of organised crime related conduct (thus extending range of predicate crimes, and has also put in place preventative measures to be taken by financial, non-financial and professional institutions against money laundering practices, in order to deny organised criminals of illicit proceeds and a further use of property as an instrument of crime. The legislative framework is also aimed to foster international co-operation in the form of mutual assistance, extradition and enforcement of foreign judgements and sentences. There is a public perception, though, that crime pays in South Africa. The general public perception is that crime pays because the laws of the country always lag behind the ingenuity of organised criminals who, it is believed, are always a step or two ahead in better organisation of their nefarious activities and in the use of sophisticated methods of execution to achieve their goals. The objective of this research is to evaluate existing South African laws intended to deal with organised crime with relevant international instruments in order to establish whether the laws are adequate and are being implemented effectively to fight the scourge. The hypothesis of this research project is that South Africa has adequate laws (compliance); however, the problem lies in their implementation (enforcement). To obtain the necessary information to achieve the said objectives, the views made by various writers on organised crime were considered. The legislation currently in place to combat organised crime was identified and measured against aforementioned instruments in order to establish whether they do achieve the minimum standards set for the fight against organised crime. The comparison was done following the perspectives contained in these instruments in chapter form. In this regard, over-achievements as well as under-achievements were highlighted. For an example, article 6 of the Palermo convention instructs state parties to include as predicate offences all serious crime, punishable by maximum deprivation of liberty of at least 4 years or more, for money laundering. The Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), on the other hand, contains no list of specific predicate offences, but makes an open-ended reference to the „proceeds of unlawful activities‟. It is, therefore, all-encompassing. Another example can be found in the South African definition of corruption. The South African statutory definition penalises corruption „in the widest sense and in all its forms, whereas that in the Palermo Convention is limited or restricted, as it does not instruct for the criminalisation of corruption involving foreign public officials or international civil servants. The evaluation of existing South African laws shows that South Africa has adequate laws to fight organised crime. There is, however, a room for improvement in their implementation, particularly in the prosecution of organised crimes. The South African government is urged to make available adequate financial resources to enable prosecutors to carry out their functions effectively in the fight against the scourge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the co-operative interaction between political office-bearers and chief officials in the provision of houses in the Eastern Cape: King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (2009-2010)
- Authors: Luyenge, Zukile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/567 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research seeks to evaluate the co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearers and chief officials in the rendering of housing services in the King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality. The introduction provides the general overview of the study and provides a background to the intention of the research to evaluate the co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearers and chief officials. The problem statements briefly describe the problem identified in the study and the objectives of the study are set. The theoretical framework is provided and the theories used to evaluate the performance are discussed which are classical theory and the system theory. The importance of conducting the research is discussed and the limitations of the study are discussed in the research. Importantly, the study plan directs the researcher in the direction towards the goals of the research. Also the terms used in this study that are not clear were defined to avoid misinterpretation; misunderstanding and confusion of words and terms. The review of the current literature on the theoretical framework and the base for policy making and controlling role of municipal political office-bearers and chief officials in public administration was discussed. The nature of systems theory and the different phases of systems theory were explained. The nature and place of policy making in public administration was discussed as well as policy making alternatives in the public sector. The policy making levels i.e. political policy making level; executive policy making level; administrative/departmental policy making level; operational policy making level were explained and discussed. The co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearer and chief officials was discussed to understand the administrative and political dichotomy in the public sector. The policy implementation for the rendering of housing services as well as the programming and delegation of authority were discussed in the context of housing service delivery. The legislative framework for housing services in South Africa was discussed as it influence and affects the housing service in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. The role of municipal authorities in the rendering of housing services as well as the housing situation in South Africa together with the obligations of both the provincial and municipalities were discussed. The permission to conduct research was received from King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality. The scope of the study explains the range or extent of matter to be dealt with in the research and the survey area is dearly provided. The research design which is qualitative and quantitative research are discussed and used in adopting the study. The case study as research strategy is discussed and clarified. The data collection instruments which are interviews, questionnaires and the literature study the subject were briefly explained. Population details and sampling were clearly explained before a sample is provided in the study. The research provides data collection procedures as well as how the data will be analysed. The ethical considerations are discussed. The data analysis and interpretation was conducted to enable the researcher to identify patterns which are consistent within the data. The criteria for data analysis as well the response rate were discussed. The demographics of chief officials and political office-bearers as respondents include their age; year of service, home language, gender, the academic qualification as well as the different stakeholders were analysed. The role of political office-bearers and chief officials in the initiation of policy which the input phase of the Systems theory analysis was conducted and the role of political office-bearers and chief officials in the process phase were analysed and discussed. The co-operative interaction in policy formulation and the steps in the policy formulation were analysed and discussed. Also the analysis was conducted on the delegation of authority to chief officials by the political office-bearers as well as the role of political office-bearers and chief officials in the approval of executive policy. An evaluation of the rendering of - 11 - housing services at Phola park informal settlement as well as the evaluation of housing services as an output phase in policy formulation were analysed and discussed. And lastly, the analysis of the impact of existing legislation or policy on housing services was conducted. The findings of the study were provided and discussed and the concluding remarks were provided to whether the problem is real and whether the hypothesis is true and valid. The recommendations of the study were provided to enable Kind Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality to improve the co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearers and chief officials to improve housing services and to provide better service delivery. KEYWORDS Administration Citizens Co-operative interaction Effectiveness Efficiency Executive functions Governing functions Municipal authority Municipal chief officials Municipal political office-bearers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Luyenge, Zukile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/567 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research seeks to evaluate the co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearers and chief officials in the rendering of housing services in the King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality. The introduction provides the general overview of the study and provides a background to the intention of the research to evaluate the co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearers and chief officials. The problem statements briefly describe the problem identified in the study and the objectives of the study are set. The theoretical framework is provided and the theories used to evaluate the performance are discussed which are classical theory and the system theory. The importance of conducting the research is discussed and the limitations of the study are discussed in the research. Importantly, the study plan directs the researcher in the direction towards the goals of the research. Also the terms used in this study that are not clear were defined to avoid misinterpretation; misunderstanding and confusion of words and terms. The review of the current literature on the theoretical framework and the base for policy making and controlling role of municipal political office-bearers and chief officials in public administration was discussed. The nature of systems theory and the different phases of systems theory were explained. The nature and place of policy making in public administration was discussed as well as policy making alternatives in the public sector. The policy making levels i.e. political policy making level; executive policy making level; administrative/departmental policy making level; operational policy making level were explained and discussed. The co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearer and chief officials was discussed to understand the administrative and political dichotomy in the public sector. The policy implementation for the rendering of housing services as well as the programming and delegation of authority were discussed in the context of housing service delivery. The legislative framework for housing services in South Africa was discussed as it influence and affects the housing service in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. The role of municipal authorities in the rendering of housing services as well as the housing situation in South Africa together with the obligations of both the provincial and municipalities were discussed. The permission to conduct research was received from King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality. The scope of the study explains the range or extent of matter to be dealt with in the research and the survey area is dearly provided. The research design which is qualitative and quantitative research are discussed and used in adopting the study. The case study as research strategy is discussed and clarified. The data collection instruments which are interviews, questionnaires and the literature study the subject were briefly explained. Population details and sampling were clearly explained before a sample is provided in the study. The research provides data collection procedures as well as how the data will be analysed. The ethical considerations are discussed. The data analysis and interpretation was conducted to enable the researcher to identify patterns which are consistent within the data. The criteria for data analysis as well the response rate were discussed. The demographics of chief officials and political office-bearers as respondents include their age; year of service, home language, gender, the academic qualification as well as the different stakeholders were analysed. The role of political office-bearers and chief officials in the initiation of policy which the input phase of the Systems theory analysis was conducted and the role of political office-bearers and chief officials in the process phase were analysed and discussed. The co-operative interaction in policy formulation and the steps in the policy formulation were analysed and discussed. Also the analysis was conducted on the delegation of authority to chief officials by the political office-bearers as well as the role of political office-bearers and chief officials in the approval of executive policy. An evaluation of the rendering of - 11 - housing services at Phola park informal settlement as well as the evaluation of housing services as an output phase in policy formulation were analysed and discussed. And lastly, the analysis of the impact of existing legislation or policy on housing services was conducted. The findings of the study were provided and discussed and the concluding remarks were provided to whether the problem is real and whether the hypothesis is true and valid. The recommendations of the study were provided to enable Kind Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality to improve the co-operative interaction between municipal political office-bearers and chief officials to improve housing services and to provide better service delivery. KEYWORDS Administration Citizens Co-operative interaction Effectiveness Efficiency Executive functions Governing functions Municipal authority Municipal chief officials Municipal political office-bearers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the effectiveness of Walter Sisulu University's teaching practice as a context for student teachers' competence development
- Authors: Ntsaluba, Doris Nomonde
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teaching practice -- Student teacher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18455 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007761
- Description: This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practice as a context for the development of student teachers’ competences at Walter Sisulu University. The study was necessitated by the lack of information on whether teaching practice really provides an effective context or not. A literature study focusing on planning of teaching practice, preparation of student teachers for teaching practice, placement of student teachers for teaching practice, mentoring during teaching practice as well as supervision and assessment of teaching practice was conducted. The activity and situated learning theories provided a theoretical framework for studying teaching practice. The mixed-methods approach consisting of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used and data was collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The participants in the study were: thirty (30) student teachers in their third year of study; ten (10) host teachers who were hosting student teachers at the time of data collection for this study and ten (10) university supervisors responsible for teaching practice supervision. Data from closed-ended questionnaire items were analysed statistically. Frequencies and percentages were derived. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the study revealed that there was a serious lack of communication between the university and the schools used for teaching practice and as a result student teachers were subjected to a wide range of treatment when they arrived at the schools. The findings also showed that student teachers were inadequately prepared for teaching practice. Student teachers were faced with serious challenges with regard to placement and there was no common programme of mentoring. The schools, as a result, did not provide a sufficiently-appropriate environment for teaching practice to become an effective context for student teachers‘ competence development. The recommendations made include suggestions for the improvement of the general organisation of teaching practice with the university and the schools working as partners in all the activities of teaching practice. The introduction of a formal programme for the preparation of student teachers for teaching practice is suggested and a teaching practice model is also proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ntsaluba, Doris Nomonde
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teaching practice -- Student teacher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18455 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007761
- Description: This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practice as a context for the development of student teachers’ competences at Walter Sisulu University. The study was necessitated by the lack of information on whether teaching practice really provides an effective context or not. A literature study focusing on planning of teaching practice, preparation of student teachers for teaching practice, placement of student teachers for teaching practice, mentoring during teaching practice as well as supervision and assessment of teaching practice was conducted. The activity and situated learning theories provided a theoretical framework for studying teaching practice. The mixed-methods approach consisting of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used and data was collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The participants in the study were: thirty (30) student teachers in their third year of study; ten (10) host teachers who were hosting student teachers at the time of data collection for this study and ten (10) university supervisors responsible for teaching practice supervision. Data from closed-ended questionnaire items were analysed statistically. Frequencies and percentages were derived. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the study revealed that there was a serious lack of communication between the university and the schools used for teaching practice and as a result student teachers were subjected to a wide range of treatment when they arrived at the schools. The findings also showed that student teachers were inadequately prepared for teaching practice. Student teachers were faced with serious challenges with regard to placement and there was no common programme of mentoring. The schools, as a result, did not provide a sufficiently-appropriate environment for teaching practice to become an effective context for student teachers‘ competence development. The recommendations made include suggestions for the improvement of the general organisation of teaching practice with the university and the schools working as partners in all the activities of teaching practice. The introduction of a formal programme for the preparation of student teachers for teaching practice is suggested and a teaching practice model is also proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the effectiveness, of agricultural projects to alleviate poverty in Motherwell in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
- Authors: Teki, Unathi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motherwell (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018688
- Description: Poverty is one of the major problems that Republic of South Africa is dealing with at the particular moment and the lack of unemployment makes it even worse. According to the South African Government, they are trying their best level to decrease the level of poverty. Yet according to the standard of living of the poor people nothing has been seen that make a difference on the way these community members are affected by the poverty. This chapter will outline the structure of this study pertaining on how the information will be gathered, what is going to be collected, who will be involved, where would this study be focused, which area and which department will take part in order to address the answers to the above topic. It will also give the background of why these projects were created.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Teki, Unathi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motherwell (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018688
- Description: Poverty is one of the major problems that Republic of South Africa is dealing with at the particular moment and the lack of unemployment makes it even worse. According to the South African Government, they are trying their best level to decrease the level of poverty. Yet according to the standard of living of the poor people nothing has been seen that make a difference on the way these community members are affected by the poverty. This chapter will outline the structure of this study pertaining on how the information will be gathered, what is going to be collected, who will be involved, where would this study be focused, which area and which department will take part in order to address the answers to the above topic. It will also give the background of why these projects were created.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the factors affecting student success at a South African higher education institution : implications for management
- Authors: Watkiss, Sheralyn Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , College dropout -- Prevention , Management -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018826
- Description: The context of this study centres on Higher Education in South Africa, the role that this sector plays in terms of economic development and the implications that face Institutional management in retaining students in the Higher Education system. Central to this study is the notion that student development theory can be used as a basis towards understanding the customers of Higher Education, how to better serve the customers needs and finally, retain students in the system through more effective management practices. The education sector is growing at an increasingly rapid rate as a result of strategic goals of countries and organisations such as the United Nations promoting the notion of education for all people (Altbach, Reisberg & Rumbley, 2009). The aim of the strategic goals adopted by developing countries in particular is to enhance the human capital or skills and knowledge of its people since education is a known contributor towards economic, social and political development. Higher Education in particular is known to contribute towards the human capital and economic development of a country. The Higher Education sector in South Africa for instance contributes approximately 1.5 percent to the country‟s gross domestic product (GDP), significantly higher than other industry sectors (apart from gold and agriculture) in the country (van Heerden, Bohlmann, Giesecke, Makochekanwa, & Roos, 2007). Figure 1.1 provides a context of the relevant importance of the higher education sector towards economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Watkiss, Sheralyn Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , College dropout -- Prevention , Management -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018826
- Description: The context of this study centres on Higher Education in South Africa, the role that this sector plays in terms of economic development and the implications that face Institutional management in retaining students in the Higher Education system. Central to this study is the notion that student development theory can be used as a basis towards understanding the customers of Higher Education, how to better serve the customers needs and finally, retain students in the system through more effective management practices. The education sector is growing at an increasingly rapid rate as a result of strategic goals of countries and organisations such as the United Nations promoting the notion of education for all people (Altbach, Reisberg & Rumbley, 2009). The aim of the strategic goals adopted by developing countries in particular is to enhance the human capital or skills and knowledge of its people since education is a known contributor towards economic, social and political development. Higher Education in particular is known to contribute towards the human capital and economic development of a country. The Higher Education sector in South Africa for instance contributes approximately 1.5 percent to the country‟s gross domestic product (GDP), significantly higher than other industry sectors (apart from gold and agriculture) in the country (van Heerden, Bohlmann, Giesecke, Makochekanwa, & Roos, 2007). Figure 1.1 provides a context of the relevant importance of the higher education sector towards economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the feasibility of obtaining payment for ecosystem services for the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve
- Authors: Erlank, Wayne Michael
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ecology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003862
- Description: Cities must go further and further away to find new, more costly sources of water for human consumption while industries and agriculture continue to compete for increasingly scarce water resources. This may already be seen occurring within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro where the severe drought being experienced during the past 18 months has severely depleted water supply dams. One of the main supply dams to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is situated within the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site. The potential of funding the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site with payments for ecosystem services (water) obtained for water services supplied to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities and agriculture in the Gamtoos River Valley will ensure financial sustainable for the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in the long term. This ability to become financially independent and generate its own income will place the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in a unique position within the conservation community in South Africa as only a very few protected areas are self sustaining through payment for an ecosystem service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Erlank, Wayne Michael
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ecology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental economics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003862
- Description: Cities must go further and further away to find new, more costly sources of water for human consumption while industries and agriculture continue to compete for increasingly scarce water resources. This may already be seen occurring within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro where the severe drought being experienced during the past 18 months has severely depleted water supply dams. One of the main supply dams to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is situated within the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site. The potential of funding the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site with payments for ecosystem services (water) obtained for water services supplied to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities and agriculture in the Gamtoos River Valley will ensure financial sustainable for the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in the long term. This ability to become financially independent and generate its own income will place the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site in a unique position within the conservation community in South Africa as only a very few protected areas are self sustaining through payment for an ecosystem service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the marketing and distribution channels of the Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union (MZCPCU)
- Jussa, Leman Abdulrazak Wyson
- Authors: Jussa, Leman Abdulrazak Wyson
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Coffee -- Marketing -- Malawi Marketing channels -- Evaluation -- Malawi Agricultural development projects -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:819 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008300
- Description: Literature and the cooperative movement in Malawi shows that the first cooperative was established in 1947. Since the economy of the country depends on agriculture, most cooperatives were strongly developed in the fields of agricultural production, and processing and marketing. The first coffee cooperative was registered in 1950, known as the Nchenachena Coffee Producers Cooperative Society. After Malawi 's independence in 1964, agricultural cooperatives were dissolved and government formed the Farmers Marketing Board (FMB) to take over all marketing activities of all crops, including coffee. The FMB was replaced by the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) in 1967. After the dissolution of agricultural cooperatives, government saw the need for crop development and established Smallholder Coffee Authority in 1971. The Smallholder Coffee Authority worked up to 1999 when it collapsed because of administrative and financial problems. Due to the failure of the Smallholder Coffee Authority, the government of Malawi reintroduced agricultural cooperatives in 1999. Mzuzu Coffee Planters ' Cooperative Union was formed in 2006 following the re-introduction of cooperatives. The union is mandated to promote sustainable production, processing and marketing of Arabica coffee on behalf of the farmers. Since its inception, the output of coffee for export from the Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union has increased from 156 tonnes in 2006 to over 400 tonnes in 2009. The increase in coffee exports was not by mere chance but a number of factors contributed to this success. The main reasons for this success were: • Strong prior relationship between the growers and the buyers • The uniqueness of the cooperative business model • The unique taste and quality of coffee grown • The introduction of a different approach to farming coffee Currently there is high demand for organic coffee and this could be a niche market that is not only rewarded with premium prices but also creates environmental friendly business. The union considers Fair Trade market as an alternative approach to conventional trade, aiming at improving the livelihoods of smallholder producers by improving payments, giving them fair prices and providing continuity in trading relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Jussa, Leman Abdulrazak Wyson
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Coffee -- Marketing -- Malawi Marketing channels -- Evaluation -- Malawi Agricultural development projects -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:819 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008300
- Description: Literature and the cooperative movement in Malawi shows that the first cooperative was established in 1947. Since the economy of the country depends on agriculture, most cooperatives were strongly developed in the fields of agricultural production, and processing and marketing. The first coffee cooperative was registered in 1950, known as the Nchenachena Coffee Producers Cooperative Society. After Malawi 's independence in 1964, agricultural cooperatives were dissolved and government formed the Farmers Marketing Board (FMB) to take over all marketing activities of all crops, including coffee. The FMB was replaced by the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) in 1967. After the dissolution of agricultural cooperatives, government saw the need for crop development and established Smallholder Coffee Authority in 1971. The Smallholder Coffee Authority worked up to 1999 when it collapsed because of administrative and financial problems. Due to the failure of the Smallholder Coffee Authority, the government of Malawi reintroduced agricultural cooperatives in 1999. Mzuzu Coffee Planters ' Cooperative Union was formed in 2006 following the re-introduction of cooperatives. The union is mandated to promote sustainable production, processing and marketing of Arabica coffee on behalf of the farmers. Since its inception, the output of coffee for export from the Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union has increased from 156 tonnes in 2006 to over 400 tonnes in 2009. The increase in coffee exports was not by mere chance but a number of factors contributed to this success. The main reasons for this success were: • Strong prior relationship between the growers and the buyers • The uniqueness of the cooperative business model • The unique taste and quality of coffee grown • The introduction of a different approach to farming coffee Currently there is high demand for organic coffee and this could be a niche market that is not only rewarded with premium prices but also creates environmental friendly business. The union considers Fair Trade market as an alternative approach to conventional trade, aiming at improving the livelihoods of smallholder producers by improving payments, giving them fair prices and providing continuity in trading relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the provision of houses in the Eastern Cape at Intsika Yethu local municipality: the case of Joe Slovo informal settlement at Chris Hani District Municipality (for the period 2009-2011)
- Authors: Mbotoloshi, Zukile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001245 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research seeks to evaluate the housing service rendering in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality with special reference to the Joe Slovo informal settlement at Chris Hani District Municipality. The introduction provides the general overview of the study and provides a background to the intention of the research to evaluate the housing services provision in the municipality. The problem statements briefly describe the problem identified in the study and the objectives of the study are set. The theoretical framework is provided and the theories used to evaluate the housing service are discussed which are institutional theory and the system theory. The importance of conducting the research is discussed and the limitations of the study are discussed in the research. Importantly, the study plan directs the researcher in the direction towards the goals of the research. Also the terms used in this study that are not clear were defined to avoid misinterpretation; misunderstanding and confusion of words and terms. The review of the current literature on the theoretical framework and the nature and place of public administration was discussed. The policy process and the nature and place of policy making as well as steps in policymaking were discussed. The nature and place of policy implementation which includes all the functions was discussed in the study. The policy analysis and evaluation as the final step in the policy process including the stages in policy analysis and evaluation i.e. input phase; processing and conversion phase; output phase, impact/effect phase were discussed The legislative framework for rendering of housing services in South Africa was discussed as it influence and affects the housing service rendering in Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The role of municipal authorities in the rendering of housing services was discussed. The permission to conduct research was received from Intsika Yethu local municipality on the 13 October 2009 from the Municipal Manager. The research design was explained together with research approaches and strategy as qualitative and quantitative. The research methodology with a clear population and sampling for the study as well as the data collection instruments and procedures as questionnaires; literature study and interviews were explained. The ethical considerations are discussed. The data analysis and interpretation was conducted to enable the researcher to identify patterns which are consistent within the data. The theory and techniques for data analysis was discussed to link the theory and data analysis. The demographics of chief officials and political office bearers as respondents include their age; year of service, home language, gender, the academic qualification as well as the different stakeholders were analysed. The housing as essential services in the initiation of policy which the input phase of the Systems theory analysis was conducted and the data on the nature of housing services as output phase were analysed and discussed. The data on the structural problems were analysed and discussed. Also the analysis was conducted on the legislative framework for housing x services. The problems with the rendering of housing services especially administrative enabling problems as a processing phase in the policy process were analysed and discussed. And lastly, the possible solutions to the solving of housing problems were discussed and analysed. The findings of the study were provided and discussed and the concluding remarks were provided to whether the problem is real and whether the hypothesis is true and valid. The recommendations of the study were provided to enable Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the housing service provisioning and ultimately to provide better service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mbotoloshi, Zukile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001245 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research seeks to evaluate the housing service rendering in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality with special reference to the Joe Slovo informal settlement at Chris Hani District Municipality. The introduction provides the general overview of the study and provides a background to the intention of the research to evaluate the housing services provision in the municipality. The problem statements briefly describe the problem identified in the study and the objectives of the study are set. The theoretical framework is provided and the theories used to evaluate the housing service are discussed which are institutional theory and the system theory. The importance of conducting the research is discussed and the limitations of the study are discussed in the research. Importantly, the study plan directs the researcher in the direction towards the goals of the research. Also the terms used in this study that are not clear were defined to avoid misinterpretation; misunderstanding and confusion of words and terms. The review of the current literature on the theoretical framework and the nature and place of public administration was discussed. The policy process and the nature and place of policy making as well as steps in policymaking were discussed. The nature and place of policy implementation which includes all the functions was discussed in the study. The policy analysis and evaluation as the final step in the policy process including the stages in policy analysis and evaluation i.e. input phase; processing and conversion phase; output phase, impact/effect phase were discussed The legislative framework for rendering of housing services in South Africa was discussed as it influence and affects the housing service rendering in Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The role of municipal authorities in the rendering of housing services was discussed. The permission to conduct research was received from Intsika Yethu local municipality on the 13 October 2009 from the Municipal Manager. The research design was explained together with research approaches and strategy as qualitative and quantitative. The research methodology with a clear population and sampling for the study as well as the data collection instruments and procedures as questionnaires; literature study and interviews were explained. The ethical considerations are discussed. The data analysis and interpretation was conducted to enable the researcher to identify patterns which are consistent within the data. The theory and techniques for data analysis was discussed to link the theory and data analysis. The demographics of chief officials and political office bearers as respondents include their age; year of service, home language, gender, the academic qualification as well as the different stakeholders were analysed. The housing as essential services in the initiation of policy which the input phase of the Systems theory analysis was conducted and the data on the nature of housing services as output phase were analysed and discussed. The data on the structural problems were analysed and discussed. Also the analysis was conducted on the legislative framework for housing x services. The problems with the rendering of housing services especially administrative enabling problems as a processing phase in the policy process were analysed and discussed. And lastly, the possible solutions to the solving of housing problems were discussed and analysed. The findings of the study were provided and discussed and the concluding remarks were provided to whether the problem is real and whether the hypothesis is true and valid. The recommendations of the study were provided to enable Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the housing service provisioning and ultimately to provide better service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the quality customer service delivered by Eskom to rural household customers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Myoli, Mncedi Eric
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric power distribution -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Customer services -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural electrification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013564
- Description: [Abstract - Conclusion]: This research study confirms the theory in the literature review on delivery of quality service to customers and premise that there is a statistically significant difference between Eskom service as perceived by rural prepaid household customers and their expectations. This study also highlights the need for Eskom management to take into cognisance the unique rural prepaid customer service needs and how to meet them, perhaps a differentiated service approach rather than a one-strategy-fits-all approach. This is in view of gaps created between expectations and perceptions of service, especially in the reliability dimension that could require a concentrated or changed performance approach to close them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Myoli, Mncedi Eric
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric power distribution -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Customer services -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural electrification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013564
- Description: [Abstract - Conclusion]: This research study confirms the theory in the literature review on delivery of quality service to customers and premise that there is a statistically significant difference between Eskom service as perceived by rural prepaid household customers and their expectations. This study also highlights the need for Eskom management to take into cognisance the unique rural prepaid customer service needs and how to meet them, perhaps a differentiated service approach rather than a one-strategy-fits-all approach. This is in view of gaps created between expectations and perceptions of service, especially in the reliability dimension that could require a concentrated or changed performance approach to close them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in the Amatole District Municipality
- Authors: Quma, Nosintu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019727
- Description: There are escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in the Eastern Cape, despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The overall aim of the research was to investigate the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Amatole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape at Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The study focused on the following aspects: project management, capacity building, monitoring and mentoring, the market and the views community members have on poverty alleviation projects. The research sought to find out what challenges have been encountered by Sipheleke Food Security Project that might lead to the project not being sustainable. The study concluded that poverty alleviation projects are not sustainable because of lack of commitment from project members, market, capacity, management skills and scarcity of water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Quma, Nosintu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019727
- Description: There are escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in the Eastern Cape, despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The overall aim of the research was to investigate the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Amatole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape at Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The study focused on the following aspects: project management, capacity building, monitoring and mentoring, the market and the views community members have on poverty alleviation projects. The research sought to find out what challenges have been encountered by Sipheleke Food Security Project that might lead to the project not being sustainable. The study concluded that poverty alleviation projects are not sustainable because of lack of commitment from project members, market, capacity, management skills and scarcity of water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An Evaluation of Trading Bands as Indicators for Network Telescope Datasets
- Cowie, Bradley, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Cowie, Bradley , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428013 , vital:72480 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Ir-win/publication/326225071_An_Evaluation_of_Trading_Bands_as_Indicators_for_Network_Telescope_Datasets/links/5b3f231a4585150d2309e1c0/An-Evaluation-of-Trading-Bands-as-Indicators-for-Network-Telescope-Datasets.pdf
- Description: Large scale viral outbreaks such as Conficker, the Code Red worm and the Witty worm illustrate the importance of monitoring malevolent activity on the Internet. Careful monitoring of anomalous traffic allows organiza-tions to react appropriately and in a timely fashion to minimize economic damage. Network telescopes, a type of Internet monitor, provide ana-lysts with a way of decoupling anomalous traffic from legitimate traffic. Data from network telescopes is used by analysts to identify potential incidents by comparing recent trends with historical data. Analysis of network telescope datasets is complicated by the large quantity of data present, the number of subdivisions within the data and the uncertainty associated with received traffic. While there is considerable research being performed in the field of network telescopes little of this work is concerned with the analysis of alternative methods of incident identifi-cation. This paper considers trading bands, a subfield of technical analysis, as an approach to identifying potential Internet incidents such as worms. Trading bands construct boundaries that are used for meas-uring when certain quantities are high or low relative to recent values. This paper considers Bollinger Bands and associated Bollinger Indica-tors, Price Channels and Keltner Channels. These techniques are evaluated as indicators of malevolent activity by considering how these techniques react to incidents indentified in the captured data from a network telescope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Cowie, Bradley , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428013 , vital:72480 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Ir-win/publication/326225071_An_Evaluation_of_Trading_Bands_as_Indicators_for_Network_Telescope_Datasets/links/5b3f231a4585150d2309e1c0/An-Evaluation-of-Trading-Bands-as-Indicators-for-Network-Telescope-Datasets.pdf
- Description: Large scale viral outbreaks such as Conficker, the Code Red worm and the Witty worm illustrate the importance of monitoring malevolent activity on the Internet. Careful monitoring of anomalous traffic allows organiza-tions to react appropriately and in a timely fashion to minimize economic damage. Network telescopes, a type of Internet monitor, provide ana-lysts with a way of decoupling anomalous traffic from legitimate traffic. Data from network telescopes is used by analysts to identify potential incidents by comparing recent trends with historical data. Analysis of network telescope datasets is complicated by the large quantity of data present, the number of subdivisions within the data and the uncertainty associated with received traffic. While there is considerable research being performed in the field of network telescopes little of this work is concerned with the analysis of alternative methods of incident identifi-cation. This paper considers trading bands, a subfield of technical analysis, as an approach to identifying potential Internet incidents such as worms. Trading bands construct boundaries that are used for meas-uring when certain quantities are high or low relative to recent values. This paper considers Bollinger Bands and associated Bollinger Indica-tors, Price Channels and Keltner Channels. These techniques are evaluated as indicators of malevolent activity by considering how these techniques react to incidents indentified in the captured data from a network telescope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of UPLC technology for the simultaneous analysis of actives in a multi-active drug
- Authors: Bawjee, Janita
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: High performance liquid chromatography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008407 , High performance liquid chromatography
- Description: The evaluation of the potential to use Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for the simultaneous quantification of all the actives in a multi-active tablet is described in this work. Part of the evaluation was to ensure that the necessary regulatory requirements were adhered to by ascertaining that an analytical method is suitable for a specific purpose through analytical method validation for the specific multi-active tablet. The UPLC method was also tested for the analysis of similar products, namely tablet formulations that contain similar active ingredients in the same proportions but with an additional active ingredient. A method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate was developed using UPLC technology. The UPLC developed method was more efficient than the existing in-house HPLC method. The UPLC method was then validated in accordance to ICH and USP guidelines. The application of this UPLC method for the analysis of similar products containing paracetamol, caffeine, codeine phosphate and one extra active ingredient was very challenging. The low concentration of the additional component, differences in sample matrix and differences in formulations added to the challenges. The direct application for the analysis of products Y and Z was not successful; however the method could be used as a platform for further research. A cost comparison between the UPLC and HPLC methods showed the UPLC method to be more cost effective. Thus, while maintenance costs are higher for the UPLC instrument, column costs are comparable to HPLC columns, but solvent and waste disposal charges decrease considerably due to lower solvent use. The reduction in instrument time dramatically improves the cost effectiveness of UPLC over HPLC due to a concurrent reduction in analyst time requirement. The results of this study show that the analytical costs associated with the analysis of multi-active drugs using HPLC procedures can be reduced substantially by the CONFIDENTIAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF ASPEN PHARMACARE implementation of UPLC technology. The hypothesis that the enhanced chromatographic power of UPLC can be leveraged to provide faster analysis times hence increased product throughput rates, and lower operating costs for the analysis of multi-active drugs was accepted. These advantages were achieved whilst meeting all regulatory requirements for analytical methods as required by regulatory bodies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bawjee, Janita
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: High performance liquid chromatography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008407 , High performance liquid chromatography
- Description: The evaluation of the potential to use Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for the simultaneous quantification of all the actives in a multi-active tablet is described in this work. Part of the evaluation was to ensure that the necessary regulatory requirements were adhered to by ascertaining that an analytical method is suitable for a specific purpose through analytical method validation for the specific multi-active tablet. The UPLC method was also tested for the analysis of similar products, namely tablet formulations that contain similar active ingredients in the same proportions but with an additional active ingredient. A method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate was developed using UPLC technology. The UPLC developed method was more efficient than the existing in-house HPLC method. The UPLC method was then validated in accordance to ICH and USP guidelines. The application of this UPLC method for the analysis of similar products containing paracetamol, caffeine, codeine phosphate and one extra active ingredient was very challenging. The low concentration of the additional component, differences in sample matrix and differences in formulations added to the challenges. The direct application for the analysis of products Y and Z was not successful; however the method could be used as a platform for further research. A cost comparison between the UPLC and HPLC methods showed the UPLC method to be more cost effective. Thus, while maintenance costs are higher for the UPLC instrument, column costs are comparable to HPLC columns, but solvent and waste disposal charges decrease considerably due to lower solvent use. The reduction in instrument time dramatically improves the cost effectiveness of UPLC over HPLC due to a concurrent reduction in analyst time requirement. The results of this study show that the analytical costs associated with the analysis of multi-active drugs using HPLC procedures can be reduced substantially by the CONFIDENTIAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF ASPEN PHARMACARE implementation of UPLC technology. The hypothesis that the enhanced chromatographic power of UPLC can be leveraged to provide faster analysis times hence increased product throughput rates, and lower operating costs for the analysis of multi-active drugs was accepted. These advantages were achieved whilst meeting all regulatory requirements for analytical methods as required by regulatory bodies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An examination of succession planning approaches in family owned businesses : a case study of two businesses in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Govender, Rowan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1621 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Description: Family businesses constitute a large number of businesses worldwide contributing significantly to the global economy. Succession planning is a key issue influencing the sustainability of these family businesses. According to research, approximately 30% of businesses fail due to matters related to succession planning (Grote, 2003). Further research indicated that approximately 50% of family businesses do not have adequate succession plans in place. Hence, family businesses are exposed to significant risk in sustainability due to insufficient succession planning. An effective approach to succession planning in a family business increases the chance of success of a family business in both the short and long term. The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of approaches to succession planning in two family businesses in East London, South Africa. This purpose was to improve the commercial viability of family businesses and improve the body of knowledge from an academic perspective. To this end, a detailed literature study was conducted on family businesses and succession planning. A qualitative case study research paradigm was implemented to ascertain the nature of the approaches adopted by the two businesses. An interview process was conducted with the incumbent founders (fathers) and successors (sons) of the family business. This process suggested that each business requires a unique approach to succession plan which may include aspects of formal and informal processes. It is necessary to understand the nature of the family business, its interrelated relationships and context to adequately determine the success of a succession approach. It is for this reason that families aspiring long term sustainability should invest in effective succession planning approaches that integrate the nuances of the individual family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Govender, Rowan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1621 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Description: Family businesses constitute a large number of businesses worldwide contributing significantly to the global economy. Succession planning is a key issue influencing the sustainability of these family businesses. According to research, approximately 30% of businesses fail due to matters related to succession planning (Grote, 2003). Further research indicated that approximately 50% of family businesses do not have adequate succession plans in place. Hence, family businesses are exposed to significant risk in sustainability due to insufficient succession planning. An effective approach to succession planning in a family business increases the chance of success of a family business in both the short and long term. The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of approaches to succession planning in two family businesses in East London, South Africa. This purpose was to improve the commercial viability of family businesses and improve the body of knowledge from an academic perspective. To this end, a detailed literature study was conducted on family businesses and succession planning. A qualitative case study research paradigm was implemented to ascertain the nature of the approaches adopted by the two businesses. An interview process was conducted with the incumbent founders (fathers) and successors (sons) of the family business. This process suggested that each business requires a unique approach to succession plan which may include aspects of formal and informal processes. It is necessary to understand the nature of the family business, its interrelated relationships and context to adequately determine the success of a succession approach. It is for this reason that families aspiring long term sustainability should invest in effective succession planning approaches that integrate the nuances of the individual family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An exploration into the challenges faced by rural communities in the effective use of land for subsistence agriculture for poverty alleviation: a case study of the Mpongo and Twecwana communities in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mlonyeni, Xolani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Community Development)
- Identifier: vital:11844 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005645 , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The escalation of poverty simultaneously with the decline of small-scale agriculture in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in particular, raises serious concerns within the government circles in South Africa and among researchers. Of the nine provinces of South Africa, the rate of poverty in the Eastern Cape is a pathetic one and is the largest contributor to poverty statistics in the whole of South Africa. Machete (2004) stresses that high levels of poverty are visible in the rural areas and the large proportions of the people who are poor in South Africa are found in the rural areas. It is widely accepted that small-scale agriculture plays a vital role in and contributes substantially to socio-economic life of people living in the rural areas and is one of the strategies most suited to combat poverty for the majority of the people in the rural areas. This study explored the challenges that limit the effective use of land for subsistence agriculture as a strategy for poverty alleviation at Mpongo and Twecwana villages in Tsholomnqa. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to get in-depth understanding of the challenges as experienced by the participants. The sample comprised of fifteen (15) subsistence farmers and three (3) extension officers from the department of agriculture. The data was collected from the participants through the focus group technique with an interview schedule containing open ended questions. The findings of the study indicated that the communities lack capital such as money, machinery, labour and other resources needed to pursue agricultural livelihoods. The findings also showed that agricultural infrastructure such as dams, rivers, fencing have deteriorated. Machete (2004, p.8) concurring with Pote (2008) says “inadequate physical infrastructure in the rural areas, particular in the former homeland areas remains a major obstacle to smallholder agricultural growth in South Africa”. In the two villages the situation is worsened by a total lack of irrigation scheme development. These communities rely entirely on seasonal and natural rainfall for their crops to be cultivated and grown. It was also found that the introduction of state grants contributed for the rural communities to do way with their traditional socio-economic agricultural livelihoods. The end results were for food production from gardens and communal fields come to a total collapse in many communities in the rural areas. The findings also show that youth is less interested to participate and pursue agricultural based activities in the rural areas. Williams et al (2008) claim that young people are unwilling to pursue agricultural studies as career of choice because of negative image attached to it. Many youths regard agriculture as an activity which belongs to adult and ordinary people. Drought was also cited as the worst natural disaster that has threatened the already disadvantaged small scale agriculture in these rural areas. These deficiencies have rendered subsistence agricultural centred activities to a total collapse.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mlonyeni, Xolani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Community Development)
- Identifier: vital:11844 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005645 , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The escalation of poverty simultaneously with the decline of small-scale agriculture in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in particular, raises serious concerns within the government circles in South Africa and among researchers. Of the nine provinces of South Africa, the rate of poverty in the Eastern Cape is a pathetic one and is the largest contributor to poverty statistics in the whole of South Africa. Machete (2004) stresses that high levels of poverty are visible in the rural areas and the large proportions of the people who are poor in South Africa are found in the rural areas. It is widely accepted that small-scale agriculture plays a vital role in and contributes substantially to socio-economic life of people living in the rural areas and is one of the strategies most suited to combat poverty for the majority of the people in the rural areas. This study explored the challenges that limit the effective use of land for subsistence agriculture as a strategy for poverty alleviation at Mpongo and Twecwana villages in Tsholomnqa. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to get in-depth understanding of the challenges as experienced by the participants. The sample comprised of fifteen (15) subsistence farmers and three (3) extension officers from the department of agriculture. The data was collected from the participants through the focus group technique with an interview schedule containing open ended questions. The findings of the study indicated that the communities lack capital such as money, machinery, labour and other resources needed to pursue agricultural livelihoods. The findings also showed that agricultural infrastructure such as dams, rivers, fencing have deteriorated. Machete (2004, p.8) concurring with Pote (2008) says “inadequate physical infrastructure in the rural areas, particular in the former homeland areas remains a major obstacle to smallholder agricultural growth in South Africa”. In the two villages the situation is worsened by a total lack of irrigation scheme development. These communities rely entirely on seasonal and natural rainfall for their crops to be cultivated and grown. It was also found that the introduction of state grants contributed for the rural communities to do way with their traditional socio-economic agricultural livelihoods. The end results were for food production from gardens and communal fields come to a total collapse in many communities in the rural areas. The findings also show that youth is less interested to participate and pursue agricultural based activities in the rural areas. Williams et al (2008) claim that young people are unwilling to pursue agricultural studies as career of choice because of negative image attached to it. Many youths regard agriculture as an activity which belongs to adult and ordinary people. Drought was also cited as the worst natural disaster that has threatened the already disadvantaged small scale agriculture in these rural areas. These deficiencies have rendered subsistence agricultural centred activities to a total collapse.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011